The previously announced Walt Disney – A Magical Life has had its official opening pushed to July 17, 2025 to commemorate the actual 70th anniversary of Disneyland. Disney promises a stunning new show featuring an audio animatronic figure of Walt Disney himself plus an updated exhibit featuring a look at the evolution of Disneyland.

Here’s everything you need to know about this during the Disneyland 70th Anniversary.

What to Expect

During the Show

• Walt Disney – A Magical Life promises a touching tribute that will see Walt himself courtesy of the magic of Audio-Animatronics technology that his company helped pioneer.
• Remastered footage and audio recordings will create a cinematic journey that leads from Walt’s early endeavors to the bright lights of Los Angeles and beyond.
• 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.
• After the initial debut of Walt Disney – A Magical Life inside the Main Street Opera House, the attraction will play in rotation with “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.” If you look closely at the concept art, you can see the two epic figures in American history are sitting on a rotating turntable that will likely be used to alternate between shows.

In the Exhibit

• 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.
• On display will be images, art and artifacts – some never before seen – that show Disneyland before, during, and after Walt’s dream became a reality.
• You’ll also encounter the story and history of Audio-Animatronics technology, from Walt’s day leading to the advancement of where we are today. You’ll learn about Walt’s inspiration and see firsthand the inner workings of this technology, and how far Audio-Animatronics figures have advanced through the years
• The Walt Disney Family Museum has selected more than 30 artifacts for these experiences in the lobby including…
  • 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 before
  • Some of Walt’s humanitarian accolades 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

See it for Yourself

The Disneyland 70th Anniversary celebration takes place from May 16, 2025 through summer 2026.

MORE INFO: See all MouseInfo coverage for the Disneyland 70th Anniversary