New DisneyParksBlog on MyMagic+ and FP+

[skater]

I've been reading many of these Next Gen threads and I've been trying to figure out why a company would spend mega bucks on something like this.

I've decided that it's just a ruse to get your information and target the marketing directly to you on a personal basis, via electronic devices like phones or computers. Sure, there's a much over hyped (useless) carrot promised to you in exchange for you participating in this system.....

But....Lets look at Disney's track record with recent advancements. We have a NEW! web site that's a total disaster. On my last visit in Dec. 2012 Disney Parks Mobile Magic was completely non functional. The technology upgrade that Test Track installed was completely non functional when we rode it, meaning less than a week after it opened, and that was only when the ride wasn't down, which it was non functional on a regular basis.

Add to this the marketing fluff without any substance for events like Epcot's anniversary, Limited Time Magic, which so far has tragically consisted of left over beads distributed during a Dance party for New Years and a gap in the schedule for this week (must have run out of beads!) and the fabulous "New" 'Year of the Ear Hat' in which (GASP!) New ear hats will be released.

I love the fact that they don't even have a schedule for limited time magic, which to me means they are totally making it up as they go along. We are celebrating the 4th of July for the whole week? Really? What genius dreamed that one up?

If those examples don't float your boat think about all the other dogs that were unleashed on us in the past.

Speaking of dogs, for this last trip, unless we got to the parks at rope drop we couldn't get any fast passes, and the few that we did get we couldn't use because it meant chaining ourselves to a return time schedule that just didn't work. Don't worry if you're not understanding this. You'll figure it out when you get in the parks and try to work out the details of making your return time when you finally realize you don't know exactly how long it's going to take you to eat that counter service meal or get through the line for another attraction. Sounds fairly simple huh? Well in actual practice it just never worked out for us. If we wanted to make that FP return time we had to stop doing things for fear that it would take up too much time, so the choice was stop touring and wait for the FP return time when it got to be within an hour of it or keep moving on seeing other attractions. Sounds like a little thing huh? Well try it and see how it sucks the life out of touring the parks.


I think that someone in the Disney marketing department is trying to put one over on us and put lipstick on a pig, package it in sensationalism and depend on people's ignorance to buy in to being manipulated and herded into paying more and getting less. It's what they've been doing lately with many of their other promotions.... right?

I think it's really sad that Disney has totally lost sight of Walt's vision for the parks and it's become a matter of wringing the last dollar out of every guest at the expense of substance.

In my opinion the leadership in the parks department has definitely turned a corner and it's not in the right direction.

Your mileage and opinion may vary and that's fine with me. I'm watching what they are doing. It's a lot more telling than what they are saying.

While I'm at it I'll add another pet peeve. What's up with the charging for a Garden view at a resort and you are staring at a wall of overgrown, ugly shrubbery. Who in their right mind decided that they had the hubris to charge extra for that? Helen Keller?

Remember, the main idea is to manipulate and wring out every last dollar from the guest. This is where the emphasis is. What happened to the magic? Where did that go??

Now I'll tell you that I'll still go to the parks and have fun, but I'll be sad about all the things that were dumbed down or ended or just plain taken away. Then I'll see what is being promoted as replacing it, and I'll know that it's not better. That's my opinion, that's what I'm seeing. That's all I'm saying. I'm not any more right than you are. It's just an opinion folks.

I seriously thought about doing my winter trip at Universal (and probably my 11 year old son would have been thrilled). Nostalgia still wins out - so many wonderful memories at Disney. Still, the nostalgia won't keep winning out for some of us if they take away too much of the magic that makes it nostalgic.

 

[Waddler]

I've decided that it's just a ruse to get your information and target the marketing directly to you on a personal basis, via electronic devices like phones or computers. Sure, there's a much over hyped (useless) carrot promised to you in exchange for you participating in this system.....

Yeah. I can't believe so many people are excited about enhanced marketing. They must either trust that Disney won't cross a line, or they haven't thought it through.

Want to design your own Test Track car? First, here's an ad about a product you might be interested in.

Happy wake-up call from Mickey! He sees that you had the wine pairings at V&A's last night. Would you like him to bring you a Bloody Mary and advil to take the edge off your hangover?

Did your kid spend half an hour looking through Minnie merchandise, but left the store empty-handed because you wanted her to think about a purchase first? Maybe a targeted ad pops up on your resort TV screen, telling your little girl that poor plush Minnie is homeless and is waiting for you to save her.

You walked 6.8 miles yesterday, ate approximately 1,800 calories, and are running a 700 calorie deficit... and you have a weakness for dole whips. How much food pron can you take before you cave and buy one?

Sent your overcooked steak back to the kitchen at dinner last night and left a justifiably small tip? Every CM can now see that your pain-in-the-butt score is 2 out of a possible 10.

Sure, some of the above examples are far-fetched... but where will they draw the line?

 

[maggiew]

I'm not really excited about the new MyMagic +.

It might be good for a newbie or someone who didn't understand you needed to plan a little ahead . Some may have left Disney disappointed that they didn't get to do xyz because the line was too long or they didn't make an ADR to eat with the princesses. This way they are "guaranteed' to do their "must dos". (Provided they know about MyMagic+ or can figure it out.)

