Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary has been delighting guests for weeks now, and honestly, it’s hard not to feel a little misty-eyed just thinking about it. The bright, cheerful atmosphere that has taken over the park is packed with joyful nods to its rich history, from colorful decorations and themed costumes to festive treats and dazzling new merchandise. Disney has clearly gone all-in to celebrate its first-born park, and rightfully so. Without this magical little corner of Anaheim, many of us wouldn’t have the Disney memories that have become such a treasured part of our lives.
I’ve loved all the anniversary milestones over the years, but there’s just something about Disneyland’s that feels different — more personal, almost sacred. This isn’t just a birthday party for a theme park. It’s a celebration of a place that brought families together, sparked lifelong fandoms, and demonstrated the power of imagination. Whenever I stop and think about it, I’m honestly overwhelmed by how much this one man’s dream shaped not just a company, but so many of our individual lives. Walt believed in something so deeply that he risked everything for it. And somehow, here we are, 70 years later, still benefiting from the magic he set in motion.
As you can probably guess, I’m counting down the days until I get to be there once more. I’ve already started collecting my favorite 70th merch drops (because, of course, I have), and there’s one new release that absolutely stopped me in my tracks. Details are still scarce, just a single image and a name, but even that was enough to give me chills. It’s a rare moment when merchandise captures something bigger than just nostalgia, but this one feels different. At the heart of this celebration, as always, is Walt. His words, his vision, and his belief in family, joy, and creativity still echo through the park. And as a lifelong fan, it’s a privilege to be part of that legacy — one magical piece at a time.
The new merchandise drop, arriving on July 17th—the exact anniversary of the park’s opening—is mentioned briefly as “Disneyland Resort 70th Anniversary Walt Disney Talking Figure.” My imagination has gone wild, considering what it would be like to have Walt’s words at my fingertips in a talking figure. With little else to go on, I can already tell you that this release will be a part of Disneyland Collection, and it may be the most unique merchandise offering I’ve seen. And I’ve seen a lot! I’ll leave this preview image here for you to get excited about.
You know where to be on July 17th, right back here with me, as we unpack exactly what this new merchandise item is and see if it lives up to the glory that my imagination has created. Are you as excited as I am? The new item will be available in time to complement the park’s first attraction featuring its creator, Walt Disney, in a new experience, “Walt Disney: A Magical Life.”
