Walt Disney Comes to Life: Disneyland Unveils Opening Date for Groundbreaking Audio-Animatronic Show

Published on 12/6/24 by Craig Smith

Disneyland Resort has announced that “Walt Disney – A Magical Life,” a groundbreaking show featuring the first-ever Audio-Animatronic figure of Walt Disney, will debut on May 16, 2025, coinciding with the park’s 70th anniversary celebration. This innovative attraction will be housed in the Main Street Opera House, offering guests an immersive experience that brings Walt Disney to life through advanced animatronic technology.

New show “Walt Disney – A Magical Life,” coming to Disneyland .

The show will run exclusively for one year before alternating with the classic “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln,” allowing visitors to enjoy both experiences during their visits. This initiative continues Disneyland’s tradition of honoring its founder, following previous exhibits like “The Walt Disney Story” and “Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years.”

Tom Fitzgerald, Senior Creative Executive at Walt Disney Imagineering, described the project as a “labor of love,” emphasizing the team’s dedication to creating the most lifelike human figure they’ve ever produced. The new Audio-Animatronic will feature realistic hand and finger movements, as well as lifelike skin textures, showcasing the latest advancements in animatronic technology.

This announcement is part of Disneyland’s broader 70th-anniversary festivities, which will include a new nighttime spectacular, themed merchandise, special food offerings, and park-wide decorations, all celebrating the park’s rich history and ongoing legacy.

By introducing “Walt Disney – A Magical Life,” Disneyland continues to honor its heritage while embracing innovative storytelling methods, offering guests a unique opportunity to connect with the visionary behind the magic.