Phantom Animatronic
A Tribute to Phantom Manor
Following the inspiring 2019 refurbishment of Disneyland Paris’s Phantom Manor, I embarked on a project to recreate the enigmatic Phantom animatronic that captivates guests by inviting them into a coffin, embodying the attraction’s eerie charm.
Capturing the Phantom’s Essence
Mirroring the original, my animatronic performs the signature luring gesture with articulated arm movements. Additional features include horizontal and vertical torso motions, as well as neck and jaw articulation, bringing the Phantom’s haunting presence to life.
Materials and Techniques
Utilizing 3D printing, I crafted both the Phantom figure and the surrounding scene, which features a gnarled tree, a raven, and a gallows noose. To enhance realism, I applied wood filler and plaster to the printed components, especially for the rock formations.
Animation sequences were programmed using my Blender Servo Animation Add-on and corresponding Arduino library.
Refinements and Upgrades
To improve durability and performance, I later upgraded the torso mechanism with a tapered roller bearing and relocated the PWM servo controller (PCA9685) to the Phantom’s upper body.
This adjustment streamlined the wiring and enhanced the animatronic’s reliability.
Dual Animatronics Challenge
A unique aspect of this project was integrating two animatronics: the Phantom and a raven. Coordinating 16 servos across both figures increased complexity, particularly with the Phantom’s upper body mechanism. Initially, I employed a custom 3D-printed system with bearings to achieve the desired torso movements.