(Review) I previewed ‘Bluey’s Wild World’ – it suits Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Bluey and Bingo are officially arriving at Disney’s Animal Kingdom beginning May 26, and after attending a media preview of ‘Bluey’s Wild World,’ it’s clear the experience is deeply connected to the park itself and designed with kids in mind.
Disney’s new offering takes familiar Bluey games and reimagines them through the lens of Animal Kingdom’s focus on wildlife, exploration, and nature-inspired play.
What we experienced during the Bluey’s Wild World preview
During our media preview, Disney primarily showcased the interactive live show component of ‘Bluey’s Wild World,’ featuring appearances by Bluey and Bingo alongside audience participation, dancing and games. Disney also teased additional activities and experiences that guests will be able to explore when the offering officially debuts May 26 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
But remember, a virtual queue is required for access to ‘Bluey’s Wild World.’
Animal-inspired games
During the preview, we participated in “Magic Asparagus,” inspired by the fan-favorite Bluey episode where everyone pretends to become different animals. Because the experience takes place at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you can become giraffes, elephants, and other species that call the park home.
Another major interactive moment centered around “Keepy Uppy,” one of the show’s most recognizable games. Since balloons are not allowed inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom due to animal safety guidelines, Disney developed themed inflatable props designed to resemble beach-ball-sized balloons. These bouncy balls are colored red for ladybugs, yellow for bees, and blue for butterflies.
Photo by Dani Meyering
Even during the media preview, it was clear these games encouraged kids — and plenty of adults — to actively move through the space and play together.
WATCH: See these games in action in our video below from the preview event for ‘Bluey’s Wild World.’
Disney collaborated closely with the Bluey creative team
Following the preview, I talked with Matthew Hamel, show director from Disney Live Entertainment, who shared that Disney worked closely with the team behind Bluey during development of the experience.
Bluey is produced by Australia-based Ludo Studio in partnership with BBC Studios, and Disney creatives said collaboration with the show’s team helped preserve the humor, energy, and spontaneity fans expect from Bluey and Bingo.
While media preview guests experienced “Magic Asparagus” and “Keepy Uppy,” Hamel teased additional surprises and interactive moments.
“Oh yes, there will be other games besides those two, so you’ll definitely have to come back multiple times,” said Hamel, seemingly glossing over the virtual queue requirement to set foot in ‘Bluey’s Wild World.’ I say that with love, Matthew.
As a mom whose son watches “Bluey” multiple times a week, and nonstop whenever we get the chance to stay at a Disney hotel, I can say ‘Bluey’s Wild World’ fits the fandom. While Bluey and Bingo’s characters for real life are much larger than their cartoon selves, the looks on kids’ faces throughout the preview said it all.
Bluey and Bingo are part of the action
Disney has not announced a traditional, standalone Bluey and Bingo meet-and-greet location, and after seeing the preview firsthand, I don’t think there will be one since the character experience is very interactive.
Much of the fun comes from Bluey and Bingo actively participating with guests during the show itself. The characters move throughout the space, interacting directly with kids and helping guide the activities as they unfold. I actually got goosebumps when Bluey came out to the Bluey theme song and immediately began dancing with the littlest guests. And in that moment, I remembered the magic that is Disney’s Cool Kids’ Summer. I loved the interactive moments last year and cannot wait for my son to experience this year’s offerings.
Photo by Dani Meyering
It got a little chaotic during the preview, so parents may want to keep their cameras ready throughout the entire experience, because many of the best moments happen unexpectedly and quickly.
‘Bluey’s Wild World ‘ officially premieres May 26 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom as part of Cool Kids’ Summer.
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