Category: Technology

  • Disney Patents a 3D World Simulator That Doesn’t Need a Headset Or Glasses

    Disney Patents a 3D World Simulator That Doesn’t Need a Headset Or Glasses

    Disney has filed a patent for a Virtual World Simulator that will allow it to simulate augmented digital worlds without the need for users to wear headsets or glasses.

    Disney Enterprises was approved for a “virtual-world simulator” patent during the last week of December. The technology would project 3D images and virtual effects onto physical spaces, according to the US Patent Office.

    The technology described in the patent would not be geared for large audiences but would instead track individual visitors around the parks and project images specifically for them on nearby objects, buildings and walls.

    Visitors could be tracked through their smartphones or other devices they are carrying so that the tracking information could be relayed to a computer connected to projection devices located throughout the theme parks. After locating the visitors, the “Virtual World Simulator” could project an image of a Disney character in front of the guests, with hidden speakers providing voices for an immersive experience, according to the patent.

    The Virtual World Simulator would use a SLAM technique — which stands for Simultaneous Localization and Mapping — to continuously track the ever-changing point of view of a visitor moving through a real-world venue.

  • Disney World Now Testing Facial Recognition Technology at Park Entrance

    Disney World Now Testing Facial Recognition Technology at Park Entrance

    New facial recognition technology is now being tested at Magic Kingdom theme park in Disney World.

    “At Walt Disney World Resort, we’re always looking for innovative and convenient ways to improve our Guests’ experience – especially as we navigate the impact of COVID-19,” Disney said on its website. “With the future in mind and the shift in focus to more touchless experiences, we’re conducting a limited 30-day test using facial recognition technology.”

    The new technology captures an image of a guest’s face and converts it into a unique number, which is then associated with the form of admission being used for park entry. Disney said on its website that the test is completely optional, and limited, as guests with reservations make their way through the turnstiles at the park. Disney put out a series of steps on its website alerting guests of the test and what to expect. Take a look below:

    Step 1: Enter the Facial Recognition Technology Test Lane

    When you’re ready to enter the park, simply enter the lane designated for the test program.

    Step 2: Remove Accessories, But Keep Your Face Covering in Place

    Please take off any hats, visors or sunglasses before you approach the facial recognition test zone. Your face covering must remain on at all times.

    Step 3: Face the Camera

    Once in the facial recognition test zone, stand facing the camera and then position your valid park admission or MagicBand close to the scanner to activate the technology. The technology will capture an image, which will be converted into a unique number that will be associated with your valid ticket media.

    Disney is encouraging guests that use the technology, and return back to the theme park, to use it again upon re-entry.

    Officials said the process helps them see how the technology is progressing and works during the guest experience.

    Officials said during the testing they have implemented technical, administrative, and physical security measures that are designed to protect guest information from unauthorized access, disclosure, use and modification. Officials stressed that the security, integrity, and confidentiality of guest information is extremely important. Disney said all information and photos taken during testing will be discarded after 30 days when the test is over.

    Children under the age of 18 can participate but only with parental consent. The testing is happening now through April 23.

  • Disney World Reveals MagicMobile Service as MagicBand Alternative

    Disney World Reveals MagicMobile Service as MagicBand Alternative

    The MagicBand at Disney World makes each visit even simpler and more seamless and now Disney is introducing MagicMobile service which will effectively turn your mobile device into a MagicBand.

    Launching in phases starting later this year, Disney MagicMobile service is a convenient and contactless way to access MagicBand features like theme park entry through the power of your iPhone, Apple Watch or other smart device.

    Guests will be able to create a Disney MagicMobile pass through the My Disney Experience app and add it to their smart device’s digital wallet. It works like magic – most features will be available by just holding up your smart device near an access point, just like you do with a MagicBand. Disney MagicMobile service and its features will roll out first on Apple devices.

    Guests may choose to use Disney MagicMobile service or a MagicBand – pick whichever option works best for you during your visit. You can even use both and alternate between the two for added flexibility. They’ll also soon be introducing more MagicBands in trendy new colors and fun designs featuring favorite Disney characters and stories.

    The existing digital room key feature will continue to be available specifically within the My Disney Experience app, which helps guests expedite their arrival by using online check-in service, going directly to their Disney Resort hotel room and using their phone to unlock their door. Disney Resort hotel guests may also still pick up a Key to the World card at their convenience by visiting the front desk.

  • Disney Trivia, Music and More Available at Home with the Play Disney Parks App

    Disney Trivia, Music and More Available at Home with the Play Disney Parks App

    The Play Disney Parks app offers so many ways to experience Disney magic, but did you know that you can explore Disney Trivia, Music and More at home?

    That’s right! Available now, you can test your knowledge with Disney trivia throughout the Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort game boards in the app, or even try your hand at Mickey & Minnie’s Trivia Time – Mouse Rules Apply!, a new trivia game, inspired by the new Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios celebrating the zany world of “Mickey Mouse” cartoon shorts.

