Disney's EPCOT just got a major upgrade with the reimagined Audio-Animatronics figures of Elsa, Anna, and Kristoff in the attraction 'Frozen Ever After'. IGN's Adam Bankhurst spoke with Ken Ricci, Executive Creative Development at Walt Disney Imagineering, about the transformation and the team's passion for making these figures more human-like and realistic. Ricci explains that the update was inspired by Hong Kong Disneyland's 'Frozen Ever After', where advancements in Audio-Animatronics were first seen. The goal was to minimize downtime and port the heads over without reanimating the figures, ensuring the mechanical vibrations and show data matched those of Hong Kong. This allowed for a smoother transition, as the original animation from Walt Disney Animation Studios was already 'tweaked to work within the mechanical limitations of a robot'. The result is an attraction that feels brand-new, with brighter scenes and more lifelike figures. Ricci highlights the attention to detail, such as the 3D-printed eyes with glaze, adding a glisten to the figures' eyes and a more sincere expression to Anna's face. This attention to detail is crucial for transporting guests into the world of the story, making the experience even more captivating. Despite the high wait times, the team's dedication to improving the attraction is evident, and the updates are a testament to their passion for creating magical experiences for guests around the world.
