Disney taps Google Cloud and Gemini for AI trip planner

The AI-guided planning experience follows a redesigned Walt Disney World website that launched on Thursday, August 20, which Disney says cut navigation by 40% and has drawn positive guest feedback so far. Even so, Disney research found that guests, particularly first-time visitors, are easily overwhelmed with the current booking system. The beta is served to random traffic and is not simply an AI chatbot, but a structured booking interface with AI capabilities.

Disney has partnered with Google Cloud and Gemini to address the effort required to book a vacation, especially when hunting for the lowest rates and comparing options. Guests can describe plans in their own words, and the tool automatically applies the best offer even when it differs at the room-type level. Side-by-side resort comparisons, an interactive map and resort videos are folded into the same interface, while preferences are stored for logged-in users and can be shared via a link.

Participation is limited for now: selected guests in the United States and Canada see a 'guided search beta' tab, and multiple rooms cannot be booked together at the moment. The test appears likely to hinge on whether guest feedback supports phased expansion, as Disney says it will refine the experience over time and eventually move into dining reservations and Lightning Lanes.