Sally Corporation “Robot Factory” Tour – Jacksonville, Florida

Discover the Sally Corporation “Robot Factory” Tour in Florida

If you’ve ever ridden an animatronic dark ride at a theme park and wondered who brings those lifelike robots to life — you’ll find the answer in Jacksonville. The Sally Corporation “Robot Factory” is a working design and production facility where theme park animatronics, show sets, and special effects are created for attractions around the world.

Known for creating characters for parks like Universal Studios, Six Flags, and Sesame Place, Sally Corporation opens its doors to the public for guided tours that reveal the artistry and engineering behind the magic. Guests can walk through the studio’s creative departments — from concept design to sculpting, painting, robotics, and programming — and see animatronic figures in various stages of development.

Why it’s special: Sally Corporation offers one of the most unique factory tours in Florida — combining cutting-edge robotics, art, and entertainment design. It’s an unforgettable behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the world’s most beloved theme park attractions.

History of Sally Corporation

Sally Corporation was founded in 1977 by John Fox and John Rob Holland in Jacksonville, Florida, initially creating animated retail figures. The company quickly evolved into one of the leading animatronic and dark ride manufacturers in the world.

Over the decades, Sally has produced hundreds of attractions for theme parks, museums, and entertainment venues on six continents. Their projects include fan-favorite rides like Justice League: Battle for Metropolis, The Great Humbug Adventure, and Sesame Street: Street Mission. Today, the company continues to innovate from its Jacksonville headquarters — known affectionately as the “Robot Factory.”

What You’ll See & Do on the Sally Corporation Tour

• Take a guided walk through active production areas where animatronic figures are designed, built, and tested.

• Visit the art and sculpting studios to see hand-crafted figures being created.

• Watch the mechanical engineers bring characters to life with robotic movement systems.

• Explore the paint and finishing department, where artists add realistic details and textures.

• See demonstrations of interactive animatronics and special effects used in major attractions.

• Learn about Sally’s international portfolio of theme park rides and custom animatronic installations.

Hands-On Elements: Guests can view animatronics up close, interact with demonstration robots, and meet real designers and engineers.
Photo/Video Policy: Photography permitted in designated areas only (no filming in proprietary project zones).
Souvenirs & Extras: Gift shop with exclusive merchandise, postcards, and collector pins.

Pricing of the Sally Corporation Tour

• Admission: Free

• Group Tours (10+ guests): Free with advance reservation

• Private Educational Tours: Available for schools, universities, and industry groups by appointment

Practical Info for Visiting Sally Corporation

Duration: 60–75 minutes
Format: Guided walking tour through creative and engineering departments
Schedule & Seasonality: Tours offered Tuesdays and Thursdays, by reservation only; no walk-ins
Audience: Families, students, engineers, artists, and theme park fans
Accessibility: Fully accessible facility with elevator and restrooms
Safety & Restrictions: Closed-toe shoes required; children under 7 not permitted for safety reasons
Languages: English (private tours in Spanish available upon request)
Group & School Visits: Welcome with advance scheduling; educational focus on STEAM careers
What to Bring/Wear: Comfortable clothing and curiosity for creative technology
Facilities: Lobby exhibits, restrooms, small gift area, parking lot
Closures & Downtime: Closed weekends, holidays, and during confidential client projects

Nearby

• Downtown Jacksonville Riverwalk – Scenic riverfront park and dining area.

• Museum of Science & History (MOSH) – Family-friendly exhibits and planetarium nearby.

• Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens – Beautiful art collection and historic gardens.

FAQs About Visiting Sally Corporation’s “Robot Factory”

Is the tour open to the public?
Yes, tours are available by appointment, but advance reservations are required due to limited capacity.

Is there a cost to attend?
No, the tour is completely free.

Can I take photos during the tour?
Photography is allowed in specific areas only — your guide will indicate where.

Are kids allowed on the tour?
Children ages 7 and older are welcome when accompanied by an adult.

How long does the tour last?
Most tours take about an hour, depending on the size and pace of the group.

Can I see robots in action?
Yes, guests will see animatronics being tested and programmed during active production periods.

Do you host school or educational groups?
Yes, Sally Corporation regularly hosts school field trips and STEAM-focused educational tours.

Is the facility accessible?
Yes, the building is fully ADA compliant and accessible for wheelchairs and mobility devices.