Should ALL animatronics be updated?

[DisneyJunkie]

I was just thinking about how incredibly advanced many of the animatronics are now at WDW (Dwarfs Mine Train, Under the Sea, etc), and yet how many are still extremely out-dated in a number of attractions (Jungle Cruise, Peter Pan, Universe of Energy, Maelstrom, etc). With the advancements they've made, shouldn't they go back and see what they can do to update the old animatronics and kind of breathe new life into some of those attractions?

For instance, in AK's Dinosaur ride, those are some advanced dinos there, yet in the Universe of Energy they're still clunky, jerky, and slow. Why not improve those?

 

[PrincessNelly_NJ]

For me, it is a no. I kinda like seeing how far they've come with animatronics and I think some add character to the ride.

 

[216bruce]

Yeah, it would be nice but it would greatly increase the whining here about closures..."How dare they shut down (insert name of attraction here) when we went for our trip. Our vacation was ruined!"
Also, I agree with the sentiment about 'character' expressed above. I don't think Peter Pan would be the same if it was totally lifelike. And IASW with more 'real' dolls- creepy.

 

[TubaGeek]

I'd say that those in "museum" attractions (Tiki, CoP, Small World) should be updated only for maintenance and efficiency. Their functionality should remain the same.
Even though they're as old, Pirates and Jungle Cruise could use some upgrades, since nostalgia is not their primary attribute.

 

[Hakunamatata]

Why don't we do that and replace all the old concrete with new concrete.

 

[Weather_Lady]

Pirates and Jungle Cruise could use some upgrades, since nostalgia is not their primary attribute.

I respectfully disagree with regard to Pirates. While WDW has done its best to ruin any nostalgia by adding Johnny Depp and shoehorning in a nonsensical storyline, I wish they'd leave well enough (which in the case of POTC, is still quite excellent) alone.

I agree with you on Jungle Cruise -- so long as the updates are harmonious and add interest/suspense/danger!

 

[KCheatle]

I vote no. While I appreciate the advancement in technology, and I wouldn't be happy if they kept creating animatronics in the same fashion as in they did decades ago, I appreciate the nostalgia of the older animatronics.

 

[Chef Mickey]

I think a few just need a good powdering to get rid of the shiny plastic look some have developed over the years.

 

[Cmdr_Crimson]

I Whole-Heartingly Agree!

 

[Communicore]

I have a feeling that if we update all animatronics, pretty soon they will all have strobe effects.

 

[hokielutz]

As interesting as this sounds.... updating all AAs is asking for trouble. More complex systems invites more opportunities for breakdowns. (Yeti, anyone?)

I can take the TDO line here that it is cost prohibitive and there is no real return on investment. Peter Pan will not get significantly more popular.

The only way to justify this is if a ride gets a complete facelift/major refurb. At the same time you have to look at what kind of a story or action you are trying to get across... and if spinning starfish will fit the bill in a certain scene, then so be it.

 

[Lord_Vader]

Maybe they could just fix/upgrade all the broken ones, starting with EE/Yeti.

Not a fan when it comes to touching PoTC, JC, or any of the others either.

 

[morningstar]

It doesn't seem like a priority to me. I'd rather see new attractions or attractions that need a 2.0 get one.

I do think the Tiki Room could benefit from new AAs. Not because the old ones weren't lifelike enough, but because they click and clack when they move, which is distracting from the musical elements.

 

[Jakester]

Mechanical wise? Yes why not update them to be more to date, yet with that same classic look

 

[skyphotographer]

I say no, for the same reason that I don't think the original "Star Wars" movies should have been updated. If you want a new attraction, then they should build a new attraction. Repairs, on the other hand, should be made.

 

[FettFan]

Mechanical wise? Yes why not update them to be more to date, yet with that same classic look

Bingo. The Country Bears need to keep their 1960s cartoony look....but I don't want to hear *click*click*click*click* whenever Henry moves his eyebrows.

 

[Cmdr_Crimson]

Bingo. The Country Bears need to keep their 1960s cartoony look....but I don't want to hear *click*click*click*click* whenever Henry moves his eyebrows.

They just need to turn up the volume..

 

[FettFan]

Speaking of bears...

Yeah. Disney can make fully-animated Dwarfs and Stitches.....


How about a lifelike polar bear? As he...um....stands now, he kind of just rocks back and forth.

How about a full motion polar bear?

 

[pumpkin7]

Bingo. The Country Bears need to keep their 1960s cartoony look....but I don't want to hear *click*click*click*click* whenever Henry moves his eyebrows.

I thought he had strobe eyebrows now...
And I'm not joking! Back in June when we visited, he just had a light that flashed once he'd finished his song.