Walt Disney Imagineering is offering a rare look behind the scenes by allowing select Disneyland guests to test experimental park experiences through a new mobile application. Rather than waiting for attractions and features to be fully completed, Disney is opening up its creative pipeline to gather meaningful feedback while projects are still taking shape. Asa Kalama, Vice President and Executive Creative Director at Walt Disney Imagineering, noted that this direct guest-testing approach represents a novel strategy for the company.
At the center of this initiative is the new Disney Imagineering Labs iOS app, operating alongside the standard Disneyland Resort app. Initial access requires users to sign in with a Disney account and is currently restricted to Disneyland Magic Key holders, though a broader rollout for other visitors is planned for the future. Within the application, projects are categorized by development phases ranging from early development to nearly complete, giving fans insight into how stories and theme park utilities evolve.
Key takeaways
- The Disney Imagineering Labs iOS app lets select guests test experimental park features while still in development.
- Access is initially limited to Disneyland Magic Key holders, with an Android version and broader rollout coming later.
- Secrets of the Spire is an introductory augmented-reality Star Wars adventure set within Galaxy's Edge at Disneyland.
- The Disneyland Enchanted Guide is an AI-powered assistant designed for multimodal queries and hands-free wearable integration.
Exploring Secrets of the Spire in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge
The first major experiment featured on the platform is Secrets of the Spire, an augmented-reality adventure taking place inside Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disneyland, specifically within Black Spire Outpost. Serving as a spiritual successor to the previous Star Wars Datapad experience, the project functions as a prologue designed to test a specific AR gameplay mechanic. Players receive a transmission from Leia Organa requiring assistance for the Rebellion, utilizing an iPhone 14 or newer to scan the environment during daytime hours.
The gameplay transforms the user's smartphone into space binoculars, creating a real-world digital grid mesh that helps locate signal sources and execute hacking actions. These digital slicing interactions tie directly into physical effects in the park, such as activating a droid's head movement upon a successful hack. Spanning six locations throughout the land, the adventure even allows participants to choose between remaining loyal to Leia or betraying her to side with the Empire near the Millennium Falcon or TIE Echelon.
Testing AI and Wearable Tech with the Enchanted Guide
Beyond immersive storytelling, Imagineering is also testing utility-focused concepts meant to assist visitors during their stay. The Disneyland Enchanted Guide serves as an AI-powered assistant to help guests navigate the park, check attraction wait times, and receive personalized recommendations. Users can type or speak queries on their iPhone, with multimodal capabilities allowing the assistant to understand images as well.
Designed to potentially reduce screen time during a vacation, the assistant supports hands-free interaction through wearable technology like Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses or Bluetooth earbuds such as AirPods. By balancing immersive entertainment experiences like Secrets of the Spire with practical tools like the Enchanted Guide, Disney Imagineering aims to evaluate contrasting approaches to digital integration inside its theme parks.
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