An all-new attraction opens this week at the Disneyland Resort in honor of the resorts 70th Anniversary Celebration. On Thursday, July 17, 2025, “Walt Disney – A Magical Life” will open in the Main Street Opera House featuring the first-ever Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic figure.
The show will begin with a film adaptation of “One Man’s Dream,” narrated by Walt himself. The film will follow Walt from his early endeavors through his dreams for the future. As the film ends, the curtain in the Main Street Opera House will rise revealing the first Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic figure ever created by Walt Disney Imagineering. The Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic figure will talk to the audience from a re-creation of Walt’s office at the The Walt Disney Studio Lot in Burbank, California Walt will share a few stories and thoughts on his career and philosophy — all of which were taken from recordings of Walt spanning decades.
The show officially opens on Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary, this Thursday, July 17th. A virtual queue reservation is required to enter the attraction. Starting at 7:00am on Thursday, guests with a Disneyland Park reservation can request a spot in the virtual queue. A second request window will open at noon for guests unable to get a reservation at 7:00am and for guests with a Disney California Adventure Park park hopper ticket. The virtual queue reservations are expected to fill up quickly so make sure you are online at the designated time to reserve your spot in the queue.
“Walt Disney – A Magical Life” and “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln” will rotate throughout the year in the Main Street Opera House. Disneyland has not stated how long each show will be available as an attraction in the Opera House; however, since “Walt Disney – A Magical Life” is new and part of Disneyland’s 70th Celebration, I’m guessing the show will be available for at least 6 months (possibly longer) before “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln” rotates back into the Opera House.
When visiting the Main Street Opera House for the new show, make sure you allow yourself a little extra time to visit the lobby that will be filled with new exhibits showcasing Disneyland’s design evolutions, from master planning to Audio-Animatronics. Also showcased are awards and honors received by Walt Disney over the years, as well as a video presentation called “Memories of Walt,” that features interviews from many who knew and worked alongside him. The lobby exhibits will also include a display from Walt’s private apartment in Disneyland. These exhibits are a must for all Disney fans to discover and revisit.
More Disneyland Resort News
Looking for more Disneyland news? Check out these recent articles for the most up-to-date information at the Disneyland Resort:
- The First Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic — Opening at Disneyland This Week
- Lillian Disney receives window on Main Street, U.S.A.
- Disneyland 70th Celebration Dole Whip Cup Coming Soon
- A look at new Haunted Mansion Open Edition Pins at Disney Parks
- Upcoming Artist Signings at the Disneyland Resort
- Disneyland and Walt Disney World will debut “it’s a small world” Third Verse
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As always, I’ll “see ya real soon” Mouseketeers!
