Disney Unveils Audio-Animatronic Walt Disney for 70th Anniversary Celebration

Disney welcomed select media into the exclusive corridors of Walt Disney Imagineering to showcase the revival of their founder through advanced Audio-Animatronics for Walt Disney - A Magical Life, set to mark Disneyland’s 70th anniversary. This project exudes reverence, authenticity, intricate details, and a touch of Disney enchantment.

Walt Disney - A Magical Life will premiere at Disneyland's Main Street Opera House on July 17, 2025, exactly 70 years after the park’s opening. The show invites global visitors into Walt’s office to explore his transformative impact on entertainment.

Although the Audio-Animatronic figure of Walt Disney was not revealed, the insights shared instilled confidence that Disney is poised to deliver this heartfelt project with brilliance.

A Visionary’s Legacy

At Walt Disney Imagineering, we learned what awaits guests in Walt Disney - A Magical Life and why now is the ideal moment to reintroduce Walt to the park he personally walked.

“Bringing Walt Disney to life through Audio-Animatronics is a profound responsibility,” said Tom Fitzgerald, senior creative executive at Walt Disney Imagineering. “We’re applying the same meticulous care as Walt’s team did with the Lincoln figure decades ago. Collaborating closely with The Walt Disney Family Museum and our archives, we reviewed extensive footage and interviews to craft an authentic portrayal. Walt’s story of perseverance—turning setbacks into triumphs—remains inspiring today.”

The team emphasized their commitment to a respectful approach, noting that this project, in development for over seven years, has been a long-standing vision now ready to shine.

“We’ve worked diligently with the Walt Disney Family Museum, Disney and Miller family members, and the board,” said Jeff Shaver-Moskowitz, executive producer at Walt Disney Imagineering. “Our goal is a faithful, theatrical presentation that honors Walt in the storytelling medium he pioneered.”

While the Audio-Animatronic remains under wraps, the team revealed a moment that left a lasting impression: a storyboard showcasing the narrative of Walt Disney - A Magical Life. Behind it stood a life-size model of Walt, crafted as a reference for the animatronic. The experience felt as though Walt himself was present.

The model, leaning against a desk as Walt often did, was meticulously detailed. His hands were molded from a 1960s bronze casting, his suit crafted from the same fabric he wore, and each hair was carefully styled with his preferred grooming products. His beloved Smoke Tree Ranch tie and other personal touches completed the lifelike figure.

Every detail, from skin blemishes to subtle hand hairs, was captured. His eyes carried a weary yet vibrant glimmer, enhanced by Imagineering’s artistry, making the model strikingly authentic.

“With today’s technology, guests can zoom in for close-ups, so our figures must look flawless from every angle,” Fitzgerald explained. “This pushed us to innovate, ensuring Walt’s likeness is as realistic as the Lincoln figure was in its era, but for a modern audience.”

Why now? The convergence of Disneyland’s 70th anniversary, advanced technology, and a dedicated team made this the perfect time to honor Walt’s legacy.

Preserving a Founder’s Story

Diane Marie Disney-Miller, Walt’s daughter, co-founded The Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco in 2009, housing over 30,000 Disney-related artifacts. She passed away in 2013, but her legacy informs this project.

Kirsten Komoroske, the museum’s director, discussed the family’s involvement. “Disney approached us early to ensure Walt’s grandchildren were comfortable with the project,” she said. “They believe the technology has advanced to capture Walt authentically, reflecting his professional life with respect.”

The museum contributed over 30 items, including never-before-displayed pieces from Walt’s private apartment above Main Street’s Fire Station, such as a green velvet rocking chair, glass lamps, and a floral tilt-top table. Awards like his 1955 Emmy for Walt Disney’s Disneyland, his 1964 Presidential Medal of Freedom, and a Racing Pigeon Association plaque will also be showcased in the accompanying Evolution of a Dream exhibit.

Komoroske emphasized that the exhibit continues Diane’s mission to highlight Walt’s journey from humble beginnings, marked by failures like losing Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, to groundbreaking successes in animation, live-action films, and theme parks.

A Glimpse into 1963

The Walt Disney in this show reflects his 1963 persona, inspired by his Fletcher Markle interview. “This was Walt at his peak,” Fitzgerald said. “With Mary Poppins, the New York World’s Fair, and the Secret Florida project in motion, he was brimming with energy and ideas.”

In his office—a blend of his Burbank workspace and TV appearance sets—Walt will share his story. The space will feature Easter eggs like an Abraham Lincoln photo and Disneyland plans, creating an immersive experience.

The show’s narrative remains under wraps, but its message is clear. “Walt will reflect on his achievements and share profound insights,” Shaver-Moskowitz said. “His humility and ability to connect through life’s simple virtues will shine through.”

Disney historian Jeff Kurtti, with over 40 books on Disney, underscored the project’s significance. “Since Walt’s passing, there’s been no consistent way to share his philosophy with new generations,” he said. “This attraction reintroduces Walt as a real person, not just a brand, and reflects the values that still shape Disney today.”

Kurtti noted the project’s sincerity. “This isn’t about profit—it’s about honoring Walt’s identity and ideals for both longtime fans and new audiences.”

As Walt once said, “Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there’s imagination left in the world.” Walt Disney - A Magical Life aims to inspire millions to pursue their dreams, proving that, like Walt, they too can achieve greatness.

For more on Walt’s legacy, explore our coverage of Disney’s 100th anniversary.