Disney is introducing a change to the operations of its controversial Walt Disney audio-animatronic.
First announced back in 2024, Walt Disney – A Magical Life was designed to honor the man behind The Walt Disney Company. The show features a groundbreaking audio-animatronic designed to resemble the one and only Walt Disney, with restored archival recordings used for his voice.
As per Disney, Walt Disney – A Magical Life takes guests on “a cinematic journey tracing Walt’s life from his early endeavors to the bright lights of Los Angeles and beyond.” However, not everyone is totally sold on the show.
Since its debut, the Walt Disney animatronic has sparked divisive reviews. While some consider it accurate and lifelike, others have suggested that it looks more like Tom Hanks as Walt Disney in Saving Mr. Banks (2013).
“There is an uncanny valley vibe to it,” said one Reddit user. “His eyes are not spaced properly and I feel a little too small. His face feels scrunched as Walt in his later years had a longer face profile.”
Another wrote, “I don’t know who that is but it’s not Walt Disney. You’d think that his company would get his face right.”
Disney Changes Walt Disney Animatronic Operations
Now, less than a year after its debut, Disney is making a big change to Walt Disney – A Magical Life.
As of today (February 13), the show is performed in rotation with Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.
This was always the intention for the show upon its debut. However, Disney did not confirm when it would make the switch until last night.
From today onwards, Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln is performed from when Disneyland Park opens until 1:30 p.m. At 2 p.m., performances of Walt Disney – A Magical Life begin. The show then runs until park close.
NEW: Beginning Feb. 13, Walt Disney – A Magical Life and Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln will be presented daily on a rotating basis at Disneyland.
Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln will show from opening until 1:30 pm and Walt Disney – A Magical Life from 2pm to close. pic.twitter.com/rYdwb9dARW
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) February 12, 2026
Notably, Disney is set to bring a Walt Disney animatronic to the East Coast in the near future.
During the “Creating the Happiest Place on Earth” panel at D23 in 2025, Walt Disney Imagineer Chris Beatty confirmed that Walt Disney will be integrated into Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress at Magic Kingdom.
Disney has yet to announce a timeframe for this addition. A refurbishment for Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress – which has run for decades in Tomorrowland – is not currently listed on the Walt Disney World Resort calendar.
Fans have theorized that a date will potentially be announced in the spring for a summer/autumn closure.
Alternatively, this year’s D23 may usher in a string of theme park announcements, including more information about what awaits Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress.
In February, it filed a permit for maintenance changes within the attraction, which may mark a string of upcoming tweaks – including moving Walt into the theater.
Disney has also teased more changes for the attraction. “There are still plenty of additional details to be revealed, including what John, Sarah, and the rest of the family are up to,” wrote Disney Parks Blog in August 2025. “Disney Imagineers love this attraction and the heart of it will stay the same while introducing the Carousel of Progress to an entirely new generation of fans, showing them that a great big, beautiful tomorrow is just a dream away.”
Do you prefer Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln or Walt Disney – A Magical Life?
