We’ve seen real, retractable Star Wars lightsabers. We’ve learned about omnidirectional treadmill technology called “the HoloTile floor.” We’ve seen all kinds of AMAZING robot technology. What will they think of next?!
©Disney
Disney has plenty of top-secret projects up its sleeves, that’s for sure! But what we just witnessed just might take the cake. Prepare to see something VERY interesting. OK, we did NOT expect to see this during D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.
Back in 2023, we attended the SXSW Conference. During the event, Disney executives debuted some interesting new technology. We saw a live demonstration where Tinker Bell was, well, Tink-sized, living in a tiny little lantern and chatting with Josh D’Amaro (Chairperson of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts).
@disneyfoodblog SHE’S REAL #disneysxsw #sxsw #disney #disneyworld #disneyparks #disneyimagineering #disneynews #wdw #imagineering #disneytech #tinkerbell
Here’s a closer look! Tink had a LOT to say, as you can see.
@disneyfoodblog Replying to @cozy.jenn my brain can’t process this #disneysxsw #sxsw #disney #disneyworld #disneyparks #disneyimagineering #disneynews #wdw #imagineering #disneytech #tinkerbell
Well, fast-forward to 2024, and Disney has even MORE new character technology! Disney debuted some industry-leading motion capture technology mixed with real-time animation. Yep, that’s THE Mickey Mouse (voiced by Bret Iwan) we’re talking to. The new interactive Mickey Mouse hologram was truly something incredible to see. We actually had the chance to speak to Mickey at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.
We got to interview Mickey!! This was such a special opportunity (and sooo cute!), and we got to ask him about his favorite magical moment! ✨
Grab your tissues for his answer! 🥹 #D23 pic.twitter.com/GfqIyOqQFk
— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) August 9, 2024
Over the course of our interview, we got to ask Mickey about his favorite memories (“working alongside Walt”), his favorite Disney snack (churros or turkey legs or hotdogs, as it was “hard to choose”), his favorite ride (Space Mountain), favorite park (“Disneyland, because it’s where it all started”), and finally his pick for mayor of Toontown (a surprising “Scrooge McDuck”).
Any guesses on Mickey’s favorite PARK? ✨❤️ #D23 pic.twitter.com/xNwNNmOKU0
— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) August 9, 2024
Mickey CONVERSING!
Speaking of, Disney has displayed some seriously impressive technology over the past few years, like the giant Hulk meet-and-greet, the wandering droids in Galaxy’s Edge, and even that adorable robot Groot. We’re sensing a new trend that is transforming character interactions in the parks!
Droids!
We can’t wait to learn more about the future of Disney character interactions. From holograms to robots, there’s a LOT to look forward to.
Want to read MORE about what's happening at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event? Check out our posts below!
In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more.
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Do you want to see this kind of unique technology used more in the Disney parks? Let us know in the comments!
Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Today, we were invited by Disney to attend their media preview of NEW technology. Note that when we attend events as media we are 1) Not required to review that event/food on any of our channels, and 2) Not required to review that event/food favorably. You can always count on DFB to give you a 100% unbiased and honest review of any event that we attend, food that we eat, or beverage that we drink. You can see more in our Disclosure Policy. Thank you for reading. — AJ
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
TRENDING NOW
The wildly popular character, Bluey, has come to Disneyland and will arrive in Disney World...
Wait. Is everyone HAPPY with this Disney change?
Pirates of the Caribbean in Disneyland is CLOSING for refurbishment.
A lot of new Disney movies are coming out within the next few years, but...
Does this snack change signal an even BIGGER one on the horizon?
Amazon just put a bunch of Disney items on sale!
Disney filed six permits for ONE resort.
We're heading to The Cake Bake Shop Bakery to try THREE new treats! Come along...
Disney just celebrated a popular Pixar character with a cake!
Uh oh. We hope this won't be a problem with the new Buzz Lightyear's Space...
We tried a WHOLE strawberry themed menu at Disney Springs.
RUN to Hollywood Studios for this delicious treat ASAP.
Check out these new pins just released on the Disney Store!
These Yacht Club restaurants might look very different soon.
These airplane upgrades are worth every penny!
The best Disney sales on Amazon right now!
The US State Department has issued a worldwide travel caution.
Universal Orlando is STILL expanding.
Some big changes are coming to Disney World dining.
We discovered some cool Easter eggs while riding Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger spin.