In a summer already rife with cybersecurity incidents, Disney (DIS.N) has found itself at the center of a major Disney data leak.

According to a report from the Wall Street Journal on Thursday, the leaked information includes financial strategies, customer data, and personal details of staff members.

Disney data breach has raised serious concerns about the security of one of the world’s largest entertainment companies, known for handling vast amounts of sensitive data across its many business divisions, including Disney+ and ESPN+.

What was in the Disney data leak?

The Disney data leak, first detected earlier this summer, involves over a terabyte of information stolen from Disney’s communication systems. While Disney acknowledged the breach in August, it is only now that we are learning just how extensive the compromised data is. The leak includes personally identifiable information (PII) such as passport numbers, visa details, and addresses of Disney Cruise Line employees.

Additionally, sensitive customer information like names, addresses, and phone numbers of cruise passengers was also exposed.

One of the more alarming aspects of this breach is the exposure of login credentials for Disney’s cloud infrastructure. These credentials could potentially give hackers access to critical backend systems, making it an even more severe threat.

Financial and strategic data compromised

Beyond personal data, the leaked files from Disney data leak contain detailed financial information, including revenue breakdowns for Disney+ and ESPN+.

There are also spreadsheets detailing Disney’s park pricing strategies and future offers, as well as other key financial metrics that could be valuable to competitors or malicious actors. This level of detail provides a rare inside look at Disney’s financial operations and business strategy, much of which is usually kept under wraps.

NullBulge is responsible for Disney data leak

The hacking group NullBulge is reportedly responsible for the attack.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the group leaked data from thousands of Slack channels, Disney’s internal communication platform. This breach alone has exposed more than 44 million messages, including sensitive computer code and information on unreleased projects. The leaks not only compromise internal operations but also could reveal details about future business plans and entertainment projects.

Disney’s response

Disney has yet to release a detailed public statement on the full scope of the Disney data leak, although they have acknowledged that an investigation is ongoing. Slack, which is owned by Salesforce, has also remained silent on the issue. The breach raises questions about the adequacy of both Disney’s and Slack’s security measures, especially given the scale of the data exposed.

In the short term, the data leak could have several implications. Exposed login credentials and cloud infrastructure data could lead to further breaches if not swiftly addressed. The release of sensitive customer and employee data could result in identity theft or other personal harm. For Disney, this breach could also affect their brand image, as they are trusted by millions of customers around the world.

What’s next?

As Disney continues its investigation, cybersecurity experts will be closely watching how the company addresses the breach and protects its systems from future attacks. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities even major corporations face in today’s digital landscape. If this breach is any indication, no company is immune to the risks of cyberattacks, and robust security measures are more important than ever.

While Disney scrambles to manage the fallout from this massive data leak, customers, employees, and even competitors will be waiting to see just how deeply this breach has affected one of the world’s most iconic companies.

Featured image credit: Emre Çıtak/Ideogram AI

The Disney wrongful death lawsuit was filed by Jeffrey Piccolo after his wife, Kanokporn Tangsuan, died from a severe allergic reaction following a meal at Raglan Road Irish Pub in Disney Springs, part of the Walt Disney World resort in Florida. The lawsuit alleges that the restaurant failed to adequately protect Tangsuan, who had known allergies to dairy and nuts, leading to her untimely death despite efforts to avoid allergens.

You might wonder what Disney+ has to do with this case. To understand, let’s explore Disney’s defense strategy, which revolves around two main points: the terms of the Disney+ subscription Piccolo signed up for in 2019 and the conditions tied to his online purchase of Epcot tickets.

Disney wrongful death lawsuit: Be careful what you signed

Disney’s first argument is based on a Disney+ free trial subscription that Piccolo signed up for in 2019. When he signed up, he agreed to terms and conditions that included a clause requiring all disputes with Disney to be resolved through arbitration instead of going to court. Disney argues that this agreement applies not just to Disney+ issues, but to any disputes involving Disney or its affiliates.

Disney’s legal team believes that by moving the case to arbitration, they can avoid the unpredictability and potential costs of a jury trial. They argue that this arbitration clause should cover the wrongful death claim, even though it’s about an incident at a Disney park, not directly related to the Disney+ service.

The Epcot ticket purchase

Disney is also using the terms associated with Piccolo’s purchase of Epcot tickets as part of their defense. When Piccolo bought these tickets online, he agreed to terms that included limits on Disney’s liability and required disputes to be resolved through arbitration. Disney’s lawyers claim that this agreement further protects the company from being sued in court and should be handled through arbitration instead.

Why is Disney making these arguments?

The defense strategy for the Disney wrongful death lawsuit is focused on enforcing these contracts to limit their legal risks. Arbitration is often seen as a quicker and less expensive way to resolve disputes compared to a court trial. By insisting on arbitration, Disney hopes to control how the case is handled and potentially avoid paying large damages that might come from a jury trial.

Disney’s legal team argues that even though the arbitration agreements were made in contexts unrelated to the incident at the restaurant, they are still legally valid because of the broad language used in the agreements. They are trying to prevent the lawsuit from moving forward in court to minimize the company’s legal exposure.

Disney hacked: Alleged +1TB leak includes secret projects and more

Legal controversy

This arguments have sparked outrage from Piccolo’s legal team, who called Disney’s stance “preposterous” and “outrageously unreasonable.” They argue that Disney’s attempt to link a wrongful death claim to a streaming service subscription is an overreach that undermines basic legal protections for consumers.

“Disney is essentially trying to prevent any of its 150 million Disney+ subscribers from ever taking them to court, regardless of the nature of the claim,” Piccolo’s lawyer, Brian Denney, stated in court documents.

The Disney wrongful death lawsuit seeks damages in excess of $50,000 under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act, including compensation for mental pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and funeral expenses.

The broader impact

This case has caught the attention of legal experts and consumer advocates alike. If Disney’s argument prevails, it could set a precedent that allows companies to limit consumers’ legal options through seemingly unrelated service agreements. For now, the outcome remains uncertain, but the case highlights the complexities and potential pitfalls of the fine print in user agreements.

As the Disney wrongful death lawsuit unfolds, it serves as a reminder for consumers to be vigilant about the agreements they sign, even when subscribing to something as seemingly innocuous as a streaming service.

This story is ongoing, and the final outcome could have far-reaching consequences for how corporations manage legal disputes in the digital age.

All images are generated by Eray Eliaçık/Bing

Disney hacked and became the latest high-profile victim of a significant cyberattack, allegedly perpetrated by the hacktivist group NullBulge. The Disney data breach reportedly exposed over 1.1 TiB (1.2 TB) of internal data, primarily sourced from the company’s Slack communications with the help of an inside man until he got “cold feet.”

