Disney and Amazon Partner: 'Hey, Disney!' Voice Assistant & Echo Devices

Amazon and Disney Introduce “Hey, Disney” Voice Assistant

For the first time, Amazon is extending the functionality of its Echo devices by integrating a second voice assistant. Announced at a recent event, “Hey, Disney” is a new voice assistant developed collaboratively by Disney and built utilizing Amazon’s Alexa technology.

This innovative assistant boasts a distinct voice and provides access to over 1,000 unique interactions designed for Disney enthusiasts. Many of these interactions will feature authentic character voices and recordings sourced from Disney’s extensive content library.

Expanding Availability: Home and Resort Integration

Consumers will be able to engage with “Hey, Disney” within their homes. Furthermore, a large-scale deployment will see Alexa devices equipped with enhanced “Hey, Disney” capabilities installed throughout hotels at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, beginning next year.

Features and Experiences Offered by “Hey, Disney”

Upon its release, “Hey, Disney” will deliver a diverse range of experiences for Disney fans. These include telling jokes, hosting interactive trivia games, offering greetings from beloved Disney characters, and providing access to immersive audio environments known as “soundscapes.”

Users will encounter familiar voices from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars as they explore the new features. The overall experience will be guided by the “Disney Magical Companion.”

Introducing the Disney Magical Companion

The “Disney Magical Companion” functions as Disney’s equivalent to Alexa. It’s a custom-designed voice developed by Disney to navigate users through the new experience.

While the companion’s voice remains unrevealed, it has been confirmed that Disney employed a professional voice actor to create the sound, and the voice will be perceived as “male-sounding.”

Enhanced Guest Experience at Walt Disney World

Starting next year, visitors staying at Walt Disney World Resort hotels will find an Echo Show 5 in their rooms. This device will provide access to the “Hey, Disney” experience.

The assistant will be capable of answering specific visitor questions, such as park opening times, optimal routes, and dining locations. Guests can also utilize the assistant to fulfill service requests, like ordering extra towels or room service.

Personalized messages from favorite Disney characters will also be delivered to guests throughout their stay.

Leveraging Alexa Custom Assistant Technology

This new voice assistant is a result of collaboration between Amazon and Disney, following the earlier launch of the Alexa Custom Assistant technology. This technology empowers device manufacturers and service providers to create tailored intelligent assistants aligned with their brand identity and customer requirements.

While Fiat Chrysler Automobiles was the initial adopter of Alexa Custom Assistant, Disney’s implementation marks the first assistant to operate directly on Amazon’s Echo devices.

This solution enabled Disney to establish a unique wake word (“Hey, Disney”), a distinctive voice, and a personalized personality for its assistant. It also grants customers access to an exclusive collection of interactions, largely accessible only after initiating “Hey, Disney.”

Seamless Assistant Interaction

Amazon notes that limited handoffs between assistants may occur. For example, if a user attempts to stop an alarm using “Hey, Disney,” the Echo may still respond appropriately, as alarm management is typically an Alexa function.

However, the majority of Disney-specific interactions will require direct engagement with Disney’s assistant.

Expanding Alexa for Hospitality

The partnership represents a significant advancement for Amazon’s Alexa for Hospitality platform, which was initially introduced in 2018 and adopted by Marriott and LEGOLAND Parks.

Disney’s agreement encompasses thousands of rooms across the Walt Disney World Resort hotels in Orlando, marking a substantial expansion for Alexa for Hospitality.

Privacy Considerations

Amazon clarified that the “Hey Disney” experience in resorts will differ from the home version. Resort guests will not be able to log into their personal Amazon accounts, and audio recordings from in-room interactions will not be saved by Amazon.

The in-home version of “Hey, Disney” will adhere to the established guidelines for child-directed experiences on Alexa, requiring parental consent and providing access to privacy dashboards for managing voice recordings.

New Echo Show 5 Stand

In conjunction with the launch, Amazon has also released a new Disney-themed stand for its Echo Show 5 smart screen.