Disney invited us and a few other select guests into the secret halls of Walt Disney Imagineering to witness the development of an awe-inspiring project: the revival of their founder, Walt Disney, through the magic of Audio-Animatronics. This ambitious endeavor, titled "Walt Disney - A Magical Life," is being meticulously crafted to celebrate Disneyland's 70th anniversary. The project is brimming with respect for Walt's legacy, authenticity, intricate details, and an abundance of Disney magic.
Set to debut at Disneyland's Main Street Opera House on July 17, 2025, precisely 70 years after Disneyland's opening, "Walt Disney - A Magical Life" will invite guests from around the globe into Walt's office. Here, they will delve into his personal story and discover how he revolutionized the entertainment industry.
Although we didn't get to see the actual Audio-Animatronic of Walt Disney, the insights and glimpses we received have filled us with confidence and excitement. Disney's dedication to this project suggests they are poised to achieve a spectacular and meaningful tribute.
One Man’s Dream
During our visit to Walt Disney Imagineering, we were introduced to what guests can anticipate from "Walt Disney - A Magical Life." Tom Fitzgerald, senior creative executive at Walt Disney Imagineering, highlighted the immense responsibility of bringing Walt Disney to life through Audio-Animatronics. "It's a huge responsibility, as I'm sure you could imagine, bringing Walt Disney to life in Audio-Animatronics," Fitzgerald said. "We are giving the same care and attention that Walt and his team did with Lincoln many decades ago. We worked closely with The Walt Disney Family Museum and our archives department, reviewing countless hours of footage and interviews to create what we believe is the most authentic presentation possible. Walt's story remains as valid and relevant today as it ever was, emphasizing the importance of pursuing your dreams, overcoming setbacks, and turning them into successes."
The team emphasized their commitment to ensuring the project is handled with utmost care and precision, having been in development for over seven years. Jeff Shaver-Moskowitz, executive producer at Walt Disney Imagineering, noted the collaborative effort with the Walt Disney Family Museum and the Disney and Miller families. "We have worked diligently to ensure that the family is involved throughout the journey, presenting a faithful and theatrical representation that keeps Walt alive in the medium he pioneered and in the way we tell stories in our parks," Shaver-Moskowitz explained.
The project aims to authentically recreate Walt's mannerisms, including his expressive hand gestures, animated eyebrows, and the glint in his eye, all while using his own words from interviews over the years. Although we didn't see the actual Audio-Animatronic, a life-size model of Walt, used as a reference, was unveiled. The model, leaning against a desk as Walt often did, was crafted with meticulous attention to detail. From the bronze casting of his hands to the suit made from the same material he wore, every element was designed to reflect Walt's true essence.
The model's skin showed blemishes, small hairs, and wrinkles, with even his nails manicured to reflect his daily life. The lifelike quality was enhanced by a glimmer in his eye, a testament to the Imagineering magic at play. "Today, with all of our phones, every guest can zoom in and do an extreme close-up of our figures," Fitzgerald noted. "We had to reinvent how we portray them to look good from a distance and in extreme close-ups, particularly with human-based figures. We've innovated to bring Walt Disney to life in a way that honors his legacy and the technology of today."
The timing of this project aligns with Disneyland's 70th anniversary, the advancement of technology, and the presence of the right team to honor Walt's legacy. The Walt Disney Family Museum, founded by Walt's daughter Diane Marie Disney-Miller, played a significant role in the project. Kirsten Komoroske, the museum's director, shared that the family, including Walt's grandchildren, were involved from the start to ensure the project captured Walt's professional life respectfully and thoughtfully.
A Legacy Well Preserved
The museum donated over 30 items for the exhibit, including artifacts and furniture from Walt's private apartment above the Fire Station on Main Street. These items, such as a green velvet upholstered rocking chair, glass lamps, and a floral embroidered tilt-top table, have never been displayed at Disneyland before. Additionally, the exhibit will showcase Walt's awards and humanitarian accolades, including his 1955 Emmy Award, the 1964 Presidential Medal of Freedom, and a plaque from the Racing Pigeon Association.
The exhibit, "Evolution of a Dream," will open alongside "Walt Disney - A Magical Life," offering a deeper look into Walt's life and work. Komoroske emphasized that the exhibit continues the legacy of Walt and Diane's mission to preserve his memory, highlighting his journey from humble beginnings to significant achievements despite failures.
A Step Back in Time
The version of Walt we'll encounter in the show is inspired by his 1963 Fletcher Markle Canadian Broadcasting interview, a time when he was at his pinnacle. He'll be standing in his office, a blend of his Burbank office and the set used for his TV appearances, filled with Easter eggs like a photo of Abraham Lincoln and plans for Disneyland.
Tom Fitzgerald and Jeff Shaver-Moskowitz with a model of the stage.
While the exact content of Walt's speech remains under wraps, Shaver-Moskowitz hinted that it will begin with his legacy and end with a profound thought about the simple virtues of life and connecting with people. Disney historian Jeff Kurtti, who has written extensively about Disney, emphasized the importance of presenting Walt as a real person to new generations, not just a brand name. "This attraction and presentation offer a means for new generations to see and understand Walt Disney as a real person," Kurtti said. "It's an excellent chance to bring Walt into currency and conversation."
Kurtti also noted the sincerity behind the project, which is not driven by profit but by a genuine desire to celebrate Walt's identity and ideals. This approach gives hope that "Walt Disney - A Magical Life" will achieve its lofty goals, preserving Walt's legacy in a meaningful way for all ages.
As we await the debut of "Walt Disney - A Magical Life," the beauty of this project echoes one of Walt's famous quotes: "Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world." While the show will be complete, it won't tell the whole story of Walt or each visitor. Instead, it aims to inspire millions to pursue their dreams, just as Walt did.
For more on Walt's story, explore our feature on how a century of Disney magic began with the Disney 100th anniversary.
