Disney is installing its first 3D-printed boat prop at Disneyland’s Jungle Cruise attraction, marking a new collaboration between Walt Disney Imagineering and Florida-based 3D printing company Haddy. The prop canoe will join existing set pieces along the ride’s simulated river journey. Haddy was selected as one of four startups to receive financing and mentoring through Disney’s 2025 Accelerator Program.
Founded in 2022, Haddy specializes in creating home decor and outdoor furniture using industrial-scale 3D printing technology. The company claims significant time savings compared to traditional manufacturing methods. According to co-founder and CEO Jay Rogers, a traditional 20-foot boat requires one thousand human hours to produce, while Haddy’s process takes 70 robot hours in manufacturing.
The 3D printing process eliminates the need for creating and securing master molds, which traditional boat-making requires an average of 30 times per boat. Rogers notes that design changes can be made by simply tweaking digital files and reprinting, rather than recreating entire molds. The technology also allows for recycling, as 3D-printed materials can be melted down and reused for new objects.
Disney’s collaboration with Haddy extends beyond the Jungle Cruise prop. Walt Disney Imagineering is exploring additional applications including set pieces for a new Monsters, Inc. ride at Walt Disney World, rock work for themed lands, and potentially furniture for hotel rooms. “We’re not just creating technology for technology’s sake; we’re doing it to help our creative teams bring the stories from the company to life,” said Michael Hundgen, portfolio executive creative producer of Walt Disney Imagineering.
Source: cnet.com