Mr. Potato Head Animatronic Testing at DCA (video)

If you're unfamiliar with the subject, the new Toy Story Mania ride at Hollywood Studios and California Adventure will both have a Mr. Potato Head Animatronic outside of the attraction that will be able to interact with guest. The videos shows them testing the new animatronic at California Adventure. The second video shows a good close up of the him pulling his ear out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cO119YsCZDQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cO119YsCZDQ

While really cool, his speech doesn't appear to be very seamless. I'm guessing this will be something they work on while testing.

The ear bit is impressive and these will never get old.

I think the eyes are impressive. Looks like they are using some sort of flexible screen technology. The movements and expressions are too fluid and complex to be mechanical.

*** Edited 4/10/2008 3:49:15 PM UTC by janfrederick***

I think they eyes are the same technology as Buzz' face in those shooters.

I was most impressed with the lip movement on a more recent one with him singing. On video, that's freakin' awesome.

I'll be in Orlando over Memorial Day weekend, and look forward to checking the attraction out in person. It's expected opening day is 5/20.

Looks cool

Where can I get one for my living room?

Be a HOT POTATO! ah man.. he looks X-tream! Even though I live no where by Mr. Potato head, he seems to be the guy to know...

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Brian Noble said:
I think they eyes are the same technology as Buzz' face in those shooters.

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I think you are right. But they look pretty sharp for being outdoors. Sharper than Buzz's face (which is indoors) actually.

Are they previewing this figure in Florida too?

Very cool.

As of Sunday, Florida hasn't started yet.

Florida's is still walled off; last I checked, that entire section of Mickey avenue was closed to retheme to Pixar Place.

Thats pretty cool.

The eyes are fiber optic projectors the project from the inside. It is seen on Buzz Lightyear and for a while the same technology was used on the Haunted Mansion for Madam Leotas Head.

http://www.grimghosts.com/secrets/MajorFX.html

About 3/4 the way down shows an example of the fiber optic head from the mansion.