Disneyland turned 70 last Thursday, and the celebration was every bit as extra as you’d expect. From pre-dawn cast festivities to a giant Main Street photo op, a Stock Exchange bell-ringing, and a trainload of Disney Legends, the birthday bash pulled out all the stops. And yes, MiceChat was there before sunrise—sleep-deprived but determined—to capture it all for you.
Let’s journey to the happiest place on earth which just turned one year more magical…
Disneyland’s Big Birthday Bash
Disneyland cast members were invited to start celebrating extra early with pre-dawn experiences and photo ops before Disney CEO Bob Iger officially opened the park for it’s 70th anniversary day. Cast members received exclusive 70th-anniversary ears… that we are totally jealous of… but we aren’t jealous of Dusty, who had to be at the park at 3:30am to capture these details for you. Yikes!
A giant Disneyland 70 hot air balloon had landed at the entry to Tomorrowland in front of the Astro Orbitor. The balloon is making a cross-country trip, stopping in key cities along the way.
A special sunrise flag-raising ceremony honored cast member veterans.
Bob Iger rang the New York Stock Exchange bell just before the giant cast photo. He was joined by Disney Parks & Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro, new Disneyland President Thomas Mazloum, and the head mice Mickey and Minnie.
The bell was removed, and a cast photo was taken. We believe that nearly 5,000 cast members were in attendance.
And then Bob Iger opened the park with the help of a train full of characters, the Dapper Dans, and the Disneyland Band.
Dusty was front and center, you can watch the short opening moment here:
Outside the gates, the queues to get into Disneyland Park were as massive as expected…
…but guests were rewarded for their patience with 70th-anniversary party favors: a celebratory button and commemorative park map (California Adventure had it’s own anniversary map).
Birthday Cavalcade
At 1:30 p.m., a plussed-up version of the Celebrate Happy Cavalcade made its way down Main Street, U.S.A., with a few very special guests on board. Opening day cast members Thomas Nabbe and Bob Penfield—living links to July 17, 1955—waved to cheering crowds, joined by the recipient of Disneyland’s 170,000th wish through Make-A-Wish. The cavalcade paused along the route to give guests a chance to serenade the park with a rousing “Happy Birthday.” It was a heartfelt moment of nostalgia, joy, and a whole lot of pixie dust (the metaphorical kind, of course).
If you missed seeing it in person (or want to see it again), we were there for you! Check out our video (if you want to zoom ahead to the cavalcade arriving, it’s at the approximate 6 minute mark):
New Anniversary Experiences
Even though Disneyland got its anniversary party started way back in mid-May, there were still a few special additions they saved for the park’s official birthday.
Walt Disney – A Magical Life
Disneyland’s 70th anniversary delivered a touching tribute to the man who started it all. “Walt Disney – A Magical Life” officially opened on July 17th inside the Main Street Opera House, but we were invited to preview the full experience in the days leading up to the celebration—including the updated One Man’s Dream film (now with a new Bob Iger narration) and the long-anticipated debut of the audio-animatronic Walt Disney himself.
The show walks through Walt’s life with warmth and reverence—sharing both the familiar milestones and some lesser-known turns along the way. But the part that had everyone holding their breath was the reveal of the Walt figure. And… reactions have been mixed.
While the animatronic successfully captures Walt’s gestures and demeanor—something that’s no small feat—it stumbles in the likeness department. The timing doesn’t help… Guests are shown real footage of Walt in the film segment immediately before the animatronic appears. The transition is jarring, and the differences in facial features and body type become even more obvious in contrast. The audio doesn’t do the figure any favors either, with a flat, metallic quality that makes it feel less like Walt and more like… a recording from inside a coffee can.
But Imagineers are working on the show around the clock to keep the figure working (there have been a few notable breakdowns) and to tweak the lighting and sound.
Our friends at @anotherepicadventure captured some dramatic video of Walt breaking down on opening day:
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They’ve also adjusted the spiel that the cast members give at the opening of the show to mention that actual audio recordings of Walt are used and result in differing audio levels.
And despite our concerns, there’s a lot they got right. The level of detail is impressive—from the Smoke Tree Ranch tie tack (as seen on the Partners statue) to Walt’s iconic rings (recreated from a bronze cast of his actual hands). Many props were painstakingly 3D scanned from originals in the Disney Archives and the Walt Disney Family Museum, giving the office set a rare authenticity.
One item stands out among them all: Walt’s monogrammed briefcase, tucked quietly beneath his desk. A subtle but powerful reminder of the man behind the empire.
