A Rare Behind the Scenes Look at Disney World’s Most Advanced Audio-Animatronic Character

A deal of us are still scratching our heads over Disney ’s decision to expend millions of dollar building Pandora — The World of Avatar in its Animal Kingdom park , especially with Star Wars Galaxy ’s Edge gap so soon . But at least the themed field , which is celebrating its one year anniversary , direct to the creation of one of Disney ’s most advanced ( and seriously telling ) audio - animatronic characters : the Shaman of Songs .

Audio - animatronic is n’t the most accurate way to describe the Shaman . The term was to begin with trademark by Disney back in 1964 to describe a engineering that used pre - recorded tones to set off pneumatic move in reanimate build . Today most of the animatronics in Disney ’s parks rely on servos , electronics , and other modern engineering that allow for more fluid movement , and even real - time interactions with parkland guests .

Seeing the Shaman of Songs in action at law is almost enough to make me desire to visit Animal Kingdom ’s Pandora — almost . But if Disney offered a behind - the - scene tour , with a version of the graphic symbol revealing all of the intricate motors and electronics underneath the juicy skin and clothing that make it work , I ’d be on a sheet to Florida tomorrow .