Video Game Interactivity to Disney+?

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney+

Via wdwnt.com

As more homes “cut the cord” by disconnecting from cable television and satellite providers, viewers have turned to streaming services like Disney+. Streaming services put a nearly endless amount of content at our fingertips, but lack one thing: interactivity. A Disney patent application published March 4, 2021 would bring new levels of interactivity to nearly any streaming service.

The patent application details the difficulties involved in adding interactivity to video content. Usually, interactivity is added by coding a container that layers game-like features over the streaming video. The issue with this method is that the container code must be rewritten to add new features.

Some app developers create interactive video experiences, but the Disney patent application states that apps lead to “brand confusion” and may be hampered by underpowered user devices such as tablets or smartphones.

The “Cloud-based Image Rendering for Video Stream Enrichment” patent application offers a fix in the form of a video enrichment unit that takes in the stream, adds interactivity based on user preferences, then presents the interactive content to the viewer.

video-stream-enrichment-patent-fig-1-5908435

Fig. 1 gives an overview of how streaming video is enriched. The patent states that a stream “may include only the generic and predetermined content inserted into video stream (130) by content provider (114).” The real magic happens when the video enrichment unit is allowed to do its thing.

“For example, where video stream (130) is a broadcast of a sporting event, and one of user profiles (124a-124c) corresponding to a user of one of non-interactive video player(s) (120) includes data identifying a favorite team of that user, team colors and/or a team logo may be included in lightly enhanced video stream (142) as basic graphical overlays.”

U.S. Patent Application 2021/0067844 A1

The user profile aspect is unique. Many streaming services allow for multiple profiles. The Disney device reads a profile and presents interactive content that is relevant to the selected viewer.

By offloading processing requirements from the streaming device (Apple TV, Roku, smart televisions) to the video enrichment unit, interactive 3D objects, quizzes, games, and polls are possible. Such interactive features would allow viewers to “collaboratively participate in providing feedback and/or selecting additional video enhancements for rendering and insertion” into the the customizable video segments.

This interactive feedback could be used to cast votes on shows such as American Idol or to guess which Jedi would appear during The Mandalorian finale. Disney could easily license the technology to other streaming services.

In October 2020, Disney announced that it is shifting its focus to streaming. This new patent application could shed light on the scope of Disney’s streaming plans.

Additional recent Disney patent applications include:

  • Multimedia Show System
  • “Smart” Merchandise Display
  • Virtual Puppeteering System
  • Robotic Motion Vibration Suppression System

New Robin Hood Dooney Bourke Collection Arrives at Walt Disney World

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

A new Dooney & Bourke collection inspired by the animated Robin Hood is now available at Walt Disney World. This collection is part of an artist series and is designed by Fabiola Garza. Let’s take a closer look at these bags that will make any fan of the classic film say “Oo-de-lally!”

Robin Hood Tote Bag – $268

robin-hood-dooney-16

Each bag also has a tag with Fabiola Garza’s name.

Robin Hood Crossbody – $198

robin-hood-dooney-10

Robin Hood Hand Bag – $128

robin-hood-dooney-5

Casting Details for Disney+ Original Pinocchio Released

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney+

New casting details have been revealed for the upcoming Disney+ Original live-action movie “Pinocchio”.

This new film will leverage state-of-the-art CGI to bring Pinocchio to life. A living puppet, with the help of a cricket as his conscience, must prove himself worthy to become a real boy in a musical remake of the Disney animated classic.

Robert Zemeckis will be directing the film, and Tom Hanks will be starring in it as Geppetto.  Luke Evans will also be playing the role of the Coachman in the film.

According to the THR, Cynthia Erivo will be playing “The Blue Fairy” in the film, along with Benjamin Evan Ainsworth playing the title character of Pinocchio.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt will be playing the voice of Jiminy Cricket and Keegan-Michael Key as the voice of Honest John.

A new character called Sofia The Seagull will also be introduced in the film and will be played by Lorraine Bracco as the voice of Sofia the Seagull.

No release date has yet been announced on when “Pinocchio” will be coming to Disney+.  Production will begin on the film in the UK next month.

