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Credit: Inside the MagicBob Iger is very excited about the future of the Disney theme parks and says Walt would be “blown away” by what’s already changed.
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Disney’s original theme park resort in Anaheim, California, celebrated its 70th birthday today, July 17, 2025, unleashing a whole host of special, limited-time experiences for guests to enjoy. Much like Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary, Disneyland’s 70th celebration is a big one and is set to last through 2026. At the center of it all is longtime CEO Bob Iger, who shared his thoughts and feelings about Disney and its theme parks in a segment with Good Morning America.
Iger reiterated his admiration for Walt Disney, the man who started it all, saying, “If I were to be able to talk to Walt today, I think he would be blown away.”
Disney CEO Bob Iger is marking @Disneyland’s 70th anniversary by reflecting on the original vision of Disneyland’s founder, Walt Disney: “If I were to be able to talk to Walt today, I think he would be blown away.
Disney CEO Bob Iger is marking @Disneyland’s 70th anniversary by reflecting on the original vision of Disneyland’s founder, Walt Disney: “If I were to be able to talk to Walt today, I think he would be blown away.” https://t.co/HEhZyXwYGh pic.twitter.com/WSmMDbrnCJ
— Good Morning America (@GMA) July 17, 2025
The question of if Walt would be happy or not is something constantly being debated among fans and veteran theme park goers, as Disney has certainly gone in some surprising directions since his passing. While classic dark rides and princess fairytales still abound at Disneyland, the resort has changed significantly since it opened under Walt’s leadership back in 1955.
Disneyland is now home to Star Wars and Marvel-themed attractions, two juggernauts of modern-day entertainment. The infusion of IP doesn’t end with Luke Skywalker or Iron Man, as Disney plans to bring even more of its famous brands and franchises to the parks.
“We’re building, now, an Avatar land and bringing ‘Coco’ here and expanding it in very, very ambitious ways,” continued Iger.
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Bob Iger is certainly tight about one thing: Disney is changing. This year marks a turning point for both Disneyland and Walt Disney World as each resort begins working on some of the biggest upgrades and expansions they’ve ever seen.
Disneyland’s new Avatar land will feel similar to those who have visited Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Florida. This alien world transports guests into their very own Avatar adventure, complete with rides and attractions, as well as out-of-this-world food and shopping. Disney’s West Coast version of Pandora will require specific locations and attractions, namely Mike & Sully to the Rescue, a Monsters Inc.-themed dark ride, to close.
Walt Disney World is changing in big ways, too. Earlier this year, Disney World closed three fan-favorite areas: Muppets Courtyard, the Rivers of America, and DinoLand U.S.A. Each of these now-defunct locations is set to receive a major makeover.
A new Cars-themed area and a new bar inspired by Pirates of the Caribbean are coming to the Magic Kingdom. Disney’s Hollywood Studios is set to welcome a new land called Monstropolis, the fictional city seen in Pixar’s Monsters Inc. Disney’s Animal Kingdom will say goodbye to dinosaurs and hello to Indiana Jones, with the park also set to get its own ride based on Encanto.
All this and more is happening now at the Disney theme parks. For more information, read our coverage here at Inside the Magic.
What upcoming Disney parks project are you most excited about?