That brings us to the show’s finale, which—while clearly well-intentioned—feels more like a eulogy than a celebration. The screens shift to an “In Memoriam”-style montage of Walt’s life, accompanied by somber music and little narrative closure. Walt Disney passed away nearly six decades ago. We shouldn’t be leaving his show with a lump in our throat—we should be walking out inspired.
This was the moment for optimism. A simple line from Iger—“Walt Disney changed the world. And as he always said… we keep moving forward”—would have gone a long way. Add a bit of Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow, mix in some vintage and current footage of families having fun at Disneyland, and you’ve got a finale worthy of the “Magical” name of the show.
But for all of our thoughts above, we really DO like this show. The entire experience is heartfelt and a great way for those who don’t know the Walt story to learn it. But, with a few thoughtful changes, Imagineering can address the concerns, lighten the mood, and make this the sort of show that becomes as iconic as Walt himself.
Virtual Queue
“Walt Disney – A Magical Life” opened on Thursday with a virtual queue, but by Friday evening, the attraction was operating with only a standby queue once all groups had been called for the day.
The show then operated for much of the weekend without a virtual queue. We’ll have to see if Disneyland decides to use VQ on busier days later in the summer and during the always-busy Halloween and holiday seasons. But it’s very likely that the show will simply use a regular queue from this point forward.
New Opera House Exhibit
A new exhibit in the Main Street Opera House debuted on Thursday alongside “Walt Disney – A Magical Life.”
Curated by Walt Disney Imagineering, Walt Disney Archives, and the Walt Disney Family Museum, the exhibit includes rare artwork from the Imagineering library and several items on loan from the museum, including original furniture from Walt and Lillian’s apartment above the firehouse.
The exhibit also features a display tracing the history of animatronic technology, which began with the little dancing man (modeled by actor Buddy Ebsen) and evolved into Enchanted Tiki Room birds and eventually human figures like the ones in Pirates of the Caribbean.
A selection of Mickey Mouse ears is on display in a case near a wall of maps that were each a potential early idea for Disneyland. It’s fun to see how much they’ve changed over the years
The only quibble we have about the exhibit, which is largely broken up by original lands, is that some of the artwork is displayed on large cork boards that just don’t have the elegance and permanence to match the rest of the exhibit (some of the display boards have that high school science fair look to them).
Before entering the theater, the screen above the fireplace now plays a Walt Disney tribute and is flanked by busts and portraits of Abraham Lincoln and Walt Disney.
At the exit of the Opera House theater, you’ll find a whimsical mural of Disney entertainment and a tribute to cast members who helped make the Disney dream a reality.
To learn more about the new Walt Disney animatronic figure, you can read our story here:
So Much That We Share
Something sweet and sentimental has taken over the Main Street Cinema. To celebrate the park’s 70th, Disneyland has installed a heartfelt new three-minute film honoring Disney’s most iconic musical duo: the Sherman Brothers.
Inside the theater, the early Mickey Mouse cartoons have been swapped out entirely for a looping tribute to Richard and Robert Sherman—legendary songwriters behind “The Enchanted Tiki Room,” “Winnie the Pooh,” “Feed the Birds,” and, of course, “It’s a Small World (After All).”
This isn’t a sit-down-and-watch kind of short—it’s more of a love letter to a song that has circled the globe and crossed musical genres. From children’s choirs to marching bands, from karaoke crooners to metalheads (yes, really), the enduring message of “Small World” echoes across cultures and generations.
It’s brief. It’s tender. And it might just catch you off guard if you’ve got any sentimental attachment to the Sherman Brothers or the ride that has delighted (and earwormed) millions.
It’s touching for those of us who know who the Sherman Brothers are… but we do wonder if everyone who enters the theater understands what’s going on since there is little dialogue to explain the experience other than the few slides with a wall of text. But don’t let that stop you from entering… It’s a world of laughter, a world of tears inside…
Small World
Along with the new movie on Main Street, the Sherman Brothers are also being honored inside the Small World attraction itself, where the new final verse of their famous song debuted on Disneyland’s anniversary in both Anaheim and Orlando.
Hear the new final verse to “it’s a small world” in our ride-through video here:
Did You Know? The 1964 recording of “It’s a Small World” performed by The Disneyland Boys Choir was inducted into the Library of Congress National Recording Registry on April 13, 2022.
The new final verse was written by Richard M. Sherman shortly before he passed away in 2024 as the last contribution to the iconic Sherman Brothers Disney songbook.
