Disney's Meta glasses: Magic on your face?

Disney is addressing a growing concern that widespread smartphone use is diminishing the park experience. Bruce Vaughn, president of Walt Disney Imagineering, revealed that the company is partnering with Meta to test AI-powered smart glasses. These glasses are intended to offer guests a more immersive experience by providing "virtual theme park guides" directly through audio, allowing them to keep phones in their pockets and stay engaged with their surroundings.

The technology, which integrates cameras, microphones, and speakers, is designed to respond to voice commands and provide real-time information about attractions, merchandise, and park details. Vaughn emphasizes that this initiative is not about adding technology for its own sake but about seamlessly integrating it to enhance storytelling and reinforce shared experiences. The goal is for the technology to become invisible, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the magic of the parks.

However, the concept has met with a mixed reception, particularly from Disney enthusiasts. Concerns have been raised about the high cost of the glasses, ranging from $379 to $800, making widespread adoption by families unlikely. Many online forum users expressed skepticism, viewing the glasses as an expensive novelty with limited practical application, potentially destined to be forgotten. This reaction highlights a potential disconnect between Disney's innovative vision and guest expectations regarding value and practicality.