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Disney Animatronic Collapses in Incident Caught on Viral Video

One of Disney’s most advanced animatronic figures unexpectedly collapsed mid-performance at Walt Disney World Resort, leaving guests stunned. The shocking moment was caught on video and quickly went viral, amassing millions of likes and comments.

The Shaman of Songs Animatronic

The Shaman of Songs animatronic character is the highlight of Na’vi River Journey, an immersive boat ride in Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Since the ride’s grand opening in 2017, this animatronic has been praised as one of Disney’s most technologically sophisticated figures.

Guests on Na'Vi River Journey.
Credit: Disney

However, even the most advanced Disney attractions aren’t immune to technical difficulties. During development, Walt Disney Imagineers anticipated potential breakdowns, implementing a backup “B-mode” system that replaces the Shaman with a digital screen in case of technical issues. But on this particular day, the Shaman didn’t gracefully transition to B-mode—it suffered a complete collapse.

Viral Video Captures a Disney Animatronic Malfunction

A fantasy landscape featuring floating rock formations covered in greenery and connected by hanging vines. Water cascades down one rock, and the sky in the background is partly cloudy. The scene is reminiscent of a magical or alien world.
Credit: Disney

On January 12, TikTok user @jessprettypink7 shared a now-viral video of the moment the animatronic broke down. The Shaman of Songs made a loud snapping sound before completely freezing up and collapsing. Though its body went motionless, the soundtrack continued playing, creating an eerie moment for guests on the ride.

“Your telling me they spent 23M on this just to turn it into a screen,” the guest captioned their video.

@jessprettypink7

#avatar #disneyworld #iwannagoback

♬ original sound – Jess🕷️

The video garnered millions of likes and comments.

“That snap sounds EXPENSIVE,” @likewise.clockwise wrote.

“Why did it look like it FELT its own arm break?” @shsurravu asked.

What Happens When Animatronics Malfunction?

Two young women joyfully walk through a lush, immersive garden with vibrant green foliage, unique rock formations, and intricate plant life. The path is fenced with wooden rails, leading them through the enchanting, tunnel-like landscape that feels like a hidden corner of Disney World.
Credit: Disney

When major animatronics like the Shaman of Songs experience failures, Disney cast members quickly step in to assess the damage. While the video doesn’t show how long the animatronic remained on display after the collapse, standard protocol suggests that the Shaman was swiftly removed and replaced with the digital B-mode screen to keep the ride operational.

Disney Fanatic’s team visited Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park last week and confirmed that the Shaman of Songs animatronic was back in working order, suggesting that repairs were made shortly after the incident.

Have you witnessed an attraction malfunction at Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park? Share your story with Disney Fanatic in the comments. 

Jess Colopy

Jess Colopy is a Disney College Program alum and kid-at-heart. When she’s not furiously typing in a coffee shop, you can find her on the hunt for the newest Stitch pin.

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