Disney Revives Walt Disney as Audio-Animatronic for Disneyland's 70th

Disney recently granted us and a select few an exclusive glimpse into the secret halls of Walt Disney Imagineering, where they are meticulously crafting an Audio-Animatronic tribute to their founder for the upcoming show, "Walt Disney - A Magical Life," set to celebrate Disneyland's 70th anniversary. This project is brimming with respect, authenticity, and the quintessential Disney magic that promises to honor Walt Disney's legacy in a truly remarkable way.

Scheduled to debut on July 17, 2025, at Disneyland's Main Street Opera House, "Walt Disney - A Magical Life" coincides precisely with the park's 70th anniversary. The show will transport guests into Walt's office, offering an intimate look at his journey and his transformative impact on the world of entertainment.

Although we didn't get to see the final Audio-Animatronic of Walt Disney, the insights and details shared during our visit have instilled a strong sense of confidence and excitement. Disney's dedication to this project suggests that they are poised to deliver an ambitious and meaningful tribute with spectacular flair.

One Man’s Dream

Upon entering a room at Walt Disney Imagineering for the presentation, we were briefed on what guests can anticipate from "Walt Disney - A Magical Life" and why now is the perfect time to bring Walt back to the only Disney Park he ever walked in.

"It's a huge responsibility, as I'm sure you could imagine, bringing Walt Disney to life in Audio-Animatronics," said Tom Fitzgerald, senior creative executive of Walt Disney Imagineering. "We're giving the same care and attention that Walt and his team did with Lincoln decades ago. We've 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 relevant today as ever. It's about following your dream, overcoming setbacks, and turning them into success."

The team emphasized their commitment to bringing Walt back respectfully and without haste. This project, in development for over seven years, represents a long-held vision at the company, finally realized at the right moment.

Seeing the life-size model of Walt Disney was an unforgettable experience. It felt as if Walt was right there with us. "We've worked diligently with the Walt Disney Family Museum and members of the Disney and Miller family," said Jeff Shaver-Moskowitz, executive producer at Walt Disney Imagineering. "We've taken great care to ensure the family is involved in this journey, presenting a faithful and theatrical tribute that keeps Walt alive in the medium he pioneered."

The model captured Walt's expressive gestures, from the way he used his hands to accentuate points to his lively eyebrows and the iconic glint in his eye, as described by those who knew him. The words spoken by the Audio-Animatronic are Walt's own, meticulously pieced together from historical interviews.

A storyboard in the room offered a sneak peek of the narrative guests will experience, and unveiling it revealed the life-size model. Walt was depicted leaning against a desk, a pose familiar from his talks, with every detail meticulously crafted. His hands were modeled from a bronze casting, his suit made from the same fabric he wore, and each hair styled with the products he used. From the blemishes on his skin to the weariness in his eyes, every aspect was designed to evoke authenticity. The model even captured the glimmer in his eye, a testament to the Imagineering magic that makes it so lifelike.

Fitzgerald highlighted the challenge of creating figures that look good both from a distance and in close-up, a necessity in today's age of smartphones. "We had to innovate to ensure our figures are believable in extreme close-ups, especially with human-based figures," he explained. "We're aiming to bring Walt to life as he did with Abraham Lincoln, but for a new era."

The timing of this project aligns with Disneyland's 70th anniversary, advancements in technology that allow for such detailed work, and the presence of the right team to honor Walt's legacy.

A Legacy Well Preserved

Walt Disney's daughter, Diane Marie Disney-Miller, co-founded the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco, which opened in 2009 and houses over 30,000 items related to Disney. The museum played a significant role in "Walt Disney - A Magical Life," and its director, Kirsten Komoroske, shared insights on the project and the family's involvement.

"Disney informed us early about 'Walt Disney - A Magical Life' to ensure the family, including Walt's grandchildren, felt involved and comfortable," Komoroske said. "Walt was fascinated by technology, and the Imagineers believe their advancements now allow them to capture his professional essence respectfully and thoughtfully."

The museum contributed over 30 items to the exhibit, including furniture from Walt's private apartment above the Fire Station on Main Street, such as a green velvet rocking chair and glass lamps. Guests will also see Walt's awards, including his 1955 Emmy for 'Walt Disney's Disneyland' TV show, his 1964 Presidential Medal of Freedom, and a unique plaque from the Racing Pigeon Association.

These items will be part of the "Evolution of a Dream" exhibit, opening alongside "Walt Disney - A Magical Life," providing deeper insight into Walt's life and work. Komoroske emphasized that the exhibit continues the legacy of Walt and Diane's mission to preserve his memory, showcasing his journey from humble beginnings to his relentless pursuit of new ventures.

A Step Back in Time

The version of Walt Disney we'll see in the show is inspired by his 1963 Fletcher Markle interview, capturing him at the height of his career with projects like the New York World's Fair, Mary Poppins, and the Secret Florida project in development. 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 Disneyland plans.

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 start with his legacy and end with a profound thought. "Walt's greatest gift was understanding the simple virtues of life and connecting with people," he said, emphasizing Walt's humility despite his industry titan status.

Throughout the presentation, the reverence and respect for Walt's legacy were palpable. Disney historian Jeff Kurtti, who has extensively documented Disney's history, praised the project for offering new generations a chance to see Walt as a real person, not just a brand. "This is an opportunity to bring Walt into current conversation and culture," Kurtti noted, emphasizing the project's sincerity and lack of commercial motivation.

As we await the debut of "Walt Disney - A Magical Life," there's a beauty in the process that echoes Walt's famous quote: "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 guest. Instead, it aims to inspire millions to follow their dreams, just as Walt did.

For more on Walt's story, explore our coverage of Disney's 100th anniversary and how a century of Disney magic began.