MyMagic+ and RFID MagicBands

[barkydog2000]

www.wdwforgrownups.com/articles/mymagic-set-roll-out-walt-disney-world

www.insidethemagic.net/2012/12/walt-disney-world-details-fastpass-with-new-my-disney-experience-site-launching-high-tech-vacation-planning-enhancements/

1. What is MyMagic+?
As part of our efforts to take the entire Disney Guest experience to the next level, we’ve taken a look at “how” our Guests experience our theme parks and are using technology to make it easier than ever for our Guests to make the most of their vacation.

2. Why are you doing this now?
It is part of our ongoing commitment to taking what we do and making it even better and provides the opportunity for us to exceed our Guests’ expectations.

3. Is there an additional cost for MyMagic+?
No. MyMagic+ will make the Disney Park experience better for everyone at no additional cost. However, the MagicBand initially will only be available to select Walt Disney World hotel Guests and Guests who purchase other specific products.

4. How/when can I participate in MyMagic+?
We anticipate MyMagic+ will be available to all Walt Disney World Guests this year.

5. How are MagicBands secured in terms of privacy and information?
The MagicBand does not store any personal information – it contains a code that securely links to an encrypted database that associates the MagicBand with the benefits a Guest has purchased. Extensive measures are in place to protect our Guests’ privacy and the security of the personal information they choose to share with us. Guests may choose to not participate
in MyMagic+ and MagicBands may be disabled if lost.

6. Will Guests have to use MyMagic+?
No. Guests opt in to use the service. Guests who choose not to use MyMagic+ can still enjoy a park experience, but will not have access to some of the major benefits of the program (e.g., securing favorite attractions or experiences in advance through Disney FastPass+ service).

7. Will MyMagic+ require Guests to plan every moment of their visit?
No. MyMagic+ enables Guests to have the vacation experience they want from start to finish. Guests who enjoy planning their vacations in great detail will be able to do this like never before, and those who want spontaneity or to “go with the flow” can still do so.

8. Is MyMagic+ also going to roll out at other Disney destinations?
At this time, MyMagic+ will only be offered at Walt Disney World Resort. We continually look for ways to take our Disney Guest experience to new levels at all of our destinations around the world.

9. When are you rolling out MyMagic+ to groups like Annual Passholders?
We are still finalizing our timeline. In the coming months, all Annual Passholders will be receiving communication via mail or email on how they will become part of the MyMagic+ experience and receive MagicBands. In the meantime, Annual Passholders can continue to use their existing passes and are encouraged to get started by going to mydisneyexperience.com and creating a profile.

I don't know if any of you have heard of this new system that WDW is putting in place. It is quite interesting. Most of it seem that it will make a lot of things faster and easier, but there are still a few concerns in my mind.

What are your thoughts?

[Briar Rose's Dark Knight]

The U.S. government has already grilled Bob Iger over the technology in this and how much information about guests that Disney is collecting.

One of the more interesting things Disney may be doing with this is personalizing guest moments in a way never before seen. Disney has flat out said they may well use this technology to allow a princess to greet a guest coming to meet her by name and converse with said guest about their day, interests, etc.

Disney also says it will allow guests to schedule when they do certain attractions, et all. So now instead of collecting a fastpass for Space Mountain, you can actually decide that you want to ride Space Mountain at 2:15 on Tuesday before you even arrive on Disney property.

[barkydog2000]

Yes, there are lots of safety concerns with this technology.

Oh, I didn't hear about the princess thing, that's actually very nice.

Yeah, what I like most about the fastpass system besides more things have fastpasses, is instead of a fastpass going unused or something, if someone changes their mind about going to a ride that they got fastpasses for or don't show up, then the fastpass will be put back into the system to be used.

They are doing a lot of cool things, but they all include internet or smart phones (iPhones). So it excludes those that don't have that technology. (I am talking like the mobile magic)

[Briar Rose's Dark Knight]

To me the greatest advantage of this idea is that a guest can actually schedule a specific experience. One of the most common planning questions I see on trip planning forums is how to meet a certain character. I once overheard a family that had spent 5+ hours in line trying to see their daughter's favorite princess only to miss Cinderella every single time.

[barkydog2000]

oh wow! That's horrible! Yeah, this is a big advantage for that.

[Briar Rose's Dark Knight]

Disney CEO Bob Iger issued a blistering reply to the Congressman who accused Disney of collecting excessive information about children. The response outright accused the congressman of not even bothering to read Disney's press release about the technology.

www.deadline.com/2013/01/disney-bob-iger-magicband-congressman-ed-markey-magicband-privacy/

[barkydog2000]

wow! That's intense. I can see both sides, that there are safety concerns, and that they should have tried to address them privately instead so publicly

[Briar Rose's Dark Knight]

I think that's why Disney responded so harshly. The Congressman made it public from the beginning so Disney felt the need to protect their interest.

Having had some incredible character moments at the parks as an adult, I cannot begin to imagine what magic can be created through knowing just a couple of pieces of information, some of which is public record, and others of which (favorite character, et all) is harmless.