Walt Disney is credited for the modern technology of Audio-Animatronics. Which is defined as the use of a motor or cable pulled device to bring an inanimate object to life by mimicking animal or human movements and sound. Walt Disney’s love of bringing animation to life led to the development of this technology.
Animatronics were first introduced in film during Disney’s Mary Poppins (1966), which featured an animatronic bird, controlled by bicycle cables. Now, Disney uses Animatronics throughout many attractions, this technology has also advanced in past years with special effects and more. Learn 8 fascinating animatronics at Disney World, and amazing facts about them.
1. Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
Take a 21-minute journey through the 20th century and see the progress of technology as told by Audio-Animatronics. The Carousel of Progress, in Magic Kingdom, is made up of 4 acts, guests are slowly rotated to view each new set. Follow along a typical American family and hear John (Father) talk about the technology advances. The attraction was first brought to the the 1964 New York World’s Fair and was highly successful.
2. Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café
Visit this eatery to see a favorite Animatronic, named Sonny Eclipse. Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café is a quick-service restaurant in Magic Kingdom and the only non-attraction on this list. Guests can take a seat in front of the stage and eat their meals. Listen to Sonny Eclipse sing and tell jokes, he is an entertaining Audio-Animatronic.
3. Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
We cannot mention must see animatronics without mentioning the first, Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room. Debuting at Disneyland Park in 1963, this was the first attraction to use Audio-Animatronics. The Enchanted Tiki Room now uses 225 choreographed Audio-Animatronics during the show. During thise 10-minute show guests will see parrots, Tiki statues and more exotic birds. This technology set the stage for other Audio-Animatronics such as those in it’s a small world and The Haunted Mansion.
4. Hall of Presidents
Hall of Presidents was envisioned by Walt Disney, however technology for the attraction was not advanced enough. Therefore Walt Disney worked with his team to create the very first Audio-Animatronic in human form. Resulting in Mr. Lincoln with Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln at the 1964 New York World’s Fair. By 1971, all Presidents in American history had been created for the Hall of Presidents. Since then, every president has been added to the show and guests can view them all as Animatronics on one stage at Magic Kingdom.
5. it’s a small world
Guests on the 10-minute boat ride, it’s a small world, will see 300 children animatronics from around the world singing. This ride remains a classic and the song created just for this attraction, “it’s a small world” has become well-known around the world. It’s a small world has been at Magic Kingdom since opening day and has been recreated at other Disney parks around the world.
6. Na’vi River Journey
Na’vi River Journey is found in Pandora- World of Avatar at Animal Kingdom. Take a relaxing boat ride and view the bioluminescent rainforest. As your journey comes to an end, an incredible animatronic awaits guests. Watch and listen to the Shaman, her movements are lifelike.
7. Pirates of the Caribbean
Pirates of the Caribbean at Magic Kingdom was originally thought to become a wax museum. However after the 1964 New York World’s Fair, and the success of Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress Walt Disney wanted to go forward with Audio-Animatronics to tell this pirate story. Guests have been watching pirate animatronics on this attraction since 1973. Guests can spot Jack Sparrow, and most recently Redd the pirate has a name and new role.
8. Slinky Dog Dash
Guests at Toy Story Land are in for a treat on Slinky Dog Dash. As the attraction winds down, guests will see Wheezy, who was first introduced in Disney-Pixar Toy Story 2. Guests will hear the animatronic Wheezy sing, You’ve Got A Friend In Me, with the help of Mike (tape recorder). Learn how Imagineerss created Wheezy for Toy Story Land.
Thanks, Sara A.
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Lorie Liptak says
I love these attractions!
Tonia says
So cool
Tonia says
So cool. My son had us do Carousel of progress over and over.