29 Jun 2018
New Disney app transforms park experience with gaming addition
BY Tom Anstey
Disney is gamifying its park experience, releasing a new app which will add a new layer of interaction to its US locations.
Available as a free download from 30 June at both Disneyland Resort in California and Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, the Play Disney Parks app has been created with group play in mind, also offering visitors a new activity while waiting to ride its signature attractions.
Gamification of queue lines is a major part of the new application, with a number of interactive experiences available for select rides. At California Adventure, "Playset Party" will be available for the Toy Story Mania ride. The same ride at Hollywood Studios also offers the game, as well as “Andy’s Boardgame Blast!” at the newly-opened Slinky Dog Dash rollercoaster. At Disneyland, Peter Pan's Flight and Space Mountain have gaming experiences called "Off to Neverland" and "Rocket Race" respectively, with the same rides and games also on offer at Magic Kingdom.
In addition to the new games, guests signed into a Disney account can earn, collect and share uniquely themed achievements, rewarded for playing games, answering trivia, completing challenges and experiencing select attractions across both US resorts.
Disney has said it will continue to add to the application over time, with the operator already confirming new additions for the upcoming Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge lands coming in 2019 to its US parks.
The app is a first for Disney and is designed to enhance the existing park experience. In addition to the new games, the app is paired with Apple Music to offer curated audio experiences, featuring official Disney-themed playlists inspired by the parks, their attractions, and Disney characters. The app also acts as a park map, showing visitors where they are at any time.
Close Window