Orlando Sentinel Blog is reporting that Disney is working on a $1 billion plus technology project for its theme parks dubbed "NextGen".
Details of the project, which has been dubbed within Walt Disney Parks and Resorts as “next generation experience” or “NextGen,” are being closely guarded. But there is widespread speculation among former Disney executives and bloggers who follow the company that at least part of the project involves wireless-communication technology that could be used in concepts ranging from keyless hotel-room doors to rides and shows in which the experience varies based on an individual guest’s preferences.
The budget for the program totals between $1 billion and $1.5 billion, according to former Disney parks executives who spoke only on the condition that they not be identified. The amount is roughly comparable to what Disney is spending to build a pair of 4,000-passenger cruise ships.
Besides the obvious interest in the theme park, and the price tag, what caught my eye was that Jim MacPhee is heading the project at WDW. People following this blog would have known that he is our "favorite" Disney executive based on what he did for the fans during Epcot's 25th Anniversary back in 2007. I thought, after he was moved from being Vice President for Epcot, that he is being phased out. Luckily, he is still around, and it looks like he might be instrumental in shaping an important future for the Disney theme parks.
We shall see the outcome of this one...
Zz.
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