FoP Animatronic...Magic? Or Just Physics...

[Ava L]

Does anyone know about how they suspended that animatronic in water in the queue of FoP? To me, it seems totally unlikely that they would actually suspend a huge robot in water (seems too heavy to float easily +maintenance seems like an issue), but maybe it really is that simple and I'm just overthinking it. Any thoughts?

 

[JKalai]

I don't think you'll get an exact answer from someone on here, only speculation on how it works. However I think they would have to have two Navi to switch out for maintenance and the animatronic would have to have a bouy inside of it of some sort for it to float.

 

[wilkeliza]

I haven't seen it but I had wondered if there is plexi glass around it that keeps it dry and then water then the other layer of plexi so since it is still encased it give the appearance of being summerged but then you'd probably see where the 2nd on is.

It could be as easy as the fact that the animatronic is encased in water proof material that protects it and the cord that is attached to it then to the ceiling of the tank is what is supporting all the weight and has any wires running out to the control system so nothing is exposed.

 

[Ava L]

I haven't seen it but I had wondered if there is plexi glass around it that keeps it dry and then water then the other layer of plexi so since it is still encased it give the appearance of being summerged but then you'd probably see where the 2nd on is.

This is what I originally thought because it just seems really difficult to maintain something that is completely submerged. You'd have to shut down the ride and queue (unless after hours) to remove/repair it. Also, it just seems too precise in its position to be just floating, but that might be ignorance on my end!

It could be as easy as the fact that the animatronic is encased in water proof material that protects it and the cord that is attached to it then to the ceiling of the tank is what is supporting all the weight and has any wires running out to the control system so nothing is exposed.

This makes a lot of sense, too, and is probably the most likely. Thanks!

 

[wilkeliza]

This is what I originally thought because it just seems really difficult to maintain something that is completely submerged. You'd have to shut down the ride and queue (unless after hours) to remove/repair it. Also, it just seems too precise in its position to be just floating, but that might be ignorance on my end!



This makes a lot of sense, too, and is probably the most likely. Thanks!

99% of Animatronics would be repaired outside of regular operating hours so after the park has closed for the night. If it has to be maintained they could just empty the tank (i'm sure Disney designed an easy way to do that) and then do maintenance and fill it back up.

 

[heidijanesmith]

Magic!

The Avatar is amazing, I am going with Disney Magic

 

[AngiTN]

Never, ever underestimate what Imagineers can make you think you are looking at

 

[DLgal]

It's probably not water...

 

[CAS239]

 

[JakAHearts]

I was more impressed with the magnetic water, or whatever it was called. How cool was that stuff?! The spikey looking one that reacted with the water looked so alive.

 

[DisneyWorldbuff]

We went through the fastpass line both times, I totally missed this! Off to google a picture now...

 

[ucfknight]

I was more impressed with the magnetic water, or whatever it was called. How cool was that stuff?! The spikey looking one that reacted with the water looked so alive.

That's just a simple ferrofluid:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferrofluid
They have the same stuff at many science centers.
Plop some ferrofluid in liquid, move a magnet up and down behind a mirror. Done.

 

[Ava L]

Never, ever underestimate what Imagineers can make you think you are looking at

This is why I feel like there has to be something to it! I can't wait to see it in person, but I guess thinking I'll be able to stand and observe it for awhile is wishful thinking with the huge crowds...

 

[AngiTN]

This is why I feel like there has to be something to it! I can't wait to see it in person, but I guess thinking I'll be able to stand and observe it for awhile is wishful thinking with the huge crowds...

You can always let folks pass you by

 

[JakAHearts]

That's just a simple ferrofluid:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferrofluid
They have the same stuff at many science centers.
Plop some ferrofluid in liquid, move a magnet up and down behind a mirror. Done.

Well, Ill be.... What about the super spikey looking one. What was that?