Disney's Command Center

[Mike Fink]

Sorry if I missed a post on this earlier, but thought I'd pass on this article from the New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/28/bu.../28disney.html

It explores a "command center" located under Cinderella Castle that's used to monitor attraction wait times and crowd flow.

Betamouse did a whole show on this article (episode 47). Real interesting stuff, especially when you think how this technology may be used in the future with "next gen" stuff. It's amazing how Disney's 'invisible hand' works to make guest experiences run more smoothly.

[NC_WDW_Daddy]

Interesting article. I had read or heard a little about the command center, but would enjoy a more detailed look.

[tchinkle]

Betamouse podcast discussed this on one of their episodes. You can find it at: BETAMOUSE #47 – Disney Operational Command Center BETAMOUSE

It does sound interesting!

[Mike Fink]

Betamouse podcast discussed this on one of their episodes. You can find it at: BETAMOUSE #47 – Disney Operational Command Center BETAMOUSE

It does sound interesting!

I got a kick out of the Betamouse guys analyzing the pictures accompanying the article. Trying to figure out what the colors and codes meant, etc. And it's clear from the pic Disney has video cams everywhere in the MK. Betamouse asked this and it's a great question -- have you ever spotted a security camera in the parks? Disney does a good job of hiding them.

[Ultimatewdwfan]

Great question... they hide them better than their hidden Mickeys! Maybe someone should write a guide book "Hidden security cams of Walt Disney World"

[JNota0005DakMC]

i would bet that they are extremely tiny... so that they are barely seen... almost like the Isla de Muerta from Pirates... it cannot be seen except only by those who already know its there...

[guynwdm]

A long time ago, like about 10 yrs or so, the keys to the kingdom tour would go down to the utilidors through the Castle and you would go past an area and get to peak in the door of DACs (unsure of their acronymn) It was a "command" center for rides and parade. All the animatronics for Haunted Mansion, Pirates, etc. I am wondering if the digital age has simplified and reduced the amount of space and that is now where this new center is located. I know they controlled all the parade music and knew where floats were located by their crossing of magnetic sensors in the pavement. After 9/11 due to security, they no longer go through those parts of the Utilidors.

[Cortini]

Pretty cool article. I love that they are trying to help people ride more rides and entertain them in the queue. But if hope that the tombstones aren't completely gone in the HM queue.

[BamaJenn]

Looooooove the wristband idea. The idea of attractions being able to recognize you would be such a great way to feel more in touch with everything. I can imagine hopping on the TTA and it saying "Hey again Jenn, 3rd time today?" or jumping on Space Mountain and it saying "Gosh it's been a year since we've seen you!".

[WDW1014]

My friend who worked there a couple years back got a great view of the command center and in one word described it ....... amazing. Theres tons of tvs for the surveillance cameras and everything else to control the rides and electronics