WASHINGTON — Disney is known both for its lifelike animatronics and for the costumed characters roaming the company's theme parks. Their newest invention merges both, using everybody's favorite talking snowman.

On Monday, Disney Imagineers unveiled a new, hyper-realistic animatronic of Olaf from the "Frozen" franchise that is fully free-roaming.

The new character will be coming to select parks early next year, company officials said.

"This debut marks a new chapter in Disney character innovation, one where technology, storytelling, and collaboration come together to bring screen to reality."

Olaf is, of course, the magical talking snowman brought to life by Elsa's ice magic in the original "Frozen." The 2013 film became a cultural icon and launched Olaf into the cultural zeitgeist as

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