Overview

• Imagineer Chris Beatty announced at Destination D23 that a new introductory scene will feature an Audio‑Animatronic Walt Disney before the attraction’s familiar family story.
• Concept art shows Walt in an office-like setting with sketches and blueprints, including an early EPCOT image and his period blue sweater.
• Disney framed the project as a significant refurbishment, with additional updates teased for John, Sarah, and the rest of the family.
• No construction timeline, closure details, or opening date were provided for the update.
• The plan follows the July debut of a Walt figure at Disneyland, and the Walt Disney Family Museum issued a statement supporting the Magic Kingdom addition.