Disney recently invited us and a select few others into the secret halls of Walt Disney Imagineering to witness the development of a project that promises to bring their founder back to life through the magic of Audio-Animatronics. This endeavor, titled "Walt Disney - A Magical Life," is being crafted for Disneyland's 70th anniversary, and it is brimming with respect, authenticity, meticulous details, and a profound sense of Disney magic.
Scheduled 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. The show will invite guests from around the globe into Walt's office, offering an intimate glimpse into his life and the revolutionary impact he had on the world of entertainment.
Although we didn't get to see the actual Audio-Animatronic of Walt Disney, the insights and details shared during our visit have filled me with confidence and excitement. Disney's dedication to this ambitious and meaningful project suggests it will be executed in a truly spectacular fashion.
One Man’s Dream
During our presentation at Walt Disney Imagineering, we were introduced to what guests can expect from "Walt Disney - A Magical Life" and why this is the perfect moment to bring Walt back to the only Disney Park he ever walked.
Tom Fitzgerald, senior creative executive of Walt Disney Imagineering, expressed the gravity of the project: "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. We worked closely with The Walt Disney Family Museum and our archives department, reviewing countless hours of footage and interviews to ensure the most authentic presentation possible. Walt's story remains as valid and relevant today as it ever was. It's about following your dream, facing setbacks, and turning them into successes."
The team emphasized their commitment to authenticity and precision, noting that the project has been in development for over seven years. Jeff Shaver-Moskowitz, executive producer at Walt Disney Imagineering, highlighted their collaboration: "We have worked diligently with the Walt Disney Family Museum and members of the Disney and Miller family, ensuring that the family is part of this journey. We aim to present a faithful and theatrical representation that keeps Walt alive in the medium he pioneered."
The team is meticulously recreating Walt's mannerisms, including his hand gestures, expressive eyebrows, and the famous glint in his eye, using his own words sourced from interviews over the years.
During our visit, a life-size model of Walt Disney was revealed, crafted with extraordinary attention to detail. Walt was depicted leaning against a desk, a pose he often adopted during conversations. Every element, from his hands (recreated from a 1960s bronze casting) to his suit (made from materials he favored), was meticulously designed to reflect his persona. Even the smallest details, like blemishes on his skin and the sheen of his hair, were included to create a lifelike representation.
Tom Fitzgerald explained the challenges of modern technology: "Today, with all of our phones, every guest can zoom in and do an extreme close-up of our figures. So, we had to reinvent how we portray them, ensuring they look good from a distance and up close. This is particularly challenging with human-based figures, but we've innovated to bring Walt to life in a way that honors his legacy."
The timing for this project aligns with Disneyland's 70th anniversary, advancements in technology, 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 2009, which played a significant role in "Walt Disney - A Magical Life." The museum's director, Kirsten Komoroske, shared insights into the project: "Disney wanted to ensure the family, including Walt's grandchildren, were involved and felt comfortable. The Imagineers believed their technology had advanced enough to capture Walt as he was in his professional life, doing so thoughtfully and respectfully."
The museum contributed over 30 items for the exhibit, including artifacts from Walt's private apartment above the Fire Station on Main Street, such as a green velvet rocking chair, glass lamps, and a floral embroidered tilt-top table. Additionally, Walt's awards and humanitarian accolades, like his 1955 Emmy Award, 1964 Presidential Medal of Freedom, and a plaque from the Racing Pigeon Association, will be displayed in the "Evolution of a Dream" exhibit, which will open alongside "Walt Disney - A Magical Life."
Komoroske emphasized that this exhibit continues the legacy of Walt and Diane's mission to preserve his memory: "Diane wanted to tell the whole story of her father, from humble beginnings to significant failures and successes. She wanted people to be inspired by his journey, showing that it doesn't matter where you start, but how you journey through life. Having this message at Disneyland is something the family is very grateful for."
A Step Back in Time
The version of Walt Disney we'll encounter in the show is inspired by his 1963 Fletcher Markle interview, a time when he was at his peak. Fitzgerald noted, "He had the New York World's Fair shows in development, Mary Poppins, the Secret Florida project, and Disneyland was thriving. He was so alive and excited to share it all with us."
Walt will be depicted 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. The setting is designed to feel as if guests are "dropping in" for a personal encounter with Walt.
Tom Fitzgerald and Jeff Shaver-Moskowitz with a model of the stage.
While the exact content of Walt's speech remains a surprise, Shaver-Moskowitz hinted at its themes: "Walt will begin by talking about his legacy but will end by leaving you with a profound thought. Despite his achievements, one of his greatest gifts was understanding the simple virtues of life and connecting with people. He was a humble man, and that's the humanitarian piece we're excited to bring forward."
Disney historian Jeff Kurtti, who has written extensively on Disney, underscored the project's significance: "In the decades since Walt's death, there have been no means to consistently present his reality, persona, and philosophy to new generations. This attraction offers a way for new generations to understand Walt as a real person, not just a brand name, and to see how his philosophies still resonate today."
Kurtti also praised the project's sincerity: "There's no sense of driving attendance or profit with this. There's a sincerity in investing the time, talent, and funding to celebrate the identity and ideals of the company's founder, for those who remember him fondly and for new generations."
As we await the debut of "Walt Disney - A Magical Life," there's a beauty in this part of the process that 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." This show, while complete, won't tell the whole story of Walt or of each guest who visits. Instead, it aims to inspire millions to follow their dreams and show that they can come true. Walt did it, and so can you.
For more on Walt's story, explore our coverage of how a century of Disney magic began with the Disney 100th anniversary.
