UPDATED July 30, 2025

Something NEW and never-before-seen has arrived on Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland, Walt Disney’s original park. For the first time in history, guests can “see Walt Disney through the magic of Audio-Animatronics technology” in a new show presented in the Main Street Opera House.

Walt Disney — A Magical Life opened on July 17th, 2025 — which is the 70th Anniversary of the Opening Day of Disneyland.

Main Street Opera House

Main Street Opera House has been home to the Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln attraction since 1965. The attraction first debuted when Walt Disney brought it to the 1964 New York World’s Fair.

Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln uses what was state-of-the-art audio-animatronic technology when Walt Disney “first introduced the groundbreaking technology.” (President Lincoln was the first ever audio-animatronic made by Walt.)

In the attraction, guests can see President Abraham Lincoln and witness him delivering a patriotic speech about inspiration, justice, and the meaning of the United States Constitution.

Walt Disney — A Magical Life made its debut on July 17th, 2025. This new show is having an initial run as the only show playing in the Main Street Opera House.

Ultimately, however, it will share a space inside the Main Street Opera House and will be shown in rotation with Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln once the initial run is complete (at a date to-be-announced).

Walt Disney — A Magical Life: The Story and Attraction

Walt Disney — A Magical Life delivers the first-ever audio-animatronic of Walt Disney himself. Guests will experience the story of Walt Disney’s life through remastered footage and audio recordings.

The production starts with a short film titled “One Man’s Dream,” narrated by current Disney CEO Bob Iger. The story takes guests through Walt’s early endeavors all the way to Los Angeles. Then, “when the curtain rises, guests will be transported to Walt’s office.” 

In his office, there is concept art of Disneyland, books, papers, and a window, with Walt leaning on the edge of his desk — just like you would have seen on TV back in the day. The setting of Walt’s office is very intentional, as Imagineers wanted new generations to connect to him in the same way their parents or grandparents might have.

Upon announcing the new attraction, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro shared, “Creating our first Walt figure is a huge responsibility” and “I speak for our entire team when I say there is so much pride and excitement for everyone involved in this endeavor.”

Disney further shares that in Walt Disney — A Magical Life, “The past, present and future are coming together, giving visitors the chance to imagine what it would be like to stop by Walt’s office. Who knows what he might be dreaming up inside? Only time will tell with Walt.”

Walt Disney — A Magical Life: The Audio-Animatronic

According to the LA Times, longtime Imagineer Tom Fitzgerald confirmed that this Walt Disney animatronic aims to represent Disney in 1963, just three years before his death in 1966. He went on to talk about details they paid close attention to when creating this animatronic, such as the ability to speak with its hands (as Walt so frequently did), showcase his expressive eyebrows, and recreate how Disney often didn’t blink when he spoke. (Imagineers were careful to line up the animatronic’s “blink profile” with filmed footage.)

Other ways the Walt Disney animatronic is a first for The Walt Disney Company is that it boasts a new “lean to stand” function and movements that are more advanced than before.

The Walt animatronic speaks about perseverance and achieving dreams, along with many other beloved and inspiring quotes. Imagineer Jeff Shaver-Moskowit also confirmed that all the dialogue has all been taken from Walt Disney’s speeches — no false words or phrases are included.

Additional Enhancements to Main Street Opera House

The Main Street Opera House is also hosting an exhibit “featuring the evolution of Walt Disney’s dream of Disneyland.” In fact, the scene is set with “Evolution of a Dream,” which conveying how Walt’s idea of Disneyland was initially inspired by time spent with his daughters.

Guests may explore the exhibit at their leisure, regardless of whether or not they see the Walt Disney show inside the theater.

Never-before-seen images, art, and artifacts are on display that show Disneyland before, during, and after Walt’s dream became a reality. It starts in the front lobby with exhibit on the construction of Disneyland with dozens of framed pieces of concept art, divided by land.

As you make your way further into the Opera House, you’ll find the story and history of Audio-Animatronics technology, from Walt’s day all the way up to today.

The area presents the Buddy Ebsen “Dancing Man” film from Project Little Man (the very first Audio-Animatronics experiment that Imagineers created) along with animatronics from the Enchanted Tiki Room and “it’s a small world.”

In collaboration with the Walt Disney Family Museum, original items from Walt’s private apartment above the Fire Station on Main Street are featured — including a rocking chair, lamp, and table.

Several awards and humanitarian accolades that were awarded to Walt are on loan from The Walt Disney Family Museum, so you can get a close look at items including Walt’s 1955 Emmy award for the “Walt Disney’s Disneyland” TV show, his Presidential Medal of Freedom awarded by President Johnson in 1964, and the Walt Disney Commemorative Medal presented to Lillian Disney by President Nixon in 1969.

Disney further shares that “you may also view a heartfelt video called ‘Memories of Walt,’ in which those who worked alongside Walt Disney — and those inspired by his vision — share personal stories and reflections. Through touching anecdotes and memories, they offer a rare glimpse into Walt’s character and the man behind the magic.”

The photo walls at the back of the room outside the theater now exhibit historic photos of Walt Disney. Look out for previews of upcoming projects and a showcase of how Disney has continued to move forward since it opened.

Learn more about what’s on the horizon for Disneyland Resort with DisneylandForward

For more Disneyland fun, check out our DFB YouTube Video above!