With all the excitement for tonight’s D23 anticipated parks news, we were especially excited to tour the Walt Disney Imagineering pavilion. While there were many nods to the past and recently opened attractions, we did get see more detail on the Disney Treasure, Disney Destiny, the holo tile floor, and the upcoming Thanos attraction for Avengers Campus.
Maybe my favorite part of the pavilion is the opportunity to see the inner workings of both new and legacy animatronics. Featured above is Hondo Ohnahka from Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, a 1,000th edition animatronic.
In contrast, the Wicked Witch from The Great Movie Ride is a 100th edition animatronic. Remember when this was cutting edge? WDI has certainly innovated since 1989!
It was also very cool to see Elsa from Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey from Tokyo. Elsa’s detail and realistic movements made me sad to think about our holographic face version over at EPCOT.
The WDI Pavilion also offers a chance to see the holo tiles in action. It was wild to see such a small space be able to transform into something so epic. Here’s hoping this technology will be used soon in Disney Parks!
There was also live sculpting taking place to be used for future Disney Cruise Line art. It was incredible to see detailed work completely by hand.
The BDX Droids were on full display, both interacting and dancing with guests. This technology yet again proves what Imagineering can do to create interactive characters.
Costuming for both attractions and characters were also displayed featuring concept art for new Disney Cruise Line Crew costumes and our favorite friends’ new seasonal looks.
The recently opened Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, had an exhibit featuring costumes, fabrics, and concept work. The details were even more stunning up close and we’re looking forward to the West Coast version opening soon at the Disneyland Resort.
We also had the opportunity to see more detail on the highly anticipated “The Haunted Manion Parlor” coming to the Disney Treasure AND the Disney Destiny.
Personally, I was very excited to see the tribute to Imagineer Rolly Crump and his candlestick man concept for the Museum of the Weird that never was.
More concept art and inspiration boards for the Disney Treasure and Wish were on display. The rich colors, carpet segments, and stateroom numbers really help to pain a picture of how these sister ships will differ from the Disney Wish.
International Disney Parks were also featured including a model of the Walt Disney Studios Park at Disneyland Paris and Fantasy Springs at Tokyo Disneyland. The Disneyland Paris model looked like there was room to add more detail – maybe this will be part of tonight’s announcements?
And last but certainly not least, we were excited to see the ride vehicle concept for the Thanos attraction coming to Avengers Campus. Another project we are hoping to get more details on including a concrete timeline.
Let us know in the comments what you’re hoping to see Walt Disney Imagineering announce next at D23!
