The Walt Disney Story opened in Disneyland’s Main Street Opera House in 1973,
replacing Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.
Walt Disney’s Audio Animatronic tribute to the Great Emancipator had been
around since 1965.
It was time for something new.
Right?
Wrong!
Many Disneyland guests complained that the removal of Mr. Lincoln was an
insult to the memory of Walt Disney (1901-1966)—never mind that The
Walt Disney Story was supposed to honor Walt.
In 1975, Mr. Lincoln returned.
Guests seated in the Opera House were treated to a double feature.
After movie about Mr. Disney, good old Audio Animatronic Abe gave his speech.
This long presentation had an appropriately long name—The Walt Disney Story
featuring Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.
Over the years, the movie about Walt Disney disappeared;
a more technologically advanced Mr. Lincoln replaced his predecessor; and
the Golden Dream music from Epcot’s American Adventure replaced the
Battle Hymn of the Republic.
Although some of the Walt Disney memorabilia remained in the pre-show
lobby, for all practical purposes The Walt Disney Story attraction of 1973
was history.
May 5, 2005, Disneyland launched the 18-month “The Happiest Homecoming on Earth”
celebration, marking the 50th anniversary of Disneyland.
Mr. Lincoln went on vacation.
The “The Walt Disney Story
featuring Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln” sign came down.
The Main Street Opera House hosted “The First
50 Magical Years,” a film starring Steve Martin.
All sorts of Disneyland memorabilia filled the Opera House lobby.
The plan was for a well-rested Mr. Lincoln to return after the celebration.
However, it now seems that guests will continue to hear Mr. Martin, not Mr. Lincoln, for
an undetermined period of time.
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