Festival of the Lion King AAs

[WaltsWorld]

Up until a few weeks ago, I believed that the four animal AAs in Festival of the Lion King were just that… audio animatronics that are programed for the show. I recently went and saw FOLK with a friend who works at AK and she mentioned that the "guys who work the animals are hilarious." WAIT WHAT. There is no way that there are people in there who move those animals. At the time, I just took the comment in passing and thought nothing of it (mentally kicking myself now).

So I went and watched FOLK twice today (no shame). Both shows, I caught myself watching the Simba AA. Now maybe this is just me looking at the wrong time, but I swear that I saw two different performances. Movements occurred during one show, that didn't in another.

Am I losing my mind? Can anyone confirm or deny that these AAs are controlled by people every show? Are they not preprogramed?

I need a drink.

 

[Zweiland]

They are puppets recycled from the Lion King Celebration parade in Disneyland, not AA's.

 

[WaltsWorld]

But everything on google calls them AAs? My mind has been blown.

 

[King Mickey]

Nope, they are puppets.

 

[donaldtoo]

What's the difference...? I don't care if they're puppets, audio-animatronics, or animal-audiotronics...the show is AWESOME either way...!

 

[marni1971]

Puppets.

 

[pumpkin7]

Yeah they're puppets. Totally awesome, mindblowing puppets. I just love how Simba nods his head in time with the music.

 

[WaltsWorld]

Wow I had no idea. I have now made it my goal to meet someone who controls those puppets! Coolest job ever.

 

[Cosmic Commando]

But everything on google calls them AAs? My mind has been blown.

Some people call anything that moves an animatronic. The dolls in Small World are technically "animated figures", I believe, but many call them animatronics.

 

[epcotisbest]

Watching FOTLK twice in one day...a very good day!

 

[tare]

Interesting. Either way the show is one of my favs!!!

 

[marni1971]

Watching FOTLK twice in one day...a very good day!

Try five consecutive shows!

 

[epcotisbest]

Try five consecutive shows!

Score!

 

[marni1971]

Score!

Thank you! But the result was worth it:

http://www.martinsvids.net/?p=735

 

[Hakunamatata]

But everything on google calls them AAs? My mind has been blown.

I didnt realize Google had been designated as the source of truth for all things.

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

I never knew they were puppets, something new to watch for next time.

 

[WaltsWorld]

I didnt realize Google had been designated as the source of truth for all things.

If Disney fan sites aren't reputable sources, then I don't know what is

 

[Hakunamatata]

If Disney fan sites aren't reputable sources, then I don't know what is

I know for a fact that Google does not own this site.

 

[Mammymouse]

Well one time when we were watching the show the audio/music/everything just stopped....but the Simba, Pumba and others kept right on moving as if the show sounds were still going!! Very bizaar to see. Then the announcer came on and asked everyone to leave, the show was canceled due to technical problems. So I don't think there are people inside moving them or they would have stopped performing when the music stopped.

 

[Zweiland]

I know for a fact that Google does not own this site.

How do you know? Did you google it?