It’s the wondrous world of Woody the Cowboy, Buzz Lightyear and Green Army men. And coming in 2008, guests of Walt Disney World and Disneyland resorts get to ride and play inside an energy-filled toy box of fun with the debut on both coasts of “Toy Story Mania.”
Celebrating the Disney-Pixar classics “Toy Story” and “Toy Story II,” “Toy Story Mania” will take the interactive ride-game experience to new heights. High-tech yet rooted in classic midway games of skill, “Toy Story Mania” will match the characters of the films with games that best suit their animated personalities.
New technologies, interactive on-line tools and in-park experiences are making Walt Disney World vacations more personal and taking guest service to a whole new level during “The Year of a Million Dreams” celebration. Here’s an overview of hightech and “high-touch” concepts now available to help tailor guests’ vacation experiences.
High-tech
• Disney’s new PhotoPass Albums provide on-line scrapbooking tools to help organize memories with photos taken during a Walt Disney World vacation. Personal photos can be combined with professional photos taken by Disney’s PhotoPass team, unique backgrounds and personalized text to create a lasting memory in a leather-bound photo scrapbook.
• Disney’s On-line Concierge at Disney’s Contemporary Resort lets vacationers order room service, play games, make tee times and more, right from their own hotel rooms. This interactive service is currently in pilot testing.
• Through advances in wireless communication, Pal Mickey, a huggable plush toy, acts as a tour guide at each of the four theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort. Offering timesaving tips, trivia, fun facts and more, Pal Mickey helps navigate the parks so guests get the most out of their time in the parks.
• An imaginative mix of fantasy combines with real sea life in “The Seas with Nemo & Friends” attractions at Epcot.
High-Touch
• During “The Year of a Million Dreams,” Disney cast members are exceeding guest expectations by creating thousands of priceless Magical Moments. Guests might find themselves selected to join performers on a float in a parade, become a wildlife spotter on a safari, or ride alongside a Disney princess on a favorite attraction.
• Disney cast members put guests in the fantasy of Disney storytelling and make them part of the show with entertaining Immersive Experiences. Guests might find themselves living the buccaneer life as a pirate of the Caribbean, “getting royal” with a Disney prince or princess, or joining in a high-energy “High School Musical” pep rally.
Report by Chitra Mogul
