We’ve got the creeps.
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Animatronics have been integral part of Disney theme parks since Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln first debuted at the 1964 New York World’s Fair. From classics like Pirates of the Caribbean and The Haunted Mansion to modern marvels like Rise of the Resistance and the Shaman of Song on Na’vi River Adventure, animatronics are arguably the most iconic technology Imagineering has at their disposal. However, not EVERY Disney animatronic is created equal. In fact, there are some at Walt Disney World that creep us out.
“Flying Ace” Grandma in Carousel of Progress
The current finale of Carousel of Progress has a ton of issues, as the mid-1990s setting feels impossibly dated in its technology and worldview. However, there’s no part that jumps us more than Grandma decked out in her “Flying Ace” VR goggles. Something about her is very unsettling to us, perhaps the glee she gets in destroying her opponents?
Look at Grandma Go!
Uncle Orville in Carousel of Progress
Speaking of Carousel of Progress, there’s Uncle Orville. Now, Uncle Orville in concept is a bit creepy as he’s presented as a nude man we see bathing. However, the real creepiness is when you see what the Orville animatronic actually looks like.
Hey Uncle Orville!
Yeah, you’re never going to unsee that, or be able to ride Carousel of Progress the same way again.
“Under the Sea” Ariel
As one would expect, there are several Ariel animatronics scattered throughout Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid. However, there’s one that creeps us out just a bit. During the “Under the Sea” sequence, the Ariel animatronic’s frozen facial expression looks way more terrifying than she does happy. Kind of gives us a Gabby Gabby from Toy Story 4 vibe.
“Under the Sea”
Projection Face Elsa
There was a time when the projection face technology used on Frozen Ever After felt like the wave of the future for animatronic technology. That thought has… not aged well.
Frozen Ever After in Disney World
These days, the projected Anna and Elsa – – especially the latter – – give us the uncanny valley willies, while the new versions of these characters in Tokyo DisneySea put the true future of Animatronic advancement on full display.
“Let it go!” in Tokyo!
“Disco” Yeti
When Expedition Everest first opened in 2006, the massive free-moving animatronic Yeti in the center of the “Forbidden Mountain” was one of the ride’s main promotional points. However, within months the Yeti was stuck in B-Mode, unmoving with strobe lights pulsating to give the illusion of movement (hence the nom de plume “Disco” Yeti). This was allegedly due to structural damage the powerful animatronic was doing to the mountain when fully operational. Every time we pass under “Disco” Yeti, we’re simultaneously reminded of what we’re missing out on and creeped out by how the Yeti looks motionless and frozen in place.
The Yeti! Disney
“small world” Hippo
We’re ending with an animatronic that gives is the good kind of creeps. We mean, come on, look at this hippo on “it’s a small world” and tell us you don’t want to know everything about her life story!
Our favorite Hippo!
These are just some of the Disney World animatronics that give us the creeps anytime we’re at the resort. Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney World takes!
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I disagree with all these
That creepy animatronic in Navi River boat ride makes my skin crawl!
Never understood why they thought flashing lights at a yeti would make it look like it’s moving. It’s still stock still and now I have a headache!