Credit: Stephen Dann, FlickrThere’s something pretty magical about standing on Main Street, U.S.A., hearing the faint chime of the Disneyland Railroad, and catching a whiff of churros on the breeze. But not everyone can hop on a plane and make it to California.
Whether it’s money, time, or just life getting in the way, a lot of Disney fans find themselves dreaming of the parks from afar.
Well, that dream just got a lot more real.
In a move that has longtime fans talking, Disneyland is turning the idea of vacation planning on its head. No more waiting for school breaks or fighting for park reservations. You can now visit the parks on your lunch break, during a rainy day, or even from your couch in pajamas.
A New Way to Experience Disneyland
They’re calling it an entirely new kind of experience—one where you pick your “destination,” grab some popcorn, and step into the magic from home.
So, how exactly is this working?
These “virtual vacations” are actually part of a major content drop on Disney+, just in time for Disneyland’s 70th anniversary. Disney quietly added 16 new point-of-view (POV) experiences to the streaming platform, and they’re not just teasers—they’re full-blown ride-throughs and land explorations that make you feel like you’re walking around the parks.
Classic Attractions, New Adventures
Among the lineup? Fan-favorite attractions like Haunted Mansion, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Jungle Cruise, and Pirates of the Caribbean. Newer hits like Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Avengers Campus are also featured, along with immersive nighttime spectaculars like Wondrous Journeys and Paint the Night.
But this isn’t just a greatest-hits reel.
Each experience was filmed with the intention of transporting viewers—not just showing them what a ride looks like. The goal is to mimic the feeling of actually being there. From the moment you “walk” down Main Street to your first drop on Radiator Springs Racers, it’s about as close to the real deal as you can get without a park ticket.
For Star Wars fans, there’s even more to love. Two POV experiences from Galaxy’s Edge were recently added, including an after-hours tour and a ride-through of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance—complete with restored cannons.
It’s one thing to watch ride footage on YouTube. It’s another to see it captured professionally with Disney’s signature cinematic polish.
NEW: Disney shared a first look at the Disneyland Resort POV experiences premiering on Disney+ tomorrow, July 17. 👀 pic.twitter.com/uBIV1ATMKM
— Drew Smith (@DrewDisneyDude) July 16, 2025
Celebrating 70 Years in Style
The release couldn’t be more timely. With Disneyland celebrating its 70th anniversary, this digital expansion gives fans around the world a way to join in, no matter where they are. And let’s be honest—there’s something thrilling about being able to hop between Incredicoaster and Soarin’ Around the World without ever waiting in line.
It’s also a smart way for Disney to tap into the ever-growing nostalgia market. Millennials and Gen Xers who grew up with Disneyland as a childhood staple can now relive those memories whenever they want, while younger fans can experience the parks for the first time—digitally.
The Future of Digital Disney?
And don’t think this is just a one-time thing. With Disney making big moves in streaming and interactive content, this might just be the start of something bigger. If these virtual vacations catch on, we could see similar drops for Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, or even seasonal overlays like Haunted Mansion Holiday.
Whether you’re missing the parks or just curious about Disneyland’s 70-year legacy, these new virtual experiences are worth checking out. They might not replace the real thing, but for now, they’re the next best way to feel like you’re walking right down the middle of Main Street, U.S.A.