On Feb. 15, Walt Disney World Resort announced the debut date for its Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom interactive game. The immersive experience, in which guests can battle Disney villains using spell cards, will officially welcome players Feb. 22.
Disney characterizes Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom (SotMK) is a combination of role playing game and collectible card experience. Merlin the Magician trains guests as apprentice sorcerers. Their goal is to stop Disney villains, all working with Hades – of Disney’s animated movie “Hercules – from stealing pieces of Merlin’s crystal ball and taking over Magic Kingdom.
Read a detailed overview of the Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom game in play-test mode. Or see photos from the SotMK preview in action.
During their recruitment, which takes place at the Fire Station on Main Street U.S.A. or in Liberty Square, guests are given a key card and five complimentary cards. Each card features a different Disney character who is “armed” with a spell of three power values: Attack, Boost and Shield.
Guests are also given a map with the locations of Mystic Portals, interactive screens that reveal the presence of villains. Armed with their map, key card and spell cards, apprentice sorcerers visit the portals, which are found throughout Adventureland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, Liberty Square and Main Street, U.S.A. Sorcerers do battle with a Disney villain by “casting spells” at the portals.
Access a document with a current list of SotMK spell cards, along with an overview of the game. Or watch a video of the SotMK game in action, with an explanation by Jonathan Ackley.
There are 70 different spell cards designed by Disney artists and trading card experts to encourages collecting and trading for both game play and to complete the set. Guests can receive five free cards every day they play.
Results of the cast spell vary, dependent on the card, the battle and the level of play. Different spell cards may work better with on some villains than others, cards may be used in combination, and – at the advanced level – the decision of what spell to cast may be essential to defeating the villains.
There are currently eight missions, and a final showdown with Hades, to complete. Missions can be played in 15-20 minute segments or in continuous play for up to three or four hours. There are also easy, medium and advanced levels of play.
According to Jonathan Ackley, Project Producer & Creative Director, Walt Disney Imagineering, Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom still emphasizes story – a foundational idea for Disney theme-park experiences. But the game also views guests as active players who interact with Disney characters.
“Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom gives our guests a whole new way to become the hero of the Disney story, taking Disney innovation to a new level,” Ackley said in a Disney press release. “It’s a great game of discovery and excitement that plays off our wonderful theme park and incredible family of Disney animated characters.”
Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom is included in the price of Walt Disney World park admission.
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