Disney fans have grown up watching video presentations of Walt Disney giving introductions on the original Wonderful World of Disney TV series or giving interviews. They have also seen countless photos of the man. If you’re like me, you’ve often wondered what it would have been like to actually know Walt. This week, Disneyland is hoping to grant that wish with the opening of the new attraction, “Walt Disney – A Magical Life.”
Located within the Main Street Opera House, guests will first experience a cinematic journey through the film, “One Man’s Dream,” culminating in a visit with Walt in his office, made possible through the magic of Audio-Animatronics® storytelling.
Beginning on July 17, the 70th anniversary of Disneyland, Walt Disney will join the ranks of other animatronic stardom including Harrison Ford (as Indiana Jones), Johnny Depp (as Captain Jack Sparrow) and Abraham Lincoln.
The process of turning Mr. Disney into animatronic figure has been a controversial one. Many have wondered if Walt would have approved of such an idea. Others are convinced that this is the ultimate tribute to the man who helped pioneer this art medium that the Disney Company is so famous for. This is not unlike the pressure Walt experienced while working on the original “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln” for the New York World’s Fair in 1964.
“When the curtain rises on Walt’s office, guests will hear heartfelt stories, anecdotes and words of wisdom shared by Walt using historical recordings,” states a press release for the new attraction. “They will encounter him like never before, through a medium he pioneered with his team when they created the Audio-Animatronics figure of Abraham Lincoln.”
The Walt Disney Imagineering team took their time taking on this herculean project and rightly so. If it is done well, it will earn the praise of Disney fans. But if it doesn’t ring true, they will never live it down. No pressure there.
The Walt Disney Imagineering team has put in more than seven years of work on this project, but the thought of creating an animatronic figure of the company’s founder has been an idea within Imagineering for years. Fortunately, they waited a long time before presenting it in order to get it just right.
Disneyland has been gracious enough to give us a preview of the new show and honestly at first glance, it’s a big eerie. He looks stiffer than the real Mr. Disney. His head looks rounder. It will be easy for some to pick apart the project because it’s not a perfect replica of the man. But the Imagineers have stated that the Walt figure is the most lifelike figure that they have ever created including a “twinkle in his eye”.
This animatronic is the first character to feature a “lean to stand” motion and the Imagineers have found a way to capture Walt’s mannerisms and movements including the way Walt used his hands. When deciding Walt’s appearance, the creative team chose to focus on his look in 1963. Walt’s attire was carefully researched including his suit, shoes, tie and rings.
The attraction tells Walt’s story of his life through historical footage and audio recordings featuring Walt’s own words. Several historical sources feature dialogue of Walt, spoken by him and are blended to create the performance of the Audio-Animatronics figure.
“The 70th anniversary of Disneyland gave us a great opportunity to debut this attraction and remind guests of Walt Disney and his incredible journey. Creating this figure is an enormous responsibility and one that the team has taken very seriously, likely as seriously as Walt Disney did in creating the Audio-Animatronics figure of Abraham Lincoln so many decades ago,” said Tom Fitzgerald, Senior Creative Executive, Walt Disney Imagineering. “We hope to honor Walt through the art form that he pioneered, and that ‘Walt Disney – A Magical Life’ will be a permanent tribute here at Disneyland … the only Disney park Walt ever walked in.”
“Evolution of a Dream”
There’s more here to experience than just the robotic sideshow. Inside the lobby of the Opera House, you’ll find an all-new gallery experience. “Evolution of a Dream” displays images, artifacts and art – some never seen before – showing Disneyland before, during and after Walt’s dream became a reality. Here you’ll find pencil drawings and other concept artwork featuring preliminary plans for Disneyland.
The Walt Disney Family Museum has selected more than 30 artifacts to be put on display in the lobby which include memorabilia from the early years of Disneyland, vintage merchandise, correspondence and original items from Walt’s private apartment which have never been publicly exhibited at Disneyland before. These artifacts will be on loan from the museum.
“The expertise and care that Walt Disney Imagineering has devoted to this project is nothing short of remarkable,” said Kirsten Komoroske, Executive Director, The Walt Disney Family Museum. “Diane Disney Miller was driven to create The Walt Disney Family Museum to not only honor her father, but to also expose the public to the extraordinary—and real—man behind the globally impactful brand. We are endlessly grateful to The Walt Disney Company for their exceptional and considerate efforts to make Walt an integral part of the park experience. I think that Walt would be thrilled with the blend of cutting-edge technology and artistry. And I think that he would be touched by the tribute.”
A special exhibit about the story and history of Audio-Animatronics technology will feature original and replica figures dating back to Walt Disney Imagineering’s earliest development of the technology. Attractions featured include Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room, “it’s a small world,” Pirates of the Caribbean and more.
The presentation also includes “Memories of Walt”, a pre-show tribute video featuring people who worked alongside Walt Disney—and those inspired by his vision.
“Through touching anecdotes and behind-the-scenes memories, they offer a rare glimpse into Walt’s character, and the man behind the magic,” says Disney. “These intimate recollections reveal his relentless curiosity, hands-on leadership and unwavering belief in creativity and people.”
When you leave the theater, you’re still not done. You’ll find another exhibit that showcases showcasing cast members at work through the years, as well as a new mural that pays tribute to Disneyland history, including entertainment and attractions, plus what’s to come.
After its initial run, the Main Street Opera House will welcome back “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln,” which will play in rotation with “Walt Disney – A Magical Life.” This can be done thanks to an update of the theater that which now includes a rotating turntable that will allow for both “Walt Disney – A Magical Life” and “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln” to play in rotation.
Main Image: Walt Disney in animatronic form. (Disneyland Resort)
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