New Disney animatronics could bring CGI-like stunts to real life

Always visually memorizing, Disney animatronics continue to evolve. As part of their disruptor mindset, the newest developments in animatronics will take your breath away.

Disney animatronics have been a leader in the entertainment industry. Whether it is a flock of birds in the legendary Tiki Room to the history coming to life at the Hall of Presidents, Disney and its Imagineers have found ways to make the unreal seem more lifelike. Even in most recent developments, like the Shaman at Na’vi River Journey, the lifelike qualities in animatronics are becoming even more advanced.

During the GM and Owners Breakfast at Orlando  IAAPA Expo (International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions), Disney’s Bob Chapek was the keynote speaker. As part of his presentation, he showed video clips of new animatronic figures that impressed a group of industry veterans. These newest developments will leave people wondering how could Disney magic really create that experience.

The video shown during this presentation showed how engineers took a steel poll flying through the air and, over time, eventually created the ability to showcase a human looking animatronic twisting and turning in flight. While these developments didn’t happen overnight, the ability of an animatronic figure doing insane stunts is quite intriguing.

Watching superheroes fight the ultimate battle in movies usually comes with an assumption of make-believe. Human flight doesn’t happen in people’s everyday life, nor can people jump from one tall building to another. While people’s imagination can dream of these scenarios, the make believe world only exists on the big screen.

When people watch stunt shows in real life, the action is on a much smaller scale. The actors are attached to harnesses. The flying is relatively close to the ground and the action is on the tamer side. No one should risk the potential injury from a stunt gone awry.

With these new Disney animatronic figures, the idea that a life-like looking being flying through the air is a real possibility. In the video, the animatronic seemed to soar high across the sky, flip and turn with ease. This scene wasn’t computer generated; it was a recording of real-life reality.

The NaÕvi River Journey attraction on Pandora Ð The World of Avatar at DisneyÕs Animal Kingdom takes guests on a lyrical adventure sailing in reed boats down a mysterious, sacred river hidden within the bioluminescent rainforest. The journey culminates in an encounter with a NaÕvi shaman, who sends positive energy out into the forest through her music. DisneyÕs Animal Kingdom is one of four theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Steven Diaz, photographer)

The development of this type of animatronic figures has many applications. The stunt aspect of the figures is visually impressive from a thrill side. Theme park guests and superhero fans are always looking for the bigger, better and more impressive thrill. The imagination in a person’s head has created such high expectations that companies need to do more and better.

While technology has developed on the screen, people are looking for more immersive and thrilling experiences in real life. Now that guests can step into a virtual world that is as lifelike as real-world reality, the robotic figures in the real world need to do more. This type of intense thrill and visually stunning action creates a stronger connection between the fan and its brand.

In addition to the extreme stunt aspect of this Disney animatronics, the video showcased the more lifelike features. As Disney prepares to open the Star Wars lands, Galaxy Edge, these animatronics could come into play. Instead of cast members standing all day in the queue, an animatronic could respond and react to guests throughout the experience. While this idea wasn’t stated during the speech, this type of use does seem like a possibility.

Additionally, the increased effort into perfecting animatronics opens many doors for the Disney brand. From theme park rides to other immersive experiences, these developments show that Disney is continually pushing the envelope of technology. The company is looking to be the ultimate disruptor.

Although no specific application of these new animatronic figures was announced during Chapek’s speech, it seems likely that some type of implementation could be coming in the near future. As Disney prepares for the 2021 anniversary of Walt Disney World, these figures could come into play in various ways. Also, with the expansion of Marvel-themed lands at other Disney parks, the idea of superheroes flying through the air as part of a show seems possible.

Disney has, and always will, find ways to create magical memories for its guests. By continually pushing the technological envelope, it balances the new with the iconic themes that have made the brand part of the collective memory. It wants to take your breath away, impress and create a memory that is held special for years to come. More importantly, it is an experience that the brand hopes will be passed onto another generation. Staying current on technology keeps Disney ahead of the game.

With these new Disney animatronics, people won’t have to just imagine a superhero flying high above the sky looks like in real life. Disney, and its iconic pixie dust, are looking to make it happen.