Although there is no official confirmation yet, Disney’s unreleased projects, messages, raw images, and other sensitive data started to circulate on breach forums.

Disney hacked 2024: Inside the Disney leak

NullBulge announced their exploit on breach forums on July 12, 2024, claiming they had accessed and leaked extensive data from Disney’s internal Slack workspace. This workspace, heavily utilized by Disney’s development teams, contained thousands of channels filled with sensitive information, including:

• Messages: Conversations between employees discussing projects, plans, and proprietary information.
• Files: Various documents and media files shared internally.
• Unreleased projects: Details about projects that had not yet been publicly announced.
• Raw images and code: Source code and graphic assets in development stages.
• Credentials and internal links: Access information for internal APIs and web pages.

Here is a sample of what they allegedly have:

How did the Disney leak happen? You should probably ask it to Matthew J. Van Andel

“The exact details of how the Disney leak occurred have not been fully disclosed, as investigations are ongoing. The alleged hackers (NullBulge) stated on X (formerly Twitter) that they had compiled and leaked everything they could access, inviting the public to view Disney’s internal workings. According to NullBulge’s claims, they had an insider for the Disney hack, and they attempted to go deeper until their insider, Matthew J. Van Andel, decided to kick them out. According to his LinkedIn profile, he works as a build manager for The Walt Disney Company. There is no official information on whether he is really involved or not.

#DisneySlackLeak#Disney has had their entire dev slack dumped. 1.1TiB of files and chat messages. Anything we could get our hands on, we downloaded and packaged up. Want to see what goes on behind the doors? go grab it.https://t.co/saVx4lxgsy pic.twitter.com/FitM8hmOEE

— NullBulge (@NullBulgeGroup) July 12, 2024

It’s more than just a hack for NullBulge

NullBulge claims to advocate for artists’ rights, seeking fair compensation and recognition for creators and claim that the Disney leak happened for it. This mission resonates amid ongoing disputes at Disney, where figures like Neil Gaiman and Alan Dean Foster allege the company withholds royalties from artists, especially those involved in franchises like “Star Wars” and “Alien.”

Rumors suggest NullBulge might be linked to the LockBit ransomware gang, using tools associated with them for the Disney data breach.

Need a recap? Disney hacked by the hacktivist group NullBulge, which allegedly resulted in the exposure of extensive internal data. This Disney data breach, reportedly facilitated by an insider, leaked over 1.2 terabytes of sensitive information, including unreleased projects, internal communications from Slack, and raw images. The incident prompted Disney to investigate the breach’s scope and bolster its cybersecurity measures. Legal ramifications are expected, with concerns over data protection and corporate governance likely to be scrutinized.

Featured image credit: Eray Eliaçık/Bing

Disney Dream Key Settlement is the latest example of how careful you should be when advertising. A class action settlement has been reached with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc. (WDPR) concerning the Dream Key pass, part of Disneyland’s Magic Key program. The settlement, totaling $9.5 million, addresses allegations that Disney misled customers about the availability of reservations for Dream Key holders, despite promises of “no blockout dates.”

Disneyland is set to compensate around 100,000 individuals due to a class action settlement concerning its Dream Key passes. Are you one of them? Here is everything you need to know about the Disney Dream Key Settlement.

Disney Dream Key Settlement: Lawsuit details

The lawsuit was initiated by California resident Jenale Nielsen in 2021. Nielsen and other plaintiffs alleged that Disney breached contractual promises and violated the California Consumer Legal Remedies Act (Cal. Civ. Code § 1750, et seq.). They argued that Disney’s failure to provide unrestricted reservation availability as advertised constituted deceptive practices.

Nielsen’s complaint highlighted that although Disney marketed the Dream Key pass as offering unrestricted access to reservations, she and others faced difficulties securing reservations on desired dates in November 2021. This contradiction between the marketing and the actual reservation experience led to the legal action.

Disney denied any wrongdoing or liability. Despite this, both parties opted to settle the lawsuit to avoid the uncertainties and costs associated with a trial. This decision reflects a common legal strategy where a settlement is reached without admission of fault to mitigate potential legal and financial risks.

Eligibility for the Disney Dream Key Settlement

The Disney Dream Key Settlement applies to all individuals who purchased a Dream Key pass between August 25, 2021, and October 25, 2021. About 103,435 people fall into this category. These individuals will receive a payment as part of the settlement.

How much is it per person?

The total settlement amount is $9.5 million. After deducting attorney fees and other legal expenses, each eligible passholder will receive approximately $65. This distribution ensures that all affected passholders receive compensation for the alleged breach of promises.

Disney Dream Key Settlement: How to claim it?

The Disney Dream Key Settlement administrator is responsible for disbursing the payments. Checks will be sent automatically to the last known mailing addresses of eligible passholders unless they opted for electronic payments.

The deadline to select electronic payment was in January. For those who chose this option, electronic payment links will be emailed on June 14. Passholders must claim their funds by September 12.

What does this mean for Disneyland pass holders?

The Dream Key pass has been discontinued and replaced by the Inspire Key. The Inspire Key, while still offering substantial benefits, does include some blockout dates, unlike the Dream Key’s original promise.

The Dream Key settlement shows how important it is for companies to be clear and accurate with their promises to consumers. If you qualify for compensation, ensure your contact information is current to receive your payment quickly.

All images are generated by Eray Eliaçık/Bing

There’s been quite the buzz about a wild idea: Disney buys the Bible rights. It all started with a TikTok video from user @claretas.voice, who claimed Disney had shelled out a whopping $7.2 billion for the holy book’s rights. According to her, Disney wanted to make a Bible series.

@claretas.voice

Wait‼️Did Disney make a Bible? #bible #jesus #endtimes #christiantiktok

♬ For movie / picture / action / suspense – G-axis sound music

She even mentioned that specific verses had been removed from certain Bible versions after Disney’s buyout. But here’s the thing: it’s not true. Fact-checkers found that the article she mentioned was just a joke, not real news. Want to learn how a claim like this trending on social media? Keep reading…

Disney buys the Bible rights rumor: Another social media hoax trending

The “Disney buys the Bible rights” rumor is a fictitious claim that suggests the Walt Disney Company has acquired the rights to the Holy Bible. According to the rumor, Disney allegedly purchased these rights for a significant sum, purportedly around $7.2 billion, with the intention of producing a series or movies based on biblical stories.

The rumor gained traction on social media platforms, particularly after a TikTok video surfaced featuring a user claiming to have read an article about Disney’s acquisition of the Bible rights. This claim was further embellished with assertions that specific verses, notably Matthew 17:21, were omitted from certain Bible versions following Disney’s acquisition.