First Look at a Reimagined Polynesian Resort Room

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Resorts

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort has been closed for some time for refurbishment. The rooms are being reimagined with a Moana theme. Disney has released photos of the reimagined rooms.

From a Disney Cast Member;

Can you feel that Pacific breeze blowing? That’s because we just stepped into Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort here at Walt Disney World Resort! Have a look at these new photos we’re sharing for the first time, taking you inside a newly reimagined guest room at the resort.

These reimagined spaces feature a new color palette inspired by the Pacific Ocean and its many islands, including details, patterns and textures from the hit Walt Disney Animation Studios film “Moana” – look closely and you might even spot some characters from the story!

You’ll also see all-new furnishings and fixtures. In the bathrooms, for instance, Disney Imagineers took inspiration from the sandy ocean floor for the tiles and carved details in the vanity. The colorful patterns found throughout the room bring a whole new energy to the space, evoking undulating ocean waves and tropical flowers.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is now accepting bookings for late July 2021, and the next time you pull up to the Great Ceremonial House, you’ll notice even more exciting changes we’re currently working on. The porte cochere is in the midst of a dramatic overhaul that will feature a high-pitched, open-truss roof covered in a thatch style with pops of color. Above the porte cochere, the Monorail station is receiving new wooden screens with tropical colors, adding to the open and airy vibe befitting of the South Seas.

This popular locale joins the other Disney Resort hotels of Walt Disney World in creating the Disney Resorts Collection, where the magic you find in the theme parks extends to every moment of your vacation. Disney Resort hotels offer you a wide selection of fantastic settings to choose from, inspired by worlds both real and imagined. You’re fully immersed in our legendary storytelling and guest service that extend beyond our theme parks to every moment of your stay, whether you’re visiting an African savanna, strolling a seaside boardwalk, see a favorite Disney character or so much more – there’s magic seemingly around every corner.

We’ll have more to share about the developments happening at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort in the weeks and months to come. This exciting progress is part of the overall evolution of our Disney Resort hotels, as we infuse even more Disney touches across our collection – just in time for “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” beginning Oct. 1, 2021, in honor of Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary.

Disneyland Resort Can Reopen as Early as April 1

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

The breaking news we’ve been waiting for! California theme parks have been approved to reopen as early as April 1 under very specific guidelines. While we don’t have an official reopening date from Disney just yet, we are extremely excited Disneyland can get back to creating magic and welcoming the return of Cast Members in the very near future!

Sleeping Beauty Castle – Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland is the centerpiece of Fantasyland, and one of the most recognizable structures in the world. Surrounded by beautiful flowers and whimsical topiary, the Disneyland landmark beckons park visitors to explore the different realms of the place “Where Dreams Come True.” Walt Disney wanted this castle to be a friendly and welcoming presence in his park so it was built on a smaller scale than its European counterparts. (Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort)

As reported by OCRegister: “California theme parks can reopen April 1 under updated guidelines from the state’s health department following a year of coronavirus closures that cost the parks billions and forced them to shed tens of thousands of jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The new California theme park guidelines and opening date are part of a “refresh” of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s four-tier Blueprint for a Safer Economy.”

“The Newsom administration’s “Blueprint Refresh” allows Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood, Knott’s Berry Farm, Six Flags Magic Mountain, SeaWorld San Diego, Legoland California and other California theme parks to reopen as early as April 1 once the counties they are located in reach the red/substantial tier 2 risk status.”

“Starting on April 1, California theme parks can reopen at 15% capacity in the red/substantial tier 2, 25% capacity in the orange/moderate tier 3 and 35% capacity in the least-restrictive yellow/minimal tier 4. Theme park attendance will be limited to California residents. Updated guidelines will be worked out over the next couple of weeks in partnership with theme parks.”

Disneyland resort president Ken Potrock said the announcement provides a path toward reopening California theme parks: “We are encouraged that theme parks now have a path toward reopening this spring, getting thousands of people back to work and greatly helping neighboring businesses and our entire community,” Potrock said in a statement. “With responsible Disney safety protocols already implemented around the world, we can’t wait to welcome our guests back and look forward to sharing an opening date soon.”