DISNEYLAND UPDATE: Walt Reboots, Clarabelle Dines & Small World Redefined!

It’s finally here! Disneyland’s 70th anniversary is this Thursday, July 17th, and even though the “Celebrate Happy” festivities started back in May, there are a few nostalgic gems we’ve been waiting for, including the debut of the first-ever Walt Disney animatronic figure and a new addition to the iconic 60-year-old “It’s A Small World” song. But, of course, that’s not all that’s happening at the resort. There are a lot of refurbishments and construction going on all over the place, and we’ve got you covered with all the details.

And, SURPRISE, we were able to preview the new Walt show this morning and share our thoughts and photos below

So, let’s get this anniversary party started!

Walt Disney – A Magical Life

This Thursday, July 17th, Walt Disney – A Magical Life officially debuts at the Main Street Opera House in Disneyland, alongside a new exhibit curated by the Walt Disney Archives in partnership with The Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco.

We were invited to preview the show and exhibits this morning with representatives from the Walt Disney Family Museum, Imagineering, Disneyland Resort staff, and the Disney Archives—all of whom contributed to this heartfelt new offering.

While we’ll get to the exhibit details in just a moment, let’s talk about what most folks will be curious about first: the theater show… and the animatronic Walt Disney.

To get a sense of just how seriously Disney is taking this tribute, consider this: the show features two narrators—Walt Disney himself (via archival recordings) and current Disney CEO Bob Iger, who helps connect the dots in Walt’s life story. 

Here’s a clip of Iger’s narration of the video segment of the show:

 

The show is essentially a condensed version of One Man’s Dream, chronicling Walt’s life from his 1901 birth in Chicago (a house saved and restored in part by our own Dusty Sage)…

…through his family’s many moves in the Midwest, to his service in World War I, and finally to California, where he and his brother Roy launched what would become The Walt Disney Company.

It’s a beautiful presentation, filled with emotion and inspiration, tracing the triumphs and setbacks of Walt’s journey, though with a clear emphasis on the professional rather than the personal.

And then… the big moment.

The screen rises, the curtain parts, and there stands Walt Disney—leaning casually on his desk. The animatronic figure stands, takes a step, and gestures in a way that recalls those iconic clips from The Wonderful World of Color.

He speaks, as though he’s speaking directly to you about his proudest accomplishments. In Walt’s familiar voice, he recounts his journey with charm and humility, ending with that classic line: “I only hope we don’t lose sight of one thing—that it was all started by a mouse.” Behind him, a backdrop of beloved Disney characters and films shimmers into view.

A few moments later, the curtain closes, and guests—some visibly moved—are ushered into the exit lobby, where a new mural celebrates the many people who helped bring Walt’s dream to life.

Now, the rest of the story…

When you first enter the Opera House, you’re greeted by an exhibit on Disneyland’s earliest concepts called “Evolution of a Dream.”  

On one wall: rare early maps. In display cases: concept art and props showcasing Main Street, Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, and New Orleans Square.

The second room, which formerly held the U.S. Capitol model, now focuses on the history of Disney animatronics—a fitting lead-up to the figure of Walt in the main show.

A portrait and bust of Abraham Lincoln remain, now joined by similar tributes to Walt himself.

Here’s a brief video walkthrough of the two Opera House rooms: 

So, how does it all come together? Quite well, actually.

This is a deeply nostalgic, often emotional experience, from the historical exhibits in the lobby to the inspirational theatrical presentation to the final nod to the people behind the scenes who helped make it all happen.

That said, the less than 3-minute animatronic segment is the one area that doesn’t quite live up to the rest. It’s not a dealbreaker—it’s still powerful—but something about it feels just slightly off. Because the earlier part of the show features authentic footage of Walt himself, the transition to a robotic likeness is jarring. The figure is impressively detailed, beautifully costumed, and well-articulated… but the face doesn’t quite look like the walt you just saw in video moments before, and the audio doesn’t sound as rich or present. That may be due to the placement of the speaker (behind the figure) to make it sound like he’s really speaking (but for some reason not using the full sound system of the theater he is in, as the rest of the show does)… which makes him sound a bit like he is speaking through a tin can.  

Still, once you adjust to the surreal nature of seeing a near-Walt standing before you, the words—Walt’s real words—do most of the emotional heavy lifting. It’s a moving moment that could benefit from a few technical tweaks, but it’s far from a misfire.

Bottom line… Make Walt Disney – A Magical Life a priority on your next visit to Disneyland. It’s a touching tribute to the man who sparked a dream, built an empire, and created a place that still brings joy to millions.

“Walt Disney – A Magical Life” will launch on July 17th with a complimentary virtual queue available on the Disneyland app. A standby queue will not be available.

• There are two daily distribution times at 7 a.m. and 12 p.m. 
• Guests may join the virtual queue via the Disneyland app no more than once per day 

After its initial run for the 70th-anniversary, Walt Disney – A Magical Life will play in rotation with Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.

