Taking you the behind the scenes and giving you a sneak peek at new attractions is one of our goals on the Disney Parks Blog.
Today’s video gives a first glimpse of the new Abraham Lincoln figure that will be the main attraction in the returning “The Disneyland Story presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln” show. The new, advanced figure features Disney’s most sophisticated Audio-Animatronics technology, with incredibly lifelike facial features and expressions.
The new, fully-electric head allowed Imagineers to add new technology and functionality to a figure that has entertained Disneyland guests since 1965. The previous Lincoln head and face had seven functions, and the new and improved head and face has a total of 20 functions. Lincoln can now purse his lips, smile, grimace and form an “O” with his lips. Don’t take my word for it. Check it out for yourself.
The classic attraction is scheduled to re-open at Disneyland Park in December. The fascinating figure – along with new and classic show elements – continue the Disney tradition of merging great storytelling with breathtaking technical innovation. The rich and moving show provides a patriotic tribute to our nation’s 16th president.
Comments
I’m making a special trip to the Land Dec. 16 through 19th just to welcome Mr. Lincoln back to the Opera House. I’ve loved this attraction since I was 12 and was one of the reasons I started having an interest in history. What I really love in reading about this version is how they are bringing back the original show and remastering the soundtrack. If they could do the same thing for attractions like the Tiki Room and Small World, they can do the same for Abe. I’m really excited to hear Royal Dano again in stereo surround sound. Just hope they will include Paul Frees again as the narrator.
I was fortunate enough to see Lincoln at the New York worlds fair, and always enjoyed reseeing him at Disneyland. Like so many others, I was disappointed when he went away. Now I can hardly wait for his glorious return!
The Imagineers have once again done an amazing job!
Absolutely amazing! When the first version of ‘Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln’ closed for the opening of ‘The First 50 Magical Years’, I was completely disappointed the Disney would do that. But then when I saw the sign one night when I was leaving the park, I almost started to jump and scream like I would when I was 3 right before ‘Fantasmic!’ started. I can’t wait to see it, and hopefully when I go back in about 3 and a half weeks, it’ll be open! ^^
Wow, I wish Walt could have seen this! I’m looking forward to seeing this in December!
He’s absolutely beautiful – is that the classic Royal Dano voice I hear?
We’ve come a long way since good ol’ Winkin’& Blinkin’ Lincoln!
What happens to the footage, like this? Is it archived? Or is this for some future media project?
Walt we miss you and you would be so proud of this attraction i can not wait to see this ! Will it be in Walt Disney World and Disneyland ?
Mr. Lincoln looks wonderful and so life-like. One of the things I love about Disney is the appreciation and artistic expression of America.
I can’t wait, he looks so realistic!
My Grandparents saw all four Disney attractions at the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair, and they still mention how their jaws dropped to the floor when they saw President Lincoln stand up and give a speech. While the technology of 1964 is dated by today’s standards, I think the 2009 Lincoln AA will cause the same sense of jaw dropping for our time as his 1964 counterpart did for that time.
I also hope these new electronic AA heads can be used on each of the four Fathers in Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress at the Magic Kingdom in Florida. That too is a Walt Disney World’s Fair created show….how more progressive can you get when you install the latest generation of AA’s on the Carousel of Progress? 🙂
Wow. Sorry, Mr Potato Head. You had a good run, but Mr. Lincoln is the new king audio-animatronic.
definitely “life-like” & giving the words expression –
how marvelously & wonderfully made we are who have life!
Awesome. Does he still have Buddy Ebsen’s face?
I love being a Native Californian & since my childhood Disny has always been what America is about. Here’s to you Walt for giving us Disneyland and all our memories that come with it.. You are why we had such a wonderful childhood..Thank You & God must be having the time of his life with you being with him..!
Mary from Santa Barbara, CA I cant wait to see Mr Lincoln attraction when we go in March 2010
This is mind-blowing. The advancement animatronics have had is incredible. I can’t wait for my next trip to Disneyland to see this in action!
Can’t wait to see Mr. Lincoln again. My next scheduled trip will be for New Year’s. Arriving on Dec. 30th. But, you never know, I might make a trip in between now and then.
It looks wonderful! I can’t wait to see the improved Lincoln.
Mr. Lincoln looks great! It seems the interview clips are from a longer behind the scenes special… is that coming available or airing soon?? 🙂
Impressive! Can’t wait to see it in action.
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