Disneyland Opens Imagineering Labs App With AR Star Wars Game

Walt Disney Imagineering launched the Disney Imagineering Labs app on Nov. 10, giving Disneyland guests early access to experiments that are not ready for a general release, according to WDW News Today. The app opens with an augmented reality Star Wars adventure, and an AI-powered Disneyland assistant is due later. Magic Key holders at Disneyland Resort get early access to both before any wider rollout.

Disney describes the experiments as intentionally unfinished. Guest feedback will help decide what changes, what expands and what comes next.

An AR adventure in Galaxy’s Edge

The first experiment is Secrets of the Spire in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, released Nov. 10. It is an augmented reality adventure that guests play on their phones while inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland. Players scan locations and objects around Batuu to reveal hidden details and see how things work behind the scenes. The experience adds voice acting, haptic feedback and interactive challenges.

WDW News Today said it was invited to a hands-on test and tried the augmented reality, voice acting and game elements. The outlet compares the experience to the interactive Datapad that was part of the Play Disney Parks app and is no longer available. Secrets of the Spire builds on that Datapad.

The Disneyland Enchanted Guide

The second experiment is the Disneyland Enchanted Guide, an AI-powered assistant that Disney plans to introduce at a later date, described as coming soon. Guests can talk to it or use buttons. It answers questions, gives directions around the park and sends notifications about changing wait times. It also makes personalized recommendations based on what guests tell it.

The assistant can remember details a guest shares. WDW News Today gives examples such as a reminder about a restaurant the guest wanted to try, or help planning around changing conditions.

It also works with wearable devices, including Ray-Ban Meta Glasses and AirPods. A guest wearing Meta Glasses can hear turn-by-turn directions and get answers through the glasses without taking out a phone.

What this means for families visiting Disneyland

Early access goes to Magic Key holders first, and Disney has not given a date for the wider rollout. The Enchanted Guide has limits for now. It operates separately from the Disneyland app, so it cannot see dining reservations or Lightning Lane selections. WDW News Today says connecting those features in the future would make it a more useful hands-free companion.

The Secrets of the Spire game works only inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, so it applies to guests who are in that part of the park with a phone.

Source: WDW News Today