New Disney Patent Details Dynamic Virtual Queues That Could Replace Lengthy Standby Lines

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Disney patent applications often provide a glimpse into how the company may address what it sees as operational issues. A patent application published May 20, 2021 addresses something theme park visitors dread: waiting in a standby queue. “Dynamic Management of Virtual Queues” provides a possible solution. The patent application clearly explains why Disney wants to … Read more

WDWNT Daily Recap (4/14/21): Jungle Cruise Queue Updates, Cast Members are Back “Earning Their Ears,” Handwashing Stations Removed, Jewels Added to Cinderella Castle Decorations, and More

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We bring you a lot of stories every single day. Sometimes it’s hard to keep up. So in case you missed anything from our feed, we have rounded up all our stories in one place to get the news at a glance. Here is your Daily Recap for Wednesday April 14, 2021. Walt Disney World … Read more

Disney Patent Could Preview Next-Gen My Disney Experience Coming to Nintendo Switch and Smartphones

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Visitors to Disney Parks have been using smartphones to manage their visits for years. The My Disney Experience app is an essential planning tool. Recently, Walt Disney World added Disney MagicMobile, which allows guests to use their smartphones and watches in place of MagicBands or ticket media. Now, a recent Disney patent application hints that … Read more

Disney Developing Augmented Reality System Capable of Virtually Lighting Real-World Objects

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Lighting is often an overlooked aspect of attraction design. Look up while riding Spaceship Earth and you’ll find numerous theater-style lighting fixtures. Consider how the Sistine Chapel scene lighting differs from the computer lab. Lighting designers illuminate the scenes much like a television production or stage show. A new Disney invention could eliminate traditional lighting, … Read more

Disney Testing Periscope Optics to Give Costumed Characters Larger View of Surroundings

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Seeing Disney characters in the theme parks and on cruise ships brings joy to fans of all ages. The costumed performers do a great job interacting with guests. However, the costumed performers deal with a safety issue: poor visibility. Disney is experimenting with a solution to solve the visibility problem. A patent application filed with … Read more

Disney Patent Application Shows Rotating 2D Displays Capable of Creating Multi-Perspective Interactive 3D Models

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A Disney patent application published March 18, 2021 puts a new spin on 3D images. Rather than using multiple projectors or augmented reality headsets to present a 3D image, a high-quality screen is rotated along its vertical axis. A computer controls the rotation speed and synchronizes the video sent to the display. This system allows … Read more

Disney Augmented Reality Patent Application Turns Human Skin Into Communication Network

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If Disney has its way, augmented reality (AR) systems will not require controllers in the future. Instead, AR users will be able to interact with physical objects using only their hands. Disney plans to pull off this feat by using the user’s skin as a communication network. In a United States Patent Application Publication for … Read more

Disney Patent Would Bring Video Game Interactivity to Streaming Services Like Disney+

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As more homes “cut the cord” by disconnecting from cable television and satellite providers, viewers have turned to streaming services like Disney+. Streaming services put a nearly endless amount of content at our fingertips, but lack one thing: interactivity. A Disney patent application published March 4, 2021 would bring new levels of interactivity to nearly … Read more

WDWNT Daily Recap (2/1/21): Tomorrowland ’94 Thematic Towers Removed, Big Al’s Sign Missing, Disneyland Paris Castle Refurbishment, Star Wars Trading Post Opening at Downtown Disney, and More

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We bring you a lot of stories every single day. Sometimes it’s hard to keep up. So in case you missed anything from our feed, we have rounded up all our stories in one place to get the news at a glance. Here is your Daily Recap for Monday, February 1, 2021. Walt Disney World … Read more

Disney Patent Brings Advanced Version of Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor Technology to Your Pocket

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A patent application published January 14, 2021 details how Disney could use smartphones as a conduit to virtual puppeteering. An app and the smartphone’s cameras allow the user to control a virtual puppet. The invention is a consumer version of the technology used in Disney attractions like Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor and Turtle Talk with … Read more

Disney Files Patent on Technology to Limit Robotic Vibrations; Possible Solution for New Expedition Everest Yeti Animatronic

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The enormous Expedition Everest Yeti animatronic has been motionless for 12 years. A patent filed by Disney may just bring the Yeti back to life. The patent, published December 31, 2020, details a system that suppresses vibrations caused by robotics, such as animatronics. The Yeti’s large size and range of motion sent vibrations through the … Read more

WDWNT Weekly Recap: Halloween Decor Coming to the Magic Kingdom, “Onward” Popcorn Bucket Arrives at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Trading Post Merchandise Comes to Target, and More!

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Every week is a busy week when it comes to Disney news. To help you keep up with all the updates coming out of Walt Disney World and other Disney resorts, here’s WDWNT’s weekly recap of the Disney news from August 23-30, 2020. Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom Social distancing markers for the character cavalcades … Read more

Disney Files Patent For Further Use of Drones To Control Show Elements

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Disney has filed a new patent involving drones that could take their stage shows and nighttime spectaculars to the next level. The patent is formally titled “AERIAL SHOW SYSTEM USING UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE (UAV) ENERGY TO ANIMATE CREATIVE SHOW ELEMENT” and was filed by Disney Enterprises in August 2019, but published this July. The patent … Read more

Patent Application Indicates Disney is Developing a Technology for Interactive Games on Vehicles, Could be Implemented on Walt Disney World Buses

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From the Disney Skyliner to the new Walt Disney World buses with character wraps and charging ports, Disney is always trying to plus transportation offerings. A new patent application hints that Disney is looking to create an interactive experience for guests while riding said vehicles. From the patent application: One aspect of the present disclosure … Read more