Disney unveils ambitious technological advancements including free-roaming animatronic droids and franchise expansions, signaling a major shift toward tech-enabled storytelling across its entertainment empire.
Strategic Investment drives innovation forward. Disney’s $1.5 billion stake in Epic Games represents part of a broader technological push that has tripled the company’s return on invested capital, according to Disney Experiences chair Josh D’Amaro.
“From an investor point of view, the combination of strong IP and ambitious investment leads to returns,” D’Amaro told Axios during an interview at SXSW, where Disney showcased its latest innovations.
Robot Revolution takes center stage:
- BDX droid robots developed by Disney’s Imagineering team
- Free-roaming animatronics resembling Star Wars’ R2-D2
- Integration across both parks and upcoming film “The Mandalorian & Grogu”
Franchise Expansion continues across Disney properties. New attractions include a Monsters, Inc.-themed land at Hollywood Studios, Encanto and Indiana Jones experiences at Animal Kingdom, and an Avatar-themed destination at California Adventure.
Director Jon Favreau joined Disney executives at SXSW to demonstrate how Epic Games’ Unreal Engine is being leveraged for both film production and park experiences, creating a more seamless connection between Disney’s entertainment divisions.
This technological push comes as Disney faces pressure to find new revenue streams beyond traditional television and theaters. The company is increasingly focused on data collection across consumer touchpoints to enhance guest experiences and attract younger audiences unfamiliar with its brands.
