ABC NEWS STUDIOS AND 20/20 ANNOUNCE “THE HAPPIEST STORY ON EARTH: 70 YEARS OF DISNEYLAND – A SPECIAL EDITION OF 20/20,” AIRING SEPTEMBER 21 ON ABC, STREAMING NEXT DAY ON DISNEY+ AND HULU
The Special Event Celebrates 70 Years of One of the Most Iconic and Beloved Theme Parks in the World with a Sneak Peek at the Future of Disneyland Resort
ABC News Studios Presents “The Happiest Story on Earth: Celebrating 70 Years of Disneyland – A 20/20 Special.” Commemorate seven decades of the magic, joy and innovation of one of the most beloved theme parks in the world when the special event“The Happiest Story on Earth: 70 Years of Disneyland – A Special Edition of 20/20,” airs Sunday, September 21 (8:00 PM ET) on ABC, next day on Disney+ and Hulu. Announced today by ABC News Studios, “The Happiest Story on Earth: 70 Years of Disneyland” pulls back the curtain to reveal the magic behind Walt Disney’s dream, with enchanting stories sure to surprise and delight even the most devoted fans.
Disneyland Resort has enchanted guests of all ages from near and far. Viewers will hear reflections on childhood visits to the park from some of Disney’s biggest fans including Hollywood’s Neil Patrick Harris, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jon Favreau, Patrick Warburton and Tiffany Haddish; observations from The Walt Disney Company Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger on what the future holds for Disneyland Resort; and an exclusive message from Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, on what the park means to them and their family. The special celebrates the countless creators who have contributed to bringing the wonderful world of Disneyland to life and shares rare insight from Bob Gurr, a former Disney Imagineer there on opening day, who reflects on working side by side with Walt Disney himself.
The special also reveals the rich history of the iconic attractions that have fascinated visitors from around the world, including Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Haunted Mansion; and takes viewers behind the scenes of Disneyland’s legendary parades and nighttime spectaculars. Cameras are granted access to the “World of Color” control room — an area typically reserved for working cast members only — offering a look at how these technological marvels come to life. The special also provides a look at the new, first-of-its-kind Audio-Animatronics figure of Walt Disney with the Imagineers who helped create “Walt Disney – A Magical Life.” Additional appearances include Julie Andrews, who remembers visiting the park with Walt himself, and Josh Gad, who reflects on his dream come true of “working” as a skipper at Jungle Cruise.
The special commemorates seven decades of one of the most beloved theme parks in the world and includes –
- Reflections on childhood visits to the park from Neil Patrick Harris, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jon Favreau, Patrick Warburton and Tiffany Haddish.
- An exclusive message from Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, on what the park means to them and their family.
- Observations from CEO Bob Iger on what the future holds for Disneyland Resort.
- Rare insight from Bob Gurr, a former Disney Imagineer there on opening day, who reflects on working side by side with Walt Disney himself.
- History of the iconic attractions including Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Haunted Mansion.
- Behind the scenes access to Disneyland’s legendary parades and nighttime spectaculars.
- A look at the new, first-of-its-kind Audio-Animatronics figure of Walt Disney with the Imagineers who helped create “Walt Disney – A Magical Life.”
- Reflections from Julie Andrews, who remembers visiting the park with Walt himself, and Josh Gad, who talks about “working” as a skipper at Jungle Cruise.
- An exciting sneak peek at future Disney California Adventure Park attractions, including an expansion to Avengers Campus, a Coco attraction and the new Avatar destination.
In addition to honoring the past, “The Happiest Story on Earth: 70 Years of Disneyland” also looks toward the future of Disneyland Resort with an exciting sneak peek at future Disney California Adventure Park attractions, including an expansion to Avengers Campus, a Coco attraction and the new Avatar destination, giving viewers an inside look at how Disney continues to innovate and inspire new generations.
“The Happiest Story on Earth: 70 Years of Disneyland – A Special Edition of 20/20” is produced by 20/20 and ABC News Studios. Matt Lombardi serves as executive producer. Janice Johnston is executive producer for 20/20. David Sloan serves as senior executive producer for ABC News Studios.
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