The Disneyland Story presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln
Disneyland Park · Main Street, U.S.A.
Overview
Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln seats guests in the Main Street Opera House theater for a short, dignified presentation built around a strikingly lifelike Audio-Animatronic Abraham Lincoln, delivering a compiled reading of his best-known speeches. The figure's movement and voice work were groundbreaking when the show debuted and remain an impressive technical showcase even by modern standards, presented with minimal staging beyond the figure itself.
ParksLog Verdict
A quiet piece of Disney technological history that most guests walk past without realizing its significance. Not essential viewing, but worth the fifteen minutes for anyone curious about where Disney's animatronic technology started. Check the current rotation schedule with Walt Disney – A Magical Life before planning around it.
About this experience
Seated theater presentation built around a lifelike Audio-Animatronic Abraham Lincoln delivering an amalgamation of his most notable speeches.
Best For
- Guests interested in Disney's Audio-Animatronics history
- History and Lincoln enthusiasts
- A quiet, air-conditioned seated break on Main Street
Tips
- It now shares the Opera House theater with Walt Disney – A Magical Life on a rotating daily schedule — check current showtimes before planning around it.
- It's a good low-key stop early in the day given its typical morning-to-early-afternoon showtimes.
- The presentation is brief and stationary — don't expect a large-scale spectacle, it's a technical showcase more than an entertainment set piece.
Details
History
The show originated at the 1964 New York World's Fair as part of the State of Illinois pavilion before a duplicate version opened at Disneyland on July 18, 1965. As of 2026 it plays in daily rotation with Walt Disney – A Magical Life in the same Opera House theater, typically running from park opening until early afternoon.
Fun Facts
- It was originally created for the State of Illinois pavilion at the 1964 New York World's Fair before a version opened at Disneyland in 1965.
- Lincoln's dialogue was originally recorded by actor Royal Dano.
- It was one of Walt Disney's earliest showcases of Audio-Animatronics technology, predating many of the company's later animatronic attractions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does The Disneyland Story presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln take?
- The experience runs about 15 minutes. Budget extra time for the queue, any pre-show, and boarding — on busy days the full process can take considerably longer.
- Is The Disneyland Story presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln good for young children?
- Yes — The Disneyland Story presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln is listed as kid-friendly on ParksLog. The experience is gentle enough for most young guests, though always consider a child's individual comfort with the ride type before queuing.
- Does The Disneyland Story presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln operate in the rain?
- The Disneyland Story presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln is an indoor attraction. It runs in a climate-controlled environment, making it a good choice on hot or rainy days.
- Should I prioritize The Disneyland Story presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln at Disneyland Park?
- The Disneyland Story presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln is optional on a typical visit. It's a pleasant addition if lines are short, but most guests won't feel they missed out if they skip it.
- Does The Disneyland Story presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln have Lightning Lane?
- The Disneyland Story presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln is not available through Lightning Lane. Plan to join the standby queue or check the My Disney Experience app on the day of your visit.
- When did The Disneyland Story presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln open?
- The Disneyland Story presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln opened at Disneyland Park in 1965.