If you've been anywhere near social media this week, you know that the Bluey fandom is absolutely having a field day. Not only is the beloved blue heeler and all her canine cohorts getting a full-length feature film, but Bluey, bingo, and all the rest are well on their to Disneyland and the Walt Disney World Resort.
Although Bluey's arrival at the Disney parks was inevitable, this marks a big shift for the Heeler family as we know it. As Disney strikes a bargain with Ludo Studio, bigger things are getting ready to hit the beloved series.
Wackadoo! The Heelers Go to Disney
Disney made the official announcement just last night, and the Heelers have simply gotten too big for Disney+ alone. Not only are they on their way to the silver screen, but both the parks and the Disney Cruise Line are getting a boatload of Bluey.
The official statement reads,
"Disney Experiences today announced that Bluey, the beloved Emmy®-winning animated series that has captured hearts worldwide, will join Disneyland Resort in California and Walt Disney World Resort in Florida on land and Disney Cruise Line at sea."
"Beginning in January 2025, onboard Disney Cruise Line voyages originating from Australia and New Zealand, families can interact with Bluey and her sister, Bingo, like never before. From special meet-and-greets, to an interactive and clue-filled game that ends in a dance party featuring Bluey’s signature moves, families in the region can embark on a magical holiday with their favorite blue heeler."
That's all perfectly marvelous, and it's about time that Bluey and Bingo made their appearance outside of a TV screen. However, what has this writer's attention is the official statement from Disney Experiences chairman Josh D'Amaro.
Per D'Amaro,
“Bluey has become a household name for families around the world and we are thrilled to bring her story to life in new ways. We can’t wait to watch our youngest guests and their families make memories with Bluey in our parks and on our cruises.”
Although this might go under the radar for many fans, we are witnessing a meeting of two entertainment giants. It's no secret that Bluey is one of the most successful animated series currently streaming, but it might also be another notch in Disney's belt.
If Ludo is willing to enter this kind of partnership with Disney, it very well could mean Disney gets more involved with our favorite cartoon dog. That could be great, but it could also be a double-edged sword.
Part of the reason Bluey has done so well is simply because Disney has only acted as a distributor and little else. If D'Amaro is smart, he will usher the characters and imagery into the parks and leave it at that. Let Ludo do Ludo, and let Disney do Disney.
While many of us die-hard fans might be anxious about the fate of the show, especially with Bluey creator Joe Brumm stepping away to focus on making the film. It might be the case that Disney knows where the IP's strengths lie. We'll just have to wait and see.
As Bluey and Bingo make their way to the parks, fans can still enjoy all their episodes on Disney+