My Blog

If you follow Disney news in even the most rudimentary way, then you know the Walt Disney Company temporarily closed all six of its global theme parks earlier this due to the worldwide pandemic. Upon reopening, there have been some major changes to the Disney Parks experience.

Now that Walt Disney World Resort in Florida has begun its phased reopening, many Inside the Magic readers are wondering what, exactly, to expect when they once again return “home” to Disney World.

New regulations, like mandatory face masks and social distancing measures, are in-place, but there are also some incredibly cool technological innovations that have been implemented since Disney World’s parks began to reopen on July 11.

Here, we take a look at some hi-tech features you can enjoy next time you stay at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel.

On-Demand Disney Fireworks

One of the newest technology perks Disney Resort Guests get to experience is an on-demand fireworks show! Disney Parks officials have added a recorded version of the immensely popular Happily Ever After castle fireworks spectacular to all Walt Disney World hotel televisions!

Whether you’re staying at the luxe new Disney’s Riviera Resort or the value All-Star Movies Resort, you can watch fireworks anytime.

This is a great addition since all nighttime spectaculars remain suspended in Disney World theme parks due to physical distancing issues.

Keyless Hotel Room Entry

Another new technological innovation at Disney World is keyless resort room entry. Disney Parks Blog featured the following information about this addition to the My Disney Experience app:

If you haven’t used it yet, the digital key is the latest in the evolution of keyless room entry.   The service turns a Bluetooth®-enabled phone into a digital key that unlocks a room door, hotel entrance gate and other common area doors requiring a key.

There are several benefits to keyless room entry using your smartphone. First, you never have to worry about forgetting your key card in your hotel room. Secondarily, keyless entry ensures that Guests have a completely contactless experience whenever they need to get in or out of their Disney Resort rooms.

Chat With a Resort Cast Member

Since Walt Disney World Resort Guests have more questions than ever during their stays, Disney has added another new feature to the indispensable My Disney Experience app. Anyone who is staying in an onsite Disney Resort can now chat with a Cast Member without calling the front desk and waiting on hold.

Virtual chat is an awesome feature that allows guests to enjoy their park days without spending time on the phone. Instead, they can conveniently chat while they wait in a ride queue or take a breather and enjoy mobile ordering a meal.

What do you think about these new Disney World tech features that are designed to improve Guests’ theme park vacations even during these unprecedented times?

Next time you plan a visit to Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney‘s Hollywood Studios, or Disney‘s Animal Kingdom, let the experts at Academy Travel help you prepare for your trip. From choosing the right resort to understanding how your Magic Band works, their team is here for you!