Disneyland celebrates 70th anniversary in style
Disneyland Resort kicked off its 70th-anniversary celebration today, not with fireworks for the public, but with a heartfelt tribute to the very heart of the “Happiest Place on Earth”: its dedicated cast members.
The day began before dawn with an exclusive, cast member-only celebration inside Disneyland Park. Employees enjoyed unique photo opportunities, including a giant 70th-Anniversary Hot Air Balloon, live entertainment, and a flag-raising ceremony in Town Square featuring veteran cast members.
The morning’s festivities included an address from The Walt Disney Company’s Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger and Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro on Main Street, U.S.A. They were then joined by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse to ceremoniously ring the New York Stock Exchange opening bell, a symbolic gesture streamed live, before posing for a once-in-a-lifetime cast photo.
Following the ceremony, Iger personally opened Disneyland, joining cast members along Main Street, U.S.A., to welcome the first guests of the day.
“It was on this day in 1955 that Walt Disney opened the gates of Disneyland for the first time and introduced the world to this very special place,” Iger told arriving guests. “70 years later, Disneyland remains one of Walt’s greatest achievements – a place where generations of people from all over the world have stepped through these gates and entered a world of joy and imagination.”
Since its opening in 1955, Disneyland revolutionized the theme park industry, creating an immersive destination for families to make lasting memories. Over seven decades, Disneyland has expanded significantly, now encompassing two theme parks, three hotels, and the Downtown Disney District. These additions continue to showcase the power of Disney storytelling, integrating beloved franchises like Pixar, Star Wars, and Super Heroes.
The resort isn’t slowing down, with future plans including an Avengers Campus expansion, and new experiences inspired by Avatar and Coco, promising even more immersive storytelling for guests.
Guests visiting Disneyland on July 17 are not only able to experience the limited-time offerings available for the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration but also witness the debut of the groundbreaking attraction “Walt Disney – A Magical Life.” New additions to the Main Street Cinema and the “it’s a small world” attraction also premiered today.
