Walt Disney Imagineering has revealed an exciting new piece of technology called the “HoloTile floor” in a video celebrating Disney Research Fellow and Imagineer Lanny Smoot’s induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.
In the video, Smoot gives a quick demonstration of the new tech. The floor is made up of small circular pieces that shift and rotate as the user walks upon it, allowing for omnidirectional movement.
Smoot’s induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame marks the second person from The Walt Disney Company to receive the prestigious honor, with the first being Walt Disney himself.
According to Smoot, the HoloTile will automatically adjust in order to keep the user on the floor, and can even accommodate multiple people independently.
The floor can be used to traverse through virtual reality (VR) spaces, allow users (and potentially guests) to move around in the same space collaboratively, and Smoot also suggests its use in theatrical productions for dancers onstage. In one section of the video, Smoot and another user are walking on the HoloTile floor to get BB-8 from the “Star Wars” sequels through what appears to be a maze, with both on-screen visuals and projections on the tile.
Another short clip shows someone who, to us, appears to be using “The Force” to move a box around the section of HoloTile.
Ultimately, Smoot says that while there are “so many applications for this type of technology,” Walt Disney Imagineering doesn’t know yet where it will be used.
It gives me an amazing opportunity to use these inventions that I’ve made in service of people having fun.Lanny Smoot, Disney Research Fellow and Walt Disney Imagineer
See this exciting new technology in action in the video below:
New details about Tiana’s Bayou Adventure have been revealed by NOLA.com, including information about the advanced audio-animatronics that will be used on the ride. A NOLA.com reporter toured the attraction at Magic Kingdom in early January with Imagineering executive creative director Ted Robledo.
Robledo began his tour on the queue courtyard for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, where there are new flagstone pathways and a mural by Louisiana artist Malaika Favorite. The mural is on a two-story barn that remains from Splash Mountain but was repainted yellow before the mural was added.
Robledo said the courtyard will set the scene for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. “Like a movie, this is the setting. We’ve got to know where we’re at,” he said.
The first floor of the barn, which guests enter as part of the queue, will house the offices of Tiana’s Foods. The backstory of the attraction explains that Tiana founded the co-op after the events of “The Princess and the Frog.”
Poles outside the barn will support loudspeakers broadcasting a 1920s radio show. Reimagined classic New Orleans songs will play, performed by local musicians assembled by New Orleans musician and Grammy winner Terence Blanchard.
In addition to Favorite and Blanchard, Disney has recruited Maroon 5 keyboardist P.J. Morton, another New Orleans native, and the family of the late Queen of Creole Cuisine, Leah Chase, who served as inspiration for Tiana.
“This is our love letter to New Orleans, and in that spirit, art is everywhere,” Robledo said. “The city as a place is as important as a character. The story reacts to the place. We’re starting to hint at that in the queue, to try to craft that love letter to New Orleans in every way possible.”
At the ride’s loading area, NOLA.com noted there were cranes hoisting pallets of Tiana’s Foods crates. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will use the same ride vehicles and track as Splash Mountain. The NOLA reporter got to walk some of the track and stated all of Splash Mountain’s fake vegetation has been replaced with plants native to Louisiana, including cypress trees, marsh grasses, and Spanish moss.
“This will be where we first see ‘the critters,’ as we’re calling them,” Robledo said, referring to the ride’s new animal band seen in the above concept art.
Two-dimensional cutouts of Louis and Tiana currently represent their future animatronics. We previously saw a preview of a Louis animatronic. The cutouts help designers see how the characters fit into the scenes.
There will be several Tiana animatronics that will speak directly to guests. The animatronics, NOLA.com stated, will be the same high-tech versions recently used for World of Frozen at Hong Kong Disneyland. The animatronics are notable for having advanced physical faces instead of projected screen faces, which were popular for Disney a few years ago.
The Audio-Animatronics will be the same at the Disneyland Park version of the attraction, as will most aspects of the experience.
Other new elements inside Tiana’s Bayou Adventure included a pair of stone arches over the ride flume. But some of the Splash Mountain architecture like rocks and boulders will remain.
We saw a glimpse inside Tiana’s Bayou Adventure during “A Special Edition of 20/20 – Disney 100: A Century of Dreams.”
