“Walt Disney – A Magical Life” Debut Postponed as New Exhibits and Experiences Come to Main Street U.S.A. for Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary
So Steve Martin ISN'T hosting another anniversary attraction?
Originally set to debut in May, Disneyland guests will have to wait a bit longer to see that highly-anticipated Audio-Animatronics figure of Walt Disney as the entire Opera House (and even other parts of Main Street U.S.A.) get in on the 70th Anniversary fun.
What’s Happening:
- Originally set to debut as the Disneyland 70th Anniversary celebration kicks off in May, the highly anticipated experience - “Walt Disney - A Magical Life" - has been postponed.
- This news comes as Disneyland has announced that the rest of the Main Street Opera House (where the experience will be located) is getting in on the celebration fun, set to feature all-new gallery experiences.
- As guests enter the Opera House, they’ll find an all-new showcase featuring the evolution of Walt Disney’s dream of Disneyland, which became the theme park that inspired generations and changed the entertainment world forever.
- On display will be images, art and artifacts, some of which have never been seen before, that show Disneyland before, during, and after Walt’s dream became a reality.
- Walt Disney Imagineering and the Walt Disney Archives have curated relics and memorabilia from the very early stages of Disneyland, as well as through the evolution of what Walt’s original park has become today.
- Additionally, Disneyland is collaborating with The Walt Disney Family Museum, which has selected more than 30 artifacts for these experiences in the lobby. Among the items on loan in the gallery will be original items from Walt’s private apartment above the Fire Station on Main Street. These items include an original rocking chair, lamp and table, all of which have never been publicly exhibited at Disneyland park before.
- The Walt Disney Family Museum is also loaning some of Walt’s humanitarian accolades for guests to enjoy, including Walt’s 1955 Emmy award for the Walt Disney’s Disneyland TV show, his Presidential Medal of Freedom awarded by President Johnson in 1964, and the Walt Disney Commemorative Medal presented to Lillian Disney by President Nixon in 1969.
- Further into the lobby of the Opera House, a new exhibit will share the story and history of Audio-Animatronics technology, from Walt’s day leading to the advancement to the figures of today.
- All of these exhibits are being installed and will be open on the actual 70th anniversary of the park, on July 17th, 2025. That is also when the doors will open to “Walt Disney - A Magical Life," allowing guests to experience the incredible story of Walt Disney’s life. Through remastered footage and audio recordings, guests will be taken on a cinematic journey that leads from Walt’s early endeavors to the bright lights of Los Angeles and beyond. And when the curtain rises, guests will be transported to Walt’s office. Through the magic of Audio-Animatronics storytelling that he helped pioneer, Walt will share some heartfelt stories and words of wisdom.
- The exit lobby is set to feature concept art and previews of upcoming experiences and changes coming to the Disneyland Resort.
- After its initial run, “Walt Disney – A Magical Life" will play in rotation with “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln."
- Elsewhere on Main Street U.S.A., fans will find a celebration of The Sherman Brothers, the iconic songwriting duo for the Walt Disney Studios, at the Main Street Cinema, where they can watch a heartwarming three-and-a-half minute film called “The Last Verse," which celebrates the timeless connection and hope behind the Sherman brothers’ iconic song, “it’s a small world." You can find out more about that song, here.
- To make sure you’re a part of the 70th Anniversary Fun at the Disneyland Resort, be sure to reach out to our friends at Mouse Fan Travel who can assist with all your Disney booking needs.
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