Disney to Bring Bluey to Theme Parks in Expansion of Family Franchise
One of the most popular animated characters in the world is set to make her debut at Walt Disney World and Disneyland next year: Bluey, the heeler dog and star of the hit Disney+ series Bluey.
The addition of Bluey to the Disney theme parks and Disney Cruise Line comes amid an expanded partnership between Disney and BBC Studios, the commercial arm of the BBC that distributes the popular Australian animated series, and Ludo Studio, which produced the program.
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Earlier this week the companies announced that a Bluey movie would arrive on big screens in 2027, with Disney leading distribution. Bluey creator Joe Brumm is writing and directing the film.
The deal is notable because Disney uses its theme parks and cruise ships to highlight its own intellectual property, so featuring a third-party character (albeit one with a following on a Disney platform like Disney+) is unusual, to say the least.
It is a road that the company has gone down before with rides like The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Star Tours, among others, but is nonetheless rare for the company. The Star Wars ride, a related Indiana Jones show and a Muppets attraction were in place before Disney acquired LucasFilm and Jim Henson Productions, respectively.
Bluey and her younger sister Bingo will make their debut next month on Disney Cruise Line voyages originating in Australia and New Zealand, with meet-and-greets, games and dance parties planned. Specifics of how the Bluey characters will appear at Disneyland and Disney World will be released in the coming months, with Ludo and the BBC working with Disney to develop the experiences.
“Bluey has become a household name for families around the world and we are thrilled to bring her story to life in new ways,” Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro said in a statement. “We can’t wait to watch our youngest guests and their families make memories with Bluey in our parks and on our cruises.”
“The Heeler family’s debut at Disney Theme Parks and Cruises really is the icing on the cake for what has been an exceptional year for Bluey,” added Nicki Sheard, CEO of BBC Studios brands and licensing. “We are committed to creating the very best-in-class experiences for our fans and can’t wait to open the doors to families next year.”
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