First Look at Walt Disney AudioAnamatronic for Walt Disney – A Magical Life

Today, Disney has released a first look at the new AudioAnamatronic of Walt Disney for the upcoming show, Walt Disney – A Magical Life at Disneyland.

The new show will debut at the Main Street Opera House on July 17, 2025. In it, Walt’s story will be told in his own words, from both film and through the new AudioAnamatronic.

Walt Disney – A Magical Life Exhibits

Guests will enter the lobby for the show and will find a number of exhibits.

There will be hundreds of images, art and artifacts that will be displayed spanning from Walt’s early career to now. Through historical mementos from Walt’s life and representations of his legacy, you’ll learn more about Walt’s passion and talent for turning imagination into reality.

Upon entering the Main Street Opera House lobby, you’ll get to experience the “Evolution of a Dream.” Pieces throughout this front section of the lobby showcase how Disneyland grew from an idea Walt had while spending time with his daughters to become the theme park that it is now.

There are pencil drawings and concept artwork of preliminary plans including some of the site plans that have never before been seen publicly! 

Guests will find images and storyboards showing both past and present, from concept through to what they are today. 

There will also be displays of vintage merchandise, like a display of Mickey ears through the years and a case of Disney watches.

As you continue through the Opera House, you’ll find a selection of pieces on loan from The Walt Disney Family Museum. Some of these have never been publicly exhibited at Disneyland before. 

A truly special area is dedicated to Walt’s private apartment in Disneyland. This display includes original furniture and décor from the apartment, including two rocking chairs, two dining chairs, a table and a cranberry-colored lamp.  

Nearby, you can also take a closer look at some of Walt’s awards and humanitarian accolades. These include Walt’s 1955 Emmy award for the “Walt Disney’s Disneyland” television series, his Presidential Medal of Freedom awarded by President Johnson in 1964, and the Walt Disney Commemorative Medal presented to Lillian Disney by President Nixon in 1969.

Even his plaque from the Racing Pigeon Association in recognition of the greatest contribution to the sport of racing pigeons is on display.

You’ll also find an exhibit showcasing the history of Audio-Animatronics storytelling featuring original and replica figures dating back to Walt Disney Imagineering’s earliest development of the technology. 

You’ll also see a doll from the original run of “it’s a small world” at the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair, figures from Pirates of the Caribbean and more.

In this area, you’ll want to catch the video called “Memories of Walt,” where those who worked alongside Walt Disney, and those inspired by his vision, share personal stories and reflections.

About Walt Disney – A Magical Life

After exploring the lobby exhibits, you’ll step into the theater to view “Walt Disney – A Magical Life.” The show begins with a film adaptation of “One Man’s Dream,” narrated by Walt himself, which follows his life from early endeavors through his dreams for the future.

The finale of the show will raise the curtain on the first Audio-Animatronics figure of Walt Disney ever created. Guests will discover him in a re-creation of his office at the Studio. Taken from recordings spanning decades, Walt’s words were seamlessly blended to create these “great moments” for the performance.

After the Show

After experiencing the attraction, you’ll exit the theater and notice a tribute to Disneyland cast members who have brought magic to life for 70 years. Historical images adorn the walls, showcasing cast members at work through the years. On the other side of the exit lobby is a mural paying tribute to Disneyland history, including entertainment and attractions. 

Finally, the exit gallery for Walt Disney – A Magical Life culminates in a peek at the future of Disneyland Resort showing plans for new attractions and guest experiences underway.

Guests who want to see Walt Disney – A Magical Life, at least in the beginning, will only be able to do so via Virtual Queue. More information can be found here:

Video

Disney also shared a video of Walt. Take a look!

Thoughts

Is the Walt Disney AudioAnamatronic perfect? No…of course not. There is something off…I think it’s that his face is too round and his nose may be a bit too broad. Not terrible, but enough to make it not look exactly like Walt.

But his mannerisms are incredible. The fact that he stands and leans are HUGE fetes! His eyes actually twinkle. That’s pretty incredible.

This is the closest I’m ever going to get to seeing Walt Disney “in person”. I wasn’t alive when he was. So, despite a few hiccups in his appearance, this is still incredibly special.

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