Disney Revives Walt Disney as Audio-Animatronic for 70th Anniversary Celebration

Disney recently invited a select group of us into the secret halls of Walt Disney Imagineering to witness their innovative project, "Walt Disney - A Magical Life," which aims to bring their founder back to life using the magic of Audio-Animatronics for Disneyland's 70th anniversary. The project is filled with respect, authenticity, incredible attention to detail, and the quintessential Disney magic that fans have come to adore.

Set to debut on July 17, 2025, exactly 70 years after Disneyland's opening, "Walt Disney - A Magical Life" will be showcased at Disneyland's Main Street Opera House. The attraction will transport guests into Walt’s office, offering a unique opportunity to delve deeper into his life story and his revolutionary impact on the entertainment industry.

While we didn't get to see the actual Audio-Animatronic of Walt Disney, the presentation and insights we received have instilled confidence and excitement about Disney's ability to execute this ambitious and meaningful project with spectacular flair.

One Man’s Dream

During our visit to a special room at Walt Disney Imagineering, we were given a preview of what guests can expect from "Walt Disney - A Magical Life." Tom Fitzgerald, senior creative executive of Walt Disney Imagineering, emphasized the responsibility they feel in bringing Walt Disney to life through Audio-Animatronics. "We're giving the same care and attention to detail that Walt and his team did with Lincoln many decades ago," Fitzgerald said. The team has worked closely with The Walt Disney Family Museum and their archives department, analyzing extensive footage and interviews to ensure an authentic portrayal. "Walt's story remains as valid and relevant today as it ever was, showcasing the importance of following your dream and turning setbacks into successes," he added.

The Imagineering team has been meticulous in their approach, taking over seven years to develop this project. The idea of creating a Walt figure has been discussed for decades, but the timing has only now felt right. Jeff Shaver-Moskowitz, executive producer at Walt Disney Imagineering, stressed the importance of collaboration with the Walt Disney Family Museum and members of the Disney and Miller families. "We've taken care to ensure that the family is involved in this journey, presenting a faithful and theatrical representation that keeps Walt's spirit alive in the medium he pioneered," he said.

Authenticity is at the core of this project. The team has meticulously recreated Walt’s mannerisms, including his hand gestures, expressive eyebrows, and the famous glint in his eye, using footage and interviews. The words spoken by the Audio-Animatronic will be Walt's own, carefully compiled from various interviews over the years.

Although we didn't see the final Audio-Animatronic, a life-size model used for reference provided a glimpse into the level of detail involved. Seeing this model felt as though Walt Disney was in the room with us. The model showcased Walt leaning against a desk, a pose he often adopted during conversations, with every detail meticulously crafted. His hands were modeled from a 1960s bronze casting, his suit made from the same material he wore, and his hair styled with the products he used. Even the smallest details, like skin blemishes, facial hair, and manicured nails, were thoughtfully included to create a lifelike portrayal.

Fitzgerald highlighted the challenges of modern technology, noting that today's guests can zoom in on figures with their phones. "We had to reinvent how we portray these figures to look believable from a distance and in extreme close-ups," he said. This new approach aims to bring Walt to life as authentically as he brought Abraham Lincoln to life, but tailored for a new era.

The timing of this project aligns with Disneyland’s 70th anniversary, the advancement of technology to do justice to Walt’s legacy, and having the right team in place to honor his memory.

A Legacy Well Preserved

Walt Disney’s daughter, Diane Marie Disney-Miller, who passed away in 2013, co-founded The Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco, which opened in 2009 and holds over 30,000 items related to Disney. The museum played a crucial role in "Walt Disney - A Magical Life." Kirsten Komoroske, the museum's director, shared that the family, including Walt's grandchildren, were involved from the project's inception. "The Imagineers felt their technology had advanced to a point where they could do this right, capturing the essence of Walt in his professional life," she said.

The museum contributed over 30 items for the exhibit, including furniture from Walt’s private apartment above the Fire Station on Main Street, such as a green velvet rocking chair, glass lamps, and a floral embroidered tilt-top table, never before displayed at Disneyland. Additionally, guests will see Walt's awards, including his 1955 Emmy for 'Walt Disney’s Disneyland,' his 1964 Presidential Medal of Freedom, and a unique plaque from the Racing Pigeon Association. These items will be part of the "Evolution of a Dream" exhibit, opening alongside "Walt Disney - A Magical Life," offering a comprehensive 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. "Diane wanted to tell the whole story of her father, from his humble beginnings and significant failures to his relentless drive to innovate and succeed," she said. This message of perseverance and innovation will resonate strongly at Disneyland, inspiring guests to pursue their dreams.

A Step Back in Time

The portrayal of Walt Disney in the show will be from around 1963, inspired by his well-known Fletcher Markle interview on Canadian Broadcasting. "This was when Walt was at his pinnacle," Fitzgerald noted, mentioning projects like the New York World's Fair, Mary Poppins, and the Secret Florida project, alongside Disneyland's success. Walt will be depicted in his office, a blend of his Burbank office and the set used for his TV appearances, filled with Easter eggs like a photo of Abraham Lincoln and Disneyland plans.

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

While the exact content of Walt's monologue remains under wraps, Shaver-Moskowitz hinted that it will start with his legacy and end with a profound thought. "Walt understood the simple virtues of life and connected with people on those levels. Despite being a titan in the industry, he remained humble, and that humanitarian aspect is what we're excited to highlight," he said.

Throughout the presentation, there was a palpable sense of reverence and respect for Walt's legacy. Disney historian Jeff Kurtti, who has written extensively about Disney and worked at the company, shared his perspective. "Since Walt's death, there has been no consistent way to present his reality, persona, and philosophy to new generations," Kurtti said. He believes "Walt Disney - A Magical Life" offers a chance for new audiences to see Walt as a real person, not just a brand name, and to understand the philosophies that continue to influence the Disney Company and world culture.

Kurtti also highlighted the sincerity behind the project, noting that it's not driven by attendance or profit motives. "There's a genuine investment in celebrating the identity and ideals of the company's founder for both those who remember him and new generations," he said. This sincerity gives hope that "Walt Disney - A Magical Life" will meet its ambitious goals, preserving Walt's legacy in a meaningful way for guests of all ages.

As we await the debut of "Walt Disney - A Magical Life" at Disneyland, the project echoes 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 individual who walks through its doors. Instead, it aims to inspire millions to follow their own dreams, demonstrating that with determination and innovation, those dreams can come true, just as Walt did.

For more on Walt's story, check out our look at how a century of Disney magic began from Disney's 100th anniversary.