As Disneyland Resort prepares to celebrate its 70th anniversary, exciting new experiences are set to debut on Main Street, U.S.A. beginning July 17. Honoring the history and heritage of Disneyland while embracing its bright future, these additions will offer Disneyland guests immersive storytelling, historic exhibits, and a heartfelt tribute to Walt Disney’s legacy.
A Tribute to the Sherman Brothers at the Main Street Cinema
The Main Street Cinema will introduce a new film experience dedicated to the legendary Sherman Brothers, the songwriting duo behind some of Disney’s most beloved music. A special three-and-a-half-minute film, titled “The Last Verse,” will celebrate the 60th anniversary of It’s a Small World. This touching film features a newly revealed verse of the song, written by Richard M. Sherman, in what would become his final Disney contribution.
The film follows the song as it is passed from person to person and generation to generation, reinforcing the message of unity and hope, “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.” This third and final verse will also be incorporated into the It’s a Small World attraction at Disneyland, along with a new projection show on the It’s A Small World facade, beginning July 17, marking a historic addition to one of Disney’s most iconic rides.
New Exhibits at the Main Street Opera House
The Main Street Opera House is set to receive a transformative update, offering visitors a deeper look into Disneyland’s history and innovation. As part of this enhancement, a new gallery experience will showcase the evolution of Walt Disney’s dream of Disneyland. This exhibit will feature rare images, concept art, and artifacts that trace the park’s journey from its earliest stages to the present day. Many of these items, carefully curated by Walt Disney Imagineering and The Walt Disney Archives, have never been publicly displayed before.
Another exciting addition is an exhibit dedicated to Audio-Animatronics technology, a groundbreaking innovation pioneered by Walt Disney himself. This display will take guests through the history of Audio-Animatronics, showcasing early prototypes and highlighting how the technology has evolved over the decades. Visitors will have the opportunity to see firsthand the inner workings of these lifelike figures and gain a greater appreciation for their role in Disney attractions.
Walt Disney’s Private Apartment to be Exhibited
For the first time, original items from Walt Disney’s private apartment above the Main Street Fire Station will be exhibited at Disneyland. These cherished artifacts, on loan from The Walt Disney Family Museum, include his rocking chair, lamp, and table, each of which has never before been publicly displayed inside the park.
Additionally, the museum is loaning several of Walt Disney’s prestigious humanitarian awards, giving guests a unique opportunity to see these historical accolades up close. Among them are his 1955 Emmy Award for the Walt Disney’s Disneyland television show, his 1964 Presidential Medal of Freedom awarded by President Lyndon B. Johnson, and The Walt Disney Commemorative Medal which was presented to Lillian Disney by President Richard Nixon in 1969.
Walt Disney – A Magical Life Premieres on July 17
Alongside these new exhibits, the Main Street Opera House theater will debut a brand-new cinematic experience, Walt Disney – A Magical Life. This immersive presentation will take audiences on a journey through Walt Disney’s life and career, featuring remastered footage and audio recordings.
As the show begins, the stage will magically transform into Walt Disney’s office, where he will appear through Audio-Animatronics storytelling to share his own stories and words of wisdom. After its initial run, Walt Disney – A Magical Life will rotate with the classic Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. The exit lobby of the Opera House will preview how Disneyland continues to evolve, highlighting upcoming Disney Parks projects and innovations while celebrating the park’s rich legacy.
Celebrating 70 Years of Magic
As Imagineers work diligently to bring these experiences to life, the 70th anniversary promises to be a landmark moment in Disneyland history. These new additions will honor the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to the future, ensuring that Walt Disney’s vision continues to inspire generations to come. Plus, the iconic Paint the Night parade will return featuring Disney and Pixar characters. All of these exciting new offerings will debut at Disneyland on July 17 as part of the 70th-anniversary celebration.
