Disney puts Nintendo DS to use as interactive tour guide

The DS has already proven some of its versatility by ordering food and dishing out replays at Safeco Field, and it looks like Disney's set to expand those non-gaming capabilities even further, with it now testing a system that turns the handheld into an interactive tour guide. Dubbed the Disney Magic Connection, the app appears to be fairly extensive, including not only maps of the Magic Kingdom, but details on wait times at various attractions, directions to the nearest washrooms and ATMs and, of course, the odd game. Unfortunately, at least in its current state, you'll only be able to take advantage of those features with one of Disney's pre-set up DSs and not your own -- no word if that'll change once the system moves beyond the testing phase. Hit up the read link below for more pics of the app itself and a first-hand report from one lucky tester.

[Via WDWMagic.com, thanks Durango Jim]

[BobTheMonkey @ Jan 21st 2008 5:15PM]

Awesome idea. They could even expand it to windows mobile, iphones, and other wireless devices.

I wish there were more applications that would start taking advantage of all the wireless technology that we have. Good example of a great app: Google Maps. I have it on my tilt, and love it.

[Ipaq3115 @ Jan 21st 2008 5:18PM]

Why the DS?

Wouldn't it be cheaper and easier to buy a pda and install software on that?

[Sandra @ Jan 21st 2008 5:44PM]

Nah, I can't see it being cheaper to do it with a PDA cause PDA's are more expensive than a DS, plus the DS does make it more kid friendly which i'm sure also has something to do with them using it.

[Ipaq3115 @ Jan 21st 2008 6:11PM]

I'm not talking about a kaiser for a pda...

I meant something cheaper... Like $50...

[Tom @ Jan 21st 2008 6:25PM]

DS is most likely cheaper in bulk, because sure it retails for $129 but that is i believe with HUGE margins, as nintendo would "repair" a FUBAR unit for $50:
http://kotaku.com/gaming/dogs/dog-eats-ds-nintendo-eats-dog-er-cost-187972.php

obviously they're giving him a new unit for $50, so it can't cost that much to make. this makes it a good idea for disney, because number one the kids are already familiar with how to use the ds, it has a very efficient and easy to use hibernate mode, and more.

i plan to go to WDW soon after this gets launched.

[Rafer @ Jan 21st 2008 5:25PM]

bcuz little kids have a DS

[lonecow12 @ Jan 21st 2008 5:38PM]

Cool idea, but I hate taking my portable game systems with me to theme parks. So many crazy rides, and bumping and getting wet all day long, you have to worry about the thing constantly.

[Tom @ Jan 21st 2008 6:26PM]

I've noticed the wet rides usually have a 'dry pouch' at WDW. Except for splash mountain, but if you put your electronics in the pouch they provided it's located where it will not get wet.

[Curtis @ Jan 21st 2008 6:32PM]

One tragic day at 6 Flags Magic Mountain I was on a water ride...2 of my friends were worried about their iPods getting wet. I told them a little water wouldn't hurt my DS and put it in my pocket...I was wrong.

[MrTwist @ Jan 21st 2008 6:10PM]

I love this integration of tech and old-school theme-parks. Just another reason my wife I should make some babies.

[Carlos @ Jan 21st 2008 6:53PM]

I would love to see this come to the iPhone.

Imagine going to Google maps while in the Disneyland park and getting a multi-color map of the park with all the attractions, restaurants and restrooms.b That would be cool.

Next step - add FastPass TXT messaging alerting you when its your time to hop on a ride so we dont have to wait in crazy lines.

[Jason @ Jan 21st 2008 7:23PM]

That's why it's probably a modified DS system, likely with extra 'armor', a locked cartridge slot, etc.

[michael @ Jan 21st 2008 8:01PM]

Hey, that would be an awesome idea to put on WinMo phones. Some sort of integration with Live Maps, and you can see all the attractions plus get a Birds-eye-view around the park attractions.

And like Carlos (above) said, TXT message alerts telling you about your FastPass times, meal times, or you could just program that into your phone yourself.

That would be neat. Though I don't want to be tethered to my devices the whole time I'm there.

[Andy @ Jan 22nd 2008 12:02AM]

Wow, a gadget news tip from a Disney forum I frequent. Wasn't really expecting that. Looks like quite an impressive system.

[Oskin @ Jan 22nd 2008 1:41PM]

I would be interesting if we could download the software from anywhere in the park using our own ds! Still an amazing idea...

['O' @ Jan 22nd 2008 4:04PM]

It'd be sweet if they built some kind of scavenger hunt game into the system. I mean, yeah, you're there for the rides and faux culture, but if you're gonna have semi-interactive maps... why not? Amuse people while they're running to their next FastPass. They could also integrate ads too.

[Richard @ Jan 23rd 2008 10:16AM]

Pretty cool, I have always said hat the handheld consoles could be used for more than just video games. Sony dabbled a little with their tour guides but there is so much potential especially with wifi based updates whilst in the theme park. http://www.aninconvenientblo.co.uk

[JadedFuck @ Jan 23rd 2008 5:34PM]

My 7-year-old daughter just flipped!

We're annual members - 90-minutes away from MK...