Nintendo DS service

[DisneyHomeVideo]

Has anyone heard any new news about the Nintendo DS tie-ins to WDW? We're planning a trip next July (in 2009) and both my daughters have DS game systems they use and would likely enjoy using at the parks as well.

Thanks!

Dan Cohen
DisneyHomeVideo

[tmlinz]

From the descriptions of what was on the DS with the trials and what they are talking about with this new Verizon deal, it seems to me that they may have gone that route, instead. Just a thought and observation....

[JamboJohn]

Has anyone heard any new news about the Nintendo DS tie-ins to WDW? We're planning a trip next July (in 2009) and both my daughters have DS game systems they use and would likely enjoy using at the parks as well.

Thanks!

Dan Cohen
DisneyHomeVideo

I am not sure if this service will just be "open" to anyone's DS. There was testing going on by Imagineering in the parks for a new type of park enhancement using the DS as a platform. It is kind of like a "Pal Mickey" on steroids. It taps into a WiFi network in the parks and allows you to plan your rides using an interactive map. Constantly gives alerts to character greetings and shows the ride wait times in real time. It is a very cool little system that is still under development. There was talk of it also doing spiels for certain attractions - just pick your language and go, so it would also replace the "Ears to the World" feature in the parks.

The device being tested was offered to random guests in 2007 to try out. You had to leave a $300 deposit for the hardware...

We shall see soon if this will take off. There are some cast members out there that are afraid it could eliminate jobs at the park. But, I am sure the ice man was a little upset when people started buying refrigerators...

[wallfan329]

That would be cool it get updates. This probably does not have to do with anything but in the 2nd Kingdom Keepers Book. They used there DS to talk to people. I have noticed that a lot of stuff in those books are facts. Like I said I do not know if that means anything but it kind of ties into this.

[WDWmemories]

Mr. Hill wrote an interesting article about a test that used Nintendo DS technology. Interesting stuff:

Jim Hill : Monday Mouse Watch : Get ready to make the "Disney Magic Connection"

I have not heard of any news on this recently...

[msduckland]

Wow that would be amazing.