Disneyland Resort unveiled a first look and more details about “Walt Disney – A Magical Life,” a new attraction based on the life of Walt Disney ahead of the attraction’s upcoming July 17, 2025, debut on the 70th anniversary of Disneyland. The new attraction is located in the Main Street Opera House in Disneyland Park, along with all-new gallery experiences.
Inside the lobby of the Main Street Opera House, guests will have the opportunity to experience “Evolution of a Dream,” featuring images, art and artifacts that show Disneyland before, during and after Walt’s dream became a reality. More than 30 artifacts are on loan from The Walt Disney Family Museum, including original items from Walt’s private apartment which have never been publicly exhibited at Disneyland Park before. Another special exhibit about the story and history of Audio-Animatronics technology features 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.
Inside the theater, “Walt Disney – A Magical Life,” begins with a cinematic journey through the film, “One Man’s Dream,” and culminates in a visit with Walt in his office, “through the magic” of the first-ever Walt Disney Audio-Animatronics figure. The attraction tells the story of his life through historical footage and audio recordings featuring Walt’s own words. Walt Disney Imagineering also achieved many innovations that have never been done before in a humanoid figure,
such as achieving a “twinkle in the eye” and the first “lean to stand” motion for an all-electric figure.
At its opening, “Walt Disney – A Magical Life” will utilize a virtual queue. After an as-yet unspecified time for 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.”
Some fun facts about the new attraction Disney shared today are:
- Several historical sources featuring dialogue of Walt, spoken by him, are blended seamlessly to create the performance of the Audio-Animatronics figure.
- Walt’s attire was carefully researched including his suit, shoes, tie and rings.
- Imagineers have “pushing the art form and technology of Audio-Animatronics storytelling” in order to capture Walt’s likeness and mannerisms.
- The creative team chose the approximate time period of 1963 when determining Walt’s appearance.
- The office that appears in the attraction is inspired by Walt’s actual office in Burbank, similar to the office set developed for Walt’s many television appearances.
- Walt Disney Imagineering redesigned the stage inside the theater to accommodate a rotating turntable allowing for both “Walt Disney – A Magical Life” and “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln” to play in rotation.
- The lobby includes pre-show tribute video to “Walt Disney – A Magical Life” called “Memories of Walt,” featuring folks that worked alongside Walt Disney—and those inspired by his vision—sharing personal stories and reflections about Walt Disney. Through anecdotes and behind-the-scenes memories, they offer a rare glimpse into Walt’s character, and the man behind the magic.
- At the conclusion of “Walt Disney – A Magical Life,” as guests leave the theater, they’ll experience another new exhibit showcasing cast members at work through the years, as well as a new mural paying tribute to Disneyland history, including entertainment and attractions, plus what’s to come.
- The Main Street Opera House features a new marquee with two titles, displaying in the center “Opera House now featuring two dramatic theater presentations!” with A Magical Life above Walt Disney’s name on the left, and to the right, Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.
