On July 14, 2025, Disney released details about an Audio-Animatronic figure of Walt Disney, scheduled for inclusion in a new show at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California.
The figure incorporates technology that Walt Disney helped develop in the 1960s for attractions such as “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.” Disney Imagineers have described the animatronic’s movements, including eye contact, facial expressions, hand gestures, and posture shifts, as an advancement in their capabilities.
Here’s 30 seconds of the Walt Disney audio-animatronic at Disneyland, including our favorite moment when you see the glimmer in his eyes as he talks about Mickey pic.twitter.com/8XwyepBYhY
— WDW News Today (@WDWNT) July 14, 2025
It relies on archival audio of Walt Disney’s voice to present information about his life, work, and plans for Disneyland.
The Released Video Clip
Disney Parks posted a video clip on X demonstrating the animatronic, with the caption: “We’ve shared in his dream. Now see and hear how it all began from Walt Disney.”
We’ve shared in his dream. Now see and hear how it all began from Walt Disney. pic.twitter.com/b7PCQvBUKf
— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) July 14, 2025
The 59-second vertical video includes close-up views of the figure in a recreated office setting, showing its movements and using recorded audio.
Attractions Magazine also shared a 30-second preview clip focusing on the animatronic’s operation.
Show Details: “Walt Disney – A Magical Life”
The animatronic is part of an attraction called “Walt Disney – A Magical Life,” planned to open on July 17, 2025, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of Disneyland’s 1955 opening.
It’s housed in the Main Street Opera House, the location of “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.” The presentation starts with a 15-minute edited documentary on Walt Disney’s background and the park’s creation. A screen then lifts to display a reconstruction of Walt Disney’s Burbank office, featuring concept art, props, and workspace replicas, some drawn from a television set rather than the original office. The animatronic, shown leaning on a desk, interacts for approximately two minutes, recounting aspects of his career and aspirations.
Walt Disney in Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color (1966), Walt Disney Productions
The show will initially operate alone but is expected to later share the space with a revised “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln,” including a new set design. The lobby includes added displays such as a Disneyland development timeline, concept art by themed area, Walt Disney’s awards, and a short film titled “Memories of Walt.”
Entry requires a free virtual queue reservation through the Disneyland app, offered at 7 a.m. and noon each day, with guests needing to be physically present in the park for the noon slot. No physical standby option is available.
Development and Technology
Walt Disney Imagineering handled the project’s development over seven years. The team consulted with multiple generations of the Disney family during the process, and some family members approved the outcome.
But certainly not all…
Controversy and Family Perspectives
The initiative has divided opinions within the Disney family. Joanna Miller, Walt Disney’s granddaughter and the daughter of Diane Disney Miller, has publicly criticized the animatronic, describing it as “dehumanizing” and an “imposter” that cannot replicate a person’s essence.
Concept art for Walt Disney – A Magical Life via Disney Parks Blog
She initiated a letter-writing campaign against it, stating in social media posts and interviews that it makes “no sense” and lacks “a soul or essence of the man,” adding that she cried upon seeing it because “it didn’t look like him.”
Miller argued that existing films and recordings sufficiently preserve her grandfather’s voice and image, and she expressed concern that the figure would overshadow memories of the actual person. She met with Disney CEO Bob Iger and Imagineers but remained unconvinced, telling Iger the animatronic could harm her grandfather’s legacy.
Miller referenced prior objections from her mother, Diane Disney Miller, who reportedly halted similar proposals in the past, including ideas for an animatronic at the Walt Disney Family Museum, as she preferred portraying Walt as “a real human.”
Diane Disney Miller, who died in 2013, had her wishes respected during her lifetime, according to Joanna.
Walt Disney in Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color (1966), Walt Disney Productions
In contrast, the Walt Disney Family Museum board, comprising several grandchildren and great-grandchildren including Chris Miller and Tamara Miller, has endorsed the project, suggesting Walt Disney would have approved of the technological application given his interest in Audio-Animatronics.
Roy P. Disney, Walt’s great-nephew, also attended previews and supported the effort. Imagineers have positioned the animatronic as a means to introduce Walt Disney to newer audiences.
Sleeping Beauty Castle in 2019 after refurbishment. Photo Credit: CrispyCream27, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
The animatronic reflects ongoing debates about preserving legacies through technology in theme park experiences.
How do you feel about this animatronic Walt Disney? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
The brass neck. Iger is doing his utmost to erase the glory of his great predecessors.