![A new stand and special Hey, Disney skill will bring the mouse house to your house](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/vsGJYQXEpfAfAWFxzkTVVc-415-80.jpg)
Amazon is giving Alexa a new personality, the first since the first version of its voice assistant launched eight years ago. Starting in 2022 guests at Walt Disney World Resort hotels will find a mouse-themed Alexa waiting for them. Instead of the traditional Alexa, they’ll be able to say Hey, Disney and be greeted by some of their favourite Disney characters.
While there’s no hint yet who will be able to speak, via Alexa, it’s a fair guess that anthropomorphic animals will feature heavily. It seems ludicrous that the world’s most famous mouse won’t be involved, in some way. Amazon says there are as many as 1,000 custom interactions to discover using this new wake phrase.
Amazon is promising a varied selection of stories and immersive experiences to make a stay at Disney even more special. Some of those will feature characters like Dory the fish and Olaf the snowman but details about what these experiences might involve is a bit thin on the ground.
- Disney Plus Day date and info: Shang-Chi, new Star Wars, Marvel films and more
- Disney Plus review: Out of this world content
There’s also a practical use too, with Amazon explaining that guests will be able to say Hey, Disney bring me more towels and the assistant will get in touch with some humans to have them brought to your room. This is part of Amazon’s wider service, called Alexa for Hospitality, which allows hotels and venues to make extensive use of Alexa to offer guests assistance during their stay.
Hey, Disney will also be available in homes too, on compatible Alexa devices. There’s no set launch date yet, but it’s likely that it will launch some time after the hotels get access to the new assistant. We also don’t yet know if the service will be available outside the US. We do, however, know that it’s a paid option although pricing hasn’t been specified yet.
Also available is an all-new Alexa stand, with Mickey Mouse styling. The OtterBox Den Series will give your Alexa a new look and can be pre-ordered today in the US for the Echo Show 5 and it costs $24.99.
Upgrade to smarter living
Get the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products straight to your inbox.
Ian has been involved in technology journalism since 2007, originally writing about AV hardware back when LCDs and plasma TVs were just gaining popularity. Nearly 15 years on, he remains as excited about how tech can make your life better.
-
Amazon reduces Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) by 50% in early Prime Day deal
Grab a bargain before it runs out
By Lizzie Wilmot Published
-
A smarter Alexa will reportedly cost you up to $10 per month
The end of Alexa as we know it?
By Chris Hall Published
-
These 5 Govee smart lights have had a huge price cut on Amazon – but be quick
Go on...grab a bargain
By Lizzie Wilmot Published
-
Amazon reduces best-selling Philips Hue starter kit by 50% in Lightning Deal
You'll have to be quick!
By Lizzie Wilmot Published
-
The Amazon Echo Pop is back down to a ridiculously cheap price
But hurry...it won't last for long!
By Lizzie Wilmot Published
-
This Alexa skill has made me less confused and scared of my smart home assistant
Not sure why Alexa did that? Use this skill to find out why
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
Amazon’s Echo Hub is finally here – 3 smart home features I’m most excited to try
My first impressions of the Echo Hub, Amazon’s new smart home control panel
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
Amazon Alexa payment plan coming soon, but is it worth it?
Amazon’s paid version of Alexa could be coming sooner than you think…
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published