October 19, 2025

Walt Disney World Expands Animatronic Attractions

News Summary

Walt Disney World is set to enhance its animatronic lineup with new attractions and updates for upcoming years. Notable additions include an audio-animatronic of Benjamin Clawhauser for a Zootopia show, updates to Frozen Ever After, and the introduction of the first Muppet audio-animatronic. The theme park’s legacy with animatronics spans over 54 years, showcasing advancements in technology and character authenticity. Disney’s commitment to innovation is evident in the planned transformations and upgrades across its attractions, promising an exciting future for guests.

Orlando

Walt Disney World is set to expand its celebrated collection of animatronics with new attractions and upgrades planned for 2025 and beyond. This initiative reaffirms Disney’s commitment to evolving its technology and enhancing guest experiences across its theme parks.

The upcoming changes include exciting additions such as a new audio-animatronic figure of Benjamin Clawhauser for the “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!” show at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, scheduled to open on November 7, 2025. Clawhauser’s figure will feature glow necklaces and a glittery Gazelle T-shirt, further immersing guests in the character’s vibrant celebration.

Additionally, the popular Frozen Ever After ride at Epcot will receive updates to its animatronics for characters Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff, ensuring a more authentic representation inspired by technology advancements from Hong Kong Disneyland’s World of Frozen. The Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is preparing to introduce Scooter, the first-ever Muppet audio-animatronic, set to debut in Summer 2026, with the possibility of other Muppet characters joining in the future.

Walt Disney World has been showcasing animatronic figures for over 54 years, with hundreds of models incorporated throughout its attractions. Recent updates to existing rides demonstrate Disney’s ongoing dedication to innovation and character authenticity. For instance, in summer 2024, the Country Bears Musical Jamboree will be rebooted, featuring new songs while still highlighting classic animatronics like Big Al, who will now perform “Remember Me” from the movie Coco.

Major transformations are also underway. The reimagining of Splash Mountain into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure includes the addition of beloved characters such as Tiana, Mama Odie, and Louis, who is among one of the largest animatronic figures ever created by Walt Disney Imagineering. Another notable entry is the expressive Hondo Ohnaka animatronic in the preshow for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Disney’s parks are rich with animatronic experiences; from Slinky Dog Dash’s Wheezy, the singing penguin, to Magic Kingdom’s Hall of Presidents, which features a lifelike representation of 45 U.S. Presidents, including an updated version of Donald Trump installed in June. In Epcot’s Spaceship Earth, guests can marvel at animatronics representing various historical figures from different eras, including Egyptians and computer scientists.

The background of animatronics within Disney dates to the opening of parks like Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom, with attractions such as the Enchanted Tiki Room, showcasing mechanical tropical birds that have continued to delight guests. However, not all animatronics have remained flawless; for example, the Yeti at Animal Kingdom’s Expedition Everest has faced technical issues and now utilizes motion simulation through strobe lights.

In addition to Disney’s advancements, other theme parks such as Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe have also made strides in animatronic technology, debuting figures like Frankenstein’s monster. This trend signifies a growing industry interest in improving lifelike character representation in attractions, promising an engaging future for such experiences in theme parks.

Overall, Walt Disney World’s commitment to enhancing its animatronic offerings not only revitalizes existing attractions but establishes a forward-thinking approach to the magic of storytelling through innovative technology in its parks.

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Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER

ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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