Despite the widespread dissemination of this rumor, fact-checking efforts have revealed it to be unfounded. The article referenced in the TikTok video was found to be a parody piece, lacking any basis in reality. Additionally, reputable sources have clarified that the Bible is not subject to copyright and remains accessible to all without restriction.

While the rumor may have captured the imagination of many, particularly given Disney’s history of adapting literary works and retelling classic stories, there is no verifiable evidence to support the claim of a Disney-owned Bible. Moreover, similar rumors have surfaced in the past, often originating from satirical websites or social media hoaxes.

Disney x Epic Games: Did Disney buy Fortnite?

In essence, the “Disney buys the Bible rights” rumor serves as a cautionary tale about the proliferation of misinformation in the digital age. It underscores the importance of critical thinking and fact-checking in evaluating the validity of online claims, particularly those that seem too fantastical to be true.

Don’t believe everything you see on social media

False information can spread like wildfire on social media. A claim like “Disney buys the Bible rights” can become popular on social media for a few reasons:

• Surprising idea: People find it interesting and unexpected that a big company like Disney might buy the rights to the Bible.
• Lots of sharing: If someone with lots of followers, like a famous person or a popular account, talks about it, more people hear about it.
• People believe what they want: Some folks are likelier to believe things that fit what they already think. So, if they already don’t trust Disney or big companies, they might believe the rumor more easily.
• Not checking facts: On social media, things spread quickly, and not everyone checks if something is true before sharing it. If a rumor seems possible, people might share it without making sure it’s real.
• Looking for interesting stuff: People like to share things that are exciting or make them curious. Claims like “Disney buys the Bible rights” are interesting and make people want to talk about them.
• People stick together: Social media can make people only see things that agree with what they already think. If a rumor fits with what a group already believes, they might share it more within that group.

So, when a claim like “Disney buys the Bible rights” pops up, it can spread quickly because it’s surprising, easy to share, and fits with what some people already think or believe.

Big collaborations can spark a lot of buzz. Recently, there’s been a lot of talk about a major partnership between Disney x Epic Games. Some people are wondering: Did Disney buy Fortnite? Well, not exactly.

Did Disney buy Fortnite?

No, Disney did not buy Fortnite. The collaboration between Epic Games and Disney involves Disney taking a $1.5 billion equity stake in Epic Games as part of a partnership agreement. This means Disney has made a significant investment in Epic Games, but it does not entail Disney acquiring Fortnite outright. Instead, the collaboration aims to merge the worlds of Disney’s extensive character catalog with the Fortnite universe to create a new digital entertainment experience.

Disney x Epic Games deal explained

The collaboration between Disney and Epic Games marks a significant milestone in the realms of gaming and entertainment. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the deal:

• Partnership announcement: Epic Games and Disney teamed up to work together on a big project.
• Disney’s investment: Disney put $1.5 billion into Epic Games, showing they believe in Epic’s ideas.
• Big blans: They want to create a huge digital world where Disney characters, like those from Marvel and Star Wars, can hang out with Fortnite characters.
• Using technology: They’ll use Epic’s cool Unreal Engine technology to make this digital world feel real and exciting.
• Connected with Fortnite: You’ll be able to hop between this new world and Fortnite easily, so it’s all connected.
• More than just Fortnite: Epic Games wants to do more than just Fortnite, so they’re making other games like Lego Fortnite and Rocket Racing.
• Online shopping: You’ll be able to buy Disney-themed stuff in the Fortnite game, like outfits and items, which is pretty cool.
• Characters in the game: Characters from Disney movies, like Star Wars and Marvel, will show up in Fortnite as playable characters, which is fun for fans.
• Events and more: They’ve already done some cool events together in Fortnite, and they plan to do even more stuff like that in the future.
• Release date: We don’t know exactly when everything will be ready, but it seems it won’t be too long before we can explore this new digital world.

In short, Disney and Epic Games are teaming up to make something big and exciting for gamers and Disney fans.

Disney buys the Bible rights rumor explained

What does the Disney x Epic Games deal mean for the sector?

First, it means we’re likely to see even bigger and more exciting digital worlds. By bringing Disney’s famous characters into Fortnite’s gameplay, the deal opens up new possibilities for immersive experiences. This partnership could lead to better technology in games. Epic’s Unreal Engine is already top-notch, but with Disney’s involvement, we might see even more impressive graphics and storytelling in future games.

Disney x Epic Games deal shows that games are becoming more connected across different devices. With this deal, players can seamlessly hop between the new Disney universe and Fortnite, setting a trend for other games. Also, there’s a chance for game companies to make more money in creative ways. By selling Disney-themed stuff in Fortnite, like outfits and items, Epic Games can tap into a whole new market.

Collaborations like this highlight the potential for other brands to team up with game developers. This could lead to even more exciting crossovers and experiences for players. Epic Games expanding into different types of games shows that the industry is diversifying. This could inspire other developers to explore new genres and ideas.

Lastly, the focus on community and social interaction in this deal reminds us how important games are for bringing people together. Creating shared digital spaces where players can hang out and have fun is becoming increasingly important in gaming.

Overall, the Disney x Epic Games deal is a big deal for the industry, and it’s likely to shape the future of gaming and entertainment for years to come.

Featured image credit: Fortnite

The introduction of the Disney HoloTile floor, as recently announced alongside Lanny Smoot’s induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame, heralds a new era in virtual reality (VR) technology. This innovative development, second only to Walt Disney himself in terms of Disney’s technological milestones, has the potential to revolutionize VR experiences, drawing parallels to the Holodeck from Star Trek.

What is Disney HoloTile floor?

The company showcased the HoloTile floor through a video and blog post celebrating Smoot, a holder of over 100 patents, 74 of which were earned during his 25-year tenure at The Walt Disney Company.

The Disney HoloTile floor is heralded as the “world’s first multi-person, omni-directional, modular, expandable, treadmill floor.” Imagine a surface composed of numerous tiles, each working diligently to keep individuals or objects centered. This innovation paves the way for multiple users to simultaneously engage in a VR experience, enabling unrestricted movement in any direction without the risk of collisions or stepping off the platform.

At Disney Experiences, we’re committed to world-class storytelling, creativity, and innovation in everything we do, and Lanny Smoot embodies every one of those ideals. As Disney’s most prolific inventor, Lanny continues to amaze all of us with his artistic ingenuity, technical expertise, and endless imagination.

-Josh D’Amaro, Chairman, Disney Experiences

Virtual reality has already brought immense enjoyment to many, offering exceptional experiences. However, despite its advancements, VR often encounters certain limitations in its immersive capabilities. The introduction of the Disney HoloTile floor aims to overcome these boundaries, enhancing the overall VR experience.

