Disney imprime en 3D una canoa histórica en una de sus atracciones, marcando un hito en los parques temáticos

Disney has taken a remarkable step in integrating advanced manufacturing technologies into its theme parks: Walt Disney Imagineering has installed a full-size 3D-printed canoe in the Jungle Cruise attraction at Disneyland Park in California — and it’s not just any decorative piece, but the first 3D-printed element permanently installed in a Disney attraction.

Image 1: Jungle Cruise. Source: Disney wiki, on fandom.com

A New Chapter for Attraction Manufacturing

The canoe was created in collaboration with the 3D printing company Haddy, which was part of the Disney Accelerator 2025 program, thanks to its large-scale robotic 3D printing technology.

Video: Disneyland Jungle Cruise 3D Printed Canoe - Behind the Scenes Build and Install at Disney Park. Source wdwmagic.

The piece was designed starting from a 3D scan of an original canoe and also using photographs of 1960s models to faithfully recreate the classic style.

Image 2: Photograph of a 1960s canoe model. Source: wdwnt.com.

Robotic 3D printers were used with polymers and pellets, and the entire process took around 70 hours of printing, compared to nearly 1,000 hours of manual labor that a traditional construction of this size would require.

The result is an element that visually integrates with the classic Jungle Cruise environment, respecting the adventurous aesthetic of the river ride, without the public immediately noticing that it is a piece manufactured with modern technology.

Image 3: 3D-printed canoe at the Jungle Cruise attraction. Source: wdwnt.com.

Why Is This Canoe So Important?

Although at first glance it may seem like just another piece of scenery, this project represents a significant shift in how Disney can develop and maintain its themed environments:

• Speed and efficiency: 3D printing allows large pieces to be produced much faster than traditional techniques, reducing design and manufacturing times.
• Repeatability and adaptability: The same technologies could be used to create new props, themed elements, or even parts for future attractions without starting from scratch each time.
• Sustainability: The canoe is made from recyclable polymers. If the prop reaches the end of its life, the material can be melted down and reused to create new park pieces.

Additionally, Disney itself has pointed out that this collaboration with Haddy is not an isolated experiment, but a step toward integrating additive manufacturing as a regular tool in future projects.

What Does It Mean for Visitors?

From an experience perspective, visitors riding Jungle Cruise will likely not immediately notice that the canoe was 3D-printed: the piece has been carefully treated and finished to fit the narrative and style of the attraction. However, behind the scenes, a faster, more flexible, and potentially cost-effective way to produce sets, props, and other elements is being tested, enriching park adventures.

The Future of Manufacturing in Theme Parks

This project highlights how technology can influence creativity in entertainment parks. Disney could use similar technologies to:

• Create complex details for new attractions.
• Produce replacements or updates faster.
• Build custom-themed structures.
• Explore new narrative effects that combine technology with traditional design.

The installation of this 3D-printed canoe is not just a technological curiosity. Industrial 3D printing can allow Disney to bring stories to life faster, cheaper, and more sustainably, without losing any of the magic and detail they are known for.

What do you think of this advance? Do you think we’ll soon see 3D-printed passenger boats that we can actually board? Leave us your comment!