AI Possibilities at Disney Parks as Seen Through Rose-Colored Metas

Disney is always looking for new ways to share stories. And increasingly those stories are trying to be more interactive, more immersive and more personalized. And at the same time, high tech companies are trying to be more interactive, more immersive and more personalized. One of those is Meta, or Facebook as many have come to know it. And as Mark Zuckerberg recently announced a new version of their Meta/RayBand eye wear, Disney has also announced that it will be partnering with Meta to create more interactive, more immersive, and more personalized experiences. With a pair of original Meta Glasses I recently received, I visited Disney’s Hollywood Studios to test them out. The outcome is this: Meta Glasses are astonishingly smart while being amazingly stupid. This episode shows you how they accomplish both. But in the wake of it, offers some glimpse of what the future might do. So kick back and enjoy this episode as we explore the AI Possibilities at Disney through Rose-Colored Metas.

This podcast is produced by myself and Performance Journeys, which offers training, development and consultant support to organizations big and small and entrepreneurs new and established. With a wide variety of resources and long-time in-the-trench experience, we offer workshops, online learning, coaching and more to organizations that want to build their teams, raise organizational excellence, improve leadership and create customer loyalty. Check us out at PerformanceJourneys.com.

Please support us by not only subscribing to this podcast but offering up a rating, review, or referral to others. Be sure to check out Disney Insights where we offer key points, photos, videos, links and more. Note that YouTube carries now carries our podcasts. So please subscribe to our Disney Insights YouTube page as it will be more a part of our social media strategy moving forward. We welcome any positive thoughts and comments on YouTube as well.

And for those on this blog, know that the substance of this topic and what is shared below can be found on our podcast. You can find this podcast on iTunes, Spotify, iHeart, Podchaser, PlayerFM, Boomplay, Podbean, and ListenNotes.

The following is an outline of what is presented in this podcast:

What Happened to the Metaverse?

Disney seeks to build a more personalized experience while being immersive, interactive and thematically detailed. In the last few years, it was thought that this could happen through the metaverse. They announced working with Apple to create through VisionPro such an experience. What they promised is possible. What they delivered has come short, as sales for Apple’s VisionPro has come out short.

VisionPro’s challenge is an expensive piece of hardware that creates such a world, but is not a practical one that could be implemented in a thematic park experience.

That said, there are possibilities with Meta and and especially, augmented reality at the theme parks. That’s because it offers the opportunity of using easy-to-wear glasses that could provide many of the options VisionPro has promised.

What is Augmented Reality, and what does it look like in a Disney theme park?

The Metaverse has the possibilities of creating an augmented reality at a Disney theme park that is more interactive, more immersive, and more personalized.

What are Meta Glasses?

Currently

• Core Functions
  • First and foremost, they are glasses–Prescription Glasses
  • Capture photos and videos–With a flashing light in the camera, Gen 1 captures a sort of square image, more vertical than horizontal. Work very well during the day, not so much at night.
  • Handsfree calls and messages–Better outgoing sound than with an iPhone.
  • Listen to music or other streaming sources
  • Control with voice or touch-sensitive areas
  • Limited abilities in providing your reminders, but not checklists

• AI Capabilities
  • Visual AI information available via voice metas
  • Real time information. The quality of this is similar to what you might get with Siri.
  • Object identification
  • Provides translation

Newest Version

What will new glasses offer:

• Augmented Reality Display: Private display integrated into the lens. Others can’t see it. It only shows an image in one eye. This includes making video calls
• Hands Are Control utilizing a Neural band or with voice commands. (Akin to how stormtroopers do it, but not not hand-in-glove).
• Navigation and Direction: It offers only walking direction, and not far, but it is able to geo place you. Map rotates with your hand
• See the viewfinder of what you are shooting.
• Glasses are bulkier than the earlier version
• Apps are currently limited and with Meta. But they are expected to go out of house.

The new glasses are retailing around $800, and that cost is prior to having any lens specially tailored for your eyes.

The Promise

Disney has announced its intent to partner with Meta This includes a Disney Cast Member “testing” the glasses by taking a walk through the park. We can hear Meta’s response to her questions.

• What’s that, can I ride it” It’s the Mark Twain River Boat, a classic Disneyland paddle boat. It’s nearby and you can board for a relaxing 14 minute ride.
• Where can I get a gluten-free snack? Tropical Imports right by you in Frontierland has fresh cuties, mandarins and other gluten-free snacks. Wanna check out the menu?
• Where can I get one of those? (she is looking at someone wearing a backpack with a porg keychain on the back).That’s a porg keychain and you can get one nearby at the creature stall here Galaxy’s Edge.
• What’s this ride and is it appropriate for my four year old? This is Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage. It is family friendly and perfect for young kids including your four year old (could Meta know the individual tastes of your children? Should it?)
• Meta: Hey Pirates of the Caribbean has a short wait time. That sounds great. How do I get there? Once you get to New Orleans Square (she is in New Orleans), Pirates of the Caribbean will be just ahead on your right.
• Meta: Hey Winnie the Pooh is nearby. Would you like to meet him? Can you tell me how you get there? (She is walking away from where Pooh visits guests)

The Reality

We tested what Meta can currently do, and what might potentially do by visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios. As I say in my books, the show begins in the parking lot.

Parking Lot–Hey Meta, remember where I am parked.

Going Through Security

Hey Meta, give me directions to Tower of Terror

The Cameraman–The sculpture is attributed to Blaine Gibson, but the life-sized bronze by the father-son team of Aldo and Andrea Favilli, The Cameraman was unveiled in 1995. A small plaque underneath the statue reads. “He envisioned dreams that others might share…” a quote attributed to M. Vignali 

“Hey Meta, what does J. Jeff Kober say in his review of Prime Time Cafe?” Nothing.