The Disney HoloTile floor represents Disney’s vision for a future where the current limitations of virtual reality are eradicated. This technology promises the sensation of traversing vast environments while physically remaining in a singular location. For fans of Star Trek, this innovation bears a striking resemblance to the Holodeck concept – a compact space capable of virtually transporting the crew to various locations for leisure and relaxation, barring its occasional, more perilous malfunctions.

But the capabilities of the Disney HoloTile floor extend beyond mere locomotion. It also has the capacity to manipulate objects within its space. Demonstrated in a video, an object is seen being maneuvered across the floor, accompanied by an arm gesture reminiscent of using the Force to telekinetically guide the object.

We created our Disney AI movie script, meet Lila!

The potential applications of the HoloTile floor go beyond virtual reality. Disney envisions its use as a dynamic element in theatrical stages, offering new dimensions of movement and dance for performers, and innovative ways to manipulate stage props and settings.

Disney HoloTile floor’s potential in enhancing home entertainment cannot be overstated. With this technology, the concept of a home theater could evolve into a fully interactive, multisensory experience, where viewers are not just spectators but active participants in the story.

The possibilities of the Disney HoloTile floor seem boundless. It holds the promise of transforming our interaction with digital content, blurring the lines between physical and virtual worlds. While the practical applications are yet to be fully realized, the potential for creating new forms of entertainment and educational experiences is incredibly exciting. Disney’s continued innovation paves the way for a future where our wildest imaginations can come to life.

However, as Lanny Smoot cautions, the specific applications of this technology remain undecided. While it might be premature to anticipate its immediate implementation, the HoloTile floor offers an exciting preview into future possibilities. This technology holds the potential to revolutionize how we engage with our favorite Disney universes, whether in Disney Parks, at home, or in other entertainment settings.

Featured image credit: The Walt Disney Company

Join the latest sensation sweeping social media: the Disney Pixar AI dog trend, all thanks to groundbreaking AI advancements!

Remember our recent guides on crafting Disney AI posters and movie scripts?

Using those same techniques, you can effortlessly bring to life Disney Pixar-style dog characters. Ready to conjure up your own unique characters with ChatGPT?

Essentials to get started:

• A ChatGPT account (ChatGPT Plus recommended for optimal results)
• Bing Image Creator.
• Or, as an alternative, consider using Midjourney.

Is the Pixar Harry Potter movie real or AI-generated?

Disney Pixar AI dog trend: Generate your own character with DALL-E 3

By adhering to the outlined instructions, you can efficiently generate a Disney AI dog. Within minutes, you’ll witness your conceptual vision materialize:

• First go to ChatGPT.
• Enter the following prompt: “I’d like to generate a dog image in the style of Disney Pixar using DALL-E. Could you please create three distinct dog characters for me? Please name each one and provide a detailed physical description in 40 words.”
• ChatGPT will provide you with 3 different characters, as seen below:

“Baxter:

• Description: Medium-sized golden retriever with big, expressive hazel eyes. A slightly floppy ear on the right. Always has a shiny, blue bandana around his neck. Enthusiastic and always seems to be smiling. Fluffy tail wags constantly.

Lulu:

• Description: Tiny, white Maltese with a pink bow atop her head. Dainty and always appears to be tiptoeing. Large, round blue eyes framed with long lashes. Carries a petite, heart-shaped locket around her neck. Soft, cloud-like fur.

Rusty:

• Description: Sturdy and stout bulldog with a brindle coat. Has droopy, dark eyes and an underbite showing two bottom teeth. Wears a studded, leather collar. A small scar on his left eyebrow. Loyal demeanor with a slow, deliberate walk.“

• Now it’s time to generate the images! For the sake of this guide, we will choose “Lulu.”

There are two ways to do it: ChatGPT Plus or Bing Image Creator

ChatGPT Plus

With ChatGPT Plus, you have integrated access to DALL-E 3, enabling seamless image generation directly within ChatGPT.

• Go to ChatGPT.
• Open a new chat and select “DALL-E 3.”

Enter your prompt, ours is:

“Generate Lulu. Imagine her as a dog from a Disney Pixar movie. Place her in a Disney-style movie scene.

Lulu: A tiny, white Maltese with a pink bow atop her head. She is dainty and always appears to be tiptoeing. She has large, round blue eyes framed by long lashes and carries a petite heart-shaped locket around her neck. Her fur is soft and cloud-like.“

The result:

Bing Image Creator

With Bing Image Creator, you can take advantage of free credits to generate images using DALL-E 3.

• Visit the provided link.
• Log in using your Microsoft account.
• Input the same prompt to start generating your image.

The result:

Creating DALL-E 3 and Midjourney prompts for characters, logos, etc. is very easy with ChatGPT.

If you opt for Midjourney, you can also check out our guide on how to use Midjourney on Discord. If you want to dive even deeper, these are the Midjourney prompt commands and parameters that you need to learn ASAP.

Featured image credit: Kerem Gülen/DALL-E 3

Enter a world where the silver screen meets cutting-edge technology as we delve into “Pixar AI movies” and imagine a cinematic fusion that brings the finest IMDb-rated films to life through the enchanting lens of Pixar’s animation and storytelling prowess.

Pixar has consistently dazzled us with its remarkable ability to breathe life into animated characters and transport us to magical worlds. From the heartwarming friendship between a clownfish and a forgetful blue tang in “Finding Nemo” to the heartfelt exploration of complex emotions in “Inside Out,” Pixar has set a benchmark for storytelling that tugs at the heartstrings of audiences of all ages.

Join the latest Disney Pixar AI dog trend now

But what if we could reimagine the most beloved movies in cinema history using the enchanting storytelling style of Pixar, according to ratings from discerning viewers on IMDb? Imagine classics like “The Godfather,” “The Dark Night,” or “The Lord of the Rings” with the whimsical touch of Pixar’s animation and the emotional depth that their stories are known for. Thanks to advancements in artificial intelligence and the incredible capabilities of models like DALLE-3, we can now envision a world where the best of both worlds collide.

In this article, we will embark on a cinematic journey, exploring the exciting possibilities of what would happen if the most highly rated IMDb films were reimagined as Pixar animated masterpieces, accompanied by stunning AI-generated images to ignite your imagination. Plus, we will explain how to generate your own Pixar AI movie posters easily, too! So grab your popcorn, fasten your seatbelts, and get ready to witness the magic that unfolds when the art of storytelling meets the prowess of artificial intelligence.

Pixar AI movie posters: 10 best IMDb movies re-imagined

While Pixar’s animated classics have charmed us with their endearing characters and captivating narratives, AI, in the form of powerful models like DALLE-3, has pushed the boundaries of creativity, enabling us to explore new horizons in storytelling and visual artistry. These advancements in technology not only offer the potential to enhance the way we experience cinema but also invite us to consider the limitless possibilities of blending the magic of storytelling with the brilliance of AI-generated imagery.

