Disneyland Resort recently celebrated its 70th anniversary with a heartfelt tribute to the cast members who make the magic happen every day. The day began with a special, early morning celebration exclusively for cast members inside Disneyland Park. Festivities included live entertainment, commemorative photo backdrops (like a 70th Anniversary Hot Air Balloon), and a moving flag-raising ceremony in Town Square led by veteran cast members and the Disneyland Band.
Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger joined Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro to address cast members on Main Street, U.S.A. Iger also rang the New York Stock Exchange opening bell along with Mickey and Minnie Mouse before opening the park’s gates and greeting guests personally.
Iger told guests, “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. 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.”
To mark the historic milestone, the Resort launched a brand-new attraction, “Walt Disney – A Magical Life.” It also updated the Main Street Cinema and the “It’s a Small World” attraction. Guests also enjoyed limited-time offerings, a special anniversary cavalcade, and exclusive souvenirs like a commemorative guide map and anniversary button.
The anniversary celebration is part of a broader initiative to spotlight real guest stories, highlighting Disneyland’s legacy as a place where memories are made and shared across generations. The celebration also highlighted the resort’s ongoing evolution, with new experiences on the horizon including the Avengers Campus expansion and themed areas inspired by Avatar and Coco.
Learn more about the 70th anniversary celebrations here.