Imagineering is at its finest when creating points of interest with elaborate environments and dimensional present scenes inhabited by Audio Animatronics figures. Most of my favourite rides at Walt Disney World are slow-moving boat or darkish rides precisely like that, and this prime 10 listing covers my favourite AAs in points of interest at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. (Up to date October 26, 2024.)
So far as know-how goes, Audio Animatronics are each brand-new and a long time previous. In truth, the corporate’s fascination with Audio Animatronics started with Walt Disney himself, who stumbled upon an vintage mechanical singing chicken in a store whereas on trip in New Orleans. He was intrigued by this 3D animated determine, which ultimately led to Imagineers creating an Abraham Lincoln Audio Animatronics determine that may go on for use through the 1964–1965 New York World’s Honest.
Round that very same time, Disney started creating animated figures of birds, flowers, and tiki gods that populated the Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room. That opened the floodgates, and Audio-Animatronics would go on to be an integral a part of lots of the points of interest on the Disney parks, together with Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, America Sings, Nation Musical Bear Jamboree, and Corridor of Presidents. Then got here the unique EPCOT Heart and a brand new golden age of Audio Animatronics, with seemingly each attraction having dozens of superior AAs!
Audio Animatronics since have had their ups and downs. To make certain, many points of interest from the Nineteen Nineties up till at this time have featured AAs. However derision as creepy “robots” coupled with the rise of different applied sciences displacing them–to not point out the upkeep prices–has led to Audio Animatronics falling out of favor. At the very least, as in comparison with their heyday from the Nineteen Sixties to Nineteen Eighties.
As an old style EPCOT Heart and Walt Disney World fan, I’m an enormous proponent of Audio Animatronics. Most of my all-time favourite points of interest to at the present time function AAs. Not solely that, however I strongly consider that Audio Animatronics are evergreen. Whereas the underlying know-how is now over 60 years previous, the benefit AAs have over screens or different flashy tech is that few visitors see Audio Animatronics within the on a regular basis lives.
Screens are throughout us, and their high quality consistently evolves. The massive theaters in Remy’s Ratatouille Journey or Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway look clear and up to date at this time, however what about ~5 years from now when the Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional augmented actuality headsets have come down in worth and are ubiquitous? Will a few of these rides be as laughably dated because the script within the Carousel of Progress finale?
Audio Animatronics and the scenes they inhabit are one thing you hardly ever encounter–at the least completed on the caliber of Walt Disney World–exterior of a handful of theme parks. These scenes will proceed to wow generations of audiences as a result of they’re one thing that can’t be reproduced on the supercomputers all of us carry round in our pockets. However I digress–that is meant to be a listing of my favourite AAs, not a manifesto on why they’re superior to the technical taste of the week.
For an Audio Animatronics determine to make this listing, it must have extra than simply fluid movement and spectacular know-how. This listing is all about how the characters are delivered to life and are imbued with a way of character. The most effective know-how fades into the background, permitting you to droop disbelief–and that’s true of Audio Animatronics, too.
In some circumstances, that is completed in fleeting encounters and with out a line of dialogue. In different conditions, the Audio Animatronics has twenty minutes to construct rapport with visitors. You find yourself caring concerning the character, the mission, or their destiny, because the case could also be. At might appear to be some dystopian Westworld type stuff, however you sorta overlook that they’re a robotic and as a substitute join with the Audio Animatronics’ (synthetic) humanity.
Or one thing like that. Anyway, on with the listing of the ten finest Audio Animatronics at Walt Disney World…
RIP (For Now). Lightning McQueen – Let’s begin with our in memoriam entry, from the now-defunct Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy. The lack of the present itself just isn’t an enormous deal. In truth, there’s a purpose it ended. (It was cute for what it was, however didn’t crack the highest 50 on our Listing Rating All 91 Sights at Walt Disney World.)
