Disney ParksNews

Disney Reverses Cast Member Decision, Employee Says “It Was a Test”

Change is once again sweeping across Walt Disney World Resort as a divisive new offering has been quietly reversed, prompting reactions from both guests and cast members.

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

While much attention is focused on major transformations at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and the impending overhaul of Frontierland in Magic Kingdom Park, some smaller, yet impactful, updates are happening behind the scenes. From tweaks to Disney After Hours events to ongoing adjustments with the Lightning Lane system, the Central Florida resort continues its rapid evolution.

One such update, however, has taken an unexpected turn. Late last year, Disney introduced an Artificial Intelligence-powered checkout system at the All-Star Sports Resort’s food court, aiming to streamline the guest experience. Yet, shortly after, the system has quietly disappeared.

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

The trial, which began in December 2024, introduced guests to a new checkout experience. By placing items on a designated counter, the AI would automatically recognize the selections and calculate the total, offering a faster, more convenient process. Payments were limited to MagicBands and credit cards, reflecting an increasingly cashless trend within the Disney theme parks.

As a first-of-its-kind feature at Disney World, it made sense to pilot the system at the budget-friendly All-Star Resorts, known for their consistent high occupancy and nostalgic 1990s themes. The benefits were clear: shorter lines, quicker service, and a modern touch. But not everyone embraced the change. Some wondered if Disney’s pursuit of efficiency came at the cost of the human interaction and personal touch that defines the Disney experience.

A family walking around All-Star Sports
Credit: Disney

Now, it seems the experiment has come to an end.

“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,” reported Kenny the Pirate. “The AI self-checkout registers have been removed from the All-Star Sports End Zone Food Court.”

When asked why the system was removed, a cast member reportedly said, “It was a test.”

This development raises questions about the future of Disney’s quick-service dining operations. While mobile ordering has become a beloved staple, the AI system seemed to aim for a similar revolution. It’s possible the technology could resurface elsewhere, but the trial’s abrupt end highlights the challenges of balancing efficiency with the magic of human connection.

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

In a separate instance of AI controversy, Disneyland Resort faced backlash after accusations that AI-generated artwork was used at its Haunted Mansion location. The artwork, believed to have been sourced from Redbubble, was later removed.

As Disney navigates the integration of AI into its parks, fans are left wondering: how much automation is too much? Share your thoughts with us 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 favorite TV show is Buffy the Vampire Slayer except when it's One Tree Hill. He loves sandy beach walks, forest hikes, and foodie days out in the Big City. Thomas lives in England, UK, with his fiancée, baby, and their dog, a Border Collie called Luna.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Related Articles

Back to top button