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Disney Parks and Resorts are always at the cutting edge of new technologies, especially when it comes to creating unexpected ways to further enhance the Guest experience.
From MagicBand technology to the latest special effects in Disney attractions, the Walt Disney World Resort has often been viewed as a leader in the themed entertainment industry when it comes to utilizing the newest technology in immersive experiences with top-notch Guest service.
Credit: Disney
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One of the best ways to stay fully immersed in the magic of a Walt Disney World vacation is to stay at an on-site hotel. Guests at Disney Resorts can enjoy several exclusive benefits like complimentary transportation to and from Disney Parks, water parks, and Disney Springs, as well as early morning entry into the Parks before they open to day Guests.
Most benefits of staying at a Disney Resort apply to your stay in general, and not to your room specifically, but this is set to change with the latest technological enhancement coming in 2023; Hey Disney, an Alexa-style device created through a partnership between Disney and Amazon.
Credit: Disney
Hey Disney will function very similar to an Amazon Echo or Alexa device with a magical Disney twist. The system will cover basic Guests services like answering questions about Park hours or relaying to the front desk that a room needs more towels, but it will also include features very specific to Disney, such as trivia games and greetings from favorite characters.
While similar technology is already in place inside Guest cabins aboard the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, we have not seen Hey Disney operating at Walt Disney World until now. Theme park reporter Scott Gustin just shared a first look at Hey Disney as it is currently testing in rooms at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort:
If you're not interested in "Hey Disney," here are a few notes:
When you arrive in your room, "Hey Disney" will be muted. Once unmuted, the digital voice assistant will listen for the wake words “Hey Disney” or “Alexa.”
You can keep the device muted during your stay.
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) November 29, 2022
Not a fan of the new in-room Alexa concept? As noted above, Hey Disney will be muted when Guests first arrive in their rooms, and it is possible to keep it muted for your entire stay. As for removing it altogether? Disney stated in its initial announcement that use of Hey Disney is optional (however, fans have pointed out that we do not yet know if this means Guests would simply choose not to use it, or if the devices themselves would not be included in Guest rooms for those who opt out.)
Disney has not yet specified a release date for Hey Disney, but we will continue to monitor its progress while testing and will be back with additional information as we have it here on Disney Tips.
