The Walt Disney Company has grown quite a bit since the days when Walt Disney himself was running the show. Today, Disney is utilizing incredible new technology, boasting billion-dollar movie premieres, and building brand-new theme parks. We have a feeling Walt Disney would be proud!
Now, we’re back at Disneyland Resort to honor Walt Disney’s legacy in a special new way. A new attraction, called Walt Disney – A Magical Life, is opening soon, and we got a special preview. We have SO much to tell you about this new ride, so come along with us for an exclusive FIRST LOOK.
During our first visit, we weren’t able to take photos of the show, but check back to see more photos soon!
The new attraction, Walt Disney – A Magical Life, opens to the public on July 17th, 2025. Ahead of the show’s big debut, Disney treated us to a preview of the new attraction!
The outside of the Main Street Opera House is just as beautiful, with signs representing both shows playing in the theater.
The inside of the Main Street Opera House has new exhibits. The exhibits have been rearranged, featuring new pieces of Disney history, including original concept art, organized by land.
Some of the pieces are rarely exhibited! These Main Street, U.S.A. facades are on tissue that is so delicate that it can’t be handled too often.
We also saw some very iconic Disney attractions represented.
The show started with a short film that covers the history of Walt Disney, and then Walt is in the room with you!
The attraction tells us the story of Walt Disney himself. We’re welcomed inside Walt’s office (it feels so intimate!), where you can see all the magical ideas Disney is dreaming up. What makes this so special is, of course, Walt himself. This show features (for the first time!!!!) an Audio-Animatronics figure of Walt Disney. WOW WOW WOW.
Disney revealed that Imagineers took great care when crafting an Audio-Animatronics figure that could capture Walt’s essence. Three generations of Walt’s family watched the show and were proud to see him anchored in Disneyland. Imagineering worked closely with the family before starting the project to make sure they could represent Walt in the best way.
The Main Street Opera House is at the front of the park, and it was intentional to have Walt Disney be there at the beginning of the park, almost greeting you inside.
Many items around his desk were exact replicas. They tried to create a faithful recreation of his office, but that was a bit tricky because his office shown on TV was a set and not his actual office, so they incorporated different elements into one.
Disney is very proud of the animatronic, as it features impressive movements, including a lean-to-stand function and hands that talk in a more advanced way. They described it as their “most fluid performance” of an animatronic yet.
Oh, and here’s a fun fact for you. This technological advancement is debuting in the same building where Walt pioneered Audio-Animatronic technology 60 years ago with Abraham Lincoln. Eventually, A Magical Life will play in rotation with Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.
They’re also working on a new set for Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, which we’re excited to see.
WAIT! Before you go, we know you have opinions and we want to hear them! Leave a review on Disney rides, restaurants, and more right here on AllEars. Good or bad, let your voice be heard!
If you’re looking for a travel agent to help with your vacation, we recommend our friends at Mouse Fan Travel. They’re experts in the field with over 20 years of vacation planning experience, and they can help take a bunch of the stress out of the entire booking process for you!
In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more.
Disneyland Resort’s 70th Anniversary Celebration
What do you think about this new show? Let us know in the comments!
Disclosure: We were invited by Disney to attend a media preview of Walt Disney – A Magical Life. This did not affect our reporting of the event — our opinions are our own.
Trending Now
There's a new Tinker Bell Loungefly online, and we LOVE it!
Disney World just made a quiet change that could seriously improve how you book your...
Here are this year's dates for the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival.
We're showing off some new souvenirs coming to the Disney Store in May!
There are tons of new Disney shirts available online!
Think you know Pixar? Like… really know Pixar? This isn’t your average “name that character”...
If you’re planning a trip in the current wave of construction and changes, it’s time...
Orlando International Airport has new nonstop flights this month.
Here are seven new Disney Loungefly bags and accessories you can find right now at...
You can't miss this new HOKA drop!
Disney Adults have opinions, and apparently the spiciest ones are about…other Disney Adults. From line-saving...
Disney just released a hint to tell us when the first Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party...
This new rule can make Disney World Annual Passes harder to get!
How many days does Universal's newest park actually require?
We're sharing a NEW LOOK at the construction happening at Magic Kingdom's Haunted Mansion.
You can have the best park strategy in the world, but if your shoes are...
If you're heading to Walt Disney World this summer, you need to know what's going...
Disney World just released a FULL list of everything coming to the resort this fall!
These are 9 new bags online that are great to carry around the Disney parks.
A new 'Toy Story 5' Loungefly collection dropped online!