And for those wondering about the image of Walt used in the poster above, that’s Mickey’s papa standing in the doorway of his screening room of his 1930s home in the Hollywood Hills (the same house Dusty is giving tours of this month!!! More on Walt Disney’s Storybook Mansion tours HERE)

Final Verse

Also this Thursday a new last verse of “It’s A Small World” will be added to the attraction finale at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World.

Here are the words of the last verse, which Disney Legend Richard M. Sherman added to the song before he passed away last year:

Mother Earth unites us in heart and mind

And the love we give makes us humankind

Through our vast wondrous land

When we stand hand in hand

It’s a small world after all

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A new three-and-a-half-minute short film will also debut on Thursday in the Main Street Cinema to celebrate the musical legacy of The Sherman Brothers.

Early Entry Change-Up

Guests staying at The Grand Californian, Disneyland Hotel, and Pixar Place Hotel are able to enter one of the theme parks 30 minutes before park opening on an alternating basis, with early entry into Disneyland on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays and early entry into California Adventure Park on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

However, this week, there’s a change-up.

On Wednesday, July 16th, both parks will offer early entry for resort hotel guests, but on Thursday, July 17th (Disneyland’s 70th anniversary), hotel guests will only be able to enter California Adventure before park opening.

But, honestly, how helpful to you is that extra 30 minutes. Before 2020, early entry was a full hour! Let us know if the early entry is a perk that motivates your family to book Disney’s trio of hotels. 

High Key Club Unlocks

Speaking of the Disney hotels. The new High Key Club debuted on July 10th in the Adventure Tower of the Disneyland Hotel, featuring special benefits and amenities for club-level hotel guests, including breakfast, snacks and beverages throughout the day, and a dedicated concierge.

The lounge’s mid-century modern design complements the style of the iconic Disneyland Hotel. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer views of the newly-reimagined west side of The Downtown Disney District and will make the High Key Club a great spot for Disneyland fireworks viewing (on select nights).

Nearly doubling the space of the previous concierge lounge, the High Key Club pays tribute to Disney music, but also the unique instruments, bands, foley sounds and history of the Disneyland’s magical sounds, with a nearly 50-foot-wide mural depicting these soundscapes, light fixtures that resemble classic Disney records, and metal discs that were used on a self-playing music machine in Walt Disney’s apartment on Main Street, U.S.A. 

The artwork is whimsical and mid-century inspired (as is the case with a lot of what Disney is doing on the west side of the resort these days). But one section of the lounge, the part with a row of restaurant-style booths, strangely comes across like a Disney-run Denny’s. 

If the new club has you itching for a stay at the Disneyland Hotel, from now through August 14, 2025, guests can save up to 20% on select weeknight stays at the Disneyland Resort. Plus, a new Disneyland Resort hotel offer will be available to book beginning July 17 for stays from Aug. 17 to Dec. 19, 2025. 

Concierge-level rooms with access to the new High Key Club aren’t cheap. The going rate is around $1,000, with rates swinging wildly higher than that on the most in-demand days. With perks like the new lounge, continental breakfast, snacks, and access to a concierge who can help book restaurant reservations, are you a concierge convert, or is the high price a bridge too far? 

Check our guide for all the latest deals and offers:

MiceDeals: Limited-Time SoCal Theme Park Offers to Save You Money!

Halloween Happenings 

An all-new character dining experience is materializing in Storyteller’s Café at the Grand Californian for the Halloween season. Clarabelle’s Enchanted Halloween Dinner will take place from August 22 through October 31, 2025, with bookings going live on Tuesday, July 15.

This new character dining experiences joins the returning fall offerings:

• Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates Halloween at the Disneyland Hotel (bookings are already available)
• Mickey’s Autumn Adventures Breakfast Buffet (7 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.) and Mickey’s Autumn Adventures Breakfast Buffet (11 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.), which both take place from August 22 through November 16, 2025, at Storytellers Cafe (bookings will be available starting on July 15)

It’s all about the cow. She’s a favorite of ours and we can’t wait for this one.  MORE COWBELL!!!

Constructionland

While construction walls aren’t currently dominating the Disneyland landscape, they haven’t disappeared altogether, with the Avengers Campus expansion project, well, expanding.

Avengers Campus

Avengers Campus got just a little smaller this past week as the construction walls that blocked the path to Cars Land have been expanded to the Avengers Headquarters building, with just a small walkway to the shop entrance.

New Life for Nectar Life 

In Downtown Disney, there are signs of life in the soon-to-open Nectar Life shop next door to D Lander with a new sign has over its doors.

NectarLife is currently operating as a kiosk just outside its future, permanent location… which could open later this month or in early August. 

Disneyland Refurbishment Calendar (updated 07/14/25)

Pixar Pal-A-Round went behind walls today, and new to the refurb list is Radiator Springs Racers, which will close in mid-August.

