Disney has offered a select group, including us, an exclusive look into the secret halls of Walt Disney Imagineering. Here, they are meticulously working to bring their legendary founder back to life through the magic of Audio-Animatronics for the upcoming show, "Walt Disney - A Magical Life." This ambitious project is set to celebrate Disneyland's 70th anniversary and promises to be filled with respect, authenticity, and the quintessential Disney magic.
"Walt Disney - A Magical Life" is scheduled to debut at Disneyland's Main Street Opera House on July 17, 2025, marking exactly 70 years since the park's opening. The show will transport guests into Walt's office, offering an intimate glimpse into his life and his revolutionary impact on the world of entertainment.
Although we did not see the final Audio-Animatronic of Walt Disney, the insights and details shared during our visit have left us confident and excited about the project's potential. Disney seems poised to execute this meaningful endeavor in a spectacular fashion.
One Man’s Dream
During our visit to Walt Disney Imagineering, we were introduced to the vision behind "Walt Disney - A Magical Life." 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." The team has collaborated extensively with The Walt Disney Family Museum and their archives department, reviewing countless hours of footage and interviews to ensure the most authentic presentation possible. Fitzgerald highlighted the timeless relevance of Walt's story, focusing on the pursuit of dreams and overcoming setbacks.
The project, in development for over seven years, reflects a commitment to authenticity and respect. Jeff Shaver-Moskowitz, executive producer at Walt Disney Imagineering, shared, "We have worked very diligently, for many years, with the Walt Disney Family Museum and with members of the Disney and Miller family and the board. We've taken care to make sure that the family is along the journey with us and that we feel that we presented a faithful and theatrical presentation that keeps Walt alive in the medium that he pioneered and in the way that we present stories in our parks."
The attention to detail in recreating Walt's appearance is remarkable. From his expressive hand gestures to the glint in his eye, every aspect is meticulously crafted. The words spoken by the Audio-Animatronic will be Walt's own, compiled from various interviews over the years. A life-size model of Walt, used as a reference for the Audio-Animatronic, was showcased, and the experience was profoundly moving. It felt as though Walt was truly present with us.
This model was created with extraordinary care, using a bronze casting of Walt's hands, suits made from the same materials he wore, and hair styled with his preferred grooming products. Even minute details like skin blemishes, hairs on his hands, and the weariness in his eyes were meticulously replicated, culminating in a lifelike representation that captures the essence of Walt Disney.
Fitzgerald noted the challenge of modern technology, saying, "Today, with all of our phones, every guest can zoom in and do an extreme close-up of our figures. So, we had to sort of reinvent how we portray them. They have to look good from a distance, but they also have to look just as believable in an extreme close-up." This innovation is crucial for the realistic portrayal of Walt in a new era, much like he did with Abraham Lincoln.
The timing of this project aligns with Disneyland's 70th anniversary, advancements in technology, and the presence of the right team to honor Walt's legacy. The project's significance was further underscored by the involvement of the Walt Disney Family Museum, which has played a pivotal role in ensuring the project's authenticity.
A Legacy Well Preserved
Walt Disney's daughter, Diane Marie Disney-Miller, co-founded the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco, which opened in 2009 and houses over 30,000 items related to Disney. Kirsten Komoroske, the museum's director, shared the family's involvement and enthusiasm for "Walt Disney - A Magical Life." The museum has donated over 30 items for the exhibit, including artifacts and furniture from Walt’s private apartment above the Fire Station on Main Street.
These items, such as a green velvet upholstered rocking chair, glass lamps, and a floral embroidered tilt-top table, have never been displayed publicly at Disneyland before. Additionally, the exhibit will feature Walt's awards and humanitarian accolades, including his 1955 Emmy Award, his 1964 Presidential Medal of Freedom, and a unique plaque from the Racing Pigeon Association.
The exhibit, "Evolution of a Dream," will open alongside "Walt Disney - A Magical Life," providing a comprehensive look into Walt's life and work. Komoroske emphasized that the project continues Walt and Diane's mission of preserving his memory and inspiring others to pursue their dreams, despite setbacks.
A Step Back in Time
The portrayal of Walt in the show will be based on his appearance around 1963, inspired by his well-known Fletcher Markle interview. Fitzgerald described this period as Walt's pinnacle, with numerous projects in development, including the New York World's Fair shows, Mary Poppins, and the Secret Florida project.
Walt will be depicted in his office, a blend of his actual Burbank office and the set used for his TV appearances. The office will be filled with Easter eggs for guests to discover, such as a photo of Abraham Lincoln and plans for Disneyland. The setting is designed to feel like a personal visit with Walt, offering guests a chance to connect with his story and achievements.
Tom Fitzgerald and Jeff Shaver-Moskowitz with a model of the stage.
While the specifics of what Walt will discuss remain under wraps, Shaver-Moskowitz hinted at the show's message: "While Walt will begin by talking about his legacy, he’ll end by leaving you with a kind of profound thought. He may have had all these amazing achievements over his lifetime in storytelling and animation, but one of his greatest gifts was to understand the simple virtues of life and to connect with people on those."
The project's reverence for Walt's legacy was echoed by Disney historian Jeff Kurtti, who emphasized the importance of presenting Walt as a real person to new generations. Kurtti praised the sincerity of the project, noting it's driven by a desire to celebrate Walt's identity and ideals rather than commercial motives.
As we await the debut of "Walt Disney - A Magical Life," there's a sense of anticipation and hope that this show will not only honor Walt's legacy but also inspire millions to pursue their own dreams. This aligns with one of Walt's most famous quotes: "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 and remind us that, just like Walt, we too can achieve our dreams.
For more on Walt's story, check out our look at how a century of Disney magic began from Disney's 100th anniversary.