Robledo said of the removal of the tree from the top of Splash Mountain, “We needed some real estate there to fit the added show magic.”
The tour stopped before the ride’s climactic scene, which was previously the Laughin’ Place. Robledo said of the surprise scene, “I’ll just say it’s got a lot to do with magic. It’s a magical moment that happens down there.”
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will open this year at both Magic Kingdom and Disneyland.
Right now, winter storms are wreaking havoc along the East Coast, causing disruptions and closures in unexpected places. Many major cities have experienced heavy rain, snow, freezing temps, and severe wind gusts this January. Even in sunny Central Florida, the Walt Disney World Resort is not immune to the effects of these weather systems.
The resort, known for its magical experiences and world-class attractions, has taken the necessary precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of its guests and cast members. As a result, one of its premier theme parks has been forced to temporarily suspend operations.
While Central Florida is typically known for its warm climate and sunny skies, the region is not entirely immune to the occasional cold snap. This winter, a series of powerful winter storms have swept across the East Coast, causing temperatures to drop dramatically.
As a result, the Walt Disney World Resort has had to make the difficult decision to close the Blizzard Beach water park temporarily, prioritizing the safety and well-being of its visitors.
Blizzard Beach, located within the enchanting Walt Disney World Resort, is a beloved destination for families and thrill-seekers alike. With its thrilling water slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools, this Disney water park offers a refreshing escape from the Florida heat.
However, Mother Nature has taken its toll, as plummeting temperatures have made it impossible to maintain the park’s operations.
By closing Blizzard Beach, the Resort ensures that guests can continue to enjoy the magic of the other attractions and experiences it has to offer without compromising their safety.
With a plethora of theme parks, including the iconic Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios Park, and the immersive Animal Kingdom Park, visitors can still indulge in unforgettable adventures while Blizzard Beach receives the necessary hiatus until it can reopen safely.
The closure of Blizzard Beach serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of weather and its impact on even the most well-prepared establishments. Walt Disney World Resort, known for its attention to detail and commitment to guest satisfaction, prioritizes the safety of its visitors above all else.
The decision to temporarily close Blizzard Beach is a testament to this dedication, ensuring that guests can feel secure and protected during their visit.
As guests eagerly await the reopening of Blizzard Beach, Walt Disney World Resort continues to monitor the weather conditions and work diligently to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for all visitors.
Guests are encouraged to check the official Blizzard Beach calendar for updates on the reopening of Blizzard Beach and any additional information pertaining to their visit.
It may be winter according to the calendar, but spring is nearly blooming at Walt Disney World Resort. And nothing says springtime fun like the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival!
This year’s festival will begin on Feb. 28 and continue through May 27 for ninety days full of beautiful topiaries, inspirational gardens, delicious dishes and rockin’ music celebrating spring. From the tiniest tykes to the young at heart, there’s something for everyone!
Today we’re sharing more details, from new topiaries to acts coming to the Garden Rocks concert series. Let’s dig in!
New Topiaries to Enjoy
Each spring, we look forward to the astounding topiaries our Disney horticulture cast create for the festival.
This year, more than 70 topiaries, featuring a delightful array of Disney characters as well as other figures and whimsical items, will fill the park. As part of the topiary magic, guests can also look forward to seeing everyone’s favorite dragon, Figment, in the newly opened World Celebration Gardens.
Something else we’re excited to share: For the first time, Groot takes root at EPCOT! The flora colossus from the “Guardians of the Galaxy” trilogy will appear near Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind in World Discovery.
Also new this year, guests can look forward to viewing new topiaries from the Walt Disney Animation Studios film “Wish,” including Asha, Valentino and the Wishing Star, at the park’s main entrance. And in Mexico, we’re thrilled to share that Miguel and Dante from Disney Pixar’s “Coco” will take center stage!
Fresh Garden Rocks Concert Series
It’s time to dance and sing along to guest favorites as the popular Garden Rocks concert series takes to the American Gardens Theatre stage daily during the festival. Featuring local and globally recognized acts, there’s something for everyone.
