One of the most iconic features seen in any of the Disney Parks marketing is the host of meetable Disney characters coming to greet the guests. Given the studio's cavalcade of cartoon royalty, fans have the opportunity to make magical memories with their favorite animated friends at Disneyland and Walt Disney World.
From Mickey Mouse to Queen Elsa, and everything in between, the parks are crawling with classic characters of both the full-faced and typical furry mascot-like beings. However, a recent update reveals an impressive enhancement to the experience. But where have we seen this before?
Face to face
It was recently revealed that Jack Skellington just got a brand new glow-up in a preview for Disney's Halloween season at the parks, and he looks better than ever. The articulated head design is legions better than the bulbous alien head in years past. However, could this be a sign of more updates to come?
Jack is iconic, but we only get to see him every Halloween. Would it really be out of the question to think that Disney could be cooking up something similar for its more established characters? The truth is, they've actually done it before.
Many of you veteran Park Hoppers out there might remember a time when Disney had a fully interactive talking Mickey Mouse on Main Street. To say this was revolutionary for Disney would be an understatement, as it led to other characters having fully articulated headgear. However, it was a short-lived dream.
Disney silenced its talking Mickey sometime around 2018, likely due to the technological requirements to make him work. Still, this new Jack Skellington has this writer wondering if we aren't getting ready to see something of a return.
Many would agree that the Parks are in desperate need of an upgrade, and this wouldn't be a bad way to start. if there's one thing Disney knows how to do, it's get guests immersed in its magical worlds, and the characters play a vital role in making them come to life.
Imagineering is on a consistently improving trajectory as the technology and advancements become more readily available. Who's to say they aren't already working on new, more interactive features for beloved characters like Mickey, Donald, and Goofy? Stranger things have happened, right?
You can meet Mickey, Jack, and more at the Disney Parks this Halloween season!