Josh D'Amaro to speak on The Art & Science of Disney Parks Storytelling at SXSW

[ptaylor]

Whenever I see a company show off a robot, comparisons to...

 

[MisterPenguin]

Video of the new prototype robot -

Aww... a baby CM! Just 50,000 more, and the parks will run great!!

 

[NotCalledBob]

Aww... a baby CM! Just 50,000 more, and the parks will run great!!

Only if it doesn't want a raise..

 

[DCBaker]

Here's another view of the robot from Disney -

 

[Vegas Disney Fan]

Super cool, I wonder if we’ll ever get to see it ourselves though, Disney’s made a ton of cool things to roam the parks but they never quite work out because there’s hundreds of kids and adults surrounding them and poking a prodding them. The Star Wars droids, the dinosaur, the muppets lab… all were super cool but didn’t last, the only ones that seem to last are the ones isolated from guests.

The Tinkerbell is sure to become a meet and greet though, pretty simple compared to the robot but also very cool and effective.

 

[Tha Realest]

Super cool, I wonder if we’ll ever get to see it ourselves though, Disney’s made a ton of cool things to roam the parks but they never quite work out because there’s hundreds of kids and adults surrounding them and poking a prodding them. The Star Wars droids, the dinosaur, the muppets lab… all were super cool but didn’t last, the only ones that seem to last are the ones isolated from guests.

The Tinkerbell is sure to become a meet and greet though, pretty simple compared to the robot but also very cool and effective.

I used to go to auto shows in the 80’s and saw all these great concept cars that were never sold to the general public.

 

[Disstevefan1]

The date has not yet been announced for his session.

Here's the description of his session on the SXSW website -

Creating Happiness: The Art & Science of Disney Parks Storytelling

For nearly 70 years, Disney Parks has created happiness for millions through experiences that bring Disney’s beloved stories to life. Across its theme parks, hotels, cruises and adventures, Disney Parks has curated magical places around the world where a simple moment can become a treasured lifelong memory.

The ‘Art & Science’ of storytelling is the secret to how Disney amazes its Guests and delivers memorable experiences.  In this session, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro will share how Disney’s storytelling techniques will build on its legacy of creativity and innovation for a world that can always use just a little more happiness.

Featured Session: Creating Happiness: The Art & Science of Disney Parks Storytelling

SXSW 2025 Schedule | For nearly 70 years, Disney Parks has created happiness for millions through experiences that bring Disney’s beloved stories to life. Across its theme parks, hotels, cruises and adventures, Disney Parks has curated magical places around the world where a simple moment can...

schedule.sxsw.com

Fixed it -
The ‘Art & Science’ of money-making is the secret to how Disney fleeces its Guests and takes all their money.  In this session, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro will share how Disney’s money-making techniques will build on its legacy of creativity and innovation in money-making for a company the always need more profit.

 

[Disney Analyst]

Super cool, I wonder if we’ll ever get to see it ourselves though, Disney’s made a ton of cool things to roam the parks but they never quite work out because there’s hundreds of kids and adults surrounding them and poking a prodding them. The Star Wars droids, the dinosaur, the muppets lab… all were super cool but didn’t last, the only ones that seem to last are the ones isolated from guests.

The Tinkerbell is sure to become a meet and greet though, pretty simple compared to the robot but also very cool and effective.

I recall a test of Tinkerbell in the past, think they did it at Disneyland?

 

[SplashJacket]

I’m confusing this with a memory of some tink meet & greet at DCA, or am I crazy?

 

[Piebald]

That looks like Judy Hoops.


Zootopia to AK confirmed.

 

[Comped]

I recall a test of Tinkerbell in the past, think they did it at Disneyland?

That was a different Tink, I think. That one was human-based but via video. If that's the one you're thinking of?

 

[Magenta Panther]

Um okay, the bunny robot was cute. But hopefully it's still being developed. A friend of mine has a Sony Aibo robot dog, and its motions are much more fluid than that.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

Yeah…he’s a real “storyteller”

…practically Bob Dylan

 

[DCBaker]

Here's another video from Josh D'Amaro -

 

[MisterPenguin]

That looks like Judy Hoops.

 

[MarvelCharacterNerd]

The robot looks like an advancement on Project Kiwi and their little walking Baby Groot.

 

[Thelazer]

I'm torn, because the routine it does when he picks it up or holds it's hand... is that "naturally" decided upon by the robot itself at that time.. or is it just programmed and triggered offstage.

Because if it's the former.. my god they have nailed.

 

[SplashJacket]

Honestly fantastic tech

 

[waltography]

I recall a test of Tinkerbell in the past, think they did it at Disneyland?

That was a different Tink, I think. That one was human-based but via video. If that's the one you're thinking of?

It looks like the same tech as the Disneyland playtest.

I'm torn, because the routine it does when he picks it up or holds it's hand... is that "naturally" decided upon by the robot itself at that time.. or is it just programmed and triggered offstage.

Because if it's the former.. my god they have nailed.

I don't think any of Disney's robots are autonomous in that way. They always have a handler to trigger actions.

I don't think it's any less impressive though; these are high-tech puppets and their human handlers are doing a hell of a job imbuing them with life and personality. I think at least in the near future there will always be the need for some human intervention for tech like this as we figure out the UX boundaries.

 

[MisterPenguin]