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

Disney has graciously invited us and a select few others into the secret halls of Walt Disney Imagineering, offering an exclusive look at how they are resurrecting their legendary founder through the innovative use of Audio-Animatronics for the upcoming "Walt Disney - A Magical Life" exhibit. This project, 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 precisely with the 70th anniversary of the park's opening. Guests from around the globe will step into Walt's office, immersing themselves in his inspiring journey and the profound impact he had on the entertainment industry.

Although we did not see the actual Audio-Animatronic of Walt Disney, the glimpses and insights provided during our visit have fueled our confidence and excitement. Disney appears poised to execute this ambitious and heartfelt project with spectacular flair.

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 at Walt Disney Imagineering, highlighted the immense responsibility involved in bringing Walt Disney to life through Audio-Animatronics. "It's a huge responsibility, as I'm sure you could imagine, bringing Walt Disney to life in Audio-Animatronics," Fitzgerald explained. "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, analyzing 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 ever, embodying the idea of following your dreams despite setbacks and turning those setbacks into successes."

The Imagineering team emphasized their commitment to authenticity and respect, ensuring that the project has been meticulously developed over more than seven years. The concept of a Walt figure has been considered for decades, but the timing finally feels right.

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

The team is meticulously recreating Walt's mannerisms, including his expressive hand gestures, eyebrows, and the distinctive glint in his eye noted by those who knew him. Moreover, the words spoken by the Audio-Animatronic are authentic, pieced together from Walt's own interviews over the years.

While we didn't see the final Audio-Animatronic, a life-size model used for reference left an indelible impression. It felt as though Walt was in the room with us, leaning against his desk in a familiar pose, every detail meticulously crafted. His hands were modeled from a bronze casting made in the 1960s, and he wore a suit made from the same material he favored, complete with his beloved Smoke Tree Ranch tie. Each strand of hair was styled with the same grooming products he used, and even the smallest blemishes and hairs were included to enhance realism.

The model's lifelike quality, down to the glimmer in his eye, showcased the innovative work of the Imagineering team. "Today, with all of our phones, every guest can zoom in and do an extreme close-up of our figures," Fitzgerald noted. "So, we had to reinvent how we portray them. They must look good from a distance and just as believable up close. This is particularly challenging with human-based figures, but we've made significant advancements to ensure Walt Disney's portrayal is as realistic and authentic as possible, much like how he brought Abraham Lincoln to life for a new era."

The timing of this project aligns with Disneyland's 70th anniversary, advanced 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 San Francisco, which opened in 2009 and houses over 30,000 Disney-related items. The museum played a significant role in "Walt Disney - A Magical Life," and its director, Kirsten Komoroske, shared insights into the project and the family's involvement.

"Disney informed us about 'Walt Disney - A Magical Life' well in advance to ensure the family, including Walt's grandchildren, were involved and felt comfortable," Komoroske said. "Walt was fascinated by technology, and the Imagineers felt their tech had advanced to a point where they could do this right, capturing the man as he was in his professional life. There was a lot of thought given to doing this thoughtfully and respectfully."

The museum donated over 30 items for the exhibit, including artifacts and furniture from Walt's private apartment above the Fire Station on Main Street. These include a green velvet upholstered rocking chair, glass lamps, and a floral embroidered tilt-top table, all previously unseen at Disneyland. Additionally, guests will see Walt's awards, such as his 1955 Emmy for 'Walt Disney’s Disneyland,' his 1964 Presidential Medal of Freedom, and a plaque from the Racing Pigeon Association for his 1958 film 'The Pigeon that Worked a Miracle.'

These items will be part of the "Evolution of a Dream" exhibit, opening alongside "Walt Disney - A Magical Life," offering a deeper look into Walt's life and work. Komoroske emphasized that this exhibit continues the legacy of Walt and Diane's mission to preserve his memory, highlighting his journey from humble beginnings to significant achievements despite failures.

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 on Canadian Broadcasting. "This is when Walt was really at his pinnacle," Fitzgerald remarked. "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 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. The space will be filled with Easter eggs, including a photo of Abraham Lincoln and plans for Disneyland, creating an immersive experience where guests feel they've "dropped in" for a personal visit with Walt.

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

While the exact content of Walt's speech remains under wraps, Shaver-Moskowitz hinted at its focus. "Walt will begin by talking about his legacy, but he’ll end by leaving you with a profound thought," he said. "Despite his amazing achievements in storytelling and animation, one of his greatest gifts was understanding the simple virtues of life and connecting with people. He was a humble man despite being a titan of the industry, and that's the humanitarian piece of Walt we're excited to bring forward."

Throughout the presentation, the reverence and respect for Walt's legacy were palpable. Disney historian Jeff Kurtti, who has written extensively on Disney and currently serves as Chapman University’s Presidential Fellow, Walt Disney Studies, echoed these sentiments. "In the decades since Walt's death, there have been no consistent means to present his reality, persona, and philosophy to new generations," Kurtti noted. "This attraction offers a way for new generations to see and understand Walt Disney as a real person, not just a brand name, and to appreciate the work and philosophies that still inform the Disney Company today and resonate in world culture."

Kurtti emphasized the project's significance in bringing Walt's persona back into contemporary conversation, likening it to the familiarity of Abraham Lincoln. He also highlighted the project's sincerity, noting that it was not driven by profit but by a genuine desire to celebrate Walt's identity and ideals.

As we await the debut of "Walt Disney - A Magical Life," the meticulous process and the show itself echo 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." While the show will be complete, it won't tell the whole story of Walt or each visitor. Instead, it aims to inspire millions to pursue their dreams, just as Walt did.

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