Disney invited us and a few others into the secret halls of Walt Disney Imagineering to witness the meticulous process of bringing their founder back to life through the magic of Audio-Animatronics for "Walt Disney - A Magical Life," a special project celebrating Disneyland’s 70th anniversary. The project is infused with respect, authenticity, and an abundance of Disney magic.

"Walt Disney - A Magical Life" is set to debut at Disneyland's Main Street Opera House on July 17, 2025, coinciding exactly with the park's 70th anniversary. The show will invite guests from around the world into Walt’s office, offering an immersive journey through his life and his transformative impact on the world of entertainment.

Although we didn’t see the actual Audio-Animatronic of Walt Disney, the insights and details shared during our visit have instilled in me a strong belief that Disney will successfully execute this ambitious and meaningful project with flair and precision.

One Man’s Dream

During our presentation at Walt Disney Imagineering, we were given an overview of what guests can expect from "Walt Disney - A Magical Life" and why this moment was chosen 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 at Walt Disney Imagineering. “We are giving the same care and attention that Walt and his team did with Lincoln many 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 valid and relevant today as it ever was, emphasizing the pursuit of dreams despite setbacks, turning those setbacks into successes. No matter what, follow that dream.”

The team emphasized their commitment to a thoughtful and respectful approach, highlighting that this project has been in development for over seven years. The concept of a Walt figure has been considered for decades, but the timing finally felt right.

The atmosphere in the room was electric; it felt as though Walt Disney was present with us. Jeff Shaver-Moskowitz, executive producer at Walt Disney Imagineering, elaborated, “We have worked diligently for many years with the Walt Disney Family Museum and members of the Disney and Miller families, ensuring that the family is part of this journey. We believe we have crafted a faithful and theatrical presentation that keeps Walt alive in the medium he pioneered and in the storytelling style of our parks.”

To achieve authenticity, the Imagineers are meticulously recreating Walt’s gestures, expressive eyebrows, and the famous glint in his eye noted by those who knew him. The words spoken by the Audio-Animatronic will be Walt’s own, sourced from various interviews and pieced together to maintain his authenticity.

Although we didn’t see the final Audio-Animatronic, a life-size reference model of Walt was revealed, capturing his iconic pose leaning against a desk. This model was crafted with extraordinary attention to detail, using a bronze casting of Walt’s hands, suits made from materials he wore, and hair styled with the same products he used. Even minor details like skin blemishes, nose hairs, and manicured nails were included, making the model incredibly lifelike.

Fitzgerald noted the challenge of modern technology, stating, “Today, with all of our phones, every guest can zoom in and do an extreme close-up of our figures. We had to reinvent how we portray them, ensuring they look good from a distance and just as believable in extreme close-ups. This is particularly new for us with human-based figures. We've innovated to bring Walt Disney to life in a way that he brought Abraham Lincoln to life, but for a new era.”

The timing for "Walt Disney - A Magical Life" aligns with Disneyland’s 70th anniversary, advancements in technology, and the presence of the right team to honor Walt’s legacy appropriately.

A Legacy Well Preserved

Walt Disney’s daughter, Diane Marie Disney-Miller, who co-founded The Walt Disney Family Museum, played a crucial role in preserving her father's legacy. The museum, opened in 2009 in San Francisco, contributed over 30 items for the exhibit, including artifacts and furniture from Walt’s private apartment above the Fire Station on Main Street. Notable items include a green velvet rocking chair, glass lamps, and a floral embroidered tilt-top table, all previously unseen at Disneyland.

The exhibit will also showcase Walt's awards and humanitarian accolades, such as his 1955 Emmy Award for "Walt Disney’s Disneyland," the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Johnson in 1964, and a plaque from the Racing Pigeon Association for his contribution to the sport through the film "The Pigeon that Worked a Miracle" in 1958.

These items will be part of the "Evolution of a Dream" exhibit, complementing "Walt Disney - A Magical Life" and providing deeper insight into Walt’s life and work. Kirsten Komoroske, director of The Walt Disney Family Museum, emphasized the family's involvement and approval, stating, “The grandchildren felt that Walt was fascinated by technology, and the Imagineers believed their tech had advanced enough to capture him accurately and respectfully.”

Komoroske also highlighted the project's alignment with Diane's mission to showcase Walt’s journey from humble beginnings through significant failures to ultimate success, inspiring others to pursue their dreams relentlessly.

A Step Back in Time

The portrayal of Walt in "Walt Disney - A Magical Life" will depict him around 1963, drawing inspiration from his Fletcher Markle interview on Canadian Broadcasting. Fitzgerald noted, “This is when Walt was at his pinnacle, with the New York World's Fair shows, Mary Poppins, the Secret Florida project, and Disneyland thriving. He was so alive and excited to share all of this with us.”

Walt will be depicted in his office, a blend of his actual Burbank office and the set used for his TV appearances, filled with Easter eggs like a photo of Abraham Lincoln and Disneyland plans. While the exact content of his speech remains under wraps, Shaver-Moskowitz hinted that Walt will discuss his legacy and impart a profound thought on the simple virtues of life and connecting with people, reflecting his humility despite his industry titan status.

Disney historian Jeff Kurtti, who has written extensively about Disney and worked at the company, praised the project for bringing Walt’s persona and philosophy to new generations. He stated, “This attraction offers a means for new generations to see and understand Walt Disney as a real person, not just a brand name, and to appreciate the philosophies that still inform the Disney Company today.”

Kurtti emphasized the project's sincerity, noting, “There's no sense of driving attendance or profit with this. There's a genuine investment in celebrating the identity and ideals of the founder of the company, for those who remember him fondly and for new generations.”

As we await the debut of "Walt Disney - A Magical Life" at Disneyland, the anticipation grows, echoing Walt's famous words, "Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world." The show aims to inspire millions to follow their dreams, just as Walt did, showing that dreams can indeed come true.

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