Disney Patents Technology to Create Its Own Metaverse Theme Parks
Disney already employs augmented reality (AR) technology at its theme parks, such as using projection mapping to bring its cast of characters to life on real-world structures. But the latest technology will track individual park visitors for personalized projections instead of mass entertainment. For instance, one family might see Mickey Mouse greeting them by a hot-dog stand, another could interact with Harry Potter while grabbing a cup of Butterbeer.
The upcoming technology aligns with Disney’s overall goal for story-telling through a 'three-dimensional canvas' as highlighted by CEO Bob Chapek during Disney's fourth-quarter earnings call in November 2021.
"Our efforts to date are merely a prologue to a time when we'll be able to connect the physical and digital worlds even more closely, allowing for storytelling without boundaries in our own Disney metaverse," Chapek said.
In Nov. 2020, Disney Resorts Chief Strategy Officer Tilak Mandadi shared in a Linkedin post on combining the best of the digital and physical world to 'unlock new layers of storytelling.'
“As we look to the future, connected park experiences that transcend the physical and digital barrier and unlock new layers of storytelling are a very exciting focus of ours. These experiences are perennial, and the guest engagement is inside and outside the parks. They are unique to you, but are also social and connected. They are constantly changing, so there is always something new to discover.”
In the meantime, Disney has 'no current plans' to use the virtual-world simulator technology in the near future, as told by a company spokesperson to the LA Times.