Disneyland’s Main Street Opera House Offers Daily Rotation for Walt Disney and Abe Lincoln Shows

History and innovation are sharing the spotlight at Disneyland Park. The Main Street Opera House has officially moved to a daily rotating schedule, allowing guests to experience both the classic “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln” and the groundbreaking new show, “Walt Disney — A Magical Life.”

Since the debut of the Walt Disney animatronic during Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary last summer, the two shows have occasionally swapped due to technical needs. However, this new official schedule ensures that fans of both the “Great Emancipator” and the “Master Showman” can see both legends in a single day.

The Daily Schedule: When to Watch

To catch your favorite presentation, you’ll want to time your visit to Main Street, U.S.A. accordingly. The current daily rotation is:

• Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln: Park Opening – 1:30 PM
• Walt Disney — A Magical Life: 2:00 PM – 8:00 pm

Pro Tip: Always check the Disneyland App on the day of your visit, as showtimes are subject to change based on park hours and maintenance.

Two Legends, One Stage

The transition between the two shows is made possible by a massive mechanical turntable installed during the theater’s $5 million refurbishment. This allows Imagineers to seamlessly swap the intricate sets—Lincoln’s Capitol backdrop and Walt’s 1963-era Burbank office—without long downtimes.

Walt Disney — A Magical Life

This new attraction features the first-ever Audio-Animatronics figure of Walt Disney.

• The Experience: A 17-minute presentation that begins with a biographical film narrated by Walt (with updated segments by Bob Iger).
• The Tech: The Walt figure utilizes “moonshot” technology, including soft eyelids and expressive brows, to mimic Walt’s specific nuances and gestures.
• The Voice: The show uses masterfully restored archival recordings, primarily from a 1963 interview, allowing Walt to “speak” to guests in his own words.

Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln

A cornerstone of Disneyland history since 1965, this show remains a must-see for its emotional power and historical significance.

• The Legacy: Based on the show Walt Disney created for the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair.
• The Performance: Lincoln delivers excerpts from his most iconic speeches, including the Gettysburg Address, using a figure modeled after a life mask of the 16th President.

Don’t Miss the “Evolution of a Dream” Exhibit

While waiting for the next show, be sure to explore the lobby’s updated gallery. It features over 30 artifacts on loan from the Walt Disney Family Museum, including:

• Original furniture from Walt’s private apartment above the Fire Station.
• Walt’s 1955 Emmy Award and his Legion of Honor ring.
• Rare concept art showing the earliest sketches of Disneyland.

Whether you are a lifelong Disney historian or a first-time visitor, this new rotation offers a unique “double feature” of American and Imagineering history.

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