Walt Disney said, “It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.” The folks at Walt Disney Imagineering are taking this quote to heart by attempting the seemingly impossible task of bringing Walt Disney back to life in the form of a lifelike robotic figure. This new attraction, titled “Walt Disney — A Magical Life,” is set to debut at Disneyland on July 17, coinciding with the park’s 70th anniversary. The goal is to give visitors a chance to experience what it would have been like to be in Walt’s presence.
The animatronic figure of Walt Disney will be a highly accurate representation of the man himself, complete with age spots on his hands and weariness around his eyes. The Imagineers behind the project have been working on this for about seven years, striving for both romanticism and realism in their portrayal of Disney. The figure will be able to move and speak, capturing Disney’s expressive hand gestures and eyebrow movements.
The decision to create an animatronic figure of Walt Disney has sparked some debate within the Disney community, with some questioning the ethics of resurrecting the dead through technology. However, supporters of the project, including members of the Disney family and the Walt Disney Family Museum, believe that Walt would have approved of the tribute.
The show will take place in Disney’s office and will feature dialogue taken directly from Disney’s speeches. The figure will be dressed in attire reminiscent of Disney’s signature style, including a tie emblazoned with the logo of Palm Springs’ Smoke Tree Ranch, one of Disney’s favorite retreats. The setting will provide a glimpse into Disney’s world, giving visitors a chance to learn more about the man behind the magic.
Despite the controversy surrounding the project, the Imagineers are confident in their ability to bring Walt Disney back to life in a respectful and authentic way. They have worked closely with the Disney family and the Walt Disney Family Museum to ensure that the animatronic figure stays true to Disney’s legacy.
“Walt Disney — A Magical Life” will serve as a tribute to Walt Disney’s enduring impact on popular culture. By bringing him back to life in this unique way, the Imagineers hope to inspire a new generation to learn more about the man behind the mouse. So, whether you’re a die-hard Disney fan or just curious to see what all the fuss is about, be sure to check out this new attraction when it opens at Disneyland this summer. Who knows, you might just find yourself believing in the magic of Walt Disney all over again.