With that mentioned, it was carried by the spectacular Lightning McQueen Audio Animatronics automobile. This AA is fairly spectacular–higher than those in Radiator Springs Racers, due to a higher vary of movement and a capability to dynamically interact with visitors. This Lightning McQueen seems like the true character, and that plus a powerful arsenal of pop jokes blows children away and even entertains mother and father.
The excellent news, and why we’re not deleting this from the listing fully, is as a result of Lightning McQueen virtually definitely has not been despatched to Mater’s AA Junkyard within the Sky. As a substitute, we’re anticipating McQueen to drive down the street to Magic Kingdom, the place an all-new Vehicles Land is being constructed as a part of park enlargement plans. So count on this AA to return to the listing in 2028 or so.
T10. Hopper – We don’t see It’s Powerful to Be a Bug! at Animal Kingdom as typically as we in all probability ought to, however every time we do, I discover myself marveling on the Hopper Audio Animatronics determine. Just about single-handedly, Hopper elevates this from a easy 3D film into one thing extra. (I like MuppetVision and even favor PhilharMagic to this, however Hopper is much better and extra compelling than the AAs in these reveals–underscoring that this can be a listing of Audio Animatronics, and never points of interest.)
In any case, It’s Powerful to Be a Bug goes extinct within the very close to future in favor of a Zootopia present contained in the Tree of Life. So except Hopper packs his baggage and strikes to Zootopia, I’m guessing he’ll be evicted with the remainder of the bugs by the top of 2024. As such, I’m placing Hopper tied for tenth slightly than leaving him off the listing fully or inserting him additional up.
T10. Ursula – Below the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid is fairly removed from good. A lot of the Audio Animatronics are a bit lifeless, some scenes fail to have interaction, and the type does it no favors. Regardless of that, we firmly consider it’s among the many Most Underrated Rides at Walt Disney World.
One of many massive causes for that’s the show-stopping Ursula scene. Coming instantly after the merriment of “Below the Sea,” visitors go deeper (I suppose?) underneath the ocean into the ocean witch’s lair, the place we’re greeted by Flotsam and Jetsam, Ursula’s pets/hench-eels. The Sea Witch sings “Poor Unlucky Souls,” surrounded by her assortment of misplaced souls, and engages in probably the most life-like and dynamic movement of something on all the attraction.
It’s robust to separate out Ursula, the Audio Animatronics determine on the journey, and Ursula the villain in a film I’ve seen dozens of instances. This AA is so good is blurs that line, and this seems like a scene from a completely completely different–and higher–journey. The moody surroundings is a part of that, however the Ursula AA has critical wow-factor.
T10. Olaf & Sven – Frozen Ever After’s AAs are polarizing, with some followers being chilly on the projected faces on Anna and Elsa. Now that the modernized variations have debuted in Hong Kong Disneyland, these complaints are heating up.
However the bundle deal of Olaf and Sven the Reindeer might thaw even probably the most frozen of hearts. The reindeer presents goofy comedic reduction, whereas the standard and fluidity of the Olaf AA that sings “Do You Wish to Construct a Snowman?” whereas gliding throughout the ice is fairly spectacular.
Not solely that, however Olaf’s facial expressions and mannerisms rapidly reinforce the character of Olaf from Frozen and provides the determine a childlike sense of wonderment, making him one thing of a non secular successor to Figment…at the least in time period of the Audio Animatronics determine. (What can I say—I like Olaf.)
9. Abraham Lincoln – Disneyland’s Lincoln is extra traditionally important and revered, however the Magic Kingdom model from Corridor of Presidents can also be worthy of inclusion on this listing. In a present that includes each president, Lincoln has probably the most presence; his phrases have probably the most poignance.
Whereas I don’t assume this AA offers the identical weight to the phrases he delivers because the one in Nice Moments with Mr. Lincoln, this Lincoln determine does give life to his rousing phrases. George Washington tasks an analogous stateliness, however not one of the different AAs with talking roles within the present model are worthy of point out.
I can see why individuals again on the 1964 World’s Honest freaked out when Lincoln got here to life on stage, fearing ole Trustworthy Abe had come again from the useless. (Severely.) Lincoln solely hunts vampires—he isn’t one of many undead himself.
