Last month, we wrote about Disney's use of projection technology on its new animatronics for the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. In discussions here on Theme Park Insider and elsewhere online, many theme park fans hold on to a stereotype that Universal relies on projection technology in its attractions while Disney works more with practical effects. That Disney's using projection while Universal's developing richly detailed practical animatronics illustrates how old thoughts about who's doing what in the themed entertainment industry don't always hold when technology advances and media mash together. Creative leaders will find a way to implement whatever tools they feel best tell the story at hand.
Update: Now Universal's posted another preview, with scenes from on board the Hogwarts Express.
For more on all of Universal's Harry Potter projects around the world, please visit our Wizarding World of Harry Potter page.
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With that being said, I think it's important to let your creative people come up with the solution that best fits your project. If it's an animatronic with a digitally projected face, then I'm fine with that. The Lumier animatronic at New Fantasyland for instance kind of blew my mind. I was so impressed with that. And I love the 7 Dwarfs Mine Train projected faces too.
I really don't care if it's purely animatronic or if the faces are projections. As long as it works and serves the purpose of the theming, I give it two thumbs up.
Harry Potter-Sorting Hat/Dragon
The Mummy
T-Rex and Dinosaurs
3 Little Pigs in Shrek
Men in Black (Aliens)
Gringott's Goblins and soon to be roof mounted Dragon
E.T. (can't belive they kept these going for so long)
This makes me so excited to see what Universal has up their sleeve in the next year or so. (not half a decade or more like the other theme park(s) that shall not be named)
A home run! Universal Creative and the team should be proud!
KUDOS to WWW for attempting something cool like their Seven Dwarf projected faces to show all the character that was too complicated and/or too expensive to create before.
Obviously I am a proud Disney Geek, but I also deeply love Universal. I am very excited about all their new developments both in Orlando and Los Angeles. I loved the Transformers "Video" ride so much I rode it four times in-a-row thanks to that VIP pass.
Diagon Ally...one Porter Car or Potter car please!!
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And Disney has a new Train Ride.... Just saying....
With Screens..