This summer, Disneyland Resort marks a remarkable milestone—its 70th anniversary—bringing with it an unforgettable celebration that began on May 16, 2025, and continues to dazzle guests across both parks. The excitement reached new heights on July 17, the resort’s official birthday, and with it came one of the most talked-about new offerings: Walt Disney—A Magical Life, now showing at the Main Street Opera House.
Presented as a current replacement for The Disneyland Story presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, the brand-new show invites guests into a cinematic journey through Walt’s early life, career, and dreams that helped shape The Walt Disney Company and Disneyland itself. The experience concludes with a visit to a faithful recreation of Walt’s office, where the man himself speaks through carefully selected archival recordings.
Access to Walt Disney—A Magical Life is available through the virtual queue in the Disneyland app. However, due to limited capacity and the possibility of technical downtime (which occurred on opening day), guests are advised that Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln may be presented instead. The virtual queue terms read: “Joining the virtual queue does not guarantee the ability to experience Walt Disney—A Magical Life. Showtimes are subject to change and cancellation. In some circumstances, The Disneyland Story presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln may be presented instead.”
The Main Street Opera House lobby opens approximately 15–20 minutes before each showtime, and Disney has shared that both shows will eventually alternate in rotation.
The introduction of A Magical Life is just one highlight of the 70th anniversary celebration. Guests visiting Disneyland Resort this summer are treated to nighttime spectaculars like Wondrous Journeys and Paint the Night lighting up the sky, while Disney California Adventure hosts high-energy offerings like Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration! and World of Color—Happiness!
Beyond the anniversary festivities, The Walt Disney Company is also implementing strategic changes across its U.S. parks this year—reimagining attractions, improving guest flow, and preparing for the future.
In Southern California, the heart of it all remains Walt’s original park. Opened in 1955, the Disneyland Resort has expanded into a full vacation destination, complete with Disney California Adventure Park, themed hotels, and world-class shopping and dining. And now, thanks to a little Disney magic and storytelling innovation, Walt himself is once again welcoming guests—if only virtually—to the park he created.
Are you looking forward to seeing Walt Disney? Let us know in the comments down below!
