AMSTERDAM, Netherlands and BURBANK, Calif., May 28, 2026
Royal Philips and The Walt Disney Company have announced a groundbreaking global collaboration that brings beloved Disney characters and storytelling directly into Philips Ambient Experience for MRI, creating a more engaging and comforting imaging environment for children undergoing magnetic resonance imaging procedures. The initiative will be deployed across healthcare facilities in 87 countries, marking one of the most significant efforts to improve the pediatric imaging experience through immersive technology. By integrating Disney’s iconic characters, stories, and visual content into Philips’ advanced MRI environment, the collaboration aims to reduce anxiety, improve patient cooperation, and help healthcare providers deliver high-quality diagnostic imaging more efficiently. The partnership highlights the growing role of patient-centered healthcare innovation in improving both clinical workflows and overall care experiences for children and their families.
Disney-Powered MRI Environment Reduces Stress in Young Patients
MRI examinations can be particularly challenging for children due to the enclosed environment, loud sounds, and the requirement to remain completely still for extended periods. Research cited by Philips indicates that approximately 66% of pediatric patients experience anxiety during MRI procedures, often leading to scan interruptions, repeat examinations, or the need for sedation. To address these challenges, Philips Ambient Experience now incorporates immersive Disney-themed content, allowing children to interact with familiar characters from Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, Disney Princess franchises, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and other popular stories before and during imaging procedures.
The technology combines visual projections, soundscapes, and environmental customization to create a more welcoming atmosphere. By shifting attention away from the clinical setting, the solution helps children remain calm and cooperative throughout the examination, potentially reducing procedural delays and improving imaging efficiency.
Clinical Evidence Shows Significant Improvements in MRI Workflow
Advertisement
The effectiveness of the Disney-enhanced Ambient Experience platform is supported by data from a multi-center study conducted across six leading European hospitals. The research demonstrated a 43% reduction in pediatric patient stress levels after MRI examinations among children aged six to ten years. Additionally, MRI scan interruptions and pauses decreased by 63% compared with procedures performed without the intervention. These findings are particularly important because reducing anxiety-related disruptions can improve scanner utilization, decrease the need for repeat imaging, and support faster patient throughput.
Healthcare providers participating in the study reported smoother workflows and enhanced patient cooperation, allowing radiology teams to focus on delivering high-quality diagnostic imaging while reducing operational challenges. The data also suggest that immersive pediatric imaging environments may help minimize sedation requirements, which can improve safety and lower healthcare resource utilization.
Global Collaboration Expands Patient-Centered Imaging Innovation
The new Disney-themed MRI experience builds upon Philips’ broader pediatric healthcare innovation strategy, which includes technologies such as Pediatric Coaching, Scan Buddy, and Kitten Scanners, all designed to improve healthcare experiences for children. Disney has also played a significant role in supporting pediatric healthcare facilities worldwide, having contributed resources to more than 1,700 children’s hospitals and pediatric care centers across 45 countries.
As part of this initiative, Disney has provided its artwork and character imagery for Philips Ambient Experience at no cost, reinforcing its commitment to improving healthcare experiences for young patients. Early implementation sites, including leading pediatric hospitals in Europe and the United States, have already reported positive feedback from both healthcare professionals and families.
As healthcare organizations increasingly prioritize patient experience alongside clinical performance, the Philips-Disney collaboration represents a powerful example of how advanced technology, evidence-based design, and storytelling can work together to transform pediatric care. By reducing stress, improving imaging efficiency, and creating more positive healthcare interactions, the initiative has the potential to redefine how children experience diagnostic imaging worldwide.
Source: Philips press release
