“Walt Disney – A Magical Life” is about to make its debut at the Main Street Opera House theater at Disneyland this Thursday, July 17, 2025. Our Imagineering team is putting the finishing touches on the show and attraction, the realization of many years of passion and planning.
The 70th anniversary of Disneyland park offered us a great opportunity to remind guests of Walt Disney’s incredible story — told in his own words — in both film and through the magic of Audio-Animatronics, the art form he pioneered.
In the lobby of the Main Street Opera House, guests will discover new exhibits showcasing Disneyland’s design evolutions, from master planning to Audio-Animatronics. Also showcased are awards and honors received by Walt Disney over the years, as well as a video presentation called “Memories of Walt,” that features interviews from many who knew and worked alongside him.
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, where he’ll share a few stories and thoughts on his career and philosophy. Taken from recordings spanning decades, Walt’s words were seamlessly blended to create these “great moments” for the performance.
Of course, creating an Audio-Animatronics figure of Walt Disney is an enormous responsibility, and one our Imagineering team took very seriously through extensive research and innovation … similar perhaps to the efforts Walt and his team took in creating the original figure of Abraham Lincoln decades ago.
From capturing the twinkle in his eyes to his expressive hands and eyebrows, the team pioneered numerous artistic and technological innovations to create the most lifelike performance of an Audio-Animatronics figure possible.
A Tribute for Years to Come
From Mickey Mouse to motion pictures, television, parks and beyond, Walt Disney’s vision and risk-taking have given the world a lifetime of entertainment. We believe that Walt’s story will provide inspiration to all who visit this show: Follow your dreams. Never give up. Turn setbacks into successes. And give the world your very best!
And of course, our goal was to pay tribute and honor the man behind the magic of Disneyland — the only park that Walt Disney ever walked in. We can’t wait for you to experience “Walt Disney – A Magical Life” for yourself.