This year, we’ll welcome new groups, including Modern English, Crowder, Lit, Monsieur Perine, and Fonseca. And for the first time, Raul Acosta & Oro Solido will share the stage with Magic Juan, then return the next day with Luisito Ayala and The Puerto Rican Power Band in a series of unforgettable performances.*
Garden Rocks Dining Packages Open Feb. 6
To guarantee priority seating for your preferred performances, be sure to check out Dining Packages, available at seven fabulous EPCOT restaurants:
For more information, including pricing and availability, visit DisneyWorld.com. Packages go on sale beginning Feb. 6.
Flavor Abounds at Outdoor Kitchens
It wouldn’t be an EPCOT festival without innovative and delicious dishes and drinks to savor! Stay tuned to Disney Travel News for the official Foodie Guide to EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival as we dish on all the new flavors coming to this year’s event, but in the meantime, we’re thrilled to share that many guest favorites will also return to Outdoor Kitchens located throughout the park.
We can’t wait to dig into Chicken & Waffles at The Honey Bee-stro Hosted by the National Honey Board! Also returning: the Muffuletta Panini at Magnolia Terrace and the Chocolate Whisky Cake at Northern Bloom.
Inspiration and Play: There’s Something for Everyone
Looking for interactive fun? At this year’s festival, the whole family can enjoy two seasonal scavenger hunts. Throughout the festival, follow Spike the Bee on his pollination trail where he’s “buzzing” to collect nectar from all the beautiful gardens with Spike’s Pollination Exploration. And for a limited time, guests can also hop around World Showcase for the Egg-stravaganza Hunt! Twelve beautiful, bunny-inspired eggs will be placed throughout the park; can guests find them all?
Both scavenger hunt maps will be available for purchase while supplies last. Once the journey is complete – whether or not guests find all the items – they can redeem their map at Disney Traders, Creations Shop or World Traveler at International Gateway for a special surprise.**
Also back this year, Butterfly Landing Presented by AdventHealth offers guests the chance to get up close and personal with some of nature’s most beautiful pollinators – butterflies! This walkthrough butterfly house highlights the lifecycle of butterflies and contains valuable pollinator gardens.
At Blossoms of Fragrance Presented by Scentsy, guests create lasting memories with the help of unforgettable fragrances. And new this year, guests will be able to bring home some of their favorite fragrances experienced at Blossoms of Fragrance!
Looking for a place to get a little energy out? At Camp Get Out N’ Play Garden Presented by OFF!, families can explore a camp-themed garden where kiddos can jump, play, climb and explore this area created just for them.
So, summon the flower power, because everything will be coming up roses at the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival before we know it!
*Entertainment subject to change without notice.
**Redemption valid through May 27 or while supplies last.
The Disney theme parks are known worldwide for being wholesome, family-friendly entertainment for guests of all ages. That is why fans were shocked and disturbed to see a recent video showing a medical situation taking place between two iconic Disney characters.
The internet has been abuzz with a viral video capturing an unexpected moment at a Disney theme park. The footage captures the iconic character Goofy taking on the role of a heroic rescuer, administering CPR to an unlikely victim. Now, the shocking video has left many fans looking for answers to what led to this startling situation.
In the realm of social media, where content goes viral in the blink of an eye, a recent video emerged that transcended the ordinary. The footage, presumably shot at a Disney theme park, showcases Goofy, one of Disney’s iconic characters, administering CPR to none other than the beloved Mickey Mouse. This unexpected and emotionally charged moment has attention in the hearts of viewers worldwide, prompting discussions about the source of the video.
The video in question was presumably recorded by a park visitor or cast member and recently gained traction on various social media platforms. In the footage, Mickey Mouse appears to be in distress, prompting Goofy, typically known for his comedic antics, to step forward and initiate CPR. The sight of Goofy performing CPR on Mickey is enough to grab the attention of many Disney fans online.
In today’s day and age, it can be easy for an out-of-context video to go completely viral on the internet. Social media feeds on shocking and unusual material, so this video easily found an audience online. While the actions leading up to the video are unknown, it seems pretty clear that this incident was a dark joke.
Disney takes the portrayal of their iconic characters very seriously, so it can be presumed that Disney may have had an issue with this video. For now, the true story behind this strange occurrence will be left unknown.
