Learn about the Man behind the Mouse at ‘Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream’ in Disney’s Hollywood Studios

If there is one attraction that should be a "must see" on any Disney fan's list, it is 'Walt Disney: One Man's Dream' at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Originally created to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Walt's birth, it opened on October 1, 2001 as part of Walt Disney World's 100 years of Magic Celebration. A few years ago the attraction's marquee was updated to reflect that D23: The Official Disney Fan Club was now presenting the attraction.

One of the archival photos from One Man's Dream

Housed in the attraction are never-before-seen props, models, and other archival pieces from Disney's history. There are more than 400 artifacts in the attraction, and many of them came directly from the Walt Disney Archives.

The archival pieces in the exhibit include Walt's second grade school desk, 'Granny Kincaid's Cabin' which was Walt's first attempt at a 3D miniature environment, and 'The Dancing Man,' his first animated figure. That figure was precursor to Disney's Audio-Animatronic technology, and the original Audio-Animatronic Abraham Lincoln from the 1964 World's Fair is part of the exhibit.

One of the displays in Walt Disney: One Man's Dream

Some of the models included in the exhibit are Main Street U.S.A. from Disneyland, Jungle Cruise and Spaceship Earth models, the planning model for Disney's California Adventure Park, and the Tree of Life model from Disney's Animal Kingdom. Scaled replicas of the Sleeping Beauty Castle from Disneyland and Disneyland Paris are also on display.

A photo of Walt with some classic characters at Disneyland

This is an exhibit that could be finished in less than 30 minutes, but if you slow down and really soak in the history and magic in the exhibit you'll quickly realize that One Man's Dream is something special.

In addition to the artifacts the exhibit also includes animation art, storyboard, photos, costumes, and set pieces including costumes from Mary Poppins and the Mickey Mouse Club. A replica of Walt's California office is also part of the display. Be sure to take time to watch the videos included in the attraction, especially the one where Walt talks about Epcot.

Walt explaining what EPCOT is all about

At the end of the exhibit there is a 15-minute film about Walt's life. The film is narrated by Julie Andrews and includes audio recordings of Walt and home movies, in addition to clips from Disney movies including Pinocchio and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The film ends with "When You Wish Upon a Star" playing as scenes from Walt's life are shown on the screen.

The exhibit and the film are a wonderful tribute to Walt Disney and the magic he created.

Have you ever explored Walt Disney: One Man's Dream? Leave us a comment and let us know what you love about this attraction.