“Hey Disney” To Begin Testing At Disney’s Polynesian Village
After over a year of waiting, guests at Walt Disney World are finally getting a chance to experience Disney’s new “Hey, Disney!” voice assistant.
Guests staying Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort this week, have been notified that Cast Members may enter their room to install the Amazon Echo’s needed for the test.
Photo: Disney
What is Hey Disney
Originally announced in 2021, as a partnership between Disney and Amazon, “Hey, Disney” is an Alexa-like assistant that will be available for guests staying at Disney Resorts, and for Disney fans with Amazon devices at home (for an additional fee).
Hey, Disney will be first new voice assistant to come to the Amazon Echo since Alexa debuted the technology. The new assistant is the first to launch as part of Amazon’s Alexa Custom Assistant program. When guests say “Hey Disney”, they will be able to unlock Disney games, bedtime stories, jokes and other skills.
Hey Disney will also feature classic Disney characters including those form the stories of Marvel, Star Wars, The Muppets an Pixar.
These characters will interact with users, telling stories, and playing interactive games. The new assistant will also be able to play soundscapes inspired by Disney’s Parks and movies.
Photo: Disney
A New Resort Perk
Eventually, Disney is expected to add Echo Show 5 devices to more than 30,000 on-property rooms.
In addition to the previously mentioned features, while staying at a Walt Disney World Resort, Hey Disney will be able to help guests with their stay. The new assistant will be able to handle room requests such as asking for more towels, or getting help with luggage.
Photo: Disney
Hey Disney will also be able to tell guests when the next bus to a certain theme park is departing, or park hours.
In total, Hey Disney will have over 1,000 unique interactions, and Disney is not stopping there. The company is expected to continue to add new features for guests and at home users alike.
Photo: Disney
