What could the future of the Disney parks look like? We got a few clues today. The Disney Accelerator hosted its 2026 Demo Day on the Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank, showing off new collaborations with five technology companies working on everything from AI filmmaking tools to robots that could help behind the scenes at the parks.
What Is the Disney Accelerator?
The Disney Accelerator connects startups with Disney’s creative, technology and business teams. Now in its 12th year, the program has welcomed more than 60 companies from around the world. This year’s participants spent four months working alongside Disney teams to explore how their technology could expand creative possibilities, streamline production, improve operations and better understand guests.
Robots in the Disney Parks
Two of this year’s companies are working with Walt Disney Imagineering on robotics, and their projects are the ones Disney fans will want to watch:
- FieldAI builds robot intelligence designed to work safely in constantly changing real world environments. With Disney Experiences Technology and Imagineering R&D, it’s exploring how robots could support parking operations across tricky terrain and unpredictable weather. Imagineering R&D is also looking at how FieldAI’s navigation and awareness technology could inform the future of character based robotic experiences in the parks.
- Physical Intelligence is working with Imagineering on robots that could help with repetitive backstage tasks. One example: handling and arranging 3D glasses for cleaning between shows. The goal is to free up Cast Members to spend more time with guests.
AI Tools for Movies and Music
- Promise, an entertainment studio and technology company built around AI, gave a live demonstration of hybrid filmmaking, showing how a live actor’s performance can be brought into different story environments. Working with Walt Disney Studios, Promise is exploring how AI can expand the filmmaking toolkit while protecting creative craft.
- OpenArt announced a collaboration with Disney Music Group, using its creative tools to help teams quickly explore visual concepts for lyric videos based on a song’s themes and mood, turning weeks of work into hours.
Making Trip Planning Easier
Simile, which specializes in consumer insights and decision support tools, is working with Walt Disney World to better understand how guests plan their trips. That could mean clearer product names and descriptions and a smoother digital experience when you’re getting ready for your vacation.
A 3D Printed Jungle Cruise Canoe and Ozzy Fox
Two members of the 2025 Accelerator class also returned to show their progress. Industrial 3D printing company Haddy displayed set pieces made with Walt Disney Imagineering, including a replica of a prop canoe from Jungle Cruise at Disneyland, a King Louie throne featured at Shanghai Disney Resort, rock facades and themed light fixtures.
Digital media company Animaj showed its FlipMove animation workflow, which turns an artist’s sketches into staged 3D shots. It’s already being used on Ozzy Fox, a series Animaj developed with Disney Jr. After a successful launch on YouTube, Season 2 is now in production.
What It Means for Disney Fans
Disney says these technologies are focused on working responsibly for people, supporting Cast Members and creativity rather than replacing them. Bonnie Rosen, general manager of the Disney Accelerator, said the collaborations open real paths to address operational priorities, create seamless guest experiences and serve creativity.
These are explorations, not announced park projects, so don’t expect robots cleaning your 3D glasses on your next visit just yet. But they offer an interesting peek at where Disney is investing as the company focuses heavily on technology, a theme Disney leaders have discussed often this year, including Dana Walden’s recent comments on technology and the business. You can read the full announcement from The Walt Disney Company.
Which of these would you most like to see in the parks? Let us know in the comments!
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