Run, don’t walk, and check out Disney in 3D in Google Earth! Originally this layer was supposed to come out over a week ago, but it’s finally here! (See the official page). Walt Disney World has released 3D models of their parks in Orlando, and, with Google’s help, they are now part of the “3D Buildings” layer built in to Google Earth. There is also a layer found under “Gallery->Travel and Tourism->Walt Disney World” which provides placemarks with more information (video, audio, and fun facts) about the parks and the hotels. Included are complete 3D models and information of the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Resorts. And, as you would expect from Disney, the 3D models are very beautiful – including not only the rides and buildings – but, also trees, statues, benches, posts, banners and more!
I’m including this screenshot for now, but expect a YouTube video showing a fly through of this amazing collection shortly (see video demo here):
Once again, to see Disney in 3D, you need to fly to Disney World in Orlando (enter “Disney World” in the “Fly To” search of Google Earth). Then make sure you have the “3D Buildings” layer turned on. Turn on the other layer mentioned above to see fun placemarks with more information, video, and audio describing the parks and sights.
[UPDATE JUNE 5: Here’s Google’s announcement of Disney in 3D.]
About Frank Taylor
Frank Taylor started the Google Earth Blog in July, 2005 shortly after Google Earth was first released. He has worked with 3D computer graphics and VR for many years and was very impressed with this exciting product. Frank completed a 5.5 year circumnavigation of the earth by sailboat in June 2015 which you can read about at Tahina Expedition, and is a licensed pilot, backpacker, diver, and photographer.
Beautiful, really! We must give credit to Google to continually invest in technological innovation
Wow, that’s both very cool and quite disturbing. The Happiest Place On Earth has been suddenly abandoned…
Is this a Max 3D model?
If you use a non GE english-us version then you have to change GE language settings to “en-us” and restart GE before this Disney layer shows up.
GE should create a more easy way to language change instead of we need to restart after a change of the language settings.
Wow, I just crawled inside Beauty and the Beast Theatre !!!! amazing…
I now can have a preview for the WDW Marathon, without a single sweat drop 🙂
I’m trying to see it, but it’s not working for me. As far as I know, all my hardware and software is up to date, but the 3D images just don’t show up. The popup boxes direct me to download the latest version of Flash Player, even after I have installed it and restarted everything.
BTW, I can see the regular 3D buildings, but not the new Walt Disney World stuff.
A virtual model of an artificial “world”?
A bit sad really, like using all the technological power of an iPhone to find the nearest Starbucks.
There are better uses of GE.
This is cool! A lot of Disney Good Neighbor hotels is also included, really nice.
Nice! Even the other Kissimmee hotels can be seen.
Cant find Disney Land in Google Earth. It keeps on taking me to the Disney Land Store, or taking me to a place called Disney Land Resort, and it isnt disney land. Ive been searching for it for 2 hours now, and google earth is gving me foolishness. Please fix google earth -_-
Try typing Disney World. Or, you can go to GE gallery, click travel, and type it in.