You can learn more about Small World’s new last verse here:
It’s Still a Small World: New Last Verse For Beloved Disney Song
Relive the 70th
If you’d like a quick one-minute view of the 70th festivities, including Dusty’s early 3:30am arrival, please take a moment to watch the video he posted to his social media (and follow him while you’re at it on FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM so you don’t miss out on his wild and wonderful life):
New Plaques on Main Street
New “Historical Society” plaques have appeared along Main Street U.S.A., including at the Opera House, the Town Square cannon, and in front of the Main Street Cinema.
The plaque embedded in the sidewalk in front of the Main Street Cinema shares information about Disneyland’s Cigar Store Indian:
CARVED WOODEN CIGAR STORE INDIAN SCULPTURES WERE COMMON IN TOWNS ACROSS THE UNITED STATES. SHOPS USED EMBLEMS AND ICONS LIKE SPINNING BARBER POLES TO ADVERTISE THEIR WARES AND SERVICES TO THE LARGELY ILLITERATE PUBLIC. NOW CONSIDERED A FORM OF FOLK ART, THIS STATUE HAS STOOD ON MAIN STREET SINCE ITS EARLY DAYS, ADVERTISING THE TOBACCO SHOP ONCE LOCATED HERE.
Bob’s Anniversary Recap
Disney Legend Bob Gurr celebrated the anniversary of the park’s dedication on the 17th to the cheers of many of his fans.
There were hundreds of guests following Bob up and down Main Street aboard his Fire Truck… he’s a one man cavalcade!
And the next day, he shared memories about the park’s “real opening day,” July 18, 1955 – the first day paying guests visited Disneyland.
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Disneyland Refurbishment Calendar (updated 07/18/25)
Currently Under Refurbishment
- Matterhorn Bobsleds: May 5 – July 23
- Star Tours – The Adventures Continue: June 30 – TBA
- Pixar Pal-A-Round: July 14 – 24
- Redwood Creek Challenge Trail – Villains Grove installation: July 21 – August 14
Upcoming Refurbishments
- Storybook Land Canal Boats: July 28 – TBA
- Casey Jr. Circus Train: July 28 – TBA
- Incredicoaster: July 28 – TBA
- Haunted Mansion – Holiday installation: August 9 -21
- Radiator Springs Racers: August 18 – TBA
This & That
Time for a potpourri of smaller items. And there are a few here you’ll really want to pay attention to…
Live @ 5
Since Thursday was the actual 70th anniversary of Disneyland, we focused on what’s new. Join us as we walk from Small World toward the Opera House and examine the occasion.
MiceChat Meet-Up
A whole lot of MiceChatters gathered on Thursday to celebrate Disneyland’s birthday. We thank all those who joined us and those who were with us in spirit.
New Main Street Window
A new window on Main Street U.S.A. dedicated to Lillian Disney was unveiled on July 13th, Walt and Lillian’s 100th wedding anniversary.
Rather than just the window, this is really an entire themed balcony.
A painting in progress depicts the Firehouse on Main Street where Walt and Lilly had their apartment. A chair nearby holds a Mickey Mouse plush.
The other corner of the balcony is set up for a musician. The sheet music is for Pixar’s Up (an odd choice) and a violin is stashed on a nearby chair. There is also an abundance of flowers throughout the scene.
Walt and Lillian’s anniversary was also commemorated with a special display inside the Golden Horseshoe, the location of their 30th anniversary party just a few days before the park opened.
Cinderella Is Out; Judy Hopps In
It wasn’t just Lillian who got a new window… On Thursday morning, a brand-new animated Zootopia-themed window was also revealed on Main Street U.S.A. The old Cinderella window, which was frequently broken (often for months on end), has been replaced.
The new window is detailed and features Judy chasing Nick Wild through Little Rodentia as the tiny scared residents cower below.
Here’s our video of the scene:
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And get ready for a bit more window news soon. The former Peter Pan window is also under construction and will debut soon. Any guesses on the theme for that one?
Freakier Friday (on Wednesday)
Another surprise last Wednesday was an appearance by the cast of “Freakier Friday,” including Disney Legend Jamie Lee Curtis, who popped into the Happiest Place on Earth to promote their new movie, which debuts on August 8th.
Not only did the cast stop by Disneyland Park, but the Tomorrowland stage was also the spot to catch the fictional band, Pink Slip.