We created our Disney AI movie story, meet Lila!

So, let’s set the stage for a captivating journey where we’ll witness how these two remarkable forces converge to breathe fresh life into some of the most celebrated films in history.

• The Good, the Bad and the Ugly Pixar AI movie poster’s prompt: Generate a Pixar-style poster about a movie called The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. The film is about A bounty hunting scam joins two men in an uneasy alliance against a third in a race to find a fortune in gold buried in a remote cemetery.

• The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring Pixar AI movie poster’s prompt: Generate a Pixar-style poster about a movie called The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. The film is about A meek Hobbit from the Shire and eight companions set out on a journey to destroy the powerful One Ring and save Middle-earth from the Dark Lord Sauron.

• Pulp Fiction Pixar AI movie poster’s prompt: Generate a Pixar-style poster about a movie called Pulp Fiction. The film is about The lives of two mob hitmen, a boxer, a gangster and his wife, and a pair of diner bandits. Write the name of the movie on the poster.

• The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Pixar AI movie poster’s prompt: Generate a Pixar-style poster about The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. Write the name of the movie on the poster

Is the Pixar Harry Potter movie real or AI-generated?

• Schindler’s List Pixar AI movie poster’s prompt: Generate a Pixar-style poster about Schindler’s List. the film is about In German-occupied Poland during World War IIWrite the name of the movie on the poster

• 12 Angry Man Pixar AI movie poster’s prompt: Generate a Pixar-style poster about 12 Angry Men. the film is about The jury in a New York City murder trial is frustrated by a single member whose skeptical caution forces them to more carefully consider the evidence before jumping to a hasty verdict. Write the name of the movie on the poster

• The Godfather Part II Pixar AI movie poster’s prompt: Generate a Pixar-style poster about The Godfather Part II. the film is about The early life and career of Vito Corleone in 1920s New York City is portrayed, while his son, Michael, expands and tightens his grip on the family crime syndicate. Write the name of the movie on the poster

• The Dark Knight Pixar AI movie poster’s prompt: Generate a Pixar-style poster about The Dark Knight. The film is about how, when the menace known as the Joker wreaks havoc and chaos on the people of Gotham, Batman must accept one of the greatest psychological and physical tests of his ability to fight injustice. Write the name of the movie on the poster.

• The Godfather Pixar AI movie poster’s prompt: Generate a Pixar-style poster about The Godfather. the film is about Don Vito Corleone, head of a mafia family, decides to hand over his empire to his youngest son Michael. However, his decision unintentionally puts the lives of his loved ones in grave danger. Write the name of the movie on the poster

• The Shawshank Redemption Pixar AI movie poster’s prompt: Generate a Pixar-style poster about The Shawshank Redemption. The film is about Over the course of several years, two convicts form a friendship, seeking consolation and, eventually, redemption through basic compassion. Write the name of the movie on the poster.

How to generate Pixar AI movie posters

To craft Pixar-inspired movie posters, users can follow a straightforward procedure:

• Launch the Edge and activate Bing Image Creator.
• Sign in using your Microsoft account credentials.
• Input a text prompt in the top image field. We recommend using “Generate a Pixar-style movie poster…” and adding a brief description of the imaginary movie.
• Click the “create” button to begin the creative process.

For more detailed AI generations, please visit our article about how to create Disney AI posters with ChatGPT and Midjourney.

Creating Disney AI characters and weaving enchanting movie scripts is now a reality. With the prowess of ChatGPT, the artistry of DALL-E 3 and Midjourney, anyone can step into the shoes of a storyteller. Whether it’s for leisure, to ignite a child’s imagination, or for educational adventures, these AI-generated Disney characters offer a captivating playground for all to explore.

How did we create a Disney AI movie script with images?

Making a Disney-inspired movie script with stunning visuals is more than just pressing a few buttons; it’s a blend of passion, creativity, and a dash of tech magic.

Latest ChatGPT trends to give you viral and productive ideas

Storytelling

Every memorable Disney story starts with a heartbeat – the essence of storytelling. Remember those tales of brave hearts, whimsical adventures, and magical lands? That’s where we begin. With ChatGPT, we’re not just typing; we’re breathing life into characters. Whether you give it a nudge with some ideas or let it run wild, you’ll find characters springing to life, ready for their own Disney-esque adventure.

Imagining the world

Characters need a home, a place where their stories can unfold. And oh, the places you can go! Drawing from the character’s tales, you can dream up enchanted woods, bustling towns, or mysterious realms. Here’s the best part: there are no rules. Your imagination is the only limit.

Bringing it to life

With the foundation set, it’s time for the fun part – visuals! If you’re unsure about how to make your story pop visually, fear not. We’ve got a guide that’s as simple as ABC. It’s not about tech jargon; it’s about transforming your story into a visual treat.

Pixar AI movie posters: What if the best IMDb movies were made by Pixar

What we did

• We headed over to ChatGPT and popped the question: “Can you create a Disney character for us?” And voila! Our character was born.
• With our character ready, we asked ChatGPT to craft three separate 30-second movie scripts, setting the stage for our mini movie.
• As the scripts took shape, we tapped into the power of DALL-E 3 to breathe visual life into our story, turning words into vibrant scenes.
• A little side note: We could’ve also use Midjourney for some image prompts, but hey, let’s save that adventure for another day!

What you should

• You can first visit our dedicated guide on how to use Midjourney on Discord to create unique images, if you are a Midjourney person.
• Then you can read this tutorial on how to create Midjourney prompts for characters, logos, etc. Don’t worry the same character sheets can also be very beneficial for DALL-E 3.
• Next, you can start generating new Disney AI posters easily.
• This know-how will be enough for you to start creating a Disney AI movie, when you get the essence, rest is imagination and the magic of AI!

Disclaimer: This content and its creations are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Walt Disney Pictures. This is an independent experimental project designed solely for entertainment and educational purposes.

Lila, the Luminous Firefly

“Lila is a vibrant firefly with iridescent wings that shimmer in varying shades of blue and purple. Her body is a soft golden color, emanating a gentle, warm glow. She has big, expressive hazel eyes with long, fluttering lashes. Around her neck, she wears a tiny necklace made of dewdrops, which reflect the moonlight. Her wings, while delicate in appearance, are strong and allow her to perform swift, balletic moves in the air.

Backstory: Lila hails from the Whispering Woods, a mystical forest where creatures communicate through melodies and light patterns. Unlike other fireflies who can only produce a yellowish light, Lila’s unique multicolored glow makes her stand out. As a young firefly, she often felt out of place and longed to find others like her. However, as she grew older, she realized that her distinct light was a gift, allowing her to communicate emotions and stories that others couldn’t. With her special ability, she took on the role of the forest’s historian, preserving the tales and memories of the Whispering Woods.”

