At a special press briefing at Walt Disney Imagineering in Glendale, California, Imagineers revealed that a brand-new Disneyland attraction, Walt Disney – A Magical Life, will bring back the cherished Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream film, making a triumphant return to the Disneyland Resort for its 70th anniversary after nearly two decades.
In addition to the world’s first-ever Audio-Animatronic of Walt Disney himself, Tom Fitzgerald, Senior Creative Executive at Walt Disney Imagineering, told WDWNT that while the beloved 24-year-old documentary will be “uniquely adapted” for the new attraction, the core experience will remain intact.
According to Fitzgerald,
“It will still be the journey from Walt’s childhood through to his vision for Walt Disney World and EPCOT, told in his own words."
The experience begins with the 15-minute film, and then the curtain will rise to reveal the groundbreaking Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic, who will perform for guests in a special two-minute segment.
Originally scheduled to open May 16 to kick off Disneyland’s 70th anniversary festivities, Walt Disney – A Magical Life will now officially debut on July 17, 2025—a fitting nod to the park’s original opening date. Also launching that day is a brand-new Main Street Opera House exhibit titled Evolution of a Dream.
The History of Walt Disney: One Man's Dream
Hardcore Disney history buffs will remember Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream debuted back on October 1, 2001 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios for the 100 Years of Magic celebration. The film, which originally featured narration by former CEO Michael Eisner, was later re-recorded by the one and only Julie Andrews, because who better than Mary Poppins herself to tell Walt’s story?
The documentary still plays at Walt Disney Presents in Florida, but for West Coast fans, it’s a long-awaited return. The film previously played at Disney California Adventure from December 2001 to April 2005 in the Disney Animation building.
With the return of this fan-favorite film and the reveal of a never-before-seen Walt Disney Animatronic, A Magical Life is shaping up to be the ultimate tribute to the man who started it all.
Are you excited to see Walt Disney: One Man's Dream come to Disneyland?