MickeyBlog News for July 21st, 2025
Friends, we’re wearing our party hats this week as we celebrate a once-in-a-lifetime event.
Disneyland Resort just turned 70 years old, and MickeyBlog was there to cover all the excitement.
So, let’s discuss a historic time for Disney fans in the latest MickeyBlog News.
Happy Birthday, Happiest Place on Earth!
Photo: Disney
On Thursday, July 17th, Disneyland Resort turned 70 years old.
Yes, The Happiest Place on Earth is now a septuagenarian. Disneyland is now older than more than 85 percent of the population.
It’s that much of an institution in society, and the latest birthday made Disney want to throw a party.
As you know, park officials are soft on hard dates. So, this anniversary celebration actually began in May.
But the official birthday occurred on Thursday. As you might imagine, Disney went all-out for the event, too.
The day started with Cast Members showing up early to welcome the first guests and Bob Iger ringing the opening bell.
Disney
Disney executives happily explained the details of the birthday party while adding some history about the park itself.
Here’s Josh D’Amaro explaining a controversial decision we’ll evaluate more in the next section.
Photo: Disney
He also detailed all the considerations Disney officials make when plotting the future of Disneyland.
Disney’s Chief Brand Officer Asad Ayaz discussed the new ad campaign currently underway for Disneyland.
There was so much to say and do that it was almost impossible to keep up…unless you were reading MickeyBlog.
Our staff recounted the birthday events such as the commemorative button and map Disney offered for the big day.
Photo: Disney
We showed you the anniversary treats and exclusive merchandise on sale for Disneyland 70 as well.
Disney even hosted a 70th anniversary Cavalcade, which seemed particularly fitting for those who know their park history.
Many of the participants in this Cavalcade later took a delightful train ride, too.
I’d argue that Autopia delivered the best surprise of all, though. Do you know who else had something great, though?
Robo Walt Debuts
Photo: Forbes
Disney+ offered its own Disneyland 70 celebration by adding plenty of theme park ride videos.
I’ve watched several already and marvel at their quality. Nicely done, Disney!
Photo: Disney
Of course, as you know, Disney unveiled something else on the official 70th anniversary of the park’s grand opening.
Walt Disney, the park’s founder who welcomed guests to this happy place in 1955 became a permanent part of Disneyland.
Photo: Disney
That happened due to the arrival of the Walt Disney Audio Animatronic.
You can catch this creation at Walt Disney – A Magical Life, which is showing at the same theater as Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.
Obviously, the decision to create a robotic version of Uncle Walt has proven controversial to many.
I’ve written two articles about this topic, one of which focuses on the Robo Walt debate.
You can read my review of the attraction in a couple of days, but it’s just one person’s opinion.
Everyone should watch the new Walt Disney show and judge for themselves.
Photo: Disney
If you cannot get to Disneyland Resort anytime soon, here’s a video of the show: (Obviously, there are spoilers.)
Like everyone else, our staff debated the quality of the animatronic version of Walt Disney.
What I’ll say for now is that the show isn’t quite what you’d expect, given all the headlines about it.
Obviously, since it’s a new creation, it’s faced some (highly scrutinized) early malfunctions.
This sort of thing is par for the course with new rides, but it’s getting amplified due to the discourse about the animatronic itself.
Overall, Disney has largely avoided disaster here as most people seem to like the show.
Photo: LA Times
As for the animatronic itself, well, Disney tried its best…
Oh, and Disney didn’t forget Lillian Disney, either! Look what showed up in time for her anniversary!
Disney Miscellany
Horror Holiday Backdrop
We have a lot more to cover this week even though Disneyland 70 is far and away the big story.
Some (but all) people can buy tickets for a couple of Walt Disney World after-hours events.
Disney Jollywood Nights
If you’re staying onsite this holiday season, you can purchase admission for Disney Jollywood Nights and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
Tickets for everyone else go on sale on Tuesday, and you should hurry!
Photo: Disney
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Party’s Halloween night tickets sold out within hours of going on sale to the general public.
Speaking of which, more Not-So-Scary party dates have sold out.
Along similar lines, dining packages are now on sale for the 2025 Eat to the Beat concert series.
I am so, so bitter that I’m missing The Fray by two weeks. Ah well. Eat to the Beat giveth and taketh away.
Credit: Disney
In other EPCOT music news, Mariachi Cobre returns this week! You can watch these impressive musicians play as of July 27th.
At Magic Kingdom, It’s a Small World has integrated the final verse written by the Sherman Brothers.
Photo: D23
You may recall that Richard Sherman perfected the song during his final years and gifted it to Disney.
Somehow, this tiny edition makes the whole thing even better. Thanks for everything, Sherman Brothers!
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, this beautiful creature just celebrated a birthday, too!
Oh, and if you’re a Cirque du Soleli fan, there’s a deal this summer!
High Key Club
Finally, back at Disneyland, we got our first look at the High Key Club. It is VERY Disney.
Have a great week, everyone! And watch all those new ride videos on Disney+!
Disney Starlight
Oh, and one more thing. Look what had a surprise sneak preview on Friday night…
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Feature Photo: Disney
