As the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration continues, fans will soon have the chance to experience the park’s history like never before. ABC News Studios has announced The Happiest Story on Earth: 70 Years of Disneyland – A Special Edition of 20/20, set to air Sunday, September 21, 2025, at 8:00 PM ET on ABC, with next-day streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.
This two-hour special commemorates seven decades of Disneyland magic, innovation, and imagination. Viewers will get an in-depth look at Walt Disney’s vision for the park and the countless creators who helped bring it to life. Featuring rare stories and behind-the-scenes moments, the program promises to captivate both first-time visitors and lifelong fans. Here’s the first look at the upcoming special’s trailer:
The special will include personal reflections from Disney fans and Hollywood stars Neil Patrick Harris, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jon Favreau, Patrick Warburton, and Tiffany Haddish. Bob Iger, Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company, will share insight into the future of Disneyland Resort, while Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, offer an exclusive message about what the park means to their family.
Historic perspectives will also be featured, including an appearance from Bob Gurr, legendary Disney Imagineer and one of the original minds behind many opening-day attractions, who recalls working alongside Walt Disney. The program will highlight the history of beloved attractions such as Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Haunted Mansion, as well as take viewers inside the control room for World of Color at Disney California Adventure Park for a rare look at how the nighttime spectacular comes to life.
Fans can expect appearances from Julie Andrews, who shares her memories of visiting Disneyland with Walt, and Josh Gad, who reflects on his love of Jungle Cruise. The special will also look to the future, offering sneak peeks at upcoming experiences, including an expansion to Avengers Campus, a Coco-themed attraction, and the new Avatar destination in California Adventure.
With a mix of nostalgia, behind-the-scenes access, and exciting glimpses of what’s next, The Happiest Story on Earth: 70 Years of Disneyland is a must-watch celebration for anyone who loves the magic of Disneyland.