    You can also explore specially-themed Disney Parks playlists through Apple Music. Whether you’re listening to tunes themed to Cars Land at Disney California Adventure park, tracks from EPCOT’s World Showcase, or even the Disney Parks Hits playlist there are many delightful playlists to enjoy.

    And Disney fans everywhere can play select Walt Disney World Resort games at home, too! In the app, you can find your laughing place as you play through a series of themed mini games, found on the game board at Splash Mountain at Magic Kingdom Park. Or, explore the fun with some of your favorite toys while playing Andy’s Board Game Blast, at Slinky Dog Dash on the Disney’s Hollywood Studios game board.

    If you haven’t already, be sure to download the Play Disney Parks app from the App Store or Google Play today to enjoy these features!

  • Disneyland and My Disney Experience Mobile Apps New Features Can Be Enjoyed at Home

    Disneyland and My Disney Experience Mobile Apps New Features Can Be Enjoyed at Home

    You may have noticed some new notifications and featurettes in the Disneyland or My Disney Experience mobile apps recently – like Disney Parks Artist Studio or Magic Moments in History, where you can learn how to draw your favorite Disney characters like Mickey Mouse, discover fun facts about Disney Parks, or play games and trivia through the Play Disney Parks mobile app. Disney announced there’s even more to come from these series and others within the Disneyland or My Disney Experience app – and they can all be enjoyed from home! 

    From fun recipes inspired by Disney Parks foods and animated stories, to highlights from your favorite shows and parades, PhotoPass wallpapers and more, there are videos, games and fun facts on the way, bringing some Disney Parks magic to you. In the coming weeks, you’ll even be able to enjoy the Jungle Cruise joke-of-the-day or experience Wilderness Explorers at home through a series of short-form videos, too. 

    To discover new features like these, users simply need to be logged into either (or both) of the apps and have push notifications turned on. 

    Whether you’re learning to make frozen pineapple treats or how to draw the famed feathered friends from Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room, there will be something for everyone to enjoy! 

    If you haven’t already, be sure to download the Disneyland and My Disney Experience apps from the App Store or Google Play to check out new videos and episodes in these series and more.

    Available for iPhone® and AndroidTM smartphones.

  • Free Wi-Fi Now Equipped Onboard Disney World Buses

    Free Wi-Fi Now Equipped Onboard Disney World Buses

    As we previously reported, Walt Disney World has introduced new buses adorned with your favorite Disney characters and USB ports, but now Disney has added complementary Wi-Fi that you can use while riding to and from the parks.

    The new service is currently available on select Disney buses that are marked with a Wi-Fi enabled sticker near the front.

    All you have to do is log in to the Wi-fi network named “Disney Ttansport Guest” and you’ll be able to save yourself some data and continue using the My Disney Experience app, making changes to your FastPass+ or dining reservations.

  • The A1000 Is Disney’s Advanced Animatronic Bringing Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to Life

    The A1000 Is Disney’s Advanced Animatronic Bringing Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to Life

    A new generation of Audio-Animatronic’s are being introduced into Disney Parks and this new iteration of the technology will be bringing Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to life in a whole new way!

    A1000 advanced robotics are the next evolution of the A100 Audio-Animatronic figures that were first introduced by Walt Disney Imagineering in the mid-1980s. This standardized system for building humanoid robotic figures incorporates new electric functionality, replacing former hydraulic functions, producing extremely realistic, lifelike movement. Future figures in humanoid form can all use this system to ensure the same degree of realism and advanced levels of movement. 

    The advanced figures that were developed for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – like this animated figure of Hondo Ohnaka from the Star Wars animated television series – are a hybrid of A1000 technology enhanced with custom-built elements. Take a look at the video below:

    The character can be seen talking and gesturing, and had the video not shown footage of the animatronic figure being assembled, it could easily be mistaken for a human being in make-up.

    Hondo Ohnaka is a part of a ride called Smuggler’s Run and will presumably give you your mission briefing before you board the Millennium Falcon. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens at California’s Disneyland Resort in summer 2019 and Florida’s Walt Disney World Resort in fall 2019.

  • ‘Ralph Breaks VR’ Debuts This Fall With New Hyper-Reality Experiences to be Set in Disney Universes

    ‘Ralph Breaks VR’ Debuts This Fall With New Hyper-Reality Experiences to be Set in Disney Universes

    Disney and The VOID are partnering once again — This time to develop a slate of five new VR experiences based on material from Walt Disney Animation Studios and Marvel Studios. The company revealed that the first Hyper-Reality Experience, which will debut this fall, will be based on the upcoming Disney animated movie “Ralph Breaks The Internet”.

    The VOID, an entertainment company that uses a mix of virtual reality, augmented reality, and sensory elements like wind and temperature to create interactive experiences, has partnered with ILMxLAB, Lucasfilm’s immersive entertainment division, to develop The new VR experiences.

    This past winter, the groundbreaking hyper-reality experience Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire by ILMxLAB and The VOID launched to rave reviews at both Disney Springs and Downtown Disney District.

