Star Factory Lantern designs and manufactures moving animals, dinosaurs, mascots and fantasy creatures for theme parks, museums, events and public attractions. Each model is planned around the required movement, finish, controls, site conditions and delivery route.
Compare movements and reference prices for six animatronic dinosaurs, from a 5 m Stegosaurus to an 18 m Brontosaurus.
Actual model footage: head turns and jaw movement in an eight-second clip.
A useful brief explains where the figure will operate, how close visitors will get and how often it will move. From there, we can define the character, scale, movement, sound, lighting, controls, packing and installation plan.
A custom animatronic is a moving figure developed for a specific venue and operating plan. Start with the character and the actions visitors should notice, then review scale, viewing distance, controls, service access, transport sections and installation.
This route suits animals, dinosaurs, mascots and fantasy creatures that need defined movement, a realistic surface, sound, controller access and a practical maintenance plan.
Compare movement requirementsFor a night route, zoo trail, family photo area or large static glowing dinosaur scene, a dinosaur lantern is usually a better fit than a mechanically moving model.
Go to dinosaur lanternsIf the project also includes volcanoes, jungle plants, eggs, fossils, entrance scenes and several dinosaur zones, start with the wider prehistoric display plan.
Plan prehistoric displayPlan the display position, visitor clearance and working space for the installation crew alongside the figure’s movement and finish. Agree these requirements before production and delivery.
We design and manufacture moving dinosaurs, animals and fantasy figures for commercial attractions. Tell us the species or character, overall dimensions, quantity and movements required for each design. Lighting and sound can be added to suit the scene. For a closer look at one model, explore the custom T-Rex animatronic and its movement options.
Choose the species, scale and movements that matter to the scene. Include viewing distance, daily operating hours and the access your crew will need for maintenance.
Discuss an animal or dinosaur figure
Review the head height, body footprint and space around the neck before choosing movement. Tell us the required movements, viewing distance and number of figures for the venue.
Discuss a long-neck dinosaur
Agree visitor access, supervision and clearance around moving parts with the venue team before confirming the movements.
Plan the wider event settingA fixed moving figure, a ride-on form and a walking character need different operating briefs. Use the references below to explain the experience you want, then agree the controls, clearances and support needed at the venue.
For ride-on models, agree boarding access, supervision, controls and the venue’s operating requirements before confirming the design.
Custom Animatronics
Plan how visitors approach, board and leave the figure, together with attendant positions and movements suited to that setting.
Commercial Holiday Lighting
A walking dinosaur character needs room for its operator. Plan performer visibility and visitor distance when combining it with fixed figures or illuminated scenery.
Large-Scale Art InstallationUse the options below to compare three common approaches. A short movement list is often more useful than asking for the maximum number of motors.
List the parts you want to move and the sequence visitors should see. Agree the movement range, speed, cycle, start/stop controls and access for servicing before the mechanism is designed.
Combine static illuminated dinosaur scenery with selected moving figures when a route needs both nighttime landmarks and mechanical movement. Specify lighting, sound and controls to suit each scene.
Share weather exposure, ground conditions, power locations and the visitor route. Agree the component specifications, supporting documents, transport sections and installation sequence for the destination.
A moving figure is both a visual object and a piece of commercial equipment. Its design must allow for repeated operation, maintenance access, visitor clearance, weather exposure, transport and installation. Venue teams can also consult IAAPA Safety & Security resources when setting local operating and guest-safety procedures.
Define the moving parts, range, speed, cycle duration, viewing distance and safety clearance before final engineering.
Plan the steel frame, sculptural surface, mechanical parts, lighting and service openings as one system.
Divide large figures into labelled sections that can be packed, shipped and reassembled in a clear order.
We begin with the character, venue and operating plan, then define movement, engineering, surface finish, testing and transport. Related information is available in our custom production services, display manufacturing process, animatronics cost guide and factory verification guide.
Share the character, dimensions, viewing distance, venue and opening date.
List the moving parts, sequence, range, timing and daily operating hours.
Review the frame, mechanism, surface, connections and access for maintenance.
Build the approved form with its movement system, finish and agreed effects.
Agree which actions, controls, surface details and assembly checks to record before dispatch.
Confirm section and crate labels, protection, assembly information and site support.
Clear answers about the figure, site and operating plan help us estimate the structure, finish, controls, packing and installation support with fewer revisions.
Compare actual movement footage, workshop and site photographs, surface detail, controller access and maintenance arrangements. Agree packing records, spare parts, installation support and the scope covered by the quotation.
Check factory guideMovement, lighting and sound can be specified together. Confirm the sequence, triggers, start/stop controls, power requirements and maintenance access before the control system is designed.
Compare movement requirementsSend the character, approximate dimensions, required movements, operating hours, venue, viewing distance, opening date and delivery destination. Add reference links and any local electrical or documentation requirements.
Send your project briefPrice depends on size, sculptural detail, number and complexity of movements, controls, lighting, sound, outdoor protection, shipping volume and the level of installation support.
Read cost guideThey are commonly used in theme parks, zoo events, museum scenes, parades, plazas, festivals and family attractions.
Explore moving dragon displaysStart with our dragon displays for a moving landmark, parade figure, entrance or timed show. For projects combining several animal, dinosaur or character types, discuss the full brief with our custom animatronics team.
Open animatronic dragon displaysChoose a moving dinosaur when realistic skin, mechanical movement and sound matter most. Choose a dinosaur lantern for a large illuminated night scene or a mostly static prehistoric route.
Compare dinosaur lanternsAgree section dimensions against the shipping route and site access. Confirm protection, section and crate labels, packing photographs, joint and cable information, and the assembly order. Specify remote guidance or on-site assistance in the quotation.
Discuss shipping supportCompare moving dragons, dinosaur lanterns, prehistoric routes, event lighting, production services and cost factors before sending your brief.
For each character, send the dimensions (L × W × H), quantity, required movements and daily operating hours. Include the venue, opening date, delivery destination, power, site access and installation support you need. For several sites, list the quantities and destination for each. Add reference links to show the finish and scene you have in mind.