Social media posts went viral this week over Disney PhotoPass photographers testing out generative AI as a type of new “Magic Shot” that guests can try out.
These posts instantly divided fans and raised questions about how Disney is planning to incorporate AI into their PhotoPass photography and what the future results of this test might look like. Mickey Visit brings you the latest Disney news and planning resources, including the Disney World October popcorn buckets and the upcoming ride closures for both Disneyland and Disney World.
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Disney World PhotoPass Using AI on Guest Photos
Multiple social media posts went viral this week for a new AI-generated PhotoPass shot that was being offered to guests in front of the Haunted Mansion. The new AI-generated photos appear to be a form of a Magic Shot that transforms guests into the iconic busts from the attraction. You can see an example of this below:
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Many commenters praised the new PhotoPass shot, tagging family and friends in the comments to add to their bucket lists for upcoming trips and expressing their disappointment that they missed out on the new photo opportunity.
However, not all feedback was positive. One commenter quickly pointed out, “Oh… that’s just using AI to generate images using your face… this isn’t real, right?” The original poster replied, sharing that she was told it was a real test and going on to say, “I’m not sure what you mean by real- I have magic shots of my kids holding tinkerbell in their hand from 10 years ago… that wasn’t “real” either but it sure was magical!”
This seems to be a point of contention in the varied feedback from guests, with many comparing it to the popular Magic Shots that use Photoshop to add characters or backgrounds to photos. But not everyone agrees that the technology is the same, with one commenter saying, “bit of a difference superimposing a character into a photo to running people’s photos through an AI filter.”
Other comments also pointed out the ethics of paying for PhotoPass when generative AI is free, and many guests can recreate these photos themselves. Some commenters even included their own versions of the photos in the comments using ChatGPT and other generative AI platforms.
According to another guest who shared their photos, this was described to them as a new “Magic Shot PhotoPass test.” That post instantly divided fans in a popular Disney World Facebook group, with many fans outraged at the use of generative AI as a form of a PhotoPass feature and questioning issues surrounding data consent with Disney World sharing guest photos with AI technology. The post has now been deleted, although screenshots of it have been shared widely on X and other social media platforms.
It does appear the test is currently optional, based on those who shared their experience with the test. If Disney does decide to add generative AI photos to guest accounts without consent, particularly given the ethical concerns surrounding the sharing of personal data with AI platforms, it could become a significant point of concern for guests. One commenter pointed out exactly that, saying, “Thankfully, it does appear the photos are optional.”
Disney has begun to increasingly describe AI as a technology intended to “enhance the guest experience.” The news of this new AI-generated PhotoPass feature comes shortly after Disney began rolling out tests for AI-powered tools to make planning easier for guests.
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