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You can read all about it here:
It’s Happening! Freakier Friday Cast Shocks Fans at Disneyland
Tomorrowland Magic Band Activation
The 70th-anniversary Magic Band activation in Tomorrowland was a little late to the party, but it’s finally delivering commemorative tickets – though they may not be the kind of ticket you want.
The traffic signal spits out driver citations issued by the Tomorrowland Transit Authority from a slot in the wall to its left.
Oogie Boogie Ticket Tracker
And speaking of tickets, sales for Oogie Boogie Bash are moving at a steady pace, but the after-hours Halloween event has certainly not been selling out fast in the last two years. The sales slowdown may be due to the one-two punch of high ticket prices and an overall lack of new offerings. We’re curious to hear your thoughts on that.
As of noon on Sunday, 21 of the 31 party dates are sold out. In addition, only two Saturday nights remain, August 24 and September 14, with the August date priced $15 less per person.
The noticeable outlier is October 28, the last October date, which (despite its proximity to Halloween) is priced a bit high for a Tuesday at $189 per person.
The Fantastic Four Lands in… Tomorrowland
Starting July 25, all four members of the Fantastic Four—along with their robot assistant H.E.R.B.I.E.—will be appearing outside Tomorrowland Theater.
While we expected to see The Thing, Mister Fantastic, the Invisible Woman, and the Human Torch in Avengers Campus like many superheroes before them, the fact that they’re appearing in Tomorrowland, fuels our speculation that the land might receive a Fantastic Four-inspired overlay if the new movie is successful.
The Space Mountain façade will also light up with special Fantastic Four projection effects in the evenings from July 25 through September 21.
But wait… that’s not all. The Clobberin’ Sipper and Mister Fantastic Straw Clip will also be available in Disneyland and California Adventure to celebrate the debut of “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.”
- The Fantastic Four: Clobberin’ Sipper available with the purchase of a beverage at Alien Pizza Planet, Galactic Grill, Tomorrowland Fruit Cart, Pym Test Kitchen, and Shawarma and More (Limit two per person, per transaction. No discounts apply.)
- Mister Fantastic Straw Clip available with the purchase of a beverage at Alien Pizza Planet, Galactic Grill, Churrors near Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, Pretzels near Star Tours, Pym Test Kitchen, Shawarma and More, and select vending locations in California Adventure Park (Limit two per person, per transaction. No discounts apply.)
Also available at Alien Pizza Planet in Tomorrowland (Mobile order available):
- First Family – 4 Item Combo: Cheese or pepperoni pizza slice served with side garden salad, specialty dessert, and a specialty beverage
- Yancy Street Black and White Cookie
Also available at Pym Test Kitchen in Avengers Campus (Mobile order available):
- Fantastic Elastic Mozzarella Stick: Served with sour cream and onion ranch
- Invisible Indulgence: Clear lemon pie with a shortbread crust, whipped cream, and meringue pieces
Events & Opportunities
Walt Disney Mansion Tours
Join storyteller extraordinaire Dusty Sage for a guided tour of Walt Disney’s Storybook Mansion 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 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. 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 Walt Disney’s Real-Life Haunted Mansion Tours HERE.
Make Your Own Animatronic Bird With Garner Holt and Dusty Sage!!!
Have you ever wanted to make your own animatronic tiki bird? 🦜 Well… now you can!
Dusty has teamed up with the amazing folks at Garner Holt Productions to offer a very special, and very limited, Bird Camp just for you! As part of the Kickstarter for GHP’s Animatronic Songbird Mini, you can now select a new “Friends of Dusty Sage” reward that includes:
🎶 Building your own animatronic mini songbird
🏭 A hands-on session at the iconic Garner Holt Studio
🤖 Tips and tricks from Garner Holt himself
🍽️ Lunch, refreshments, and great company
🙋♂️ And yes, Dusty will be there too!
✨ (Bird camp date to be announced after the Kickstarter is successfully completed, and when we know, the birds are ready to ship)
This is a true once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for animatronic fans and theme park nerds alike. Spots are limited—don’t miss your chance!
🔗 Songbird Mini Kickstarter link HERE
MiceShots
We caught a Space X launch out of Vandenburg Air Force base over the Incredicoaster.
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Let’s Hear From You!
Were you in the park on Thursday to celebrate the big 7-0 with Disneyland? What do you think about the new exhibit and “Walt Disney – A Magical Life” show in the opera house? Did you get a chance to see the new movie in the Main Street Cinema and hear the new last verse in Small World? And what about those new windows on Main Street? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!