Disney Imagineering has a new idea for keeping you off your phone at Disneyland (www.techradar.com)

Disney Imagineering has unveiled an innovative AI-powered assistant called the Disneyland Enchanted Guide, designed to enhance the visitor experience while minimizing phone distractions. Set to be tested by Disneyland Magic Key holders through the Imagineering Labs app, this assistant allows guests to interact naturally, asking real-time questions like “Where’s the nearest Dole Whip?” or checking wait times for attractions, all while minimizing the need to look down at their phones. It can also utilize augmented reality features and connectivity with smart glasses, such as Meta’s Ray-Ban, to provide context-aware information based on what guests are looking at. This initiative is particularly significant for the AI and ML community as it showcases the application of natural language processing and multimodal interaction within a complex, dynamic environment like a theme park. Disney’s customizations ensure that the assistant delivers responses in a friendly, engaging manner, akin to interacting with a Cast Member. The success of the Enchanted Guide could set a precedent for the use of AI in enhancing user experiences in real-world environments, emphasizing immersion and interaction without needing to rely on traditional mobile experiences. As Disney tests this concept, it opens the door for future advancements in AI applications within entertainment and tourism industries.