Walt Disney World is set to receive a significant technological boost with the addition of new and upgraded Audio-Animatronics figures across three of its theme parks.
Disney Parks and Experiences confirmed the updates for attractions at Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, underscoring a continued investment in its signature robotic storytelling that has been a park staple for over seven decades.
A Disney representative highlighted the importance of this ongoing innovation. “From classic attractions to brand-new adventures, these incredible creations are part of the fabric of iconic Disney storytelling that keeps guests coming back year after year. There’s always something new to inspire,” they stated. “As we continue to invest in new and well-loved experiences, there are even more Audio-Animatronics figure updates on the way to Walt Disney World Resort!”
Here are the details on the upcoming projects.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Opening on November 7, 2025, in the Tree of Life Theatre, Zootopia: Better Zoogether! will introduce a new Audio-Animatronics figure to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The new “4D” show invites guests to a city-wide celebration watch party hosted by wolf character Heidi Howler.
While many characters will appear on screen and in 3D via “Carrot Vision” glasses, the fan-favourite character Benjamin Clawhauser will appear physically in the theatre as a fully realised Audio-Animatronics figure. This move aims to blend the on-screen action with the physical show space, enhancing guest immersion.
EPCOT
The Norway pavilion’s popular Frozen Ever After attraction will see its main characters receive a significant upgrade in early 2026. The Audio-Animatronics for Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff will be updated to feature more fluid, true-to-film likenesses and movements.
This investment leverages the technological advancements Walt Disney Imagineering developed for the World of Frozen land at Hong Kong Disneyland. The original 2016 figures were groundbreaking as the first all-electric Audio-Animatronics attraction. Imagineering has since refined this technology, and in what Disney calls a “full circle moment of innovation,” the original EPCOT ride will now benefit from its international successor’s progress.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
As part of the highly anticipated re-theming of a park landmark, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets will feature all-new animatronics when it opens in Summer 2026.
Imagineering will bring the Muppets’ band manager, Scooter, to life as an Audio-Animatronics figure for the first time. He will appear in a pre-show scene, attempting to get the band, The Electric Mayhem, to their concert on time. Disney also confirmed that Scooter will be joined by at least one additional Muppet Audio-Animatronics figure, with further details to be revealed later. This marks a major addition of physical characters to the attraction’s storyline, which originally opened as Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster Starring Aerosmith in July 1999.
Walt Disney World is working on an array of projects currently, including new Cars-themed attractions at Magic Kingdom park, and a new animation experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