8. Figment – EPCOT Heart of the Nineteen Eighties till mid-Nineteen Nineties in all probability had extra Audio Animatronics per capita than wherever on earth. I’m not joking after I say just about each journey had dozens. Which was a part of the “drawback,” because the park had a critical “imbalance” of prolonged darkish rides…and little else.
Sadly, Epcot is not any EPCOT Heart, and the surviving AAs pale compared to what existed within the unique incarnation of the park. Authentic Figment paired with Dreamfinder as they piloted the Dreamcatcher would prime such a listing.
New Figment doesn’t have fairly that very same spark, however he nonetheless has a ton of coronary heart. As he introduces visitors to the Creativeness Lab, the character reveals each his inquisitive aspect (which endeared him to visitors within the unique attraction) and mischievous aspect (which is arguably a bit grating later on this model) earlier than main visitors in a rendition of the attraction’s iconic music. Figment nonetheless manages to place a smile on my face.
7. Mark Twain & Benjamin Franklin – Because the dynamic duo who host the American Journey, these two are just about inseparable. They every assist inform the story of america, and achieve this with humor and humanity that elevates the American Journey above a historical past ebook lesson and grants it emotional weight.
These two ship partaking performances with a degree of wit and dynamicism that it’s virtually troublesome to consider there aren’t any human performers within the American Journey. In addition they every carry out some pretty spectacular technical feats, from Benjamin Franklin strolling up stairs to Mark Twain smoking his cigar to the 2 hosts shaking palms through the attraction’s finale. Throughout that finale, additionally they provoke emotions of satisfaction and introspection within the viewers, as soon as once more demonstrating the humanity of those “robotic” performers.
American Journey is arguably deserving of a number of extra honorable mentions: Frederick Douglass paddling down the Mississippi River, Chief Joseph delivering an impassioned plea to finish his individuals’s struggling, Will Rogers twirling a lasso, and others.
6. Hondo Ohnaka – I’ll be sincere: few issues make me eyes glaze over sooner than a Star Wars fan saying, “you want to see Clone Wars to totally respect…” I’m sorry, and I imply this as no offense, however I’m not watching 7 seasons of a Star Wars cartoon rendered by a Ps 3. My favourite critics might say it’s on par with The Wire or Breaking Dangerous, and I nonetheless wouldn’t be persuaded.
So my preliminary intuition was that it was a missed alternative to have a Chewbacca Audio Animatronics within the pre-show to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. And I nonetheless assume that may’ve been the extra crowd-pleasing selection that may’ve resonated with common visitors and extra informal Star Wars fanatics, like me, who didn’t see a present that initially aired on Cartoon Community.
However I’ve grown to like Hondo Ohnaka of Ohnaka Transport Options, a smuggling operation that ‘borrows’ the Millennium Falcon. He’s acquired a wry humorousness and is a lovable scoundrel, and the Audio Animatronics of Hondo within the pre-show is actually spectacular. By the top of Smugglers Run, I’m not left wanting extra of the UPS supply mission, however I’m additional invested within the character and studying extra about his (mis)adventures in house piracy.
5. Princess Tiana – Tiana’s Bayou Journey is the most recent attraction at Walt Disney World, and is a reimagining of Splash Mountain. However in the event you’re studying a listing like this, you in all probability already know the backstory. Tiana’s Bayou Journey has confirmed polarizing amongst followers, the Audio Animatronics within the attraction are undeniably wonderful.
This makes use of Imagineering’s latest A-1000 Audio Animatronics technology. In consequence, the core character Audio Animatronics in Tiana’s Bayou Journey simply look so unimaginable. “Lifelike” isn’t the appropriate phrase, however they’re mainly animated characters leaping out of the display screen and into the dimensional units of the attraction. They’re gorgeous, completely melding previous and new know-how to create one thing with wow-factor that may in all probability stand the take a look at of time. Similar to the Audio Animatronics from basic darkish rides nonetheless look nice at this time.
