One of the biggest surprise announcements of all the new projects is the first-ever Walt Disney audio-animatronics attraction coming to Disneyland in 2025.
As Walt Disney once said, “When we consider a new project, we really study it—not just the surface idea, but everything about it. And when we go into that new project, we believe in it all the way. We have confidence in our ability to do it right. And we work hard to do the best possible job.”
Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro made the announcement at the “Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase” during the D23 Expo at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. There he revealed that for the first time ever, guests will actually be able to see Walt Disney through the magic of Audio-Animatronics technology in “Walt Disney – A Magical Life.”
Walt Disney Imagineering’s first Audio-Animatronics figure of Walt Disney is being created for this very special experience. “I speak for our entire team when I say there is so much pride and excitement for everyone involved in this endeavor,” Josh told the crowd.
The past, present and future are coming together, giving visitors the chance to imagine what it would be like to stop by Walt’s office. Who knows what he might be dreaming up inside? Only time will tell with Walt.
“Walt Disney – A Magical Life” will debut inside the Main Street Opera House, and after its initial run, the attraction will play in rotation with “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.” A fitting acknowledgement of Walt’s significant advances with Audio-Animatronics about 60 years ago when he first introduced the groundbreaking technology.
“The Audio-Animatronics figure of Walt will incorporate features and innovations that have never been achieved before. It will be the most lifelike human figure we have ever created.” Tom Fitzgerald — Senior Creative Executive, Walt Disney Imagineering
With most of the recent attractions having projected opening dates into 2027 and beyond, it was nice to know that guests only need to wait a year or so to be able to experience “Walt Disney – A Magical Life” as it’s opening in 2025.
I have seen some people online complaining about this attraction, saying that the Disney family is against it and absolutely does not want an audio-animatronic figure of Walt built. While I certainly do not know the Disney family and cannot speak for them, I find this strange, if not hard to belive.
First of all, on the Disney Parks Blog, they mentioned that members of the Disney family have been working with Imagineers hand-in-hand on the project.
“Creating our first Walt figure is a huge responsibility, and we’ve brought members of the Disney family along with us for every step of the journey,” Josh continued on stage. “His great-nephew, Roy P. Disney, visited the Imagineering campus recently to see our progress. And he’s here tonight. Thank you, Roy, for helping us fulfill this dream.”
Secondly, I think that Walt Disney would have appreciated his likeness recreated in audio-animatronic form. After all, he is the one that had the vision of bringing President Lincoln “to life” so to speak, as one of the first audio-animatronic figures. I don’t think Walt had the slightest inclination he was somehow disrespecting the memory of President Lincoln.
That’s why I feel Walt Disney would probably be honored to have the same thing done with his likeness now.
Of course, it all depends on the final product, but if there is one thing that the Walt Disney Company has done well over the years, it’s preserve the memory of Walt, and I can’t imagine they would mess this one up.
We are also happy that after it’s initial run, it will play in rotation with “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.” That way guests, especially younger ones, can have the opportunity to experience both attractions, and learn about two of the most influential people in American history.
As soon as we know any more info on this story we will update you so keep tuned for more…
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Your Thoughts
I want to know what you think about a Walt Disney Audio Animatronics attraction coming to Disneyland…
- Are you happy with this announcement?
- What would you like to see included in the attraction?
Let us know in the comments section below!
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My name is Ziggy and I love Disney, everything Disney! I grew up on Disney and it has and continues to be a huge part of my life. I started young when my parents took me to Disney World when I was 18 months old. Little did they know that would be the first of an uncountable number of trips we would take. I have so many amazing memories going to Disney with my family and friends and it has been interwoven into my DNA.