Walt Disney to Be Brought to Life with Audio-Animatronics in 2025: 'Walt Disney – A Magical Life' Revealed

Aug 11, 2024 in "Disneyland Resort"

Posted: Sunday August 11, 2024 11:17pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

For the first time ever, when it debuts in 2025 at Disneyland, you'll actually be able to see Walt Disney through the magic of Audio-Animatronics technology in "Walt Disney – A Magical Life."

Walt Disney Imagineering's first Audio-Animatronics figure of Walt Disney is being created for this very special experience. "I speak for our entire team when I say there is so much pride and excitement for everyone involved in this endeavor," Josh D'Amaro told the crowd.

The past, present and future are coming together, giving visitors the chance to imagine what it would be like to stop by Walt's office. Who knows what he might be dreaming up inside? Only time will tell with Walt.

"Walt Disney – A Magical Life" will debut inside the Main Street Opera House, and after its initial run, the attraction will play in rotation with "Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln." A fitting acknowledgement of Walt's significant advances with Audio-Animatronics about 60 years ago when he first introduced the groundbreaking technology.

"Creating our first Walt figure is a huge responsibility, and we've brought members of the Disney family along with us for every step of the journey," Josh continued on stage. "His great-nephew, Roy P. Disney, visited the Imagineering campus recently to see our progress. And he's here tonight. Thank you, Roy, for helping us fulfill this dream."

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    SuddenStorm5 hours ago

    Part of Disneyland is marvelling at the technology. A state of the art animatronic will be far cooler to witness then a CGI generated Walt hologram. Assuming this one isn't built by the people that built Finale Tiana....

    Phroobar7 hours ago

    Disney likes to do things the hard way I guess. Any idea if Walt will be walking around like the Frankenstein monster does at Epic Universe?

    luv house of the mouse8 hours ago

    So my question is why they didn't go with a Hologram? The ones I have seen in person look like the person is right in front of you.

    JohnD10 hours ago

    This would be awesome to bring to the One Man's Dream exhibit in HS. They said the DLP shows begins with a tweaked version of the show from DHS. In DHS, they would need to add the Walt AA which presumably would be shown after the screen for the short movie is lifted and curtains are parted. One can "dream", right?

    DCBaker10 hours ago

    Laughing Place has shared more details from an early preview of Walt Disney – A Magical Life: https://www.laughingplace.com/disney-parks/how-imagineers-made-walt-disney-magical-life-reality-/ https://www.laughingplace.com/disney-parks/walt-disney-a-magical-life-new-details/

    Figments FriendFeb 28, 2025

    Had a feeling the opening date would be July 17th. Very befitting, and makes sense. Still have mixed feelings about this…Walt AA. But also admit I am curious to see how lifelike a figure they construct. Just hard to know how to feel when I know this is something he never wanted to see happen. Hopefully this will be done tastefully. We shall find out in a few months… -

    TouchdownFeb 28, 2025

    A mechanical sign would be far more pleasing. It just needs to be two sided and flip. It’s a simple mechanical issue.

    TheCoasterNerdFeb 27, 2025

    I hope not... but I betcha that's what they're going with. Makes it easier to cycle sadly.

    etc98Feb 27, 2025

    I just hope they don’t go with a digital sign like they did in the France Pavilion at Epcot for switching between the two shows.

    TheCoasterNerdFeb 26, 2025

    https://dapsmagic.com/2025/02/main-street-opera-house-sign-removed-as-disneyland-prepares-for-walt-disneys-audio-animatronic-arrival/

    Agent HFeb 18, 2025

    That would be a real power move

    JohnDFeb 17, 2025

    I'll be in DLR 5/16-18 for the 70th anniversary. I'm disappointed I'll miss it. But then again, it's my first time, so glad I'll be able to experience everything there as a new guest and also other 70th anniversary offerings that start 5/16.

    MisterPenguinFeb 13, 2025

    Yes.

    britainFeb 13, 2025

    I expect a couple of photos of Pandora and Avengers mounted on the wall on your way out. This is not a huge amount of space. Once again Disney is shining a spotlight on something that should have been a nice little surprise moment.

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