The long-awaited Walt Disney animatronic has made its long-awaited debut at Disneyland, but our readers are still somewhat split on the latest addition to the “Happiest Place on Earth.”
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In 2024, Disney announced that a brand-new Walt Disney animatronic show would be coming to Disneyland. Running in the park’s Opera House (it will eventually share the space with a refurbished Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln), the show is described by Disney as a “cinematic journey tracing Walt’s life from his early endeavors to the bright lights of Los Angeles and beyond. The experience culminates with a visit to Walt’s office. Here, encounter Walt like never before: watch as he shares heartfelt stories, anecdotes and words of wisdom through the magic of the Audio-Animatronics storytelling he helped pioneer.” Walt Disney – A Magical Life is accompanied by an exhibit with artifacts from San Francisco’s Walt Disney Family Museum.
At the time of the announcement, many Disney fans were conflicted on the announcement. Some were excited at the prospect, happy to see the company honoring Walt, while others were wary, pointing out that Walt had made statements in his lifetime that he wouldn’t this kind of tribute to himself to exist.
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There was even seemingly some debate amongst Disney family members about the show. According to Disney, “three generations of Walt and Lillian’s family” were moved touched by the experience. However, one of Disney’s grandchildren, Joanna Miller, spoke out against the animatronic earlier this year, telling the LA Times that, “The idea of a Robotic Grampa to give the public a feeling of who the living man was just makes no sense. It would be an impostor, They are dehumanizing him.”
Now that the show has officially opened in conjunction with Disneyland’s 70th birthday – and footage and images of the animatronic have spread far and wide – we asked our readers what they thought of Walt Disney – A Magical Life now.
Reader Jon, expressed approval of the animatronic, linking it to Walt’s on actions. They wrote, “Walt made an animatronic of his hero, Abe Lincoln. Why wouldn’t Imagineers make an animatronic of their hero?” Reader Ashley chimed in, “Walt never wanted to be an animatronic, but he is so beloved I’m glad they are doing it. His voice should be in his parks.”
However, other readers were more negative. Several readers brought up the Walt animatronic’s resemblance to the man, or lack thereof. Reader Kristy wrote, “I’m not sure if it’s controversial but I don’t think the animatronic looks like Walt. I feel like Walt was taller and leaner. However, I don’t think any of the animatronics in the Hall of Presidents look like the real Presidents either.”
Walt Disney — A Magical Life
Reader James was more blunt, writing, “For as long as it took, you’d think they could have made it actually look like Walt Disney.”
Reader Ilze wrote, “I get why it could be controversial if they make the animatronic say/endorse things that Walt would never”, but they then added, “I have faith that Disney will uphold his legacy.”
Walt Disney — A Magical Life
In celebration of Disneyland’s 70th anniversary, the first-ever Walt Disney Animatronic has debuted at the park. However, some fans still aren’t quite sure what to think. Stay tuned to DFB for more on Disneyland’s milestone.
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