Selecting only one to make the reduce is troublesome, as I like Louis the Alligator and a bunch of the quirky little critters. Nevertheless, character is our predominant parameter, and Princess Tiana belting out “Particular Spice” within the grand finale is the true showstopper.
4. Henry – Nation Musical Bear Jamboree is an ensemble efficiency, however Henry is the standout determine within the present. He’s not probably the most memorable character from the present—that honor goes to Large Al, arguably deserving of his personal separate spot—however not like the opposite bears who set up their character by means of caricatured design or colourful music lyrics as a result of he conveys a number of character by means of physique language.
Henry has good dialogue, and a sure humility and earnestness when coping with the opposite bears. Henry’s actions additionally say lots, even when he doesn’t. Because of his animations, he’s simply as animated because the extra comical wanting and behaving bears.
With the reimagining to Nation Bear Jamboree, Henry and all the different bears look a lot better. Their motions are extra fluid, costuming is improbable, and their fur is wanting contemporary. Sadly, additionally they have much less character. They nonetheless have a number of it, however the irreverence and quirkiness that made Nation Bear Jamboree lightning-in-a-bottle magic for some (however positively not all) visitors is gone.
3. Progress Dad – John, the daddy from Carousel of Progress, just isn’t a technically spectacular AA. For the primary a number of scenes, he simply sits there with restricted vary of movement, and even within the finale, his actions are pretty restrained (save for when the turkey catches hearth, and he hilariously flails his arms about over his head).
But, the John Audio Animatronics work as a result of they praise his dialogue, slew of pop jokes, and direct the viewers’s consideration appropriately all through the scenes. In a manner, John is an emcee for the know-how within the properties and different characters. The character’s AAs by means of the a long time fulfill that function completely whereas additionally offering him with loads of lowkey, “fatherly” character.
2. Lieutenant Bek – You’re the “predominant character” of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, dwelling out your individual ‘Star Wars’ story, and Lieutenant Bek is Robin to your Batman–or maybe the Obi-Wan Kenobi to your Luke Skywalker. Whereas different, extra beloved or notorious characters all make cameos on the journey, Lieutenant Bek is the one one current for each section of the multi-stage expertise.
Some Walt Disney World followers would possibly argue Kylo Ren is the spotlight of this journey. And to make sure, these Audio Animatronics, particularly within the climactic scene, are spectacular. Ren is a menacing determine all through the journey, however for me, he by no means rises to the identical degree of villain as through the movies. (Bear in mind, this listing is about how the AAs come to life, not simply their technical impressiveness.)
For me, Lieutenant Bek’s presence on board the transport ship is among the coolest components of the attraction. The power of visitors to get so shut to the Audio Animatronics and be immersed within the subsequent dogfight is actually cool and has me on the sting of my seat (whereas standing) each time. If that doesn’t persuade you that Lieutenant Bek is the true star of the present (nicely, second to you), there’s the emotional second on the finish while you’re holding your breath whereas ready to study his destiny. Maybe we’re biased, although, as we’ve praised Lieutenant Bek because the True Hero of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
1. Shaman of Songs – As an old style Walt Disney World fan, it was troublesome to place the Shaman of Songs from Na’vi River Journey at #1. It required passing over really iconic and beloved figures, and selecting one primarily based upon a movie I don’t actually even keep in mind. And a determine in an attraction that’s in any other case solely okay.
Technical wow-factor apart, what I can not recover from when using Na’vi River Journey is how the Shaman of Songs manages to attach with visitors. As you slowly method her, her fluid and rhythmic actions are fascinating and take the attraction from a misfiring try at discovery and exploration to considered one of complete enchantment. Every little thing else melts away, as you’re entranced by this Audio Animatronics determine. The Shaman is connecting on an emotional and virtually primal degree.
