Disneyland is preparing to unveil one of its most intimate and innovative tributes to its founder. On July 17, 2025, the Walt Disney: A Magical Life exhibit will officially open on Main Street Opera House in Disneyland Park in Anaheim, Calif., offering visitors a deeply immersive experience into the life and legacy of Walt Disney.
Housed in the Walt Disney Presents Gallery, this permanent exhibition marks the first time Disneyland Park has introduced a life-sized audio-animatronic figure of Walt himself. The figure delivers pre-recorded speeches using Walt’s real voice, reconstructed through archival audio and cutting-edge technology developed by Walt Disney Imagineering.
Honoring a Dreamer’s Journey
The exhibit spans more than 1,500 square feet and guides visitors through key milestones of Walt’s life—from his early days in Marceline, Missouri, to his creation of Disneyland and advancements in animation and media. The experience includes personal artifacts, rarely seen documents, original concept models, and handwritten notes.
One of the major highlights is a recreation of early Disneyland plans, showing how Walt’s vision transformed over time. “We wanted to create an experience that celebrates not only the man who created Disneyland, but the human behind the legend,” said Becky Cline, Director of the Walt Disney Archives. “Guests will feel like they’re walking through Walt’s memories.”
Where Technology Meets Tribute
The emotional centerpiece of the exhibit is the audio-animatronic figure of Walt, featuring subtle facial movements and lifelike gestures. It delivers inspiring messages using Walt’s own words, preserved from decades-old audio archives.
The launch of the exhibit coincides with Disneyland’s 70th anniversary and stands as one of its most meaningful offerings to date. With a seamless blend of archival storytelling and immersive technology, Walt Disney: A Magical Life serves as a timeless tribute to the dreamer who changed the world of family entertainment forever.
