As a seasoned gamer and Disneyland enthusiast with over three decades of park visits under my belt, I must say that the announcement of Walt Disney: A Magical Life at Disneyland Opera House for 2025 has me both thrilled and apprehensive. The idea of having Walt Disney return to his own park is nothing short of magical, yet the prospect of an animatronic figure brings a touch of uncertainty due to its potential to veer into the uncanny valley territory.
At D23, several brand-new attractions were unveiled for both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World. Excitingly, parks such as Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be receiving entirely new lands based on popular franchises; however, it was somewhat unexpected that Disneyland itself didn’t have much announced. Nevertheless, one new attraction is set to debut at the original park next year, and this announcement stands out as both the most thrilling and potentially the scariest addition due to the fact that it signifies Walt Disney returning to Disneyland.
In 2025, the new animatronic show titled “Walt Disney: A Magical Journey” is scheduled to premiere at the Disneyland Opera House, which has been hosting The Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln since the 1960s. Instead of replacing him, Mr. Lincoln will have to share the spotlight with an animatronic version of Walt Disney himself. This could turn out to be a magical experience or a complete disaster.
A Walt Disney Animatronic Is A Huge Swing For Disney Experiences
Introducing Walt Disney within a park he himself created is a significant event. Despite the fact that many view Disney as more legend than man, it’s only been approximately six decades since his departure. There are numerous individuals still living who vividly recall tuning in to Walt Disney each week on television.
It seems that Disney has been considering creating a Walt Disney audio-animatronic for quite a while now. Yet, advancements in technology and certain members within the Disney family have presented obstacles. Although some of Walt’s relatives support this potential new attraction, not everyone feels the same way, with his granddaughter reportedly strongly opposed to it.
Over time, technology has undergone significant advancements, and this transformation is particularly noticeable. For instance, Walt Disney Imagineering’s latest audio-animatronics can breathe life into animated characters in astonishing manners. However, recreating a lifelike appearance for an actual person as an animated figure poses a greater challenge.
According to Imagineer Tom Fitzgerald at D23, WDI is assuring us that the latest iteration of Walt will be a groundbreaking character, boasting unique characteristics and cutting-edge technology never seen before.
Previously, we’ve witnessed some remarkable advancements in animatronic technology that could potentially be applicable here. Today, these animatronics possess the ability to move independently without any external support. Might it be feasible for Walt to walk? The illustration above depicts Walt casually leaning against his desk. Could this animatronic portrayal realistically demonstrate Walt transitioning from a standing position to a lean against the desk posture?
We’d require nothing short of excellence from WDI; however, the thought that things might not turn out as planned remains a concern.
A Walt Disney Figure Could Enter The Uncanny Valley Of Audio-Animatronics
My concern isn’t about Walt Disney Imagineering lacking the ability to make a lifelike Walt Disney figure; rather, it’s my apprehension that they might succeed too well. I understand the concept of the ‘uncanny valley,’ which can occur in motion capture animation, where something appears so real that it feels unsettling instead. It’s overly realistic but not quite human enough at the same time, causing an instant negative response from the observer.
It’s plausible to create such a state using an audio-animatronic figure, and this brings us to the intricacies of portraying Walt Disney in animated form. On one side, a figure that appears overly robotic doesn’t seem fitting for his representation. Walt Disney deserves something more authentic. Yet, on the other hand, something too lifelike will encounter its own issues because we recognize it’s not truly him.
Walt Disney is An Icon, A Myth, And A Man
Some enthusiasts of parks have proposed that creating an audio-animatronic version of Walt might not be respectful. They feel that transforming him into a park attraction could dishonor his memory. While I can see their point of view, I don’t necessarily share it. If it is acceptable to manufacture an animatronic representation of America’s most esteemed President, and if it is acceptable to create an animated figure of the current U.S. President at Disney World’s Hall of Presidents, then there seems little reason why Walt Disney should be excluded from such treatment.
I would argue Walt was as great a man, who made an incomparable contribution to American life, as other real-life people who have been represented this way. I even advocated for a Walt Disney animatronic a few years back, but in that scenario, he would have been one animatronic among many that guests would only see briefly. To make an entire show focused on Walt, the bar for success has to be set much higher.
In essence, the portrayal of Walt Disney in the biography “Walt Disney: A Magical Life” won’t be an accurate reflection of the true man himself. Instead, it’s more likely to embody the persona known as “Uncle Walt,” a character that Walt Disney often assumed during his television appearances on the Disneyland series. This character is essentially a representation of Walt Disney in a public context, with many of its lines coming from pre-scripted speeches and recordings.
As a dedicated gamer, I deeply respect the man behind our cherished character, Walt. Any feelings or attraction towards him should always be mindful and considerate of the real person he was. Using only his genuine words as Disney has promised is a great step, for misrepresenting him by having him say things he never did would certainly cross a line.
The portrayal should avoid exaggerating Walt’s mythical status. He was a human being, and while his public image did emphasize aspects of his personality, even Walt acknowledged that the TV character wasn’t a true representation of him. Will there be an ashtray on the replica desk in the new attraction? Will the Disney animatronic version of Walt not be programmed to smoke?
Making A Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic Work Means Getting Everything Perfect
When crafting a Walt animatronic, there are numerous choices to be made. The technology should be authentic enough to allow visitors to suspend their disbelief, yet not so lifelike that it causes unease. The narrative portrayed by Walt needs to strike a balance between who he truly was and the public’s perception of him. Above all, it’s essential to pay tribute to Walt Disney, ensuring guests feel they are encountering more than just another theme park attraction.
There are many components that must align precisely, and if even one detail is significantly incorrect, the whole structure could collapse.
I’m looking forward to witnessing the return of Walt Disney to Disneyland next year, as his biographical show, “Walt Disney: A Magical Life,” premieres at the park. If this production manages to strike all the right notes, it could be an incredibly moving spectacle, one that those who admire his work can deeply relate to.
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2024-08-28 20:37