Disney’s Magic Bench Technology Could Change the Future of Park Attractions

Disney is known for its state-of-the-art technology, and its incredible ability to immerse it’s park guests in their favorite movies. The latest technology from Disney Research takes that immersion to a whole new level. They’ve combined physical space and virtual space to create a mixed reality, allowing people to share space with animated characters.

Mixed reality technology has required users to wear gear, like headsets, to immerse themselves in the technology. Disney Research has changed the game by creating what they call the “Magic Bench” giving users a multi sensory experience, free of wearable technology. Users sit on the bench, which also allows groups to enjoy this interactive experience together, and face a mirrored display, providing a third party point of view. Depth sensors and haptic actuators create the feeling of actually being there and interacting with the characters. Users will hear animated characters as they are coming, see them as they enter the space, and feel them as the interact with the bench.

This technology is incredible, take a look at the video below

As shown in the video, participants were able to interact with animated characters, one user even caught a ball from a character.

The possibilities with the Magic Bench are endless. With no need for wearable gear, the fully immersive experiences can be enjoyed together, among large groups. Just imagine how amazing this technology would be in a park attraction!

In fact, Disney Parks Blog recently posted about the new Mickey and Minnie ride coming to Hollywood Studios, saying “you’ll step through the movie screen and join Mickey and his friends like never before,” with Disney Imagineers calling the attraction “game-changing” using what they are calling a new “2 1/2 D” experience. Could this new technology be the same we are seeing with the Magic Bench? Only time will tell.

What do you think of the Magic Bench technology?

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