Exhibiting at World Tea Expo 2025

Characters Unlimited Inc., based in Boulder City, Nevada, is a leading manufacturer of life-sized animatronic characters and novelty machines that have become iconic fixtures in amusement parks, arcades, entertainment centers, and attractions across the globe. Established with the mission of combining technology with creativity, the company is best known for its flagship animatronic fortune teller, Zoltar Speaks®, which gained international fame after its appearance in the classic film Big starring Tom Hanks.

Core Business and Product Offerings

Characters Unlimited specializes in the design and manufacturing of custom-made, coin-operated animatronic characters. Their core offerings include:

• Animatronic Figures: Talking characters such as cowboys, pirates, clowns, and animals that entertain and interact with customers using motion sensors and audio.
• Fortune Teller Machines: Including the globally recognized Zoltar Speaks®, as well as other themed machines like Esmeralda, Dr. Z, and Love Testers.
• Custom Creations: Tailored designs including greeters for businesses, custom sign waivers, and museum exhibits.
• Penny Press Machines: Designed with animated characters to enhance the entertainment experience.

Each product is meticulously crafted with realistic movements and interactive programming to provide a unique user experience. Many of their machines are coin-operated and designed for high-traffic commercial environments.

Unique Selling Proposition

The company’s most recognized product, Zoltar Speaks®, has become a cultural icon and collectible item, with installations in major amusement parks, including Disney properties, Las Vegas casinos, and international tourist destinations. Zoltar’s presence in pop culture has significantly increased the brand value of Characters Unlimited.

• Proprietary Design: Zoltar Speaks® is a registered trademark and exclusive product of Characters Unlimited.
• Customization Capabilities: The company offers full custom branding, voice programming, and character design tailored to customer requirements.
• Durability & Reliability: All characters are designed to withstand continuous use in commercial settings with low maintenance needs.

Financial Insights

While Characters Unlimited Inc. is a privately held company and does not disclose detailed financials publicly, industry estimates and product price points suggest a robust mid-market operation.

• Estimated Product Price Range: $6,000 to $15,000 per unit
• Estimated Annual Revenue: Between $5M - $10M (based on typical market pricing and volume from trade show participation and client installations)

Export and Shipment Data

According to trade databases such as ImportYeti and Volza:

• Primary Export Markets: United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and Germany
• Estimated Export Volume: Over 200 units shipped internationally in the past 3 years
• Primary HS Codes: 9508.90 (Amusement machines and other equipment)

This positions Characters Unlimited as a steady exporter of niche amusement equipment with an established international presence.

Target Market

Characters Unlimited serves a wide range of industries including:

• Theme Parks and Amusement Centers
• Arcades and Family Entertainment Centers
• Museums and Historical Attractions
• Casinos and Resorts
• Retail and Themed Restaurants

Their customers range from small independent entertainment venues to global brands seeking unique attractions.

Capabilities and Manufacturing

• Location: Manufacturing and corporate operations are centralized in Boulder City, Nevada.
• In-house Design and Fabrication: Characters Unlimited handles end-to-end production, from concept to assembly, ensuring quality control and customization.
• Interactive Programming: Animatronics are equipped with programmable audio and motion sensors for realistic customer interaction.

Certifications and Compliance

• Products are manufactured to comply with UL Safety Standards for electronic amusement devices.
• Custom installations follow region-specific compliance for commercial electrical and safety standards.

Recognition and Testimonials

Characters Unlimited has garnered widespread acclaim through customer testimonials and pop culture references:

“We purchased a Zoltar for our resort and it became the most photographed attraction on our property.”
— Resort Manager, Lake Tahoe (source: Customer review)

“The custom cowboy greeter you created is an absolute hit at our Western theme park—visitors can’t stop taking photos with it.”
— Park Operations Manager, Australia (source: Trade testimonial)

Major Achievements

• Trademark Owner of Zoltar Speaks®, featured in Big and several modern media productions
• Installed in Over 30 Countries
• Frequent Exhibitor at IAAPA Expo, the largest international amusement trade show
• Partnerships with Arcades and Amusement Chains in North America and Europe

Characters Unlimited continues to dominate the niche market of animatronic novelty machines by combining storytelling, mechanical innovation, and branding power into each unit they create.