3, 2, 1 action!

[Scene: Nighttime in the Whispering Woods. The forest is alive with the soft glow of various fireflies. The moonlight filters through the trees, creating a serene ambiance. A gentle melody fills the air as creatures communicate through their unique luminescent patterns.]

Narrator (V.O): “In a forest where light tells tales, and melodies convey messages, there was one firefly whose glow was unlike any other…”

[Camera zooms in on LILA, who’s flying gracefully, her wings shimmering and her body radiating a multicolored light. She dances around a group of yellow-glowing fireflies, her vibrant colors contrasting with theirs.]

Lila (singing softly): “Though I glow a different hue, my light tells a tale that’s true. In this forest, vast and wide, with my colors, I take pride.”

[As she sings, her glow intensifies, painting the nearby flora in shades of blue and purple. The other fireflies gather around, entranced by her luminance and melody.]

Narrator (V.O): “Meet Lila, the luminous firefly, with a story that’s waiting to unfold…”

[Scene: The Whispering Woods begin to change. The once-clear night sky is now filled with dark, swirling clouds. An ominous wind starts to pick up, causing the trees to sway violently. The creatures of the forest sense a disturbance and start to panic. The melodies become chaotic and anxious.]

Narrator (V.O): “But not all tales in the Whispering Woods are joyous…”

[Lila, sensing the change in the atmosphere, looks up and notices a shadowy figure looming at the edge of the forest. It’s a sinister-looking moth, much larger than the fireflies, with tattered dark wings and glowing red eyes. It emits a strange, discordant tune, disrupting the harmonious melodies of the forest.]

Lila (alarmed): “Who are you? What brings you to our woods?”

Shadowy Moth (with a deep, echoing voice): “I am Moros, the Moth of Silence. I seek to extinguish the lights and songs of these woods, and plunge it into eternal darkness.”

[Lila, summoning her courage, decides to confront Moros. Her glow intensifies, and she starts to fly towards the menacing moth, determined to protect her home and the stories of the Whispering Woods.]

Narrator (V.O): “With bravery in her heart, Lila prepares to face the unknown, to ensure the legacy of the Whispering Woods remains luminous…”

[Scene: Lila approaches Moros with determination. The atmosphere is tense, and the creatures of the forest watch in anticipation. As Lila gets closer, she notices Moros trying to hum a tune but failing miserably, causing the discordant sounds.]

Lila (curiously): “Moros, why are you trying to disrupt our melodies?”

Moros (sheepishly): “I… I’ve always wanted to sing like the creatures of the Whispering Woods. But my voice… it’s just not harmonious.”

Lila (giggling): “Is that why you wanted to silence the woods? Because you felt left out?”

Moros (looking down): “Yes… I just wanted to be a part of the symphony.”

Lila (smiling): “Well, every voice has its place, even if it’s a bit… unique.”

[She then starts humming a tune that complements Moros’s strange voice. The two of them create a duet, blending the luminous melodies of the forest with Moros’s deep, echoing tones. The forest creatures join in, and a beautiful, harmonious song fills the Whispering Woods.]

Narrator (V.O): “In the heart of the Whispering Woods, two unlikely friends found harmony, proving that every voice, no matter how different, has a place in the song of life.”

[The scene ends with Lila and Moros sharing a warm embrace, surrounded by the glowing fireflies and the magical aura of the Whispering Woods.]

The end.

Create your Disney AI movie now

As the final curtain draws on our guide to creating Disney AI movie scripts and images, remember this: the journey has only just begun.

With your script in hand and images painting a vivid tapestry of your tale, the next steps are bound only by the horizons of your imagination.

Whether you choose to collaborate with skilled professionals, dabble with video editing tools, or harness the power of AI even further, myriad possibilities await.

From transforming these narratives into animated short films, giving voice to characters using AI voiceovers, crafting enchanting children’s books, or even venturing beyond to create a universe entirely distinct from Disney AI tales – the canvas is vast and waiting for your touch.

So, dream big, explore uncharted territories, and let your imagination lead the way!

All images in this post, including the featured image, is created by Kerem Gülen using ChatGPT and DALL-E 3.

Disney AI extras in the “Prom Pact,” a teen comedy-drama, have created controversy considering SAG-AFTRA’s standing point and strikes that happened a while ago. Here is what you need to know about the Disney AI background actors and the current occasion!

Disney has been scrutinized for using artificial intelligence (AI) to create digital extras in its productions, reigniting the ongoing debate surrounding the Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) strike. As the clash between Hollywood actors and major studios continues, the focus is squarely on AI-generated actors and their potential impact on the entertainment industry.

Disney AI extras scandal in “Prom Pact”

Earlier this year, Disney+ introduced “Prom Pact,” a popular teen comedy-drama that tells the story of a high school student’s deal to attend prom with a popular classmate, securing her Harvard enrollment. The film achieved high viewership and received mostly favorable reviews. However, a closer look reveals a hidden issue.

Noticed it's a whole row of AI actors. Yikes!

Disney is insane and just more reason why the AMPTP needs to ditch this plan to replace background actors with AI. The uncanny valley will always make your show/film look like hot garbage and age like milk. pic.twitter.com/NpfNbx2X1T

— Christopher Marc (@_ChristopherM) October 12, 2023

Sharp-eyed viewers quickly noticed something amiss after the film’s release in March, and the controversy intensified as the SAG-AFTRA strike negotiations hit a roadblock. One particular clip from the movie showed a basketball game scene where the audience displayed a complete lack of emotion, revealing that these were digitally created Disney AI extras. This discovery triggered a wave of criticism, with many expressing discomfort at the idea of AI actors infiltrating their favorite films.

We created our Disney AI movie story, meet Lila!

Disney AI background actors: AI’s Role in the SAG-AFTRA Strike

The employment of artificial intelligence technologies to recreate performers’ digital likenesses is a key issue of dispute in the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike. Big studios, including Disney, have been scanning extras’ faces and likenesses without their consent or remuneration to replicate them in numerous projects digitally. While this cost-cutting approach has advantages, the unfavorable response to “Prom Pact” is a cautionary note to Disney and other companies, pushing them to reconsider their attitude toward AI-generated performers.

“We have sacrificed too much to capitulate to their stonewalling and greed,” SAG-AFTRA said, according to the NY Post.

Reminder this is what SAG-AFTRA is fighting against pic.twitter.com/dsZl130uif

— Caiden Reed | Scooby-Doo-Deezy (@caiden_reed) October 12, 2023

Furthermore, several reviewers noted that the synthetic Disney AI extras were overwhelmingly people of color, raising concerns that AI actors may replace performers from various backgrounds, CBR added. This situation arose after discussions between Hollywood actors and studios stopped, casting doubt on the possibility of a quick settlement to the continuing strike.

