Theme park news: Disneyland turns 70 and debuts new Walt Disney animatronic show

Welcome back to another weekly roundup of theme park news! This is a quicker roundup compared to last week, but make no mistake — it was a big week for the Disney theme parks. The Happiest Place on Earth celebrated a major milestone and marked the occasion with a brand-new attraction. Be sure to continue to follow along for more of the latest theme park news. There’s another big week coming up, this time on the east coast, as Walt Disney World prepares to officially debut a brand-new nighttime parade in Magic Kingdom and reimagining of a fan-favorite ride at EPCOT. This summer is turning out to be a very busy one if you’re following the latest happenings at the Disney parks!

Disneyland celebrates 70th anniversary

July 17 marked the 70th anniversary of the opening of Disneyland, and as is the case with all Disney anniversaries, the stops were pulled out.

“Walt Disney — A Magical Life” debuted at Main Street Opera House and brought the first ever Audio-Animatronic figure of Walt Disney to life. Guests currently looking to check the show out may do so via virtual queue for the show’s initial run. The show runs continuously throughout the day.

The anniversary was also marked with the addition of the final verse to “it’s a small world,” penned by songwriter Richard Sherman before his death in 2024. The new verse now plays in the finale scene on “it’s a small world” at Disneyland Park and Magic Kingdom. A short film about the verse and Richard Sherman, called “The Last Verse,” is now playing at Main Street Cinema in Disneyland.

This week, Disneyland launched a $70 ticket deal exclusive to residents of Anaheim, California. This deal is similar to ones they have offered in years past, where Anaheim residents can purchase a 1-day, 1-park ticket for use between August 4 through September 25, 2025.

Haven’t make it to Disneyland yet to celebrate the 70th? No worries — the anniversary celebration continues through summer of 2026.

DISNEYLAND’S 70TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION LASTS INTO 2026

Rapid-fire news roundup!

• Last year, guests got the chance to interact with Disney’s new BDX Droids for the first time in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Park. Now, Star Wars fans on both coasts can catch the adorable walk-around droids in action, as the BDX Droids made their first appearance in Hollywood Studios this week. The droids can be seen in Batuu East Tuesdays through Saturdays now through August 30. 

• Tickets for this year’s holiday season after hours parties went on sale this week for guests staying at Walt Disney World resort hotels — meaning if you happen to have a hotel reservation the night of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party or Disney Jollywood Nights, you can purchase tickets for those window of dates. Tickets go on sale to the general public on July 22.

PLANNING A HOLIDAY VACATION? THE LATEST DISNEY WORLD DISCOUNTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR BOOKING.

Theme Park News: Disneyland Turns 70 and Debuts New Walt Disney Animatronic Show originally appeared on The World of Spark.

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