Disney is apparently testing an interactive map for the Magic Kingdom in Orlando. How they are going about this is by using the Nintendo DS. They’ve actually programmed a GPS enabled cartridge that will know exactly where you are in the park. If you are looking for the nearest bathroom you just hit the bathroom icon and it will plot a course from where you are to the nearest bathroom. This works with rides, ATM machines, smoking areas, first aid, baby care, and information currently. Hopefully they add in a feature that will show how long lines are at the rides at some point.

During the set up users are asked to enter everyone in their groups name and age. Supposedly this is for games that will be implemented later on that will activate while you are in line. That alone makes this entire endeavor worth it. From personal experience Tetris makes lines seem to go much faster than they are actually going.

Another feature that is currently in the unit but not working correctly at the moment is a list that will show you where specific characters can be located and at what times that you will be able to locate them. This seems much easier than trudging around the park with the kids trying to find their favorite characters. Hopefully they get this up and running soon.

It is not currently known if visitors to the park will be using their own DS units or if they will be rentals through Disney. As of right now testers have to leave their credit card information in exchange for a DS unit. If the unit is not returned they are being charged a fee of $180. I see the entire program being much more successful if visitors are able to use their own DS units and just rent or buy the cartridge.

There’s a thread about this on the Disney forums with feedback from users that can be found here.