(Contributed by Jason Schultz)
Type of Ride: Exhibit and Show
Rating: DD, not a headline attraction but it does provide a patriotic look into America's past.
Length: Walt Disney Story (including Walt Disney: Naturalist, Office Description, and Walt Disney Story film): 16 minutes Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln: 13 minutes
Average Wait: Continuous Shows every 20 minutes
When to Ride: Whenever. During a parade there are usually very few to no people inside the Opera House.
Age Group: Adults
Special Consideration: Strollers must remain outside
History:
The Opera House building has been around as long as Disneyland itself. However, in its first years of operation, it was not opened to the public, being used as a lumber mill. Then, on December 17, 1961, the actual sets used in the filming of Babes in Toyland made their debut in the Opera House. This was just like the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea Exhibit on display in Tomorrowland at that time. The only difference was that this display only lasted a little under 2 years (until September 30, 1963) before becoming the home to the Mickey Mouse Club television show. Here kids could pick up souvenirs of their favorite Mouseketeers. But this huge building could surely house something more important than just the home of a television show, couldn't it? Enter Abraham Lincoln.

Walt Disney was a great admirer of our 16th President, and had begun work on an Audio-Animatronic figure for an attraction planned in the Park. When Robert Moses (the mastermind behind the 1964-65 New York World's Fair) was visiting the Disney Studios in 1962, most likely to check up on the attractions Walt was planning for the fair, he was introduced to the prototype Audio-Animatronic figure of Lincoln. He immediately wanted that show for the fair. While the engineers didn't think it was anywhere near a form that should be seen by the public, Walt agreed to have in ready for the Fair, just a scant two years away. The State of Illinois agreed to sponsor this attraction, and everything was coming together perfectly. That is, until Mr. Lincoln was shipped to the pavilion at the World's Fair. The wiring they needed wasn't there, and the Tower of Light caused unexpected power surges. A week after the scheduled press premiere, the Imagineers finally were able to get Mr. Lincoln to work right, and it immediately became a hit at the New York World's Fair. In the final days of the fair, Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln opened at Disneyland on July 18, 1965, and marked the first time the same Disney attraction performed simultaneously on two coasts. This attraction closed on January 1, 1973 to make way for The Walt Disney Story, an elaborate display of awards and memorabilia, as well as a re-creation of his offices as they were used at the Burbank Studios. The theater where Mr. Lincoln once gave his inspired speech was now home to a film narrated by Walt Disney himself that told his life story. The Walt Disney Story opened on April 8, 1973, but, due to popular demand, The Walt Disney Story was closed on February 12, 1975 in order to make way for The Walt Disney Story Featuring Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, opening on June 12, 1975. The Lincoln display and a model of the Capitol replaced some of Disney display.

Rumors are always circulating about the removal of Mr. Lincoln, but there is always a very vocal outcry by those who do not want to see this patriotic attraction closed.

Location: On the east side of Town Square
Description:
Inside the Walt Disney Story you will find the Guest Book, a short time-lapse film on Disneyland's construction, Walt's Electric Car, a display of pictures of celebrities that have visited the Park, a display of some of Walt's awards, a presentation by Y. Zol Owl about the role animals have played in the Walt Disney Story, Walt's two offices, recreated exactly as he used them for 26 years, a model of the Capitol building, some information on Mr. Lincoln, and a short film on Walt's life narrated by Walt himself. Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln is a theater show that begins by telling the story of the Civil War and culminates in a performance by an Audio-Animatronic Mr. Lincoln, using a speech culled from several Mr. Lincoln gave during his life.

Walk through the lobby to get a view of what Walt's old office in Burbank used to look like and get a glimpse of the construction of Disneyland. While in the lobby be sure to ask the nearest Cast Member for a copy of the Speech that Mr. Lincoln give during the presentation. Then after you're through in the lobby, wait to hear Abraham Lincoln give many of the speeches that his is famous for in the Main Street Opera House. Also many times during the year there are special of the making of movies and other exciting things, so be sure to check it out on your trip. Like the Tiki Room this offers a long and air conditioned presentation, allowing you take a rest during the day and get away from the heat and crowds.

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