Since being announced at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event earlier this year, Disney fans have eagerly anticipated more information about the new show coming to the Main Street Opera House at Disneyland. Called Walt Disney – A Magical Life, this show will feature Walt Disney himself in audio-animatronic form. This is the first time audio-animatronic of Walt Disney and comes nearly six decades after he helped spearhead the technology with Abraham Lincoln at the 1964 New York World’s Fair.
Disney announced that Walt Disney – A Magical Life will be opening on May 16, 2025, at the Main Street Opera House at Disneyland. This is the first day of the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration. The following announcement was shared by the Disney Parks Blog:
“Walt Disney – A Magical Life” will debut at the Main Street Opera House theater at Disneyland park on May 16, 2025. The attraction will feature a cinematic presentation of Walt Disney’s journey, culminating in a visit with Walt in his office, brought to life for the first time ever through the magic of Audio-Animatronics storytelling.
“Creating our first Walt figure is an idea that’s been whispered in the hallowed halls of Imagineering for years – decades, even,” said Josh D’Amaro at Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase during D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. “We just had to wait for innovation to catch up with our dreams. And we’re finally ready.”
For the show, the Opera House theater will be transformed into Walt’s studio office. It will bring together the past, present, and future of Disney storytelling. It won’t be the only show at the Opera House, however. It will play in rotation with Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.
Tom Fitzgerald — Senior Creative Executive, Walt Disney Imagineering, shared about the show saying, “We wanted the show and story to appeal to all ages, and while some of our younger audience may not know as much about Walt Disney, we felt his story could be inspirational to them,” Fitzgerald said. “Follow your dreams, turn setbacks into success, never give up, and give the world your very best.”
What do you think about the arrival of Walt Disney – A Magical Life for Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration? What are you most excited about with this show? What do you hope it will include? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
Check out the entertainment offerings of Disneyland Resort’s 70th Anniversary celebration here!
