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Disney World Makes Artificial Intelligence Update at Resort

Change continues to ripple through Walt Disney World Resort, with the latest development involving the removal of a controversial new feature at one of its most popular value resorts. Guests and cast members alike have weighed in on the quiet reversal, which followed a months-long test phase.

A family walking around All-Star Sports

While major overhauls like the transformation of Disney’s Animal Kingdom and the reimagining of Frontierland at Magic Kingdom Park have captured most of the spotlight, smaller operational shifts are steadily reshaping the Disney Parks experience. From adjustments to Disney After Hours events to evolving Lightning Lane policies, the resort is embracing new innovations—though not all have been met with universal praise.

In December 2024, Disney rolled out a bold new experiment: an Artificial Intelligence-powered self-checkout system at the All-Star Sports Resort food court. Promising to enhance efficiency, the system allowed guests to place their items on a designated counter, where the AI would identify and tally the selections. Payments were limited to MagicBands or credit cards, signaling another step toward Disney’s increasingly cashless operations.

The pool at Disney's All-Star Movies Resort on a sunny morning.
Credit: Jess Colopy, Inside the Magic

The All-Star Resorts, with their affordability and high occupancy, served as the perfect testing ground for this first-of-its-kind offering at Disney World. Known for their vibrant themes and 1990s nostalgia, the properties cater to families and groups seeking more budget-friendly accommodations, making them an ideal choice for such a trial.

The AI checkout system offered clear benefits, particularly in reducing wait times. Yet, its introduction wasn’t without concerns. Some questioned whether this technological leap detracted from the warm, personal touch Disney cast members are celebrated for delivering.

Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World Resort with guests in front
Credit: Inside the Magic

Now, the AI registers are gone.

“On our most recent visit to All-Star Sports, we noticed that the AI self-checkout had been removed. Now, all guests check out with a cast member,” shared Kenny the Pirate. “The AI self-checkout registers have been removed from the All-Star Sports End Zone Food Court.”

When asked about the decision, a cast member reportedly explained, “It was a test.”

The attic scene in the Haunted Mansion with the Bride Constance Hatchaway
Credit: Disney

As Disney continues to explore new ways to enhance efficiency across its parks and resorts, the removal of this system raises questions about the balance between convenience and the magic of human interaction. Mobile ordering, a similarly innovative feature, has become a fixture of Disney’s quick-service offerings, and it’s possible that AI technology will make a return in the future—perhaps in a revised form.

This isn’t the first time Disney has faced challenges with AI implementation. Disneyland Resort recently came under scrutiny for allegedly using AI-generated artwork at its Haunted Mansion attraction. The piece, reportedly sourced from Redbubble, has since been removed.

The integration of AI into Disney’s offerings sparks an ongoing debate: can advanced technology coexist with the magic that defines the Disney experience? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Thomas Hitchen

When he’s not thinking about the Magic Kingdom, Thomas is usually reading a book, becoming desperately obsessed with fictional characters, or baking something delicious (his favorite is chocolate cake -- to bake and to eat). He's a dreamer and grew up on Mulan saving the world, Jim Hawkins soaring through the stars, and Padmé Amidala fighting a Nexu. At the Parks, he loves to ride Everest, stroll down Main Street with an overstuffed pin lanyard around his neck, and eat as many Mickey-shaped ice creams as possible. His favorite character is Han Solo (yes, he did shoot first), and his… More »

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