“Hey Meta, what does J. Jeff Kober of Disney Insights say about the Magic of Disney Animation?” Says I don’t directly reference it, but it does say that my book, Disney Hollywood Studios: From Show Biz to Your Biz does and then gives a summary. That book is out of date.

Hey Meta, what does J. Jeff Kober of Disney Insights say about the Tower of Terror?

J. Jeff Kober of Disney Insights talks about how Tower of Terror in Tokyo Disney Sea is completely unlike any other Tower of Terror and how its message is one of perseverance through tribulation.

Hey Meta where is the nearest restroom? Consult the Disney Parks app.

Hey Meta, what architectural style is represented here? (Five and Dime store). Eastern Columbia Building

Hey Meta, what is this? Despite several efforts, it finally says, “A building entitled Once Upon a Time.”

Hey Meta, what architectural style does this building represent (Tower of Terror)? This building is a blend of Mediterranean Revival and Spanish Colonial Architecture. It notes how you can see the same styles in the columns, archways and details that you can in the Roosevelt hotel and the I thank Meta and it invites me to enjoy my exploration of architecture while in Los Angeles.

Taking an image inside of a door confirmed the same thing.

Hey Meta, what architectural style or building (Beverly Sunset) does this borrow from?

Hey Mega, which of these items on the menu have the least amount of calories?

Hey Meta, what is this?

This is a pudding dessert with chocolate candies on top. Or, this is a dessert.

Hey Meta, looking at this menu, which items has the lowest calories.

Hey Meta, what is the estimated wait time at

• Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway: Is 50, Meta says 60
• Slinky Dog Dash: Is 60, Meta says 70
• Star Tours: The Adventures Continues: Meta says it doesn’t know but it’s the least popular
• Rise of the Resistance–States 410, then states 0

Hey Meta, where can I get an umbrella (standing on Hollywood Boulevard) Meta responds: Emporium (shop in a MK style park, Disney Clothiers (Shop at Disneyland. here It’s Keystone Clothiers) and Streets of America.

Hey Meta, how much does this cost? I don’t have a price nor do I know its availability, but I will soon have that capacity.

Hey Meta what is this? A Mickey themed bubble blower?

This is a Mickey Backgamon game–It’s a Mickey Bagatelle (precursor to pinball games)

Hey Meta what song is this?

• Sunset Boulevard (In the Mood)
• Echo Lake (not recognizable)
• Outside Park–Be Our Guest
• Outside Park–Never Had a Friend Like Me

Hey Meta, what kind of plant is this?

• Bird of Paradise
• Floribunda Roses
• Tricaina? Screw Pine Pandanus utilis

Sid Cuhenga’s–Hey Meta, given this sign, which location is furthest?

Answer: Tokyo, at 7,283 miles

Hey Meta, what is this?

Hey Meta, when is Magic of Disney Animation re-opening at Disney’s Hollywood Studios?” Sometime in the summer of 2026.

Hey Meta, when is Monstropolis opening at Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Monstropolis is not a place at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It only exists in the Pixar film, Monster’s Inc.

Parking Lot–Hey Meta, where did I park? “In a parking lot that included several palm trees.”

Future Capability

There are many possibilities, but Meta has really got to get its game together, especially when it comes to AI. And Disney has to do its part as well. As my dad used to say, “garbage in…garbage out”. If Disney doesn’t provide the right data. If Disney doesn’t know its own product. If Disney can’t provide the right apps on mobile device, what makes you think it will move the needle to a more interactive, more immersive, and more personalized experience. The opportunity is here. But it will come only when you can offer a superior experience that makes it worth buying an $800 set of glasses.

Want to visit Disney?

Hopefully this podcast has made you realize you need help and support in planning your next trip to Disney. David and Leah with Zanolla Travel know Disney in ways few do and they can make your next trip on land or sea an exciting one–or at least less stressful! Be sure to contact them as you explore your next vacation, whether it is a Disney theme park vacation, a cruise, or an Adventure by Disney. There is no charge to utilize their services, but it will save you enormous time getting all the details right, and with their insight you can be assured you’re going to experience the best trip possible. Contact them today!

David & Leah Zanolla

ZanollaTravel.com
Owner/Agents

Books From Your Host at Disney Insights

Another way you can support the podcast is through our books!

My newest book, A Century of Powerful Disney Insights, Volume I 1923-1973, The Walt & Roy Disney Years is available! 

Also, check out my two of my other books, The Wonderful World of Customer Service at Disney and Disney, Leadership and You. 

Also, for those examining other business benchmarks beyond Disney, check out Lead with Your Customer: Transform Culture and Brand Into World-Class Excellence.

Find Excellence in Your Organization!

This podcast and post is provided by J. Jeff Kober and Performance Journeys, which celebrates more than 20 years as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through books, keynotes, workshops, seminars and online tools to help you take your organization to the next level.

Want a Keynote Speaker? More than just nice stories, I offer proven insight and solutions having worked in the trench.

Need Consulting? I’ve worked for decades across the public, private and non-profit arena. 

Need Support? We offer so many classroom, online, and other resources to help you improve your customer service delivery, leadership development and employee engagement.

Contact us today, and let us help.

Thanks for joining us for this podcast, Know that as in the title of Performance Journeys, it’s as much about the journey as it is about performance. Find the second star to the right, and keep going straight on till you reach it. Follow the compass of your heart, and know that with a smile and a song, a little faith, effort and pixie dust, your dreams can come true. After all, if we can dream it, we can do it. Until next time, bright suns, we’ll see you real soon!