Credit: DisneyThe age of AI is officially underway at Disney parks and, unsurprisingly, some fans aren’t happy.
The Walt Disney Company has been clear about its interest in artificial intelligence. In September, it filed a patent aimed at advancing animatronic technology within its theme parks. The filing outlines a system that integrates AI with projection technology to produce more seamless and lifelike figures.
That same month, Walt Disney Imagineering’s Research & Development branch confirmed that it was exploring how to integrate Meta AI glasses into the theme park experience. A video shared by the company suggested that it could be used to provide helpful information while walking around the likes of Disneyland or Disney World, such as directing you to the nearest snack cart or guiding you to the attraction of your choice.
Disney has already rolled out AI features in its parks, yet its experiments with generative AI have been met with a cool reception from fans.
Earlier this year, guests criticized artwork displayed in Disneyland’s new Haunted Mansion store, Madame Leota’s Somewhere Beyond, featuring a bride for appearing to be AI-generated and purchased via Redbubble. Disney swiftly removed the art from the store.
Fans have also accused Disney of utilizing AI to generate merchandise designs and provide new voiceovers for classic attractions, such as King Arthur Carrousel at Disneyland Park. The company’s decision to endorse a YouTuber’s video of conquering all of its theme parks in record time, accompanied by a mildly terrifying AI-generated cover image that featured Mickey Mouse with teeth, was also called into question.
Fans Criticize Disney Resort For Going All-In On AI Artwork
Now, one Disney resort is facing criticism for repeatedly using AI-generated artwork in its parks and hotels.
As we reported in September, parkgoers have recently noticed that a piece of art on Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland Paris appears to have been created by AI.
One user on X, formerly known as Twitter, wrote: “The hands…the disproportionate body…the anime-inspired style instead of the Victorian style of drawing…Either the creative director didn’t give an f or this is AI🫤.”
The hands…the disproportionate body…the anime inspired style instead of the victorian style of drawing…Either the creative director didn’t give an f or this is AI🫤 https://t.co/VDCLL7FOuB pic.twitter.com/pNjCTvYUKQ
— Themountainking (@Themountainkin1) September 12, 2025
Fans have since claimed another new addition to the resort looks like it was made with AI.
A new photo backdrop at Disney’s Newport Bay Club — which is one of the resort’s more upscale hotels — has also drawn criticism for appearing AI-generated. Although Disney has since replaced the lighthouse-and-ocean scene with an alternative that looks only marginally less artificial, fans remain unimpressed.
At Disney Newport Bay Club, the recently installed photo location backdrop (which really looked like it was made with AI) has been changed for a less AI-looking design! Before and after:
At Disney Newport Bay Club, the recently installed photo location backdrop (which really looked like it was made with AI) has been changed for a less AI-looking design! Before and after: pic.twitter.com/DIvWdESKBM
— DLP Report (@DLPReport) October 13, 2025
Other instances of Disneyland Paris supposedly using generative AI include an emailer featuring a questionable-looking header image of guests in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle and advertisements used at the Rainforest Cafe in Disney Village.
Disneyland Paris parkgoers have questioned whether the resort is the most committed to AI of all Disney properties.
As one X user wrote, “At this point, is Disneyland Paris the most AI Disney Park out of the bunch?”
While there are plenty of practical uses for AI, its use in creative fields is perhaps the most disputed of them all. When it comes to Disney parks, the main argument is that generative AI undermines what has always been the core of The Walt Disney Company: human creativity.
For decades, Disney built its legacy on hand-drawn artistry, innovative design, and personal storytelling. Even beyond AI, the company has faced harsh criticism in recent years for relying too heavily on sequels, live-action reboots, and cost-cutting measures. The introduction of AI into the parks – especially Disneyland Paris, which has already weathered years of backlash for its lack of creative immersion compared to other Disney parks – feels, to some, like the final straw in Disney’s perceived decline in creativity.
How do you feel about Disney using generative AI in its theme parks?