Originally Posted By sjdimon As I was reading about the new attractions being added to the DL Resort, I was curious, how are the new attractions tied to the IT Infrastructure (it obviously takes a lot of computing power to control something like "The Little Mermaid" or "Star Tours"). Are the control computers "on site" within the attraction itself, or do they reside in a central "Data Room" somewhere else at the DL Resort. Thanks!
Originally Posted By Autopia Deb Keep in mind I have seen nothing of DLR's current IT infrastructure. BUT I can tell you that you can fit 2 dozen or more modern servers in the space of 1 computer from Disneyland's early days. So I would guess that everything needed to run the modern attractions will fit nicely in the old computer rooms.
Originally Posted By sjdimon Oh yes - I have seen the old pictures - and I know that you could fit TONS of equipment in one of the old racks - just curious how they integrate new attraction controls into the existing infrastructure (or even *if* they do - from a support point of view - it's easier to have everything centralized; but it can also make sense to have the systems distributed as well.
Originally Posted By FerretAfros I would guess that it's mostly based at each attraction, given the way that the park was constructed over time. When the Magic Kingdom in WDW opened, they were already using computer controls for various attractions (basically anything with AA's), they had the ability of creating some centralized computer rooms. Still, my understanding is that they kept most things separated and near the attractions. Some of the ones that are near each other (like the Haunted Mansion and small world) share computer rooms, and I believe there is a central control room in the Utilidor near the hub for parades and such, but I think that even there things are mostly separate. DL also seems to suffer from sporadic power outages in certain areas of the park (the northeast corner with the Monorail and Matterhorn seemed to have it quite frequently about a year ago), which would also complicate things, especially if the control room was in the part of the park that tended to go out. Since it would take a lot of work to run wires from a central location to each new attraction built through the years (especially while keeping vital walkways open), I just don't think that it would make a ton of sense for them to keep the computers all centralized.
Originally Posted By Autopia Deb <--- has a secure wireless network at home that I set up and administer myself. So yes, I have heard of Wi-Fi.
Originally Posted By DlandDug >>You guys ever hear of WiFi?<< Yes, but I'm not so sure about Disney! Last December we stayed at Saratoga Springs in a three room family suite and were shocked to find that there was provided a single hard-wired internet access-- in the master bedroom! Glad to see that WDW is "testing" free WiFi at some of the hotels. Should have the whole Resort up and ready to go in two or three years...!
Originally Posted By DBitz2 Yeah, on my recent trip and stay at the Resort, I had to go to McDonald's for Wi-fi. I was a little shocked that it wasn't more readily available.
Originally Posted By SuperDry <<< You guys ever hear of WiFi? >>> Yes, we have. Are you suggesting that some of the attractions at DL have their master control computers operate the ride itself via a WiFi connection?
Originally Posted By ni_teach Last summer I remember reading a great article on how they did the computers for WOC. It also touched on how they have changed the computer systems at Disneyland Resort. Basically they are using lots and lots of fiber. They only time they use secured Wi-Fi is for the parades and/or things in motion. The current design of things is to have one server control as small section of a show or attraction. Then there is another server that watches those little servers and can step in and act as a control and backup if needed. If I can find the article I will post a link.
Originally Posted By phruby That would make sense. They could put fiber down when they repave everwhere.
Originally Posted By Bellella Did you guys ever see the segment of the "Wonderful World of Color Disneyland 10th Anniversary" show where they show the computer infrastructure of the Tiki Room? Someone tell me that they don't still have that k-razy, power-guzzling pseudo-space-age setup. Where was it anyway, behind the Tiki Room or right below it?
Originally Posted By DlandDug >>Where was it anyway, behind the Tiki Room or right below it?<< Below.
Originally Posted By phruby It's probably been turned into one rack mounted server. The rest of it is a makeout room for the castmembers.
Originally Posted By SafariRob This would make a very interesting article...if Disney would ever divulge that information. I work in the IT industry and I would totally geek out by reading up on how they design and manage their network. I am guessing...and this is just a guess...that Disney will avoid WiFi for two reasons. First, they are less vulnerable to attacks. Second, the infrastructure is already there to wire everything. Wired is much more secure so why not use it?
Originally Posted By DlandDug >>The rest of it is a makeout room for the castmembers.<< It's also where they keep the big glass tube for the Enchanted Fountain, as well as the mechanism for lifting it into place.
Originally Posted By FerretAfros What?! You mean that's not just a fountain?! And it's so convincing too...
