First Look at the Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic in Disneyland

“Walt Disney – A Magical Life” Set to Debut at Disneyland, Featuring First-Ever Walt Disney Audio-Animatronics Figure

Disneyland is preparing for the highly anticipated debut of “Walt Disney – A Magical Life,” an immersive new show and attraction set to open this Thursday, July 17, 2025, at the Main Street Opera House theater. This project, the culmination of years of passionate planning and dedication from the Imagineering team, arrives just in time for Disneyland’s 70th anniversary.

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The new experience aims to remind guests of Walt Disney’s extraordinary story, presented largely in his own words through both film and the innovative use of Audio-Animatronics, the groundbreaking art form he pioneered.

Upon entering the Main Street Opera House lobby, visitors will encounter new exhibits showcasing the evolution of Disneyland’s design, from its master planning stages to the development of its iconic Audio-Animatronics figures. The lobby will also proudly display a collection of awards and honors bestowed upon Walt Disney throughout his lifetime. Additionally, a video presentation titled “Memories of Walt” will feature heartfelt interviews with individuals who knew and collaborated closely with him.

Following the lobby exhibits, guests will step into the theater to experience “Walt Disney – A Magical Life.” The show commences with a film adaptation of “One Man’s Dream,” narrated by Walt Disney himself. This segment chronicles his journey from his early endeavors to the grand realization of his dreams for the future.

The grand finale of the show promises a truly unique moment: the curtain will rise to reveal the first-ever Audio-Animatronics figure of Walt Disney. This lifelike figure will be situated in a meticulous re-creation of his actual office at the Studio. Here, Walt will share personal stories and philosophical insights drawn from recordings spanning decades, seamlessly blended to create an authentic and captivating performance.

Creating an Audio-Animatronics figure of Walt Disney was a monumental responsibility, one that the Imagineering team approached with immense seriousness, undertaking extensive research and pioneering numerous artistic and technological innovations. This effort mirrors the dedication Walt and his team invested decades ago in developing the original Audio-Animatronics figure of Abraham Lincoln. From capturing the nuanced twinkle in his eyes to the expressive movements of his hands and eyebrows, the team pushed boundaries to achieve the most lifelike Audio-Animatronics performance possible.

A Tribute for Years to Come

Walt Disney’s enduring vision and remarkable risk-taking—from the creation of Mickey Mouse to his groundbreaking work in motion pictures, television, and theme parks—have provided the world with a lifetime of entertainment. It is hoped that “Walt Disney – A Magical Life” will serve as a profound source of inspiration for all who experience it, reinforcing timeless messages: to follow one’s dreams, never surrender in the face of adversity, transform setbacks into successes, and always strive to give the world your very best.

Ultimately, the attraction is a profound tribute to and honor for the man behind the magic of Disneyland, the only park Walt Disney himself ever personally walked. Guests are eagerly awaited to experience “Walt Disney – A Magical Life” for themselves starting this week.

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