In an earnings call this afternoon, Disney CEO Bob Chapek spoke briefly about the upcoming Disney Genie app. Here’s what Chapek had to say:
Additionally we’ve made significant investments in sophisticated technology and tools, created a revolutionary new multi-tiered service we’re calling Disney Genie. We’re very, very excited about the new service. We’ll be providing additional details soon. The goal will appear in the user-friendly app is to create a better, more personalized, and customized experience for guests. Putting them in control and providing even greater flexibility and choice. They will be able to spend less time waiting in line and figuring out what attractions and dining options are available and more time having fun.
Ben, you used the correct word transformational. MyMagic+ was sticking our toe in the pond of this type of transformational work. Disney Genie is the program on steroids. This is going to revolutionize the experience. Guests are going to spend less time waiting and more time having fun in the parks with a dramatically-improved guest experience that’s going to make their navigation of their day and planning of their day much easier. Essentially it is going to take the consumer preferences that we note from our consumers, given what we note from them and blend that with basically industrial engineering data in terms of how the park is operating that day and meld them together to make suggestions on the fly that not only will lead to the improved guest experience and lead to substantial commercial opportunities for us as the guest navigates their days. It is certainly qualifies in my mind for materiality and transformational impact on our business from the yield stand point.
Joining other innovations like the MagicBand, Disney Genie is being designed to help you make the most out of your visit, whether you’re a first-time guest or a seasoned pro.
Disney Genie will make planning easier and more fun by providing customized itineraries geared to your interests, right at your fingertips – from a royal, princess-themed day at Magic Kingdom Park to a trip around the world at Epcot for foodies and even a perfect day for thrill seekers. Certain features of Disney Genie will also be available through your preferred travel professional.
Sometimes you may know exactly what you want to do, but may not know the best time or order in which to do it. You’ll be able to tell Disney Genie what you’d like to experience, and it will quickly evaluate millions of options to present you with an optimal day. And best of all, it’s flexible! If you change your mind for any reason, Disney Genie will re-optimize your day.
Disney Genie can also send you real-time tips and updates, including recommendations for experiences it thinks you’ll love, helping you navigate the theme parks with added convenience and comfort. If you don’t want to worry about making reservations in multiple steps, Disney Genie will even take care of that for you.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!
That’s interesting considering how wildly inflated most of the wait times are that WDW presents to guests on its signage. Will they “optimize” your day based on those times or on actual times guests are experiencing hour-by-hour? Will they make the posted times more realistic to conform with the new app? Or, cynically, will they leave the posted times inflated so people will use the app, thinking it’s magically improving reality?
And if it doesn’t plan your day based on wait times at all, well, what good is it?