This past weekend, the D23 Expo was full of fun and imagination. One pavilion in particular was the star of the Show Floor: the Imagineering: Behind the Dreams pavilion. Disney Imagineers couldn’t miss an opportunity to give fans a closer look behind the scenes of what they’ve recently created and what they are working on.
Here’s a look at some of their recent projects (scroll down for future projects coming)
Disney Destiny and Disney Treasure
We also had the opportunity to see more details and concept art about the highly anticipated The Haunted Manion Parlor, which is coming to Disney Treasure and Disney Destiny.
Live sculpting was also taking place for future Disney Cruise Line art. It was amazing to see such detailed work done completely by hand!
Costuming for both attractions and characters, including concept art for new Disney Cruise Line Crew costumes and our favorite friends’ new seasonal looks, was displayed.
Animatronics and Droids
We got to see Elsa from Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey from Tokyo Disney! While there is a holographic face version over at EPCOT, we hope to see this animatronic at future U.S. Disney parks attractions. We also had the opportunity to see the inner workings of both new and legacy animatronics. Below is Hondo Ohnahka from Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, a 1,000th-edition animatronic. The BDX Droids, which recently made their debut in Galay’s Edge at Disneyland Park, were on display, interacting and dancing with guests. They were so incredibly cute and it was an awesome experience getting to interact with them. Be sure to keep an eye out for them next time you visit the park!
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure had an exhibit featuring costumes, fabrics, and concept work from the attraction at Magic Kingdom, and coming soon to Disneyland!
New Ride Vehicle for Avengers Infinity Defense at Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure
Ready recruits? We got a sneak peek at the new ride vehicle for the newest Marvel attraction at DCA, Avengers Infinity Defense. Get ready for a multi-world adventure experience with Avengers Infinity Defense. Technology that allows the Avengers to jump between worlds has gone missing, and King Thanos is using it to wreak havoc everywhere. Recruits will travel to iconic locations like Asgard, Wakanda, and New York City alongside the likes of big and small heroes.
Here’s a look at some of the most anticipated projects in development.
Welcome to Pueblo Esperanza
A new adventure awaits at Pueblo Esperanza at Disney’s Animal Kingdom with a new addition themed around Tropical Americas, the area just north and south of the equator in the Western Hemisphere, from the northern part of South America stretching up into Central America. This exciting location gives Imagineers so much to play with when bringing timeless stories to life, like Indiana Jones exploring a recently excavated, ancient Maya temple or the magical Casita of the Madrigal family from Walt Disney Animation Studios Oscar award-winning film “Encanto.”
Imagineers created a model of Casita, including a magical candle and a nod to the home’s vibrant personality with fluttering shutters.
To ensure the authenticity of the Tropical Americas, Imagineers conducted numerous research trips, drawing inspiration from various places, including Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, to authentically reflect the region’s people, architecture, and more. Their efforts are reflected in a stunning model of the land, featuring a large fountain in the center where the villagers like to gather and tell stories. The model even features a special lighting effect around the fountain!
Additionally, a woodcarver has created a giant working carousel featuring his favorite animals from Disney stories, like Kevin from the Pixar Animation Studios film “Up,” who’s displayed showcasing the woodcarver’s expert craftsmanship. It’s a new take on a classic attraction that young families are going to love!
First Suspended Coaster in a Disney park
Josh D’Amaro revealed plans to build a Monsters, Inc.-inspired area, including an attraction that lets you take a look inside the factory from the Pixar film. To ideate the layout of the attraction, the project team created a study model, enabling them to fine-tune every detail.
If you’ve ever dreamed of riding through the door vault (we know we sure have!), as Sulley and Mike did in the first film, this is what you’ve been waiting for! As the first suspended coaster in a Disney park, this attraction will put you right in the middle of the action.
Ideating New “Avatar” Experiences
That’s right, the world of Avatar is coming to Disney California Adventure! Within the pavilion, Imagineers have created a “working desk” display, showcasing the inspiration and creative tools the project team is using to brainstorm future developments.
These new additions to “Imagineering: Behind the Dreams” are just a glimpse of the work Imagineers are doing!
As Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro said, “At Disney Experiences, Imagineers dream, create, design and build these stories into real places. And we have Imagineers in place right now all around the world because everything we’re going to share with you is in active development. Plans are drawn. Dirt is moving!”
ARTICLE: THE KINGDOM INSIDER
PHOTOS: TKI & DISNEY
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