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 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

♬ original sound – DisneyFoodBlog

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

♬ original sound – DisneyFoodBlog

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

 

 

This new interactive Mickey animation is seriously mind-blowing and could forever change the concept of Disney in-park meet-and-greets if (and when) it’s implemented in the parks. We can’t wait to see what Disney has planned with this new tech.

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!

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.

In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more.

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