Walt Disney's First Audio-Animatronics Figure Unveiled at Disneyland

A New Chapter in Disneyland’s Legacy

As part of Disneyland’s 70th anniversary celebration, a groundbreaking attraction is set to open at the park called “Walt Disney – A Magical Life.” This new experience features Walt Disney Imagineering's first lifelike Audio-Animatronics figure of Walt Disney himself. The attraction offers a unique glimpse into the life and legacy of the man behind the magic.

A Glimpse Behind the Scenes

The show, which will debut on July 17, takes visitors on a journey through Walt Disney’s life, starting with an adapted version of the “One Man’s Dream” film that currently plays at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Instead of Julie Andrews, Bob Iger serves as the narrator for this version. The story culminates in the reveal of the Audio-Animatronics figure of Walt Disney, who appears in his office to share stories and words of wisdom.

During a recent trip to Walt Disney Imagineering, it was revealed that creating a Walt Disney Audio-Animatronics figure has been a long-standing goal for the team. However, they wanted to wait until the technology was advanced enough to do justice to the project. Now, with the right tools and techniques, the dream is becoming a reality.

Virtual Queue and Show Details

When the show officially debuts on July 17, it will utilize a virtual queue system. Initially, there will be no standby line available. Visitors can find more information on how to access the virtual queue online. After its initial run, the show will play in rotation with "Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln."

A media preview event was held recently, allowing select guests to see the show before its official opening. This provided an exclusive first look at the Audio-Animatronics figure of Walt. The figure, based on Walt near the end of his career, speaks using all historical audio recordings from Walt, blended together to create a seamless experience.

Attention to Detail

Visitors can expect to see intricate details in the figure. During a recent visit to Imagineering, it was learned that each element of Walt's attire was carefully researched, and each hair was individually punched into the scalp. This level of detail ensures that the figure looks as authentic as possible.

A clip of the show and the Audio-Animatronics figure of Walt in action was shared on social media, giving fans a taste of what to expect.

Additional Experiences

Alongside the show, there is also a new gallery experience at the Main Street Opera House. This exhibit showcases the evolution of Walt Disney's dream of Disneyland. Featuring images, art, and artifacts, the gallery highlights the park before, during, and after Walt's vision became a reality.

Further in the lobby of the Main Street Opera House, there is another special exhibit that focuses on the history and advancements of Audio-Animatronics technology. For these experiences, Disneyland is collaborating with The Walt Disney Family Museum, which has lent over 30 artifacts, including some original items from Walt's private apartment at Disneyland.

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