Disney just gave park fans something new to look forward to. Walt Disney Imagineering revealed a next-generation Olaf robot that looks and moves far closer to the character audiences know from Frozen. The preview shows a free-roaming animatronic that walks on rounded “snowball” legs, gestures naturally and reacts to guests with expressive eyes, a moving mouth and a friendly voice.

The team behind the project focused on matching Olaf’s on-screen personality instead of building a typical theme-park figure. The robot’s movement style feels light and curious, almost like the snowman stepped out of the movie. Imagineers said they worked closely with the original animators to make sure the physical version stayed true to the character’s spirit, from the tilt of his head to the way he delivers a line.

Olaf’s build is also noticeably softer and more tactile than many earlier Disney robots. The surfaces are designed to resemble packed snow, and his twig arms and carrot nose can move in small, gentle ways that keep the illusion intact. His interactions appear more spontaneous too, thanks to motion systems that let him react naturally instead of repeating the same pre-set routine.

Disney plans to bring the new Olaf to the “World of Frozen” areas at Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland in early 2026. Guests will be able to meet him as he wanders through the land rather than standing in one spot. This pushes character encounters closer to live storytelling, where the robot becomes an active part of the environment instead of a static prop.

As Imagineering explores more advanced robotics and real-time character behavior, Olaf feels like a preview of where Disney Parks is heading. Characters are not only coming to life, they’re becoming mobile, expressive and capable of connecting with guests in a way that feels more personal than ever.