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

Disney has graciously invited a select group, including us, into the hallowed halls of Walt Disney Imagineering to witness the development of a groundbreaking project: bringing their founder back to life through the magic of Audio-Animatronics for "Walt Disney - A Magical Life," a tribute to Disneyland's 70th anniversary. This project is brimming with respect, authenticity, meticulous attention to detail, and an abundance of Disney magic.

Set to debut on July 17, 2025, exactly 70 years after Disneyland's opening, "Walt Disney - A Magical Life" will be showcased at Disneyland's Main Street Opera House. Guests from around the globe will have the opportunity to step into Walt's office and delve into his inspiring journey, understanding how he revolutionized the entertainment industry.

Although we didn't see the final Audio-Animatronic of Walt Disney, the glimpses and insights shared have instilled a strong sense of confidence and excitement. Disney appears poised to deliver this ambitious and meaningful project with spectacular flair.

One Man’s Dream

Upon entering a room at Walt Disney Imagineering, we were briefed on what guests can anticipate from "Walt Disney - A Magical Life" and the significance of this moment for Walt's return to the only Disney Park he ever walked. Tom Fitzgerald, senior creative executive at Walt Disney Imagineering, emphasized the weight of this endeavor, stating, “It's a huge responsibility, as I'm sure you could imagine, bringing Walt Disney to life in Audio-Animatronics. We are giving the same care and attention that Walt and his team did with Lincoln many decades ago.” The team has collaborated extensively with The Walt Disney Family Museum and the archives department, analyzing countless hours of footage and interviews to ensure the most authentic presentation possible. Fitzgerald underscored Walt's timeless message: following your dreams, overcoming setbacks, and turning them into success.

The Imagineering team has taken meticulous steps to ensure Walt's return is done right, without haste. This project has been in development for over seven years, reflecting a commitment to authenticity and reverence. Jeff Shaver-Moskowitz, executive producer at Walt Disney Imagineering, highlighted their diligent efforts with the Walt Disney Family Museum and the Disney and Miller family, ensuring a faithful and theatrical presentation that honors Walt's legacy and the storytelling medium he pioneered.

While we await the reveal of the actual Audio-Animatronic, the team shared a memorable moment—a storyboard unveiling a life-size model of Walt Disney. This model, crafted for reference, evoked a profound sense of Walt's presence. Every detail was meticulously accounted for: his hands, recreated from a 1960s bronze casting by Adrian E. Flatt, a suit made from the same material he wore, hair styled with his grooming products, and even his beloved Smoke Tree Ranch tie. The model included skin blemishes, small hairs, and a lifelike glimmer in his eyes, all contributing to its authenticity.

Tom Fitzgerald noted the challenge of creating figures that look believable both from a distance and in extreme close-ups, given today's technology. The team has innovated to meet this challenge, aiming to bring Walt to life with the same impact he achieved with Abraham Lincoln, but for a new era.

The timing of this project aligns with Disneyland's 70th anniversary, advanced technology, and the right team to honor Walt's legacy. A Legacy Well Preserved

Following the passing of Walt Disney’s daughter, Diane Marie Disney-Miller, in 2013, her legacy lives on through the Walt Disney Family Museum, which she co-founded in San Francisco in 2009. The museum, housing over 30,000 Disney-related items, played a significant role in "Walt Disney - A Magical Life." Its director, Kirsten Komoroske, shared insights on the project, emphasizing the family's involvement and the importance of capturing Walt's professional essence respectfully.

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. Highlights include a green velvet upholstered rocking chair, glass lamps, and a floral embroidered tilt-top table, never before displayed at Disneyland. The exhibit will also showcase Walt's awards, such as his 1955 Emmy Award for the 'Walt Disney’s Disneyland' TV show, the 1964 Presidential Medal of Freedom, and a unique plaque from the Racing Pigeon Association for "The Greatest Contribution Ever Made to the Sport of Racing Pigeons" related to the 1958 film 'The Pigeon that Worked a Miracle.'

These items will be part of the "Evolution of a Dream" exhibit, opening alongside "Walt Disney - A Magical Life," offering an in-depth look into Walt's life and work. Komoroske highlighted that the exhibit continues the legacy of Walt and Diane's mission to preserve his memory, emphasizing his journey from humble beginnings to monumental successes in animation, live-action, and theme parks.

A Step Back in Time

The version of Walt Disney featured in the show is inspired by his 1963 Fletcher Markle Canadian Broadcasting interview, a time when he was at the peak of his career. Fitzgerald described this period, noting Walt's involvement in the New York World's Fair, the development of "Mary Poppins," the Secret Florida project, and the thriving Disneyland.

Walt's office in the show will be a blend of his actual Burbank office and the set used for his TV appearances, filled with Easter Eggs for keen observers, including a photo of Abraham Lincoln and plans for Disneyland. The setting aims to feel as if guests are "dropping in" for a personal visit with Walt.

Tom Fitzgerald and Jeff Shaver-Moskowitz with a model of the stage.

While the exact content of Walt's speech remains a mystery, Shaver-Moskowitz hinted that it will start with his legacy and conclude with a profound thought on the simple virtues of life and human connection, reflecting Walt's humility and humanitarian spirit.

Throughout the presentation, the reverence for Walt's legacy was palpable. Disney historian Jeff Kurtti, a Presidential Fellow at Chapman University's Walt Disney Studies, reinforced this sentiment. He emphasized the importance of presenting Walt's reality, persona, and philosophy to new generations, likening Walt's absence from modern culture to that of Abraham Lincoln. Kurtti praised the project's sincerity, noting it is not driven by profit but by a genuine desire to celebrate Walt's identity and ideals for both current and future audiences.

"Walt Disney - A Magical Life" promises to be a complete yet ongoing tribute, echoing Walt's famous quote, "Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world." This show aims to inspire millions to pursue their dreams, just as Walt did, offering a message of hope and perseverance that resonates across generations.

For a deeper dive into Walt's legacy, explore our coverage of Disney's 100th anniversary, reflecting on a century of magic.