Have you heard of Disney World’s Metaverse? If not, we’ve got you covered.

The future of Disney is all about the cutting edge of technology with the merge of technological and physical experiences, from rides and attractions to accessories and more in Disney Parks. So…what does all of this mean? Let’s go over it!

According to Disney, the official definition of the Disney Theme Park Metaverse is, “A shared magical world, created by the convergence of virtually enhanced physical reality and physically persistent virtual space.”

So how is Disney cultivating the Metaverse? There are three big ways, which they’re calling interactive storytelling, immersive storytelling, and personalized and social storytelling. There are overlaps between all three categories, but we’re going to go through the main examples of each and how Disney is shaping the future of their theme parks.

Read more about why you should care about the Disney Metaverse here.

Interactive Storytelling

Interactive storytelling is one of the ways Disney has been transitioning attractions to be more than just passive (or “linear”) shows for guests. These attractions actively involve the guest IN the ride, whether through the story or though interactive elements, like Toy Story Mania in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. On this ride, guests take up spring-action shooters to take aim at targets on a screen, and they even compete with other people in their ride vehicle for points.

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is another interactive ride in which guests enter the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon and actually control how the story turns out as they follow the narrative of attempting to steal Coaxium from the First Order. How you pilot or shoot can actually change the outcome of your ride.

And in Disney California Adventure, WEB SLINGERS at Avengers Campus takes the interactive storytelling another step further with the opportunity for guests to actually purchase a device to enhance their ride experience. You’re not just putting on 3D glasses, you can actually buy an accessory just for the ride!

Interactive storytelling can also be immersive storytelling, which aims to transport guests to another place entirely.

How exactly do the add-on Web Slingers make a difference on the ride?

Immersive Storytelling

With immersive storytelling, guests are actually part of the narrative and not just spectators. For example, guests can tap into their very own Star Wars Datapad through the Play Disney Parks app, which lets you scan droids, crates, transmissions, and more to engage directly with the space. It’s so much more than just walking around Disney World.

Some rides also serve as part of the interactive storytelling. On Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, First Order Cast Members actually “interrogate” guests (all in good fun) as they wait in line. You’re not just waiting in line for a ride — you’re part of the experience. YOU are who Finn, Poe, and others are trying to save!

And the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser (AKA the Star Wars hotel) will take immersive storytelling to a new level with two-night itineraries aboard the Halcyon for a fully immersive Star Wars experience in which guests can actually impact and change the narrative. Guests can choose how much (or how little) to participate, and their actions can have consequences on the ship’s narrative.

When you’re able to be not only transported but also be an influencer on your environment, the interactions transition to a more personalized experience in which you are actually part of the story.

Do you HAVE to participate in the story at the Star Wars hotel?

Personalized and Social Storytelling

Technology is a big part of Disney’s Metaverse, with the intention for guests to be able to access and engage with attractions. Disney recently launched the Disney Genie service as part of the My Disney Experience app, and it acts as a “personal assistant” in order to help customize the theme park experience for guests. It adapts and changes based on your preferences while it helps plan your day, recommend rides, wait times, restaurants, and more.

Coming in 2022, the MagicBand+ is another big step toward that personalized and social storytelling goal, with these new MagicBands capable of directly engaging with the environment.

The MagicBand+ adds features like haptics, lights, and gesture recognition to further enhance the theme park experience. There will also be interactive elements like a bounty hunter experience in Galaxy’s Edge, effects with the 50th anniversary statues, and fireworks shows that will sync with lights on the MagicBand. The MagicBand+ enhancements will allow guests to interact with Disney parks like never before.

And Amazon Alexa will be a complimentary service in Disney Resort hotels in 2022, and it will allow guests to communicate with “Hey Disney” for room amenities, park information, planning services, and more. The “Hey Disney” feature can act like a “magical companion” that can introduce guests to Disney characters, set alarms (useful for those early morning wake-ups during vacation), answer questions, and even guide guests to surprises. While staying at a Disney World hotel, “Hey Disney!” will be able to make your vacation easier by answering your questions and even fulfilling certain requests.

These advancements in technology offerings will allow guests to personalize their Disney experiences even more, contributing to an experience more tailored to the individual. And service and assistance without having to stop by the hotel front desk.

Learn more about Disney Genie customized itineraries here!

This is just some of the foundation for the Disney Theme Park Metaverse, and we can’t wait to see how Disney discovers new ways to enhance the theme park experience. Keep reading DFB for more Disney World news!

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What do you think of Disney’s Metaverse? Tell us in the comments!