July 15, 2025Walt Disney Comes to Life in Groundbreaking New Disneyland Show
Disneyland is celebrating its 70th anniversary in a spectacular way—by bringing Walt Disney himself back to the park in the form of the most advanced Audio-Animatronic ever created.
Debuting July 17, “Walt Disney – A Magical Life” is a brand-new attraction located inside the Main Street Opera House at Disneyland Park. The show begins with a cinematic look at Walt’s extraordinary life, followed by a remarkable encounter with a lifelike animatronic of Walt in his recreated 1960s office.
The figure portrays Walt around 1963, a time many consider the height of his visionary career. Every detail—from his clothing to his mannerisms—has been meticulously researched to ensure historical accuracy. Disney Imagineers say this is a breakthrough in human Audio-Animatronics, offering the most fluid and realistic motion they’ve ever achieved.
But this isn’t just a visual marvel—it’s powered by Walt’s own voice. Using archival footage and painstakingly restored audio clips, the show lets guests hear Walt share his story in his own words. The goal? To make you feel like you're sitting in his office, listening to him dream out loud.
“We wanted to create that wish-fulfillment moment,” said Jeff Shaver-Moskowitz, Executive Producer at Walt Disney Imagineering. “Very few people alive today actually met Walt. Now, anyone can have that experience.”
Senior Creative Executive Tom Fitzgerald explained the emotional weight behind the project: “We’ve created many animatronics over the years, but bringing Walt to life was both a great honor and an incredible challenge. We focused on his subtle gestures, the twinkle in his eye, and how he used his hands to punctuate ideas.”
This project has been seven years in the making, first teased at the D23 fan convention by Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro. According to D’Amaro, the dream of a Walt figure had existed for decades—waiting for technology to catch up to the Imagineers’ vision.
The Main Street Opera House itself has been renovated for the occasion. A new rotating stage now allows the venue to alternate between “Walt Disney – A Magical Life” and the classic “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln”, which will return at a future date. The lobby and pre-show areas have also been refreshed to reflect the dual programming, with a new marquee announcing both productions.
In the spirit of Walt’s own words—“We keep moving forward”—this new show honors the past while embracing the future. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering Walt Disney’s story for the first time, “A Magical Life” promises an inspiring and unforgettable experience.
After all, in a park built on dreams, who better to welcome you than the dreamer himself?
Posted by Johnny Ice at 7:10 PM