AI and Hollywood: A clash of interests

AI technology has emerged as a major source of friction in the current talks. Actors are concerned that this technology will be used to clone their voices and likenesses, allowing them to be exploited indefinitely without their consent or proper pay. In response, studios claim to have suggested strict precautions, such as requiring performers’ “advance consent” and limiting the repeated use of a performer’s “replica,” subject to their agreement and remuneration.

“These companies refuse to protect performers from being replaced by AI, they refuse to increase your wages to keep up with inflation, and they refuse to share a tiny portion of the immense revenue YOUR work generates for them,” SAG-AFTRA said in a statement.

However, SAG-AFTRA remains dubious, noting that the studios’ AI approach still requires “consent” on the first day of work to use a performer’s digital duplicate across an entire cinematic universe or franchise production. The impasse seems far from over, with both parties remaining steadfast in their beliefs.

The ongoing debate surrounding Disney AI extras in “Prom Pact” underscores the potential impact of technology on the entertainment world. As Hollywood continues to grapple with these complex issues, the future of filmmaking hangs in the balance, with AI actors taking center stage in the unfolding drama.

Featured image credit: Seif Ak/Unsplash

To celebrate Disney100, TikTok has unveiled a groundbreaking partnership with Disney, marking a century of magical storytelling.

This collaboration is a first-of-its-kind content hub on TikTok, showcasing content from various Disney brands including Disney Parks, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and ESPN. This hub offers a blend of nostalgic theme songs, iconic moments, and exclusive behind-the-scenes tours of the Disney campus.

Digital platforms dictate the pace of entertainment and engagement and this collaboration between TikTok and Disney is not just timely but also indicative of the changing tides. Disney, with its rich history and global appeal, recognizes the power and potential of platforms like TikTok.

By choosing to celebrate its monumental Disney100 on TikTok, Disney is not only embracing the present but also setting a precedent for the future. This partnership is a clear reflection of how traditional entertainment giants are intertwining with digital platforms to reach newer, broader audiences. As we delve deeper into the specifics of this collaboration, it becomes evident that this is more than just a business move; it’s a fusion of legacy and innovation.

Generating new Disney AI posters is easy

Celebrate Disney100 on TikTok

Starting October 16, in commemoration of Disney’s centennial, TikTok is offering its vast community of Disney aficionados a distinctive destination within the platform. This space allows fans to immerse themselves in a magical interactive experience where they can relive stories and memories. They can view videos from a range of Disney’s brands, craft their own videos using Disney-themed music and effects, participate in daily Disney trivia, and even collect and trade “Character Cards” of their beloved characters. Successful trades reward fans with special profile frames to flaunt their Disney passion.

Nicole Iacopetti, TikTok’s Global Head of Content, expressed her excitement about this partnership, emphasizing Disney’s long-standing legacy of spreading joy through its iconic content. She mentioned, “We’re thrilled to partner with Disney to celebrate the company’s undeniable impact on entertainment and on families around the world, starting by giving TikTok’s passionate community of Disney fans unique access to content and experiences they can’t find anywhere else.”

Echoing her sentiments, Asad Ayaz, Chief Brand Officer of The Walt Disney Company, highlighted Disney’s century-long leadership in creative innovation and storytelling. He noted the immense engagement Disney content has garnered on TikTok, with over 240 billion views spanning Disney’s diverse portfolio. He added, “TikTok has become a go-to destination for Disney fans to create, engage and connect around their favorite Disney films, shows, characters and experiences, so we’re thrilled to partner with them as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the company.”

The four-week Disney100 activation on TikTok will be accessible in 24 regions worldwide, underscoring the vast content range of The Walt Disney Company. Whether fans are reminiscing about legacy films, celebrating heroes from the Marvel universe, or newer classics like Encanto, they turn to TikTok to connect and craft entertaining content that underscores the unique Disney experience on the platform. This creativity is evident as over 150 million followers of Disney-operated TikTok accounts regularly engage with content, from thrilling moments on ESPN to educational insights from National Geographic.

Disney100 playlist

Furthermore, TikTok is curating a special Disney100 Playlist, featuring popular hits from Disney’s extensive catalog. This includes classics like “Cinderella” and “The Lion King” as well as upcoming tracks from movies like “Wish”, and hits from “Toy Story” and “High School Musical”.

In addition to the Disney100 hub, Disney is set to become a TikTok Pulse Premiere publisher. This move allows advertisers to position their ads alongside some of the most premium entertainment and sports content exclusively from Disney on TikTok’s For You feed.

TikTok: Not just another app

You know, there’s something about TikTok that’s just… different. TikTok has firmly established itself as a pivotal platform. Its innovative approach to content and user engagement has set it apart, making it a go-to for brands aiming to expand their digital footprint.

Disney’s decision to collaborate with TikTok for its centennial Disney100 celebration is a strategic masterstroke. It’s not just about celebrating an anniversary; it’s about recognizing where the audience is. By aligning with TikTok, Disney is tapping into a dynamic and expansive user base, ensuring its content resonates with the digital-savvy generation. This partnership is more than just a celebration; it’s a testament to TikTok’s influence in the industry and Disney’s vision for the future.

Featured image credit: Kerem Gülen/DALL-E 3

This article was originally published at Grit Daily and is reproduced with permission.

Perion – a digital advertising company – has today announced the launch of Paragone.ai’s Actionable Performance Monitoring (APM). Paragone’s APM adds multi-channel social advertising management platform to the company’s offerings and is now deployed with clients such as Disney and Havas Media

The APM and its predictive algorithm will be launched directly by Paragone.ai, while also being offered in the U.S. by Undertone, another Perion company.

The pandemic has dramatically accelerated the growth of e-commerce and direct-to-consumer advertising, which has put increased pressure on performance marketers to drive engagement, leading to scalable, trackable, and optimizable outcomes, from CAC to ROAS to ROI.

Paragone’s APM enables agencies and brands to forecast, optimize decision-making, and use AI to inform the user and make decisions.

“Each performance campaign has a goal,” Shai Alfandary, General Manager at Paragone.ai said. “For example, the goal is CPA of less than $50. Our AI can forecast whether a campaign is likely to reach its goal or not. Based on this forecast, AI assigns a prediction: high probability to meet the goal or low probability to meet the goal. Thanks to that, marketers can foresee issues with performance and save budget, prioritize campaigns and work only on those which require attention, and not waste time on campaigns that may not look good enough today, but they are likely to reach their goal in the future.”

The use of AI in APM helps to ensure that performance marketers are being steered in the right direction with their campaigns.

