Are Animatronic Shows a thing of the Past?

[Clover Bailey]

I think the reason why they are not making more is because people want everything new. They don't want classic animatronics, but everything to be on a TV. Look at Universal, when it comes to today's kids and modern society, they are much more popular. Why? Because they use screens and modern franchises. They like 3D and HD projections and whatnot. A 12 year old boy in the 70's would love Disney World, but now they think it's just girly and childish. What would a teen choose? Seven Dwarfs or Transformers?

Now I think Disney puts Universal to shame, but this just seems to be nowadays "cool opinion".

 

[DisneyFans4Life]

I think what would be more popular with kids would be character M&Gs like Mickey at MK; they talk. It's not a show as is being discussed, but kids love it when Mickey talks to them, or sings them happy birthday. I wish they could do that with more characters around the park.

 

[Sage of Time]

Shows? Perhaps? Rides, not so much. I'm eager to see if the Avatar River Ride uses AAs. I think it will.

 

[DisneyFans4Life]

One thing that just came to mind...shows can mean shows as in "attractions" (Country Bears, etc.) or shows like Dream Along with Mickey at MK. You can even throw parades into this category as well.

The only reason I mention this is because with a parade or stage show, I could see the use of AA continue to happen and even grow. I mentioned the talking Mickey before...I can see that sort of thing growing within Disney. Though IMO, that is a mixture between AA and humans. I don't necessarily see an only AA show happening in the future because technology has come a long way and I think there are more/better options out there to produce a show. As I stated before, I'd much prefer a show with live actors versus AA.

 

[Flippin'Flounder]

One thing that just came to mind...shows can mean shows as in "attractions" (Country Bears, etc.) or shows like Dream Along with Mickey at MK. You can even throw parades into this category as well.

The only reason I mention this is because with a parade or stage show, I could see the use of AA continue to happen and even grow. I mentioned the talking Mickey before...I can see that sort of thing growing within Disney. Though IMO, that is a mixture between AA and humans. I don't necessarily see an only AA show happening in the future because technology has come a long way and I think there are more/better options out there to produce a show. As I stated before, I'd much prefer a show with live actors versus AA.

Wasn't there talk about a talking Beast at BoG?

 

[flynnibus]

Live performance is appreciated today... Robotic figures aren't as awe inspiring as they used to be. Robots are great for pumping out the shows... But at significant capital costs that are also hard/expensive to change.

Casts and scripts can be changed a lot easier.

I think instead of aa figures you will see more technology augmented shows. Things like the transparent screen projection that uni has used a lot... More elaborate costumes, effects etc.

I just think modern audiences aren't that thrilled to go sit and watch some pre recorded show with dancing robots. We've moved past that when it became commoditized where every chuck e cheese and two bit amusement park had one.

Shows like the American adventure can endure because the power and grandeur of the presentation far exceeds the use of some talking maniquins

 

[WondersOfLife]

I like it. It's something different, and way more fun than MIB or BLSRS. 7D will probably die down like the Little Mermaid did. Maybe not as low, but more to Pooh or Buzz length.

I guess it is just a huge difference in opinion. I would take Buzz or definitely MIB over TMM any day dx

Live performance is appreciated today... Robotic figures aren't as awe inspiring as they used to be. Robots are great for pumping out the shows... But at significant capital costs that are also hard/expensive to change.

Casts and scripts can be changed a lot easier.

I think instead of aa figures you will see more technology augmented shows. Things like the transparent screen projection that uni has used a lot... More elaborate costumes, effects etc.

I just think modern audiences aren't that thrilled to go sit and watch some pre recorded show with dancing robots. We've moved past that when it became commoditized where every chuck e cheese and two bit amusement park had one.

Shows like the American adventure can endure because the power and grandeur of the presentation far exceeds the use of some talking maniquins

This is very true...


I particularly think that attractions like Tiki Room and Country Bear Jamboree would be SO great in a restaurant atmosphere like they were intended to be in the first place.... Kind of like, not a huge main focus but a huge part of a dining experience. Think of Sonny Eclipse at Cosmic Ray but on a larger scale. I just think these shows would be more appreciated on those settings and it would be awesome.

I've always wanted Disney to connect the Pecos Bill cafe over to the Country Bear Jamboree theatre as a show n' dinner experience.

 

[brb1006]

I can agree with this statement.. Depending on what the show is focusing on.

For instance.. If The Country Bear Jamboree was a show starring live actors... We would get something more like this..

We don't speak of that film.

 

[brb1006]

I hope AA shows at the Disney parks might make a comeback. But ever since a certain game that came out last summer. AAs are starting to get viewed as creepy. I heard one visitor who rode Splash Mountain yell out a reference to the series which ruins the fun of the attraction.

 

[WondersOfLife]

We don't speak of that film.

I was one of the few that loved it when I was little XD I know the whole movie backwards and forwards!

 

[MagicFantasmic]

I just wish they would create a ride that isn't based off of one of their movies. It can be great just to be original again. Something like Everest, Mission: Space, etc..

 

[DisneyFans4Life]

Wasn't there talk about a talking Beast at BoG?

I'm honestly not sure, but if that were true, it would just add to that whole experience. Kids see their favorite characters talking to each other in the shows, and if I had to guess, they'd like to talk to them in real life. I'm not sure how much the talking Mickey technology costs or if it's feasible to use across all characters, but it would certainly add a lot to the experience.