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Credit: Disney (Edited by ITM).Disney Executive Josh D’Amaro shared his thoughts on Disneyland’s impressive and divisive Walt Disney animatronic.
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Disney is a company know for innovation, and its collection of theme parks are probably the best example. From thrilling roller coasters to highly-themed and immersive dark rides, few theme parks do it quite like Walt Disney World and Disneyland, with plenty more magic in store.
However, the talk of the town currently is on Disneyland’s new show based on the man who started it all.
Named Walt Disney – A Magical Life, this show serves as a window back in time as well as a living tribute to Walt Disney. The inventor, storyteller, and creative leads the show in animatronic form, something that was advertised as being one of Disney’s most lifelike creations yet. The figure features dozens of articulated points and eerily realistic qualities that mirror how Walt walked and talked.
However, it’s the animatronic’s face that has left fans split. Many argue it looks nothing like Walt, while others think it’s just slightly off.
Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Experiences, went against the grain while discussing the Walt figure in a piece from The Hollywood Reporter, saying, “I had a chance to see it again yesterday, and I think it’s going to be a great tribute to Walt, a great tribute to the Walt Disney family, and quite frankly, a great tribute to our guests, both young and old.”
This mention of family is interesting. Walt’s eldest living granddaughter, Joanna Miller, publicly called out Disney for bringing Walt back to life in animatronic form late last year. “I am overwhelmed with disgust and anger,” said Miller in a statement shared online. “Mom would be ready to fight. I think it shows a lack of respect for Grampa.”
Sentiments from the general public haven’t been any more positive, with many criticizing the appearance of Walt. “Yall booed me when I said the Tiana animatronic didn’t look like Tiana, said one fan. “Well this is the exact same issue here.” “It looks nothing like him,” said another.
Whether or not the Walt animatronic is a 1-1 representation of the man it inspired is debatable, but the figure’s actual movements and lifelike qualities are striking. Walt is able to move, gesture, talk, and (slightly) walk, all in bright lighting, making it one of the most impressive creations to date.
Below is Disneyland’s description of Walt Disney – A Magical Life:
From capturing the twinkle in his eyes to his expressive hands and eyebrows, the team pioneered numerous artistic and technological innovations to create the most lifelike performance of an Audio-Animatronics figure possible.
From Mickey Mouse to motion pictures, television, parks and beyond, Walt Disney’s vision and risk-taking have given the world a lifetime of entertainment. We believe that Walt’s story will provide inspiration to all who visit this show: Follow your dreams. Never give up. Turn setbacks into successes. And give the world your very best!
What do you think about Disneyland’s Walt Disney animatronic?