Updated
Updated · Bloomberg · Jun 26
Disney Develops $60 Billion Parks Revamp With Aquatic Robots and Star Wars Droids
Updated
Updated · Bloomberg · Jun 26

Disney Develops $60 Billion Parks Revamp With Aquatic Robots and Star Wars Droids

3 articles · Updated · Bloomberg · Jun 26

Summary

  • A car-size manta ray prototype in Disney’s Glendale R&D lab is being built to transform into Moana’s Gramma Tala for a lagoon show, with dolphin-like robots planned later.
  • The six-foot aquatic robot uses hydrofoil technology to move through water, part of Disney’s push to create lifelike characters that can perform and interact alongside human actors.
  • Disney is also testing other park concepts, including Star Wars-themed food carts topped by hovering droid-like robots and new projection effects for Pirates of the Caribbean.
  • Those projects sit inside Walt Disney Co.’s 10-year, $60 billion investment plan for parks and resorts, signaling a broader technology-led revamp of attractions and guest experiences.

Insights

Will Disney's $60 billion robot gamble create new magic or just a high-tech maintenance nightmare?
As lifelike robots replace park performers, is Disney's famous 'magic' losing its human soul?