NEWS: AI Parking Assistants Could Be Coming To Disney Parks
The Disney World parks are the most magical place on earth, but before the magic can begin, you have to pull into the parking lot and park first.
EPCOT parking lot
Walt Disney Imagineering just revealed a new AI-assisted technology that could significantly change how we park at Disney and potentially automate Parking Cast Members.
At the 2026 Disney Accelerator Demo Day at Walt Disney Studios, Disney showcased technology Imagineering developed alongside four technology companies during the four-month Accelerator program: Promise, OpenArt, FieldAI, Physical Intelligence, and Simile.
©Disney
FieldAI, a general-purpose robot developer, partnered with Disney Experiences Technology and Walt Disney Imagineering R&D to explore how autonomous robots could help direct vehicles to parking spaces. These Cars-themed parking assistants have a sign overhead with directional arrows to guide drivers, warn drivers to slow down as they approach, and even give a thumbs-up when drivers pull far enough ahead. Additionally, they’re equipped with illuminated light wands to direct traffic like a Parking Cast Member.
©Disney
Disney has not yet announced plans to bring this into the Disney Parks, as the technology is still being developed. FieldAI is currently developing technology that lets the robots navigate “complex terrain and unpredictable weather.” That would include sloping or under-construction parking lots, plus frequent heavy rain and thunderstorms in Central Florida.
Look at this rain!
Additionally, Disney is considering how the technology could be used outside of these parking assistants. Gary Daniels, Senior Vice President of Products & Experiences at Disney Experiences Technology, discussed using similar robotics to bring autonomous robot characters from WALL-E to the parks for meet-and-greets. Imagineering is currently exploring how robots’ navigation and environmental awareness capabilities could add to character experiences.
WALL-E meet-and-greet at Pixar Place Hotel
We’ll be sure to keep you updated on this new technology, so stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more!
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