How Disney pixie dust inspired this Geppetto to bring an iconic Star Wars character to life

A six-month celebration at Union Station that marks 100 years of Disney magic — including the forces behind more recently added brands like the Star Wars franchise — is a moving experience, noted Garner Holt.

“People just love it. I’ve had kids come up and burst into tears,” said Holt, the puppetry mastermind pulling the metaphoric strings of one of the most iconic characters of the past decade: Grogu, better known as Baby Yoda on “The Mandalorian.”

“They think he’s the real deal,” Holt said of early interactions at Union Station where Grogu helped to welcome visitors to the exhibit’s opening weekend.

The Grogu or “Baby Yoda” animatronic during the opening weekend of the the Disney100: The Exhibition at Union Station; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News

Outside the metro (and the Star Wars spinoff show), Grogu typically is only seen in Disney parks, particularly in the Galaxy’s Edge area where the Mandalorian character walks around with Grogu in a pouch.

Brought to life — or the illusion of it — by Garner Holt Productions, the Grogu animatronic was just one high-profile character showcased during the Disney100: The Exhibition debut earlier this summer. While Grogu has since hit hyperdrive out of Kansas City, the Disney100 exhibit continues through Nov. 30.

Click here to learn more about what to expect at the Disney100 exhibit.

Building magic

Holt’s production company is the world’s leading manufacturer of theme park animatronics, and has a rich history of projects for Disney’s theme parks, including attractions like the Little Mermaid, Monsters Inc., Matterhorn Bobsleds, Jungle Cruise, and Enchanted Tiki Room.

His work with Disney is a full circle moment, Holt said, as his fascination with animatronics began because of a trip to Disneyland at 13 years old.

“I was so enamored by what I saw, I guess I caught a little of the pixie dust and I told my father on the way home in the car, ‘I want to build the things at Disney,’” he said, setting the stage for Holt becoming a real-world version of Geppetto, the father whose love and wonder brought the puppet Pinochio to life.

After that inspiration point at Disney, Holt went home and started his work in a small corner of the garage, making creations out of string and wood. Over time, he expanded to the entire garage and then certified himself, naming his workspace Garner Holt Productions.

“I was an entrepreneur many, many years before I could even spell entrepreneur,” said Holt.

The Grogu or “Baby Yoda” animatronic during the opening weekend of the the Disney100: The Exhibition at Union Station; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News

Education through imagination

Now 40 years into his career, Holt’s journey into animatronics also has spurred educational initiatives. Garner Holt Productions recently developed a program called Education Through Imagination for students to learn more about robotics and animatronics.

“We still have 100 to 200 kids a day touring the shop, and they all leave a smile,” he said. “So we started to look at that and say, ‘There’s really something to the inspiration and excitement we bring the kids, so why not keep that going?’”

In the Ani-Makerspaces, kids can build animatronic figures using high-tech machines like laser cutters, 3D printers, and CNC machines, allowing them to combine technology and art, work as a team, and develop real-world career skills through hands-on experiences.

“It’s really a modern-day shop class that we will provide and set up in schools,” said Holt.

The program is currently securing contracts with many schools across the country, and is coming soon to Kansas City. 

At Disney100: The Exhibition, visitors can witness firsthand the magic of animatronics and the dedication of creators, said Holt, whose work continues to enchant and inspire.

“We create the illusion of life, it’s like a magic trick,” he said.