I am Groot. I am Groot

June 8, 2023, 5:33 PM · I am Groot.

I am Groot. I am Groot. I am Groot.

I am Groot. I am Groot.

I am Groot.*

*Translation, via Robert: Walt Disney Imagineering has been testing its new walk-around teen-sized Groot animatronic at Disney California Adventure. The tests have been happening inside the Disney Junior theater in Hollywood Land in front of invited audiences.

This is the "Project Kiwi" animatronic that WDI previously revealed to the public via online video in 2021. As you can see from the video above, this Groot can walk around, change expression and even throw down a few dance moves, fitting right in with this version of the Guardians of the Galaxy Dance-Off show.

For now, this is just a test and not a scheduled attraction, so there's no guarantee that any future Disney California Adventure visitors will be able to see it for themselves. But Groot's move from WDI in Glendale into the parks at Disneyland is a major step toward more of this autonomous robot tech powering full-time entertainment in the Disney Parks.

Interesting in visiting Disneyland or Disney California Adventure this summer? Disneyland is offering a summer ticket discount for California residents, and our travel partner has it for prices even lower than what Disneyland is offering - see their discounted Disneyland tickets page.

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Replies (12)

June 8, 2023 at 7:52 PM

@Robert:

I am Groot?

June 8, 2023 at 8:56 PM

Wow! Amazing! But my one big fear is animatronics like this potentially replacing cast member jobs.

June 8, 2023 at 10:18 PM

To further echo that fear, my fear is a full-blown real life Itchy & Scratchy Land / Westworld AA uprising.

“When you get to hell, tell ‘em Itchy sent you.”

June 9, 2023 at 8:39 AM

Runs to the cellar to pull out those boxes of otherwise worthless flash bulbs...

June 9, 2023 at 9:28 AM

@Russell:

A fist bump and BORT license plate to you sir

June 9, 2023 at 11:10 AM

I wonder how it feels when hugged?

June 9, 2023 at 12:17 PM

Loving this! lol -- this just made me think does Simpsons gift shop actually sell Bort stuff? I never thought to check!

June 9, 2023 at 1:06 PM

I've checked, and as of like 5 years ago the answer is yes.

June 9, 2023 at 2:54 PM

Amazing! :) :)

June 9, 2023 at 4:46 PM

As one would obviously expect. Bort is a very popular name!

June 10, 2023 at 10:34 AM

My child is also named Bort.

June 13, 2023 at 5:05 AM

Great!! https://candy-crush.io

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