Disney’s use of artificial intelligence surfaced again this week during a press event tied to Disneyland Paris, where a routine merchandise reveal prompted an unexpected reaction from fans online.
The moment did not involve a new attraction or operational change. Instead, attention centered on how the announcement was presented, drawing scrutiny toward Disney’s growing reliance on AI in guest-facing materials.
The response fits within a broader pattern. Over the past year, Disney has increasingly tested artificial intelligence across its theme parks, often in ways meant to blend into the background rather than draw notice.
When those uses become visible, reactions tend to follow. Fans have previously criticized AI-generated artwork in Disneyland retail locations, digital decor elements at Disney Newport Bay Club, and a billboard on Main Street U.S.A. at Disneyland Paris.
Those instances have generated debate less for their scale than for their placement. Guest-facing creative work remains an especially sensitive area for a company known for controlled presentation.
Now, Disney is facing criticism for seemingly using AI in a totally different way.
Disney Merchandise Reveal Draws Scrutiny
At a December 13 press event, Disney previewed merchandise tied to the ongoing redevelopment of Walt Disney Studios Park into Disney Adventure World (via DLP Report).
The merchandise itself drew little attention. Instead, focus shifted to the narration accompanying the presentation, which many listeners described as artificial and uneven.
The merchandise video voice over is clearly AI, a monotone voice struggling to say Rapunzel. Please stop.
The merchandise video voice over is clearly AI, a monotone voice struggling to say Rapunzel. Please stop. pic.twitter.com/D3dcd8bTto
— DLP Report (@DLPReport) December 13, 2025
The narration highlights items inspired by Tangled (2010), referencing both the Kingdom of Corona and the film’s central character. Fans quickly noted that both names were mispronounced.
“In one direction, light dances across the Kingdom of Corona with the Rapunzel collection,” the voiceover says.
Reaction on social media centered on pronunciation and pacing. Several fans described the delivery as mechanical, with pauses and emphasis that felt inconsistent with traditional Disney narration.
“Oh damn the timing the pronunciation … they should’ve known better,” said one X, formerly known as Twitter, user.
Another fan focused on cadence rather than accuracy. “Apparently, full stops no longer mean anything,” they wrote. “Every time they do this they never really learn.”
Some commenters framed the incident as part of a broader pattern at Disneyland Paris, where AI-related decisions have surfaced more frequently than at other resorts.
“Fans always find excuses for these dumb choices,” one fan wrote. “They won’t stop.”
Disney’s AI Strategy Continues
That assessment aligns with Disney’s broader direction. Just days after the merchandise narration circulated online, the company announced a $1 billion equity investment in OpenAI.
The deal represents Disney’s most significant artificial intelligence commitment to date, expanding its use of AI across media, entertainment, and internal operations.
As part of the agreement, OpenAI’s text-to-video model, Sora, will be able to generate short-form social content featuring more than 200 Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars characters. Some of that content is expected to appear on Disney+.
Disney also plans to deploy OpenAI tools internally. ChatGPT will be used by employees, and AI services will support the development of new products and digital experiences.
“Disney and OpenAI affirm a shared commitment to responsible use of AI that protects the safety of users and the rights of creators,” the companies said in a joint press statement.
