DigitalBattle.com

Here’s a really cool bit of information I stumbled upon randomly today. Currently, the Walt Disney World Imagineers are working on a new program right now for the theme park, which is going to simply revolutionize the way we think of theme parks. Currently they are running trials with families as we speak. Revolutionizing the theme park experience sure seems like a tall order, but surprisingly, the revolution will come courteous of the Nintendo DS.

Park goers who sign up for the new service called the “Disney Magic Connection” essentially receive a Nintendo DS, with software that is wirelessly connected to the park. The new program boasts a ton of features letting you know park information, ride locations and real time ride wait times. With all the scheduled information such as parade and show times built in, and interactive touch screen based maps, you’ll be able to pick your favorite rides, and the unit will chart your course based on wait times and information it receives. What’s more, the fast pass system will also interact with the unit, really allowing you to streamline and make the most of the park based on up to date information. Probably one of the best features for parents is that it will give you up to the date information on Disney characters in the park. I know that’s big for kids who have to meet Mickey and a dozen other Disney characters in order to meet their quota.

If that doesn’t seem useful enough, it only gets better. Because of the wireless functionality and the fact it is a Nintendo DS, you certainly didn’t expect it would be void of games, did you? Once again building on the Wifi, you’ll be presented with relevant games and trivia specific to the ride or show you are currently in. Now how is that for a good line distraction for kids?

So far, this is still within the test stage, although it sounds like the program itself is fairly functional as they are currently recruiting families for a test run through the park. If all goes according to plan and the program is accepted, which I think it likely will, it should be up and running for the public by Spring of 2009.

For more information on the device, visit the Jim Hill blog which is a great site that covers Walt Disney World news. Nintendo hasn’t mentioned anything specifically about the program, but if Walt Disney World starts handing out Nintendo DS’s to the millions and millions of visitors that come through the park every single year, that’s an amazing marketing tool, getting a piece of useful and entertaining software running on Nintendo platforms in the hands of both parents and kids.