Walt Disney Company

Disney introduces a new type of animated puppet for use in their live shows. The figure is named “Otto,” and the technology is called autoanimatronics. Otto can hear and see guests interacting with him, so he can respond to the audience appropriately. The figure can also sense the mood of the guests and tell how many people are in the audience:

Autonomatronics technology is different from Audio-Animatronics technology. Audio-Animatronics technology repeats a pre-programmed show over and over again. Autonomatronics technology is driven by sophisticated cameras and sensors giving Otto the ability to make choices about what to say and do.

Sum of all Thrills, a thrill ride simulator located in the Innoventions building, opens at EPCOT at Walt Disney World. Guests use a computer to design their own custom roller coaster, jet or bobsled ride. After designing it, guests sit aboard a motion simulator, which allows them to experience the ride they just created. Thomas Smith, the social media director for Disney parks, says this experience is about education as well as fun.

It’s really about math and science presented in a way that can inspire a new generation of mathematicians, scientists and engineers.

The Downtown Disney shopping and dining district at Walt Disney World hosts the Happy Haunting event to celebrate Halloween on Oct. 30 and 31. Children can come dressed up in costumes to trick or treat at some of the different stores and restaurants. A map indicates which locations are participating in the celebration.

Entertainment and activities for the family include storytelling, stilt walkers and live music.  And there are some great photo opportunities.

As a new holiday event, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort begins offering holiday-themed sleigh rides. The sleighs, which are decked out in garlands and other holiday decorations, are equipped with tires and driven through the campgrounds. A sleigh ride for groups of up to five people costs $60.

You’ll depart from the Blacksmith’s Shop near the Settlement area inside Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground and travel into the forest on each 25-minute ride.

The Harlem Globetrotters perform at the relaunch event of ESPN Wide World of Sports. The complex, which spreads over 220 acres, is rethemed to match the famous sports network. Guests at the show receive free T-shirts to commemorate the event. Pro athletes and other TV personalities are also present.

Darrell Fry, Disney sports media director:

The game will be more than just a game as ESPN’s popular radio duo Mike & Mike will serve as honorary coaches. And several high-profile pro athletes and other well-known ESPN on-air personalities are expected to be in attendance and available for autographs. Then, of course, there’s unique brand of basketball entertainment that only the Globetrotters can deliver.

Construction begins on the expansion of Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom park at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. This is the largest expansion in the history of Magic Kingdom, and it includes four differently themed areas where guests can be immersed in their favorite Disney stories.

Thomas Smith, Disney Parks social media director:

Dumbo the Flying Elephant, a beloved MK Attraction, will take center stage on its own new mini land with the addition of a second attraction.