Disney World embraces innovative digital technology

Published by Kunbi Tinuoye at May 7, 2015

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Walt Disney World Resort has gone high-tech.

The world-famous Florida-based entertainment company has for the past year been rolling out digital and innovative technologies, as part of an ambitious effort to engage customers and enhance guest experience.

One of the most radical developments is Disney’s MyMagic+. Rolled out in mid-2014 at Disney World, MyMagic+ overhauls the digital infrastructure of the Orlando theme parks, transforming how they operate and connect with guests.

The idea is to utilize technology in electronic wristbands and the My Disney Experience mobile app, to assist guests in planning, personalizing and customizing their vacation. Drawing on Disney’s long history of creativity and innovation, MyMagic+ takes the guest experience to the next level by giving visitors unprecedented control of their vacation.

With the free My Disney Experience mobile application and extensive complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the Florida Vacation Kingdom, Walt Disney World Resort guests can have Disney fun at their fingertips. Information about attractions, show times, dining and more is easier than ever to explore and access. Guests have the option of modifying FastPass+ choices or dining reservations while on the go, thanks to the app and in-park kiosks Ð or at fully-staffed service centers. (Kent Phillips, photographer)

Guests can swiftly enter theme parks, get FastPast+ access to attractions, unlock their hotel room doors and make purchases with MagicBands. Using the latest digital equipment and Disney-engineered technology, PhotoPass photographers can also take photos of guests, who can later download images at their own convenience.

Disney is also rolling out new technology across their rides, with immersive and interactive experiences while people wait in queues.

Indeed, Walt Disney World Resort President, George Kalogridis said at media conference on Friday the technological advances have been widely successful.

“MyMagic+ continues to enhance the overall guest experience,” he said. “More than 12 million MagicBands have been worn so far and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.”

“My MagicPlus+ is serving the purpose it was created for, to make the experience more seamless and more personal for each and every guest who spends time with us.”

The innovative technology is already making waves. The MagicBand, which can be adjusted to fit children, was named one of Fortune Magazine’s “26 Coolest Gadgets of 2014.” Disney’s MagicBand “makes vacations at the company’s theme parks seamless,” wrote Fortune senior writer Michal Lev-Ram.

MyMagic+ was also honored with an “Innovation by Design” award by, Fast Company.

MyMagic+, which completed its roll out in Disney World in 2014, will be appearing in the other parks in coming years.

Follow Kunbi Tinuoye on Twitter@Kunbiti

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Kunbi Tinuoye

Kunbi Tinuoye is the founder and CEO of UrbanGeekz. Previously, she worked as a News Correspondent for NBC’s theGrio. Prior, she was a senior broadcast journalist for the BBC in London. Tinuoye currently sits on the SXSW Pitch Advisory Board and CES Conference Advisory Board. She is a key player in the Atlanta tech startup ecosystem and serves as a mentor for Comcast NBCUniversal’s The Farm Accelerator. Tinuoye has received several awards and accolades, including being honored with a Resolution from the Georgia Legislative.