story by editor-in-chief: Ashly Nicole

As many fans know, the original land of magic and wonder is celebrating its 70th birthday with a year-long celebration. This past Thursday, Disney enthusiasts from all over the world gathered at Disneyland Resort to mark the official anniversary. The day was packed with festivities from rope drop to the final fireworks, featuring star-studded moments, special treats, and unforgettable surprises for both guests and cast members.
The 70th anniversary celebration kicked off in true Disney fashion, with a special cast member preview before the park even opened. Cast members from across Disneyland Resort were invited to enjoy a magical moment just for them; a heartfelt thank you to the incredible team that brings the park to life every single day. Each cast member received exclusive 70th anniversary commemorative Mickey ears, a limited-edition button, and a bundle of celebratory goodies, honoring their dedication and the role they play in creating the magic guests know and love. Disney executives Bob Iger [CEO] and Josh D’Amaro [Disney Experiences Chairman] were in attendance, greeting and mingling with as many cast members as they could.

As the sun rose over the top of Matterhorn Mountain and onto the Happiest Place on Earth, excitement buzzed outside the gates. Thousands of eager guests lined up for what Disneyland regulars affectionately call, "rope drop," all hoping to be among the first to step into the park on this historic day. Upon entry, each guest received a special Disneyland 70th Celebration button and a beautifully designed park map featuring Walt Disney himself alongside Mickey Mouse; a keepsake available only for this one unforgettable day.
One of the biggest highlights of the day was a one-time-only 70th birthday cavalcade that brought the party to the heart of Disneyland. Guests began lining Main Street, U.S.A. hours in advance, hoping to snag the perfect view of the magical procession. By the time it began, thousands had gathered, filled with anticipation and waving at the Dapper Dans and other pre-show entertainers who helped keep the crowd's spirits high while waiting for the festivities in the bright Anaheim sun.

When the cavalcade finally made its way down the street, it was nothing short of spectacular. At the center of it all rolled a towering, whimsical birthday cake float, a larger-than-life confection, decorated with candles, confetti, and classic Disneyland flair. Some of our favorite Disney friends, like Max Goof, led the way on some of the iconic Main Street cars, followed by Mickey and friend’s on their 70th Celebration cavalcade vehicle. The moment was pure Disney Magic, joyful, nostalgic, and full of heart. The music, the energy, and the sense of shared history created an atmosphere that felt both intimate and grand.
It wasn’t just a birthday party, it was a celebration of 70 years of dreams, memories, and the magic that continues to bring people together from all over the world, “to this special place” - Walt Disney,
opening day.
Another one of the most talked-about moments of the 70th celebration was the debut of “Walt Disney – A Magical Life”, a brand-new stage show featuring the astonishingly lifelike Walt Disney animatronic. Premiering on the day of the anniversary, the show brings guests face-to-face with a remarkably realistic recreation of Walt himself, a heartfelt technological tribute to the man who started it all.
Now open and running daily, “Walt Disney – A Magical Life” is available to all guests and is expected to remain as a permanent fixture, a very meaningful addition to the gateway of the park where
Walt once walked.

Hosted inside the Opera House on Main Street, U.S.A., the experience takes audiences through the highlights of Walt’s life and legacy, blending archival footage, storytelling, and the new animatronic’s powerful presence to create something deeply moving and inspiring. Fans lined up early in the morning and rushed to join a virtual queue just to be among the first to witness this historic addition to the park.
Throughout the day, guests were treated to a dazzling array of limited-edition merchandise and celebratory snacks created just for the 70th anniversary. From retro-inspired apparel and commemorative pins to collectible popcorn buckets and anniversary-themed sippers, there was no shortage of souvenirs to mark the milestone. Exclusive treats added to the festive atmosphere, including a Celebration Strawberry Shortcake Macaron at Jolly Holiday, adorable Mini Mickey Celebration Waffles at Schmoozies, and “70th Stuff”, a special twist on the fan-favorite Grey Stuff, served at Red Rose Taverne.
Each offering was crafted to delight fans and honor seven decades of Disneyland magic.

Photos by Mikey’s Moments and Disneyland Resort

In addition to the festivities and fanfare, the day brought meaningful moments of reflection and connection with those who helped shape Disneyland’s legacy. Disney Legends and original Imagineers were on hand to share stories and celebrate, including the iconic Bob Gurr, the brilliant mind behind many of Disneyland’s original ride vehicles, including all of the Main Street Vehicles, The Monorail, and even the beloved Doom Buggy from the Haunted Mansion…Bob made a special appearance during the celebration, delighting fans with tales from the park’s earliest days and signing autographs for a line of admirers that stretched down Main Street, and followed him everywhere he went during the celebration. The perfect ending to his day came in the most fitting way possible: an honorary ride down Main Street in the very fire engine he designed, his personal favorite among the Main Street vehicle fleet. With a beaming smile and a wave to cheering guests, Bob rode through the center of the Main Street of the park he helped create, surrounded by applause, adoring Disney fans, and decades of Disney magic.

Among the many Disney-dedicated bloggers and influencers in attendance was Bill Burnz, a beloved Disney creator known for his heartfelt and respectful portrayals of Walt Disney. In a serendipitous and deeply moving encounter, Bill and Bob met inside the park; a moment captured and later shared by Bill on TikTok. When Bob saw Bill, dressed in his signature Walt-inspired looks, his first words were simply,
“I miss you.” For longtime fans, the weight of that moment was immense. Bob Gurr, Walt’s trusted creative partner from the park’s earliest days, had come face-to-face with someone who lovingly carries on his friend’s legacy. Bill later shared, “I almost cried right there in the park. If there was ever validation for everything I’ve been doing with ‘Walt,’ that was it… This was everything. Thank you, ‘Bobby’.” It was a magical and heartfelt encounter that perfectly captured the spirit of the day, a blend of nostalgia, gratitude, and the enduring power of Disneyland to bring people together across generations.

As night fell, the celebration reached new heights with a special anniversary fireworks spectacular that lit up the skies above Sleeping Beauty Castle. Bursting with color, music, and heartfelt nods to Disneyland’s seven-decade history, the show left guests in awe and added one more magical memory to an already unforgettable day. But the magic didn’t stop there. As the final note of the fireworks faded, the park glowed once more with the triumphant return of the beloved Paint the Night parade. With its dazzling lights, energetic soundtrack, and glowing appearances by fan-favorite characters, the nighttime parade served as the perfect grand finale. It was a radiant, joy-filled sendoff that closed out the day with pure Disney wonder. And while the celebration may have ended for the night, Disneyland’s 70th anniversary is just beginning, a year-long tribute to the magic, memories, and dreams that continue to live on, generation after generation.