The Hidden Tech Secrets Behind Disney Parks’ Magic

How Disney is using new technology to give guests even more magic

Disney is known for heavily guarding the magic behind its parks, but a new secret has slipped through the gates. Crowned the “Most Magical Places on Earth,” Disney Parks combine thrill, fun and adventure in every way possible. However, the real magic lies in Disney’s genius ability to leverage the latest technology and improve the experiences of every guest who walks through the gates of its parks.

Take a look at some of the latest innovations this magical company has added to transform guests’ overall adventures.

Simulated 3D Technology

A number of theme parks are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) in combination with virtual reality and augmented reality to create out-of-this-world immersive rides. 

If you’ve been to Disney’s Animal Kingdom recently, you were probably blown away by the park’s newest addition: Pandora – The World of Avatar. The addition’s most popular ride, “Disney’s Flight of Passage,” uses simulated 3D technology to transport you into the world of Avatar by pairing you with your own Avatar atop a banshee. The 3D technology employs all your senses allowing you to see, feel and smell the world of Pandora just like in the movie. Since the addition of Pandora, Animal Kingdom has seen a 15.3 percent increase in visitors, which means this ride’s new technology will most likely be integrated into more of the parks for updated magical experiences.

My Disney Experience App

While new ride enhancements usually generate the most buzz, Disney has also integrated other useful technology to make guest experiences in the parks that much better. 

The My Disney Experience App is a part of a $1 billion investment where Disney integrated every turnstile, ride, hotel room door and point-of-purchase into a massive digital system. 

The app allows guests to:

• View and update their customizable vacation plans
• Order food in advance and by-pass lines at quick-service restaurants
• Check-in to resort’s hotels, hassle free
• Search the maps of all four theme parks to find their next adventure easily
• Get real-time attraction wait times and make advance reservations for rides, shows, special parade viewing areas and one-on-one time with their favorite characters

Disney estimated that 80 percent of its visitors use the My Disney Experience App and that the app has helped guests experience more of the parks during their time at Disney.

MagicBands

In addition to the app, the My Disney Experience investment also funded the development of the MagicBand.

This RFID (radio-frequency identification) bracelet lets guests:

• Electronically pay for food and merchandise
• Open their hotel room doors, hands-free
• Replace physical tickets at parks
• Skip the lines at attractions
• Help cast members locate parents of lost children

The MagicBand allows guests to leave their cash, cards, paper tickets and hotel keys at home and replace them with a convenient wearable bracelet – almost like an Apple Watch but for Disney. It can even be worn at the resort’s water parks and pools due to its waterproof band.

The implementation of new technologies like these hopes to tackle common guest pain points to make the time between rides just as fun as the rides themselves. Another great example of how technology is breaking down barriers and building more immersive and memorable customer experiences.