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

Disney recently welcomed us and a select few into the secretive corridors of Walt Disney Imagineering to preview their ambitious project, "Walt Disney - A Magical Life," which aims to revive their founder through advanced Audio-Animatronics technology. This initiative, set to celebrate Disneyland’s 70th anniversary, is brimming with respect, authenticity, meticulous detail, and quintessential Disney magic.

Scheduled to debut on July 17, 2025, at Disneyland's Main Street Opera House, "Walt Disney - A Magical Life" will coincide exactly with the 70th anniversary of Disneyland's opening. The show promises to transport guests into Walt’s office, offering an intimate glimpse into his life and his transformative impact on the world of entertainment.

Although we did not see the final Audio-Animatronic of Walt Disney, the insights and previews we received have instilled a strong sense of confidence and excitement. Disney seems poised to deliver this project with spectacular flair and deep meaning.

One Man’s Dream

During our visit to Walt Disney Imagineering, we were briefed on what guests can anticipate from "Walt Disney - A Magical Life" and why the timing feels right for Walt's return to the only Disney Park he ever walked in.

Tom Fitzgerald, senior creative executive of Walt Disney Imagineering, emphasized the gravity of their task: “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 hours of footage and interviews to craft the most authentic presentation possible. Walt's story remains as relevant today as it ever was, focusing on following your dreams and turning setbacks into successes.”

The Imagineering team stressed their commitment to authenticity and precision, noting that the project has been in development for over seven years. The concept of a Walt figure has been contemplated for decades, but only now does it feel appropriate.

Jeff Shaver-Moskowitz, executive producer at Walt Disney Imagineering, shared, “We have worked diligently for many years with the Walt Disney Family Museum and members of the Disney and Miller family. We've taken care to ensure that the family is part of this journey, presenting a faithful and theatrical representation that keeps Walt alive in the medium he pioneered.”

The project aims to capture Walt’s mannerisms, from the expressive use of his hands and eyebrows to the characteristic glint in his eye. Moreover, the words spoken by the Audio-Animatronic will be Walt’s own, sourced from various interviews and pieced together to form coherent narratives.

A highlight of our visit was a life-size model of Walt Disney, used as a reference for the Audio-Animatronic. Positioned leaning against a desk, as he often did, the model exuded an uncanny realism. It featured hands cast from a 1960s bronze mold, a suit made from fabric similar to what Walt wore, and even individual hairs styled with his preferred grooming products. The model's skin bore blemishes, and his eyes showed a weariness reflective of his life’s journey.

Tom Fitzgerald noted the challenges of modern technology: “Today, with smartphones, guests can zoom in on our figures. We had to innovate to ensure they look good from a distance and in close-up, particularly with human figures. This is crucial to bring Walt Disney to life as authentically as he did with Abraham Lincoln, but for a new era.”

The decision to bring Walt back now stems from a confluence of factors: Disneyland’s 70th anniversary, technological advancements, and the presence of dedicated individuals committed to honoring his legacy.

A Legacy Well Preserved

Following the passing of Walt Disney’s daughter, Diane Marie Disney-Miller, in 2013, her legacy continues through the Walt Disney Family Museum, which she co-founded. The museum, opened in 2009 in San Francisco, houses over 30,000 Disney-related items and has played a pivotal role in "Walt Disney - A Magical Life."

Kirsten Komoroske, the museum's director, explained the family's involvement: “Disney involved us early on to ensure the family, including Walt's grandchildren, felt comfortable with the project. They believed the technology had advanced enough to capture Walt's essence respectfully and accurately.”

The museum has contributed over 30 items to the exhibit, including furniture from Walt’s private apartment above the Fire Station on Main Street. These include a green velvet rocking chair, glass lamps, and a floral embroidered tilt-top table, all previously unseen by the public at Disneyland. The exhibit will also feature Walt’s awards, such as his 1955 Emmy, his 1964 Presidential Medal of Freedom, and his Racing Pigeon Association plaque.

Komoroske highlighted the project's alignment with Diane’s mission to preserve her father's memory: “Diane wanted to share the whole story of Walt, from his humble beginnings to his significant failures and successes. She hoped to inspire others to pursue their dreams, no matter their starting point. This exhibit at Disneyland will carry forward that message, and the family is grateful for it.”

A Step Back in Time

The show will depict Walt Disney from around 1963, inspired by his Fletcher Markle Canadian Broadcasting interview. Tom Fitzgerald described this period as Walt’s pinnacle: “He was working on the New York World's Fair shows, Mary Poppins, the Secret Florida project, and Disneyland was thriving. He was full of life and eager to share his vision.”

In the show, Walt will be in his office, a blend of his actual Burbank office and the set used for his TV appearances. The setting will be rich with Easter eggs, such as a photo of Abraham Lincoln and Disneyland plans, creating an immersive experience.

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

While the exact content of Walt’s speech remains under wraps, Jeff Shaver-Moskowitz hinted at its essence: “Walt will start by discussing his legacy but will conclude with a profound thought. Despite his towering achievements, his ability to connect with people on simple virtues and his humility are what we aim to highlight.”

Throughout the presentation, a deep reverence for Walt’s legacy was evident. Disney historian Jeff Kurtti, who has written extensively about Disney and serves as Chapman University’s Presidential Fellow, Walt Disney Studies, shared his perspective: “Since Walt's death, there's been no consistent way to present his reality and philosophy to new generations. This attraction offers a chance to understand Walt as a real person, not just a brand, and to see how his philosophies still resonate today.”

Kurtti praised the project's sincerity: “There's no commercial motive here. It's about celebrating the identity and ideals of Walt Disney for those who remember him and for new generations.”

As we await the debut of "Walt Disney - A Magical Life," the meticulous planning and heartfelt dedication to Walt's legacy instill hope that this project will achieve its lofty goals. Disney is taking all the right steps to preserve and present Walt’s story in a meaningful way for guests of all ages.

Echoing 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," "Walt Disney - A Magical Life" may not tell the whole story, but it aims to inspire millions to pursue their dreams, just as Walt did.

For more on Walt's journey, explore our coverage of the Disney 100th anniversary, tracing a century of Disney magic.