You might not realize it, but when it comes to technology Walt Disney is not a Mickey Mouse operation. You might recall that back in 2017, we told you that the entertainment giant was testing OTA wireless charging using a technology called quasistatic cavity resonance. The goal is to allow visitors at its parks to one day walk into an attraction and walk out with their mobile devices fully charged.
Today, during the D23 superfan convention in Anaheim,
Disney announced a new app called Genie that is expected to launch late next year. The company says that it will “enhance the way you plan for and experience a trip to Walt Disney World Resort.” The app will provide custom itineraries based on a user’s interests such as a princess-day theme, or for those foodies who like to experience the culinary delights from the different countries at Epcot. There is even one for thrillseekers; the latter, we assume, includes rides on Splash Mountain, Space Mountain
, and the positively frightening Wedway People Mover and other hair-raising rides.
If you know what attractions you want to see at a Disney Park, tell the Genie app and it will go through millions of possible options to come up with a fun-filled schedule for the day. And if you decide to make changes, that is no problem; Genie will “re-optimize” your schedule. As you walk through the park, the app will also send alerts with recommendations and will even handle any dining reservations that you might want to make.
“This represents yet another way we are using creativity and innovation to connect guests with the stories and characters they love, and to help them make lasting, magical memories with the family and friends they cherish most. Over the past several years, Disney parks have become more seamless and enjoyable through other digital offerings, such as mobile food ordering, the Play Disney Parks app, online check-in and so much more”-Disney
Despite Disney’s ties to Apple (Steve Jobs and his estate were once the largest Disney shareholder after the purchase of Pixar), we’re sure that the app will be made available to both iOS and Android users.