    When it debuts, Ralph Breaks VR will put you inside a new multi-sensory Disney adventure where you’ll be immersed in the worlds of the internet and online gaming with Wreck-It Ralph and Vanellope. To create Ralph Breaks VR and future hyper-reality experiences that allow you to explore amazing worlds and engage with favorite characters, The Walt Disney Company and ILMxLAB (Lucasfilm’s award-winning immersive entertainment division) are again collaborating with the team at The VOID.

    “Our filmmakers and the terrific people at ILMxLAB have collaborated to bring an incredible hyper-real experience, for all ages, to The VOID,” said Oscar-winning “Ralph Breaks the Internet” producer, Clark Spencer. “We can’t wait for people to be immersed in the worlds of the internet and online gaming with Wreck-It Ralph and Vanellope.”

    “At ILMxLAB, we are truly excited for fans to ‘Step Inside Our Stories’ by extending our award-winning creative collaboration with The VOID across The Walt Disney Company. Together, we will soon invite guests into other beloved Disney franchises where they can explore rich worlds, engage with compelling characters, embark upon heart-pounding adventures, and indulge the senses — experiencing the magic as never before,” said Vicki Dobbs Beck, ILMxLAB Executive in Charge.

    Keep checking back on Disney Dorks for more details, including the launch date for Ralph Breaks VR and details about future Disney-inspired hyper-reality experiences – as well as locations, trailers and ticket availability.

  • 4 Must-Try Digital Experiences at Disneyland Resort This Summer

    4 Must-Try Digital Experiences at Disneyland Resort This Summer

    Summer is here, and what better way to celebrate than with a trip to Disneyland Resort? It’s never been easier to enjoy time with your family and friends thanks to the suite of digital offerings now available at the resort. Take a look below for tips and tricks to make your next visit even more fun-filled!

    1. Disneyland App – This one-stop-shop for Disneyland Resort makes trip planning a breeze. If you haven’t tried it recently, you’re missing out! The handy app captures attraction wait times, character appearance schedules, entertainment show times and more.
    2. Disney MaxPass – Guests are loving the Disney MaxPass feature on the Disneyland App. For $10 per day per ticket, you get the convenience of digital Disney FASTPASS selections while in the park and unlimited PhotoPass downloads for the day.* Pro tip: Group park tickets together so one person can make a reservation for everyone at once.
    3. Mobile Ordering – Our latest feature on the Disneyland App gives you the power to order from 15 quick-service and fast casual restaurant locations at both Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park at the touch of a button. Simply choose a participating location, select an arrival time window for pickup, choose your items and place an order! When you arrive at your food location, simply hit “I’m here” and your food will be prepared. Fan-favorite spots include Bengal Barbecue, Red Rose Taverne and Flo’s V8 Café.
    4. Play Disney Parks App – Last but not least, an all-new mobile app just made its debut at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort! With select in-queue experiences, fun Disney trivia, curated playlists on Apple Music and achievements to earn and collect, this app turns wait time into play time across the resort. It’s free to download now on the App Store and Google Play.

    There’s so much to do and see this summer at Disneyland Resort – Pixar Pier, anyone? – and these digital offerings will help you get the most out of your next visit! Don’t forget to check out Pixar Fest while you’re at the resort, with new entertainment, décor, themed eats and more through September 3.

    If you need help booking your magical vacation, contact Enchanted Kingdom Vacations with Vikki for help. My services are completely free and I will always find you the lowest rates. Let me do all the work so you don’t have to!

  • Disney Imagineers Unveil Robot Capable of Aerial Stunts

    Disney Imagineers Unveil Robot Capable of Aerial Stunts

    Disney Imagineers introduced the world to the concept of audio animatronics more than fifty years ago and they are constantly looking for new ways to make them more realistic. Recently Disney Research has made major step forward in that goal unveiling robots that perform aerial maneuvers with precision.

    Disney wants to create autonomous characters for its theme parks that appear more flexible and interactive and less robotic. “Stuntronics figures” as they are being called, stem from a research experiment named “Stickman.” Stickman was a robot who was able to perform acrobatic flips, and was essentially just an articulated pole.

    The Imagineers’ goal was to create a robot with an acrobat’s timing and reflexes and it seems they have done just that as you can see in the video below.

    The result is a humanoid like 90-pound robot with enough onboard sensors to make decisions in real-time. The robot uses an IMU and a laser range-finder to estimate its state mid-flight and actuates to change its motion both on and off the pendulum.

    According to Disney Research, “Human performers have developed impressive acrobatic techniques over thousands of years of practicing the gymnastic arts. At the same time, robots have started to become more mobile and autonomous and can begin to imitate these stunts in dramatic and informative ways. We present a simple two degree of freedom robot that uses a gravity-driven pendulum launch and produces a variety of somersaulting stunts.”

    The possibility of this amazing feat of engineering being integrated in to Disney Park attractions has many waiting in anticipation to see how they might be used. The robots could be used in attractions and shows at Disney Parks, standing in for more delicate animatronics, which could not withstand being flung through the sky.