“Every day, we deliver recommendations on improvements for campaigns,” Alfandary said. “AI detects bottlenecks and growth points in campaigns. It gives clear suggestions on how bottlenecks could be fixed or how growth points can be leveraged. Recommendations can be cross-channel (e.g. move budget from Facebook to Snapchat if both campaigns aim the same goal) and cross-ad account. For example, AI detects that campaign A works better than campaign B. It suggests moving 12% of the budget to campaign A from B, Or AI can detect that a certain age underperforms, so it suggests running A/B test without the specific age group in specific adsets. Each recommendation requires approval from a user and can be applied in one click for UI.”

With APM, teams can access and control their social advertising data in real-time across all networks, agencies, and platforms – from one interface.  Through AI, brands can now predict whether an ad will hit its targets – enabling rapid shifts in allocation and recommendations for improvement. Proprietary automation instantly adjusts tactics so marketers can outperform the competition and generate desired KPIs.

APM supports Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, Pinterest, Instagram, Messenger, Twitter, and LinkedIn, and integrates with Google Analytics, MOAT, Adjust, AppsFlyer

“Paragone’s APM allows clients to tailor KPIs to align with their objectives on each channel, enhancing both dashboard displays and system capabilities, such as future performance prediction,” Alfandary said. “Our labeling feature further allows advertisers to see which channels are best at driving specific product lines or campaign concepts.”

Paragone.ai’s roadmap includes capabilities to deal with the ever-changing advertising landscape, including the introduction of privacy updates by Apple in iOS 14, the continued growth of new e-commerce companies spending more performance-driven marketing budget, and the use of social to target audiences as people continue to work from home and stay indoors.

“Since partnering with Paragone, we have been able to take our social media advertising performance to new heights,” says Tijmen ter Veen, Digital Marketing Supervisor at The Walt Disney Company. “Paragone allows us to focus on managing the best campaigns through powerful, automated integrations.”

Amusement parks are big. Rides cost several million dollars, and operators need to keep track of thousands of visitors every day. Big data may be just the solution amusement parks have been looking for, but it won’t be an easy transition. From updating data practices and hardware to convincing customers that data tracking isn’t “creepy,” major amusement parks around the world are working to leverage data to help visitors waste less time and find more enjoyable experiences.

Disney Uses Wearables to Create “Dataland”

In recent years, Disneyland has slowly become synonymous with data. A $1 billion project was introduced with the MyMagic+ wearables. These could track customers and give the company insight into several opportunities to optimize operations. More than 47 million people visited Disney theme parks in 2012, contributing to one the most infamous amusement park experience: long lines. For consumers, this is where big data will really shine.
Amusement parks are useless if they’re not huge. The options are great for guests, but not always easy for park owners and managers to optimize. Hundreds of data points could yield useful information, if only it were possible to collect that data. Who buys what at which stand at what time is part of the bread and butter of amusement parks. When thousands of people are visiting every day, managers have to know where to bet their goods and employees.

The Disney app includes a map that makes the park’s data visible and useful by showing users queue times. This small change is a huge opportunity for parks and park goers. It’s far easier easy on the nerves. It allows guests to budget time more wisely and have as much fun as possible. It even helped families and children cut down on travel time.

How much is convenience worth? Many guests are more than a little skeptical about the wearables and data tracking. Gawker voiced what many guests are thinking and saying on social media: the tech is “creepy” and NSA-styled. Furthermore, International Business Times examined suggestions from a privacy advocate that guest-tracking is a “slippery slope.” Luckily, Disney, for now, is willing to accept the public concern, and the wearable is not required to move about the park, a fact that many bystanders aren’t aware of. It’s going to be a long ride trying to get visitors onboard with being tracked every step of their day, but if someone can pull it off, it’s Disney.

Belgium’s Bobbejaanland Studies Wifi and Generation Z

Disney may be the most famous example, but a case study of major Belgian theme park Bobbejaanland, named for entertainer Bobbejaan Schoepen, proved big data can bring amusement parks to life. It started by granting most of the park wifi coverage. Next, they plotted wifi-connected devices on a map, showing exactly where crowds were in the park and how they moved. While they expected some 30% of visitors to be connected, the percentage of connected visitors was actually between 60 and 80%, meaning the company got a very powerful, clear view of how to optimize goods and services. This resulted in the holy grail of data: real-time analytics and solutions. Managers now knew exactly where to place mobile carts, entertainers and cleaning crews. The data let them pinpoint low density areas, indicating that a ride should open later, run less often or close earlier. That doesn’t just save on the cost of employees, it also saves on wear and tear in the long run.

Data-driven marketing was also part of the project. The obvious first step is to offer special deals through that wifi connection, directing customers to an initial landing page with real-time offers and coupons. Already 5-7% of users were opting-in. As IT Manager Niels Meeus describes, “teenagers especially are promoting us within their social circles—you can’t beat that!” While parents may be wary of data sharing, especially their children’s data, and millennials often have strong feelings about defending their data, Generation Z could be just the people this sort of technology is looking for. With teenagers promoting the park and program, Bobbejaanland has stumbled into a marketing campaign that requires very little funding. As this sort of promotion continues, and the same customers keep returning, the company can also start painting a more thorough profile of its visitors. Meeus was confident enough to add, “I fully expect this system will pay for itself in one full season.” It’s possible gathering data through something less obvious and disturbing than a literal wearable might be the way to go.

Six Flags Teaches Old Systems New Tricks

What happens when you have nearly twenty locations and all of that data looks like a mess? Six Flags has been trying to gather data for a while, but that didn’t mean it was effective. Their eighteen facilities each ran their own independent operation with their own local equipment. These locations had popped up one at a time long before big data and data centers were popular, and they weren’t prepared to handle data analysis as we know it. Data was trapped in silos before being sent to third parties for proper analysis. By the time data could be analyzed and returned to the park, its real usage was lost. The data did yield overall insights into the parks’ operations, but that amount was marginal compared to the data that was being lost each day. They ended up basing decisions on past experience and expectations instead of up-to-date data.

The Six Flags IT departments got to experience first hand how complicated it is to try to update legacy systems like these, especially because of the costs. NetApp, who helped Six Flags make the change, laments that typical IT departments spend up to 80% of their time time focusing on maintenance and only about 20% looking forward to new solutions. In order to turn the old, broken system into a thriving one, this had to be flipped entirely. There was no easy solution, apart from overhauling everything, which was no easy task. Hardware and operations from all 18 data centers had to be standardized and consolidated in one central data center in Dallas, Texas. Since the parks operate in roughly the same manner, the consolidation of data meant Six Flags had not just one but eighteen parks worth of data. Real-time data is now collected from 3,500 point-of-sales terminals, and the company has reached their best guest satisfaction scores yet. It sounds like the troublesome transition was more than worth it.

image credit: m01229

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