Currently Under Refurbishment

• The Disneyland Story presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln adding “Walt Disney — A Magical Life” show to theater: April 16, 2024 – July 16, 2025

• Matterhorn Bobsleds: May 5 – July 23
• Star Tours – The Adventures Continue: June 30 – TBA

• Pixar Pal-A-Round: July 14 – 24

Upcoming Refurbishments

• Main Street Cinema: July 15 & 16

• Storybook Land Canal Boats: July 21 – TBA
• Redwood Creek Challenge Trail – Villains Grove installation: July 21 – August 14
• Casey Jr. Circus Train: July 28 – TBA
• Incredicoaster: July 28 – TBA
• Haunted Mansion – holiday overlay installation: August 9 – 21

• Radiator Springs Racers: August 18 – TBA

Main Street Window Dedication

On July 13th, Walt and Lillian Disney’s 100th wedding anniversary, a new window was unveiled on Main Street U.S.A. to honor Lillian’s contributions to Disneyland.

Lillian Disney’s window is located on the second floor next to Disney Showcase.

Family members were in attendance and were able to view the new Walt Disney a Magical Life show in the Opera House as well. 

You can read about all the Main Street U.S.A. windows, in our four-part series:

• Disneyland Main Street Windows Part ONE
• Disneyland Main Street Windows Part TWO
• Disneyland Main Street Windows Part THREE
• Disneyland Main Street Windows Part FOUR

This & That

Live @ 5

Has it been a while since your last visit to Disneyland? Follow along with Dusty and friends every Thursday at 5pm (Pacific) for a weekly romp through the Happiest Place on Earth. We take a look at the latest news, construction, and things that strike our fancy and do our best to answer your questions aong the way.  

We’ll be live at 5 on Disneyland’s anniversary this Thursday as well. Don’t miss it, be sure to like and subscribe to our channels on Facebook and YouTube! 

MiceChat Meet-Up

The next MiceChat Meet-Up will be this Thursday (DISNEYLAND’S ANNIVERSARY) at noon. Join us at the Walt & Mickey statue in Disneyland’s central hub as we celebrate 70 years of the Happiest Place on Earth!

Walt Disney Mansion Tours

Join storyteller extraordinaire Dusty Sage for a guided tour of Walt Disney’s storybook-style home in the Hollywood Hills. You’ll be able to explore the interior and exterior of Walt’s private home, including his personal screening room where he previewed classics-in-the-making… and the tiny Seven Dwarfs Cottage, a backyard playhouse Walt gifted his daughters—straight out of a fairy tale.

Tours are offered on select dates in July and August at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. PDT. Tickets are $75 per person. Make your reservation to tour Walt Disney’s Storybook Mansion HERE.

If daytime history tours aren’t enough for you… Dusty has partnered with Haunted OC to bring you candlelight GHOST TOURS of the Disney Mansion on select evenings.  You can find more about the Walt Disney’s Real-Life Haunted Mansion Tours HERE.

Solo Adventurers Welcome

The Indiana Jones Adventure attraction is testing single rider, but keep in mind that while it’s in the testing phase, the single rider option may not be offered at all times.

The New Normal – The Summertime Lull

While the parks have been far from dead, wait times have frequently been delightfully reasonable on most days this summer. 

Wait time spikes still occur. For example, we spotted an epic queue for Pirates the other day, which later evaporated to walk-on conditions. The lesson? Check those wait times and don’t just jump into a long queue if there are shorter ones nearby.  

Magic Key Offers

Magic Key holders can enjoy special offers through July 31, 2025, at the following Downtown Disney District locations:

Oogie Boogie Ticket Tracker

We’ve been keeping an eye on Oogie Boogie Bash ticket sales.

As of Saturday afternoon, 17 parties are now sold out, with only three dates left in October (all Tuesday nights). In fact, of the 14 remaining party dates, only 3 weekend nights are left (August 24, September 14, and September 21), so if you don’t want to have to party with Oogie Boogie on a school night, the clock is ticking!

MiceShots

Mike’s not one to pass up a walk-on—and as he made his way through the parks shooting photos for today’s update, he stumbled upon one of his favorite cool-down retreats practically begging for visitors. Pirates of the Caribbean was posted at 10 minutes, but Mike was gliding past the fireflies and into the bayou in under five.

Let’s hop aboard and join him for a breezy voyage through the caves and caverns of one of Disneyland’s most iconic escapes.

While DCA lacks shade, there are still a few great places to cool off.

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Discount Disney Tickets and Travel 

Will you be in the parks this Thursday to celebrate Disneyland’s 70th anniversary? 🎉 Will you brave the app for a shot at the Virtual Queue for “Walt Disney – A Magical Life,” or are you waiting for the summer crowds to melt away? And how do you think they did with that new Walt animatronic? Does it look close enough? 

What do you think about the new final verse in It’s a Small World—a touching tribute or an unnecessary add-on?

And while we’re at it… does that tiny extra magic half hour in the mornings actually help your planning? Is the new High Key Club lounge tempting enough to splurge on concierge? And have you noticed the summer crowd lull—or is that just wishful thinking?

We want to hear it all. Drop your thoughts in the comments below!

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It might be a small world, but it takes a big team to pull these updates together. We’d like to thank Samantha, Mike, Dusty, Suzanne, Beverly, Brian, and everyone else on the MiceChat crew who helped with news items, photos, and commentary on today’s article.