A major Bloomberg report published on June 26, 2026 pulled back the curtain on Walt Disney Imagineering’s most ambitious technology projects, revealing a pipeline of next-generation innovations that go well beyond the hybrid Audio-Animatronic that debuted on Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland. From robotic sea creatures to autonomous Star Wars droids to entirely new forms of daytime water entertainment, Disney’s parks are about to get a whole lot more magical.
Robotic Dolphins And A Moana Manta Ray
Walt Disney Imagineering is actively developing aquatic robot technology for use in Disney parks. According to the Bloomberg report, WDI has created robotic dolphins designed to interact and play with each other autonomously. The robots use jet pumps, biomimetic articulation, and GPS technology, and they operate with very little human input.
Even more eye-catching is a six-foot robotic manta ray modeled after Gramma Tala from Moana. The Bloomberg report indicates this figure could appear at a Disney park lagoon sometime soon, giving guests a breathtaking and unexpected encounter with one of Walt Disney Animation’s most beloved characters in an entirely new setting.
Star Wars Droid Food Cart Coming To D23
Disney is set to unveil a Star Wars-themed food cart featuring autonomous robotic characters at D23 in August, developed in collaboration with director Jon Favreau and inspired by a food truck from The Mandalorian and Grogu. According to the report, guests will be able to order sodas through a mobile app and then watch the droid characters put on a live performance when picking up their order, with a potential Disneyland debut by the end of the year. It is the kind of intersection of food service and theatrical entertainment that feels distinctly Disney, and it signals that the company is looking at ways to make even mundane park transactions feel like part of the story.
Moana And Avatar Daytime Water Entertainment
Disney is also exploring entirely new categories of daytime park entertainment built around bodies of water that currently sit unused during daylight hours. The Bloomberg report specifically mentions Moana and Avatar as franchises being considered for these new aquatic experiences. The goal, according to the report, is to bring storytelling and character moments to park waterways in ways guests have never seen before, particularly during the hours when lagoons and rivers are not being used for nighttime spectaculars.
Marionettes And Puppets Getting A Rethink
SVP Imagineer Kyle Laughlin told Bloomberg that Walt Disney Imagineering is exploring marionettes and puppets in brand-new ways. While details remain limited, the mention suggests WDI is looking beyond traditional Audio-Animatronics and projection mapping to incorporate more tactile, performance-driven character experiences into future attractions and entertainment offerings. It is a reminder that innovation at Disney does not always mean adding more screens or software. Sometimes it means revisiting analog techniques with fresh eyes and modern craftsmanship.
The Bigger Picture
Taken together, these revelations paint a picture of an Imagineering division operating at full creative capacity. The robotic pirate that debuted on Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland on June 26 was described by Scott Gustin as the first real-world application of projection mapping technology Disney showcased last year, and these Bloomberg details suggest it is only the beginning. Disney has committed to a $30 billion investment in its domestic parks and experiences through 2033, and the technology pipeline revealed in the report gives a sense of where some of that investment is headed.
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