Verizon launching mobile app for Disney park visitors

Verizon Wireless announced a multi-year relationship with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts to offer guests personal tour guides via their mobile devices. Beginning in 2009, Verizon subscribers visiting Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort will be able to access an exclusive mobile application that locates shows, restaurants and Disney characters anywhere inside the parks--the app also promises real-time attraction availability information, messages from Disney characters, access to mobile games and related services. In addition, guests visiting Epcot in Walt Disney World Resort in early 2009 can experience the Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure, an interactive attraction that arms visitors with an official Verizon Wireless "Kimmunicator," i.e. handheld devices to navigate through the mission.

According to Disney and Verizon, some of the new mobile features will be limited to the operator's customers, but other mobile data including dining locations, showtimes and locations will be available to all visitors regardless of carrier affiliation. The companies add they will introduce an expanded series of services and functionalities across the year ahead. Disney notes that more than 90 percent of families bring mobile handsets into its theme parks--there are now 11 different theme parks worldwide, generating about $10 billion in revenue during fiscal 2006.

For more on the Verizon/Disney deal:
- read this release

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