Disney recently granted us an exclusive peek into the secretive world of Walt Disney Imagineering, where they are meticulously crafting an Audio-Animatronic of their legendary founder for the upcoming show, "Walt Disney - A Magical Life." This project, set to celebrate Disneyland's 70th anniversary, is a testament to Disney's commitment to authenticity, respect, and the infusion of their signature magic. The show will premiere on July 17, 2025, precisely 70 years after Disneyland first opened its gates, and it will transform the Main Street Opera House into Walt’s office, inviting guests worldwide to immerse themselves in his inspiring journey and his revolutionary impact on entertainment.
Although we didn't get to see the final Audio-Animatronic of Walt Disney, the insights and glimpses provided during our visit filled us with confidence and excitement. Disney's dedication to this ambitious project promises a spectacular and heartfelt tribute to their founder.
One Man’s Dream
At Walt Disney Imagineering, Tom Fitzgerald, senior creative executive, shared the vision behind "Walt Disney - A Magical Life," emphasizing the significance of bringing Walt back to the park he personally walked. "It's a huge responsibility, as I'm sure you could imagine, bringing Walt Disney to life in Audio-Animatronics," Fitzgerald stated. "We're channeling the same care and attention that Walt and his team gave to the Lincoln animatronic decades ago. We’ve collaborated closely with The Walt Disney Family Museum and our archives, reviewing countless hours of footage and interviews to craft the most authentic portrayal possible. Walt's message of pursuing your dreams, overcoming setbacks, and achieving success remains as relevant today as it ever was."
The Imagineering team assured us of their meticulous approach, taking over seven years to develop this project. The idea of an Audio-Animatronic Walt has been considered for decades, but the timing wasn't right until now. Jeff Shaver-Moskowitz, executive producer at Walt Disney Imagineering, emphasized the collaborative effort with the Walt Disney Family Museum and the Disney and Miller family to ensure a respectful and accurate representation. "We’re authentically recreating Walt's hand gestures, expressive eyebrows, and the glint in his eye that people remembered," Shaver-Moskowitz explained. "The words spoken by Walt are his own, sourced from interviews and pieced together to maintain authenticity."
A storyboard revealed a glimpse of the narrative guests will experience, and a life-size model of Walt, used as a reference, was unveiled. The attention to detail was astonishing: Walt leaning against a desk, his hands modeled from a 1960s bronze casting, wearing a suit made from the same material he favored, and even his tie from Smoke Tree Ranch. Every element, from the blemishes on his skin to the manicured nails and the lifelike glimmer in his eyes, was crafted with Imagineering magic to make the model incredibly believable.
Fitzgerald noted the challenges of modern technology, stating, "Today, with smartphones, guests can zoom in for extreme close-ups. We had to reinvent how we portray our figures to look good from a distance and up close, especially with human figures. We've innovated to achieve a look that's as realistic and authentic as possible, honoring Walt's legacy in the same way he brought Abraham Lincoln to life."
The decision to bring Walt back now was influenced by Disneyland’s upcoming 70th anniversary, advancements in technology, and the alignment of the right people to honor his legacy.
A Legacy Well Preserved
Walt Disney's daughter, Diane Marie Disney-Miller, co-founded The Walt Disney Family Museum, which opened in 2009 in San Francisco and houses over 30,000 Disney-related items. The museum played a crucial role in "Walt Disney - A Magical Life." Kirsten Komoroske, the museum's director, shared their involvement and the family's sentiments. "Disney wanted to ensure the family, including Walt's grandchildren, felt comfortable and involved," Komoroske said. "The grandchildren felt that Walt's fascination with technology and the Imagineers' advancements made this the right time to capture his essence respectfully."
The museum donated over 30 items for the exhibit, including furniture from Walt’s private apartment above the Fire Station on Main Street, such as a green velvet rocking chair, glass lamps, and a floral tilt-top table. Additionally, guests will 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, complementing "Walt Disney - A Magical Life" and offering a deeper look into Walt's life and achievements.
Komoroske emphasized the exhibit's role in continuing Walt and Diane's mission to preserve his memory. "Diane wanted to showcase Walt's journey from humble beginnings through significant failures to success," she explained. "He could have stopped at Mickey Mouse, but he ventured into animated feature films, live-action, and theme parks. Her message was that it's not where you start, but how you journey through life, and having this at Disneyland is something the family deeply appreciates."
A Step Back in Time
The portrayal of Walt in "Walt Disney - A Magical Life" will depict him around 1963, inspired by his Fletcher Markle interview. "This was when Walt was at his pinnacle," Fitzgerald said. "He was developing the New York World's Fair shows, working on Mary Poppins, the Secret Florida project, and Disneyland was thriving. He was vibrant and eager to share his vision."
Walt's office in the show will blend elements from his Burbank office and TV set, filled with Easter eggs like a photo of Abraham Lincoln and Disneyland plans. While the exact content of Walt's talks remains undisclosed, Shaver-Moskowitz hinted at the message: "Walt will discuss his legacy but leave guests with a profound thought on the simple virtues of life and his humble nature, despite being an industry titan."
Tom Fitzgerald and Jeff Shaver-Moskowitz with a model of the stage.
Disney historian Jeff Kurtti, who has written extensively on Disney and now serves as Chapman University’s Presidential Fellow, Walt Disney Studies, praised the project's sincerity. "In the decades since Walt's passing, there's been no consistent way to present his persona and philosophy to new generations," Kurtti said. "This attraction offers a chance for new audiences to see Walt as a real person, not just a brand, and to understand the philosophies that still guide the Disney Company today."
Kurtti highlighted the project's focus on celebrating Walt's identity and ideals without commercial motives. "There's a sincerity in investing time, talent, and funding to honor the founder of the company," he said. "This project is something Disney did not have to do, yet it's a meaningful way to preserve Walt's legacy for current and future generations."
As we await the debut of "Walt Disney - A Magical Life," the project's beauty and process echo Walt's famous words: "Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world." While the show won't tell the entire story of Walt or each guest, it aims to inspire millions to pursue their dreams, just as Walt did.
For more on Walt's journey, explore our feature on the century of Disney magic from the Disney 100th anniversary celebration.
