Mickey Replaced?

[lovethattink]

Saw this in the news. http://m.wesh.com/buzz60/disney-world-replacing-characters-with-robots/39585308

 

[beer dave]

Can't get the link to work.

 

[lovethattink]

Try this again. http://m.wesh.com/buzz60/disney-world-replacing-characters-with-robots/39585308

 

[JaxDad]

I'm envisioning a Westworld scenario...

 

[Accident]

the hydraulic stuff that disney invented is just amazing!!! They also announced they had the new system back in 2014 on their engineering blog. I don't think this is going to be a replacement but I think we're going to see more interactive characters come out. I do miss PUSH in the parks so I welcome these correct sized interactive characters.

 

[closetmickey]

PUSH was the best! He followed my girls around Tomorrowland in DLR one day. So much fun.

 

[manning]

$15 an hour anyone? Sooner than later

 

[mshanson3121]

Sad, just sad. Certain characters, sure. But the whole thing is just sad - another Disney cutback? Slash a few more employees, and replace them with electronics.

 

[Madteaparty001]

Sad, just sad. Certain characters, sure. But the whole thing is just sad - another Disney cutback? Slash a few more employees, and replace them with electronics.

I don't see this as a cut back because while someone won't be in the suit someone will be near by controlling it. I'm sure the upside Disney sees is that Tiger won't push a kid down after he's been kicked in the nuts or passing out in 100+ degree heat.

 

[lovethattink]

I don't see this as a cut back because while someone won't be in the suit someone will be near by controlling it. I'm sure the upside Disney sees is that Tiger won't push a kid down after he's been kicked in the nuts or passing out in 100+ degree heat.

Perhaps the person controlling it makes less than the Mickey on stage?

 

[luisov]

It's just another way to interact with characters, just like Lucky the dinosaur was back in the day. I really doubt they are replacing their human performers for robots anytime soon.

 

[Madteaparty001]

Perhaps the person controlling it makes less than the Mickey on stage?

Doubtful, unless that person doesn't fix the robot, then maybe, but then you have 2 jobs replacing one.

 

[TsWade2]

I don't think that's going to happen. I think that's a total lie.

 

[Whatsthegoodword]

Eventually, I'm sure this will be the case. I could see the most popular characters, like Mickey, Pooh, Tigger, etc, getting this treatment first. They have their own fixed greeting spot anyway, they could be there ALL DAY, never taking a break...

 

[IronFozzie]

Eventually, I'm sure this will be the case. I could see the most popular characters, like Mickey, Pooh, Tigger, etc, getting this treatment first. They have their own fixed greeting spot anyway, they could be there ALL DAY, never taking a break...

Until one of them unexpectedly breaks and we have to put a strobe light on it.... Too soon?

 

[TheMaxRebo]

the technology is cool but I don't see anything in that indicating they would replace Mickey or other characters with that. I mean, it couldn't be as free moving as a person in a suit and you'd need a person controlling it anyway. I could see it more for characters that aren't really human shape ... so maybe Groot and Rocket from Guardians of the Galaxy or stuff like that

 

[lovethattink]

Perhaps in shows where there is distance between the guests and the characters? Then it wouldn't be so obvious.

 

[RedSox68]

Couldn't get either link to work -- but personally, I think this would be tragic if they actually replace live actors portraying the characters with robots. It would never be as personable.

 

[SoarinSC]

When it comes to money, never can say never with any company, but i hope this is just wild youtube speculating and never reality.

 

[85glht]

Perhaps in shows where there is distance between the guests and the characters? Then it wouldn't be so obvious.

Or perhaps on the parade floats.