Then, in some actual loopy Rise of the Machines motion, she makes eye contact with you. It’s directly surreal and particular, and regardless that you realize it’s an Audio Animatronics determine, it feels no completely different than while you make eye contact with a parade prince or princess. Regardless that the Shaman doesn’t have an amazing quantity of character growth or profit from storytelling the best way different AAs above do, there’s one thing about her that simply “clicks” with visitors and likewise elevates Na’vi River Journey right into a strong attraction. This all might sound actually odd, however this lovely marriage of know-how and character are why I really feel compelled to place the Shaman above so many legacy Walt Disney World AAs.
Honorable Point out: Sonny Eclipse – Mr. Eclipse is from the planet Zork (Yew Nork, particularly) and he performs the Astro Organ, with back-up vocals from his wonderful House Angels. He performs a twenty-some minute loop of music that’s infused with dad jokes that’s actually entertaining, throughout which period there’s additionally a ton of character growth. Sonny Eclipse like a cross between Uncle Joey and somebody from the Max Rebo Band, which is an effective combo.
Whereas his AA just isn’t probably the most superior that Imagineering has ever created, it’s fairly expressive, with loads of arm flailing, eyebrow elevating, and facial expressions. Between that and his charismatic efficiency, there’s a purpose why tons of visitors have fallen in love with Sonny Eclipse, and there are speedy fears every time his stage is raised up for a refurbishment. Because of his attraction and personability, it’s simple to see why this alien lounge lizard is so beloved.
Our very first Walt Disney World obsession as a pair was Sonny Eclipse. Throughout our annual summer time visits, we spent many a late night time within the cubicles at Cosmic Ray’s watching Sonny carry out his full units, and at dwelling we’d “relive” these moments by enjoying his full present at dwelling.
Regardless of Cosmic Ray’s being busier than ever, our love for Sonny Eclipse endures. His backstory is cleverly advised through his songs and his set has a hybrid comedy/musical high quality paying homage to Nation Bear Jamboree. Because of his mixture of humor, character, catchy songs, and look, Sonny Eclipse ranked within the prime 5 on our listing of High 10 (Authentic) Disney Parks Characters. Truthfully, if this weren’t particularly a listing of Audio Animatronics in points of interest, Sonny Eclipse could be prime 5 right here, too.
That wraps up our listing of the most effective Audio Animatronics at Walt Disney World. At this level, you could be scratching your head, questioning why a number of iconic Walt Disney World points of interest are usually not represented in any respect. It might appear to be an enormous oversight to omit Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Spaceship Earth, and Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room from this listing. Certainly the Auctioneer, Hitchhiking Ghosts, Pc Engineer, and Jose are deserving of spots on this listing.
Maybe on an extended listing. For this, I got here to the conclusion that every of these are like an early-era P.T. Anderson movie–nice points of interest that excel due to the best way the ensemble forged of characters comes collectively. If this had been a listing of the highest Audio Animatronics points of interest, every of them must make the listing. However it’s not. We’ve already completed a number of ‘better of’ points of interest listing, and I needed this to be distinct from these. There’s no manner on earth Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy is rating on a prime listing of something (apart from possibly ‘vehicles’ rides, the place it might edge out Tomorrowland Speedway however not the Omnibus), however that AA is completely deserving of recognition.
However, I’m betting loads of you’ll disagree with my decisions. If it’s any comfort, I’m pretty sure I might get up tomorrow and make a completely new listing of various Audio Animatronics figures that may be simply good as this one. There are such a lot of wonderful, emotive AAs at Walt Disney World. Simply keep in mind, these is my prime 10 listing primarily based on which Audio Animatronics resonate and impress my probably the most, not a scientifically arrived-upon listing of probably the most technologically marvelous Audio Animatronics at Walt Disney World.
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Your Ideas
Do you agree or disagree with my prime 10 Audio-Animatronics at Walt Disney World? Assume it’s absurd to don’t have anything from two of the most important classics–Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion–even when they’re ensemble points of interest with no singular standout? Which AAs would make your private listing of favorites? Another ideas concerning the Audio Animatronics of Walt Disney World? Listening to suggestions about your experiences is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas beneath within the feedback!
