This is D23 and D23 Expo Web site editor Max Lark’s third report from the inaugural D23 Expo at the Anaheim Convention Center.
I know you have a long to-do list at the D23 Expo and lots of Disney fans, experts and stars to meet. But there’s someone else you should meet once you’re here: Otto, the world’s first Autonomatronics character! He’s over in the super-sized Walt Disney Parks and Resorts pavilion — and he would love to meet you!
You see, Otto’s the most lifelike and engaging character the geniuses over at Walt Disney Imagineering have ever created. Using cameras, sound and other sensors, Otto takes all his cues from the people he sees before him. “We’re never quite sure what he’s going to say or do and how he’s going to react to people when he’s on stage,” Imagineer Dave Desmarais told me.
Otto’s been a big star over at the Parks and Resorts pavilion, and that’s no small accomplishment when you’re competing against a sprawling model of the Cars Land attraction, a Lightning McQueen car with unbelievably real mouth movement, the adorable Lucky the Dinosaur, the latest from Disney Cruise Lines and much, much more.
When you exit this amazing pavilion there’s a big sign that says “See You Real Soon!” My hunch, after roaming this amazing space, is that not only does that mean many of you will be visiting one of our Parks round the world in the near future, you’ll also be seeing exciting technology like Otto at one of them soon, as well.
Max
You won’t want to miss Otto at the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts pavilion.
Imagineer Dave Desmarais says he never knows exactly what Otto will do once he gets in front of a crowd!
The Cars Land attraction mockup gives a dramatic hint at the scope and scale of the Cars Land attraction planned for Disney’s California Adventure.
The always-popular Lucky the Dinosaur is making guests “aww” every day at the Parks and Resorts pavilion.
Lightning McQueen comes amazingly to life.
