Disney's 70th Anniversary: A Lifelike Walt Disney Returns!
Get ready to step back in time! For Disneyland's grand 70th-anniversary celebration, Disney is unveiling a brand-new show featuring a remarkably lifelike Audio-Animatronic version of Walt Disney himself. This innovative experience promises to transport guests into Walt's world, allowing them to hear his stories and wisdom as if they were visiting him in his office.
The debut is scheduled for July 17, 2025, but we got a sneak peek at Walt Disney Imagineering. Here's what you need to know about this exciting addition to the park.
Walt Disney - A Magical Life
The show, titled "Walt Disney - A Magical Life," will be housed in the Main Street Opera House at Disneyland, running for approximately 17 minutes. The first 15 minutes will present a fresh take on the "One Man's Dream" short film, currently playing at Hollywood Studios, chronicling Walt's incredible journey.
But the real magic happens in the final two minutes. The screen will rise to reveal the first-ever Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic, standing in an office that's a meticulous recreation of his Burbank workspace, combined with the set from his numerous television appearances. Using his actual voice, the Audio-Animatronic Walt will "heartfelt stories, anecdotes, and words of wisdom." Disney is committed to authenticity, foregoing AI or new voice actors to ensure a genuine Walt Disney experience.
The attention to detail in the Audio-Animatronic is astounding. From his suit and shoes to his Smoke Tree Ranch tie, every element has been painstakingly recreated based on the actual clothing and accessories Walt wore. Although we didn't see the final Audio-Animatronic, Disney showcased an impressive life-size model used as a reference. The realism was striking, with meticulous details like skin blemishes, carefully manicured nails, individual hairs, weary eyes, wrinkles, and even subtle nose hairs.
Imagineers even captured the "glimmer" in Walt's eye, a characteristic many people remembered from their interactions with him. This version of Walt is inspired by his appearance in the 1963 Fletcher Markle Canadian Broadcasting interview, portraying him at his peak. Tom Fitzgerald, senior creative executive of Walt Disney Imagineering, noted that this was a time when Walt had the New York World's Fair shows, Mary Poppins, the Secret Florida project, and a thriving Disneyland all in development.
Fans of Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, currently playing at the Opera House, can breathe easy. The show will return after the initial run of "Walt Disney - A Magical Life." The stage features a rotating design, allowing it to switch between the two shows, showcasing both the early and latest advancements in Audio-Animatronic technology.
More to Explore: Evolution of a Dream and a Celebration of Disney Cast Members
The Main Street Opera House will offer more than just "Walt Disney - A Magical Life." An all-new gallery experience, "Evolution of a Dream," will showcase a collection of returning and never-before-seen images, artifacts, and artwork from Disneyland's history, both during and after Walt's lifetime. It will even include a small recreation of Walt's apartment.
Among the highlights are pencil drawings and concept art from the initial plans for Disneyland, never before displayed publicly. Early Disneyland memorabilia and merchandise will also be on display, offering a glimpse into what guests took home from the park in the 1950s and beyond. The Walt Disney Family Museum played a crucial role in assembling this exhibit, donating over 30 artifacts, including original items from Walt's private apartment and some of his most treasured awards.
Another section will delve into the history of Audio-Animatronics, tracing its evolution from Walt's initial vision to the cutting-edge technology used in "Walt Disney - A Magical Life." Original and replica figures from attractions like Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room, it's a small world, and Pirates of the Caribbean will be on display.
Upon exiting "Walt Disney - A Magical Life," guests will encounter an exhibit celebrating the history and impact of Disney Cast Members. This tribute will showcase the significant contributions of Disney employees to the Disney Parks and beyond, featuring a mural honoring Disneyland's past and future.
“Walt Disney - A Magical Life” and these exhibits are part of Disneyland's 70th Anniversary celebration, which kicks off on May 16, 2025, even though the actual anniversary falls on July 17.