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Disney’s Imagineers are developing an innovative animatronic model of the legendary Walt Disney, but opinions within his family reveal a stark division. Some relatives celebrate the project as a tribute, while others criticize it as dehumanizing.
Walt Disney – A Magical Life Attraction
Set to premiere at Disney’s Main Street Opera House, the attraction titled Walt Disney – A Magical Life features a groundbreaking audio-animatronic effigy of the company’s esteemed founder. The initiative illustrates Disney’s commitment to honoring its heritage while captivating a modern audience.
Criticism from Family Members
Joanna Miller, one of Walt Disney’s granddaughters, has publicly criticized the animatronic project. In a viral Facebook post, she described the concept as dehumanizing, arguing that her grandfather had no desire to be memorialized through such technology. Miller relayed a story about how Walt told original Imagineer Sam McKim that he wanted no animatronic tribute associated with his name. Her concerns stem from a deep love and respect for her grandfather’s legacy.
A Meeting with Disney’s CEO
After expressing her views online, Joanna met with Disney CEO Bob Iger and members of the Imagineering team to discuss the animatronic’s development. She noted that Iger showed genuine kindness and attentiveness during their conversation. However, upon seeing the animatronic in production, Miller’s initial reaction was one of disappointment.
“I think I started crying,” she shared in an interview with the Los Angeles Times. “It didn’t look like him, to me.” This emotional response underscores her concern that the artifice may overshadow her grandfather’s authentic legacy.
Concerns Regarding Legacy
In a letter addressed to Iger, Miller articulated her fears about how the animatronic could affect public perceptions of her grandfather. She emphasized the potential for audiences to remember the robot rather than the man behind the magic. “I strongly feel the last two minutes with the robot will do much more harm than good to Grampa’s legacy,” Miller wrote.
Defending the Project
Contrarily, some family members welcome the animatronic representation. Imagineer Jeff Shaver-Moskowitz stated that extensive research found no documentation supporting claims that Walt had expressed aversion to being honored in this form. He acknowledged the anecdotal nature of Joanna’s assertions but also respected her perspective.
Family Support from the Walt Disney Family Museum
In a statement to the media, The Walt Disney Family Museum highlighted divergent views within the family. They affirmed that many other relatives support the animatronic project and were involved in its creation. The museum reported that several members of the family—including five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren—attended previews of the attraction during its development.
“Walt Disney Imagineering invited museum Board members to view the progress of the attraction’s development, including a preview of the audio-animatronic figure of Walt in its animated form,” the museum clarified. Such collaboration demonstrates an effort to honor Walt’s legacy with careful attention to detail.
A Grandson’s Perspective
Chris Miller, the eldest grandson and board member at the museum, stood in favor of the project. He recounted that he and his sisters had a positive experience during the presentation of the animatronic design. The Imagineering team was receptive to feedback, showcasing their commitment to ensuring an accurate representation of their grandfather.
Chris emphasized that advancements in technology have transformed the field of audio-animatronics, stating, “The level of innovation and technological advancement has exceeded anything that has been seen before in Audio-Animatronics.” He expressed confidence that the animatronic would reflect how the public remembers Walt, notably from his appearances on the Disney television series.
Building Bridges Through Educational Opportunities
Tamara Miller, also a granddaughter of Walt Disney and vice president of the museum’s board, echoed similar sentiments. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to preview the new attraction. Tamara maintained that this representation at the park where their grandfather built his dream serves as a meaningful educational tool.
“This attraction is a great opportunity for an audience to get a good representation of him,” she commented. Anticipating future generations, she added, “We believe that our grandfather would have been enthusiastic about the project.” This enthusiasm reflects a desire for the younger generations to connect with Walt’s inspiring legacy.
Final Thoughts on the Debate
As this discussion unfolds, it is clear that the legacy of Walt Disney evokes strong emotions. Within his family, a thoughtful dialogue continues about the methods of honoring his memory. As they navigate differing perspectives, both supporters and critics of the animatronic must consider the implications of their views.
Fox News Digital reached out to The Walt Disney Company for additional comment on this evolving story, recognizing the importance of family perspectives in shaping the legacy of one of America’s most cherished figures. The animatronic project embodies a blend of technology, memory, and family values, reflecting a unique challenge to preserve a visionary’s legacy in the modern world.
