Predicting Where Disney’s New Pirates Animatronic Tech Will Appear Next

The Dis-sphere is abuzz with comments and consternation about the update to Pirates of the Caribbean in Disneyland. Is it a travesty? Is it a technological marvel? Can it be a bit of both? How did we get here, and where do we go next? Join me on an adventure down the speculation rabbit hole as we embark on a pirate adventure.

First, some background. I am a huge theme park fan. I have been for my whole life. Disney and Universal, in particular, are my top passions, but SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, and Cedar Fair parks and history are in the mix, as well. I have no special inside knowledge or sources. I’m just a theme park nerd who loves to dive into the history of things and make predictions about where they may go. Probably similar to most of you.

With that said and the understanding that we’re just here to have fun – let’s dive in, shall we?

The Pirate predicament and predictions

It all started when Disney Imagineering posted a video touting a new Audio-animatronic pirate installed on a pile of gold in Scene 11 of Pirates of the Caribbean in Disneyland. This animatronic, with its externally projected face, is a first for Disney. He sees cursed gold, picks it up, freezes, and becomes a skeleton through the projection technology. Once “dead”, he drops the coin and becomes living again, sees the cursed gold, and around and around the short animation cycle goes.

It’s fascinating tech that was documented in patents filed and discovered last year, so we knew it was coming. But interestingly, Disney is a bit behind the times in terms of this technology. Very similar externally projected animatronics debuted at Epic Universe last year. One is featured prominently in the pre-show for Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment when Dr. Victoria Frankenstein is revealed. Various figures throughout Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry also feature the tech.

While the technologies are similar, Disney’s might be a step forward in some ways. The Imagineers’ creation has the ability to self-calibrate through UV markers on the pirate’s bandana. The projectors will also adjust should the pirate’s neck functions fail, with the projectors still tracking the face appropriately. It is some pretty advanced technology, but why did it show up in Pirates of all places? Let’s speculate.

Why Disney tests new technology on classic attractions

Disney Imagineering often tests new technologies in small ways in their well-established attractions, Pirates and Haunted Mansion, in particular. Think of the projection technology used to create the blinking bust in Magic Kingdom’s Haunted Mansion library, for example. This one wasn’t widely announced, but it exists, and may well have been an early beta test for what we’re seeing now.

But I am always willing to let Imagineering cook. Creative iteration and determining what works and what doesn’t is the key to making great attractions!

I believe there are two reasons why these proofs of concept end up in these attractions, specifically. First: budget. Pirates and Haunted Mansion are two attractions that Disney is willing to spend money on for upkeep and plussing. They are popular, well-loved, and have high guest satisfaction. They are two of the quintessential “Disney” rides that people feel they must go on to have TRULY visited a Disney castle park, especially here in the United States. And since the budget is there, it is just easier for Imagineers to convince the powers that be to carve out some of that money for technology upgrades. The second factor is, of course, clout. Every Imagineer wants to put their mark on these Disney classics.

So when the time comes to test new theme park ideas, we get Pirates and Haunted Mansion upgrades. Is it the right thing to be doing? Maybe not. Do we weep for the lack of upgrading or plussing of other attractions that could desperately use it? Yes. Won’t someone please think of poor Figment?! But I am always willing to let Imagineering cook. Creative iteration and determining what works and what doesn’t is the key to making great attractions!

The opening of Epic Universe seems to have finally rekindled management’s funding and appreciation of Imagineering. In the past year, Disney has rolled out some pretty great updates. Soarin’ Across America, the retracked Big Thunder Mountain, a refurbished Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, and Rockin’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets have all been generally well-received. It also seems like real care and creativity were put into each update.

With these wins on what are essentially refurbs and reskins of existing rides, I am excited to see what Imagineering can do with the brand-new attractions on the horizon. This tech could play a role in many of them. So let’s not let this perhaps unfortunate animatronic placement stop us from speculating about the possibilities.

Could the Pirates tech be headed to the Coco boat ride?

I think the most obvious candidate for the projection technology is the Coco-themed boat ride coming to Disney California Adventure. There may be a reason Imagineers decided to test a skull animation on Pirates. It’s likely how they will bring Miguel’s skeletal loved ones to life.

Coco’s figures don’t just need those skulls. They’ll need their torsos and limbs, as well. Ever since this ride was announced, I’ve been wondering how WDI would manage to create those bony animatronics while hiding the inner motors and structures. Building regular animatronics with plain shells that allow for clean projections makes a lot of sense – and could be an outstanding effect with the proper lighting. A scene in which Miguel transforms into a complete skeleton may be in the cards for the new ride. The new pirate is providing Imagineers with an opportunity to play with the tech to see what works best.

Other Disney attractions that could benefit from animatronic projections

So Coco seems like a shoo-in for the next version of this technology, but where else might it be used? I’ve got a few other ideas for attractions coming to Walt Disney World.

First, let’s speculate about the upcoming Encanto and Indiana Jones rides. I’m hopeful Imagineers might use this tech for non-humanoid animatronics, as well. Imagine using this new tech in conjunction with the 2.5D tech from Minnie and Mickey’s Runaway Railway to aid in the transition of the Madrigal’s Casita into a tropical jungle inside Antonio’s room. Or perhaps a statue transforms into a creature on the Indiana Jones ride. Both could be very cool effects using more practical animatronics with external projections.

Magic Kingdom’s villains’ land is another spot where this tech could make a big impact. Could you imagine a smaller Maleficent animatronic that shifts and grows into a dragon? Not on a screen, but physically, right there in front of you. Or perhaps Dr. Facilier morphs into his look from Friends on the Other Side? Mother Gothel growing younger or older before our eyes? The Evil Queen transforming into the ugly hag? The possibilities for this tech are myriad and exciting for sure. I’m looking forward to seeing what Imagineers are able to do!

I hope you enjoyed this speculative journey with me. Imagineering seems to be firing on all cylinders of late, and I’m excited to see where this new external projection technology can take theme park thrills. I’m always watching for other new things to fuel trips down the prediction rabbit hole! See you there!