Walt Disney Imagineering has announced a new episode of the We Call It Imagineering series, this time focusing on the impressive research and development segment of the creative division. The new episode will be available on November 24th to stream on the Walt Disney Imagineering YouTube channel. While any sneak peek behind the curtain from Imagineering is exciting, a very brief snippet of the teaser has Disney fans excited for the episode.
Free-Roaming Olaf Character Robot
First, here’s a look at the teaser for the new episode. The teaser takes a look at projects that the Research and Development labs have been working on, with a focus on robotic character development. Imagineering has been pioneering so-called free-roaming characters, bringing an impressive level of immersion and technology to the theme parks.
The most popular free-roaming character project has been the BDX droids that have made limited-time appearances in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The BDX droids, pictured below, are packed with technology that helps them walk upright in a variety of challenging conditions. They each have a playful personality, connecting with guests in an authentic way.
While the BDX droids are fun, they aren’t really well-known characters. They are an impressive display of technology and where free-roaming character development can go, but they aren’t instantly recognizable. It looks like the next free-roaming character may be one of the most popular of the past decade-plus.
As teased very briefly in the trailer, we can see the stubby legs and snowy torso of Olaf the snowman from the Frozen franchise. Olaf appears to be waddling towards the camera before the screen goes black in the blink of an eye.
Here’s a screenshot of Olaf’s brief appearance.
It would be quite magical to see Olaf in the park not as a 6.5-foot tall version of the lovable character, but as a 2.5-foot tall version. Of course, we’ll have to tune into We Call It Imagineering tomorrow to see if this really is Olaf, and if any further details are shared about when we might be able to see him enjoying a nice, refreshing Florida summer.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!
