Josh D’Amaro is going slightly against the grain, stating he thinks Disneyland’s controversial new Walt Disney animatronic is a great addition to the theme park.
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Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Experiences Josh D’Amaro shared his thoughts on Disneyland’s divisive new Walt Disney animatronic, in a story 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.”
Titled Walt Disney—A Magical Life, Disneyland’s new show is a way to go back in time and a living tribute to Walt Disney, the man who started it all. Walt is represented in animatronic form and can walk, talk, and move in ultra-realistic ways.
However, not everyone is convinced by the figure’s face, which bears a less-than-striking resemblance to Walt. The internet has been critical ever since the first photos of the figure were shared online. Disney also faced pushback from family members, with Walt Disney’s oldest living granddaughter, Joanna Miller, calling out the company for bringing her grandfather back to life late last year. “I am overwhelmed with disgust and anger,” said Miller in an online statement. “Mom would be ready to fight. I think it shows a lack of respect for Grampa.”
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The ethics are certainly questionable, but one has to assume a Walt animatronic would go down a lot easier if it looked exactly like he did. This isn’t to say Disneyland’s new animatronic isn’t impressive, far from it, as it truly is one of the company’s most complex and intriguing creations yet. It just seems like designers have a much easier time creating Na’vi and dinosaur animatronics than figures intended ot look like real people.
Guests can catch Walt Disney – A Magical Life during the day at Disneyland Park.
