Animatronic Technology
One of the most important features of an animatronic is its activation technology. How do you want it to work? There are a few different ways to make these decorations come to life.
Motion Sensors
Movement activates decorations with this type of technology. Party goers, trick-or-treaters and other guests have to walk close enough to it for it to come to life. Because it works with motion, you don't need to worry about manually activating it, making it an easy addition to your display. Set it up on a walkway or porch where people are sure to walk by.
Pressure Mats or Step Pads
Another hands-free option is an animatronic that works with a pressure mat or step pad. These pads can be hidden on the floor under welcome mats at entryways or disguised in other indoor areas of your home. These decorations offer a more controlled scare since they are only activated if someone steps on the mat.
Sound Sensors
Talk too closely to an animatronic that's activated by sound, and it will talk back. Whether it's your voice, clapping or footsteps, this type of activation technology relies on noise to bring it to life. Since the sensors can be sensitive, these decorations are best for areas where they can't pick up sounds like traffic or loud music.
Touch Activated
If you're setting up a more interactive display, animatronics that are touch-activated make a good addition. They only become animated when someone presses a button or physically touches them. Consider these for indoor party setups where guests can active them — at their own risk.
Remote Control
Remote control animatronics give you full control of the scare factor. Whether it's with an actual remote, a smartphone app or Bluetooth capability, you decide when to turn on the animation.
Other Features
Many animatronics are designed with additional features and effects to create a more realistic performance.
- Movement: Sudden lunges, head turning or nodding, swaying, arm and hand movement, rising or standing
- Lighting: Glowing eyes, flickering lanterns, flashing and color-changing effects
- Sound: Creepy phrases, evil laughter, howling, growling, screams and rattling
- Accessories: Lanterns, brooms, weapons, signs and other props
- Design: Fabric costumes, hand-painted faces, molded heads and hands
Animatronic Styles
Is your display scary cute or spine-tingling scary? There is a wide range of animatronic styles available, making it easy for you to pick one that suits your Halloween theme. Whether you're looking for family friendly, incredibly terrifying or something in the middle, there's an animated option for your setup.
Family Friendly Animatronics
If you're keeping your Halloween decorations PG, characters like smiling ghosts and skeletons, cute witches and happy jack-o-lanterns are perfect picks. Their playful designs and gentle animation make them kid-approved while still leaning into the spirit of the holiday. For fans of Disney, look for iconic characters dressed up for the holiday — a magical addition to your display, and one that's sure to make trick-or-treaters smile too.
Mildly Creepy Animatronics
Punch up the fear factor just a bit with animatronics that are a little more frightening. Here you can rely on the classics, like witches, ghosts, scarecrows, mummies and vampires. Keep movement and enhancements to a minimum. For example, a prop with slower, smoother movement instead of sudden lunges. This will help create a festive yet spooky Halloween atmosphere without relying on graphic details and jump scares. Work these decorations into front porch displays or indoor setups where they'll add just enough drama to celebrate the season.
Totally Terrifying Animatronics
Animatronics in this category are ideal for creating haunting displays that leave you feeling unsettled long after you've walked away. They feature graphic details, loud jump scares and intense horror themes. Some popular choices are zombies, creepy clowns, grim reapers, demons, haunted dolls and creepy children, and asylum characters. Giant, oversized animatronics — those standing eight to 12 feet tall or taller — also intensify displays just from their sheer size. Frightening film favorites like Jason, Freddie Krueger and Michael Myers also tend to make an appearance here, the mere sight of these infamous characters creating instant unease for anyone who strolls by.
Are Halloween Animatronics Right for You?
If you want to take your Halloween display above and beyond, the right animatronic will do the trick. To start, think about the reaction you want to get from it: scary, or something less frightening? If it's a bigger ticket item, make it the statement piece of your display and support it with other features and decorations to really make the scene come to life. Here are some other important things to think about before purchasing an animatronic for your setup.
Type of Animatronic
Make sure the one you choose fits in with your theme. It's also good to consider if it can be used year after year. If you're planning on similar displays or it's an animatronic that'll blend with different themes, it can make a good addition to your Halloween decorations.
Set Up
Many animatronics are designed for quick and easy setup, so you don't have to spend hours creating your scene. Some animatronics have flat bases to help keep them stable (on a level surface) once put together, and additional ground stakes or anchors help keep it secure for outdoor use. Larger animatronics will have more pieces to assemble.
Power Source
Animatronics generally plug into an outlet or are battery powered. Plug-in models will need access to a suitable outlet, whether inside or outside. Compatibility with extension cords may be another consideration. For battery powered animatronics, keep a stash of extra batteries to ensure it continues to work throughout the season, especially if you plan to have it on continuously. Battery life varies by model and usage, so animatronics with multiple moving parts, lights and sound effects likely use more power than smaller ones with simpler animations. Some decorations feature plug-in and battery capabilities for more flexibility.
Storage
Animatronics range from tabletop sizes to towering figures. For larger models, having a place to keep it after the season is over is a big factor of your purchase. While some may opt to keep the display up year-round, available storage space can dictate the size of your animatronic. Read your user's manual for information on how to care for your animatronic. Some manufacturers recommend keeping the container it came in for storing, and that the storage area is cool and dry.
HOA Rules
If you live in a neighborhood with an HOA, check guidelines for setting up Halloween displays, especially if you're planning to use a larger animatronic.
Add to Your Halloween Display
The real trick is building a scene around your animatronic. As you think about decorating, consider some of the following additions to transform your display into something truly haunting (or not).
- Fog machines
- Spotlights and string lights
- Tombstones
- Faux spider webs
- Static props, like skeletons
- Signs
- Sounds or music