Disney AR Experiences Patented to Launch at their Theme Parks Worldwide

Entertainment and Media giant Disney announced that they had secured a patent for AR experiences across all their theme parks worldwide. So the happiest place on earth is headed to the Metaverse! Basically, the technology would facilitate headset-free augmented reality (AR) attractions at Disney theme parks.

Disney Secures Patent for AR Experiences

Disney received a patent for a “virtual-world simulator in a real-world venue” last December 28, 2021. The company originally filed it to the United States Patent and Trademark Office as early as July 2020. So even before the NFT boom and shift to the Metaverse, Disney has been anticipating the rise of Web3.

Disney’s technology works by tracking visitors using their mobile phones. Then, generating and projecting personalized 3D effects onto nearby physical spaces, walls and objects in the park. The possibilities are endless in terms of how it can elevate Disneyland’s iconic parade! In essence, the technology would bring the Metaverse to the physical world.

Let’s hear it from the Team

During the company’s 4th earnings call in November 2021, CEO Bob Chapek dropped hints about this move. He said, “We’ll be able to connect the physical and digital worlds even more closely, allowing for storytelling, without boundaries in our own Disney Metaverse.”

Meanwhile, as early as November 2022, MGM Resorts International chief strategy officer Tilak Mandadi shared a LinkedIn article clearly expressing his intention to blend the digital and physical world. He said, “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.”

According to Disney’s latest statement, they have “no current plans” to use the simulator in the near future. However, the technology is ready if they decide to turn Mandadi’s vision for a “Theme Park Metaverse” into reality!