During the Disney Experiences Showcase at D23 2024, the Mickey Mouse Company revealed plans to introduce the first audio-animatronics based on its founder, Walt Disney.
The piece will be part of an expansion called Walt Disney: A Magical Life, which promises a new show for the Main Street Opera House at Disneyland. We’ll learn more as we wait for its debut sometime in 2025, where it will join the rotation with Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. Until a more specific release date is announced, you can see some early concept images below.
✨BREAKING✨The first Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic is coming to @Disneyland! “Walt Disney – A Magical Life” will premiere in 2025 at the Main Street Opera House, alternating with “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln”. https://t.co/oXSgMgIt3G #D23 #Horizons pic.twitter.com/sZe7tJKu7Z
— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) 11 August 2024
“I speak for our entire team when I say that everyone involved in this endeavor is so proud and excited,” said Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, at D23.
D’Amaro continued, “Creating our first Walt character is a huge responsibility, and we’ve taken members of the Disney family with us every step of the way. His great-nephew, Roy P. Disney, recently visited the Imagineering campus to see our progress.”
The Imagineers at Disney are pushing the envelope with their Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic, but they’ve got even more up their sleeve. During today’s show, the team revealed first looks at things like Monsters, Inc. Land, its first Encanto attraction, Villains Land, and more. Meanwhile, today’s Marvel Animation panel revealed previews of some shows coming soon to Disney+. D23 is still a day away, but you can click here to see all the movie and TV show announcements the company had to share at its Disney Entertainment Showcase.
Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor to IGN. He began writing in the industry in 2017 and is best known for his work at outlets such as The Pitch, The Escapist, OnlySP, and Gameranx.
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