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Disney Cast Members Speak Out on Replacements: “It Was a Test”

A large crowd gathers under a covered walkway adorned with wooden beams and lanterns. The bustling atmosphere is filled with excitement as people wait, some clutching their phones accessing Disney Genie and wearing hats. Numerous arches create a magical backdrop in the distance.
Credit: ITM

Change is afoot once again at the Walt Disney World Resort as a controversial new offering has been reversed, and cast members have spoken out on the change.

Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World Resort with guests in front

Credit: Inside the Magic

While all eyes may be on the large-scale overhaul of Disney’s Animal Kingdom and the future upheaval of Magic Kingdom Park’s Frontierland, other quieter changes have been happening at the Central Florida resort.

From operational changes at the Disney After Hours event to wider alterations for things like the Lightning Lane system, the Disney Experiences brand has been evolving at a rapid rate.

At the end of last year, Disney World rolled out a new offering that proved–as with anything new–to be divisive. The company ushered in a new era of technological innovation with the introduction of an Artificial Intelligence-powered checkout system at its All-Star Sports Resort.

The pool at Disney's All-Star Movies Resort on a sunny morning.

Credit: Jess Colopy, Inside the Magic

Launched in December 2024, the trial promised to streamline the checkout process at the resort’s food court. Guests would place their items on a designated counter, where the AI system would identify them and calculate the total—making for a faster and more efficient experience.

However, this convenience came with a modern twist: payments were limited to credit cards and MagicBands, with no cash option available, reflecting a broader trend at Disney and other theme parks.

The change marked a significant first for Disney World. Given the popularity of the All-Star Resorts—known for their budget-friendly pricing and high occupancy—this choice to trial here made sense. The All-Star properties, steeped in nostalgic 1990s aesthetics, are a guest favorite, offering vibrant themes tied to sports, movies, and music.

A family walking around All-Star Sports

Credit: Disney

The benefits of the AI checkout system were clear: the ability to recognize multiple items at once ensures faster service, cutting down on lengthy wait times. Yet, some wondered how this efficiency impacted the personal touch Disney is—maybe, for some, was—famous for.

Cast members, often celebrated for their ability to create magical moments, are a cornerstone of the Disney experience, and it’s uncertain how this shift toward automation will balance that legacy.

Now, a new report has surfaced revealing that the AI-powered self-servers have been removed at the resort.

“On our most recent visit to All-Star Sports, we noticed that the AI self-checkout had been removed. Now, all guests check out with a cast member,” Kenny the Pirate reported. “The AI self-checkout registers have been removed from the All-Star Sports End Zone Food Court.”

The outlet noted that when they asked a cast member about the reason for its removal, they responded: “It was a test.”

The attic scene in the Haunted Mansion with the Bride Constance Hatchaway

Credit: Disney

Looking ahead, this trial may be a glimpse into the future of Disney’s quick-service dining options. Much like mobile ordering, which has become a staple across the parks, this AI technology could expand to other locations, revolutionizing the way guests interact with Disney’s food and beverage services–and, ultimately, cast members.

While it remains to be seen how widely this innovation will spread, one thing is certain: Disney’s willingness to embrace cutting-edge technology ensures that the guest experience will continue to evolve, even if it raises questions about the trade-offs between efficiency and the magic of human interaction.

In another case of AI-driven backlash, Disneyland Resort was accused of using AI-created artwork at its Haunted Mansion location. The artwork, seemingly sourced from Red Bubble, has since been removed.

How do you feel about the various ways Disney Experiences is installing AI across the Disney theme parks? Let us know in the comments down below!

About Thomas Hitchen

When he’s not thinking about the Magic Kingdom, Thomas is usually reading a book, becoming desperately obsessed with fictional characters, or baking something delicious (his favorite is chocolate cake -- to bake and to eat). He's a dreamer and grew up on Mulan saving the world, Jim Hawkins soaring through the stars, and Padmé Amidala fighting a Nexu. At the Parks, he loves to ride Everest, stroll down Main Street with an overstuffed pin lanyard around his neck, and eat as many Mickey-shaped ice creams as possible. His favorite character is Han Solo (yes, he did shoot first), and his favorite TV show is Buffy the Vampire Slayer except when it's One Tree Hill. He loves sandy beach walks, forest hikes, and foodie days out in the Big City. Thomas lives in England, UK, with his fiancée, baby, and their dog, a Border Collie called Luna.

One comment

  1. A “test”. Probably more of a strongarm tactic from Disney management to keep CM from asking for raises…or else AI will be rolled in.

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