However, for someone like me who likes to plan and use FP, this will be a step back. We always use more than 3 FP per day.

Hopefully, the masses will use their FP+ on scheduling Fireworks viewing time or something worthless like that and leave the headliners for me.

Also, we usually do room only reservations. We've never done a full package because we don't want the dining plan. Now it looks like I will have to do a package to get tickets. Hopefully it will work out that we can have a Disney room reservation and then order Undercover Tourist tickets and add them to the MyMagic+ thing if we get the tickets mailed to us ahead of time.

I was thinking about staying offsite next trip. We had a 2 bedroom condo when we went to Hawaii last year and now my teen girls are spoiled on the room space. So they wanted a condo again for our trip to Disney. Maybe I won't be able to do that if this new system rolls out before our trip.

I'm still undecided about the bracelets. I like the idea of having one thing for photopass, room key and tickets. Not sure I want charging priviledges on that. I'm afraid of my CC info being on the RFID. I've read too many articles about the new RFID chips on CCs and theives getting the info off of those. I bet it would be easy game at WDW for the theives and these RFID. I'm also a little concerned about privacy. I didn't think about the things a PP mentioned, like WDW will KNOW that you spent an hour at World of Disney and didn't buy anything. Or you like to spend your afternoon in the shops at EPCOT. A little too big brother for me. I'm hoping I can get a card with the RFID instead of the bracelet and then put it in one of those metal wallet things you can buy at Walgreens to protect against the RFID readers. Then just bring out the card when you need it.


Maggie

 

[Melodious]

Yeah. I can't believe so many people are excited about enhanced marketing. They must either trust that Disney won't cross a line, or they haven't thought it through.

Want to design your own Test Track car? First, here's an ad about a product you might be interested in.

Happy wake-up call from Mickey! He sees that you had the wine pairings at V&A's last night. Would you like him to bring you a Bloody Mary and advil to take the edge off your hangover?

If mickey brought me a bloody mary in bed, I would definitely consider it a win!

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

Ha good luck with that. I don't even like the idea of wearing one.

Not thrilled with the idea of wearing a wristband either. But, even if they don't make another format (e.g. card) available, what prevents us from just putting our and our children's wristbands in our bag like we do current park tix? Doesn't seem like a big problem to me.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

I'm not really excited about the new MyMagic +.

It might be good for a newbie or someone who didn't understand you needed to plan a little ahead . Some may have left Disney disappointed that they didn't get to do xyz because the line was too long or they didn't make an ADR to eat with the princesses. This way they are "guaranteed' to do their "must dos". (Provided they know about MyMagic+ or can figure it out.)

However, for someone like me who likes to plan and use FP, this will be a step back. We always use more than 3 FP per day.

Hopefully, the masses will use their FP+ on scheduling Fireworks viewing time or something worthless like that and leave the headliners for me.

Also, we usually do room only reservations. We've never done a full package because we don't want the dining plan. Now it looks like I will have to do a package to get tickets. Hopefully it will work out that we can have a Disney room reservation and then order Undercover Tourist tickets and add them to the MyMagic+ thing if we get the tickets mailed to us ahead of time.

I was thinking about staying offsite next trip. We had a 2 bedroom condo when we went to Hawaii last year and now my teen girls are spoiled on the room space. So they wanted a condo again for our trip to Disney. Maybe I won't be able to do that if this new system rolls out before our trip.

I'm still undecided about the bracelets. I like the idea of having one thing for photopass, room key and tickets. Not sure I want charging priviledges on that. I'm afraid of my CC info being on the RFID. I've read too many articles about the new RFID chips on CCs and theives getting the info off of those. I bet it would be easy game at WDW for the theives and these RFID. I'm also a little concerned about privacy. I didn't think about the things a PP mentioned, like WDW will KNOW that you spent an hour at World of Disney and didn't buy anything. Or you like to spend your afternoon in the shops at EPCOT. A little too big brother for me. I'm hoping I can get a card with the RFID instead of the bracelet and then put it in one of those metal wallet things you can buy at Walgreens to protect against the RFID readers. Then just bring out the card when you need it.


Maggie

If these are real concerns for anyone, they can opt out!

 

[UNCFanatik]

So much privacy paranoia coming from people using the internet. I am sure the irony is lost on them. Too funny...

 

[stitch1094]

True, I found this explanation,

Anyone can call 180 days out from the date they wish to dine. Guests staying on-site at a Walt Disney World Resort (this does not include the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts or the Shades Of Green Resort, as these are not owned and operated by Disney) can call 180 days from their check-in date and make reservations for the length of their stay, up to a maximum of 10 total days (commonly referred to as the 180+10 window benefit). If your stay is longer than 10 days, then you can call 180 days out for any day after the 10th day. You will need to give your resort reservation number in order to book during the 180+10 window.

On-site guests, however, may find that some locations, such as Cinderellas Royal Table, are hard to get when calling during the 180+10 window. In order to make it fair for both on-site guests arriving after you but wishing to dine on the same date, as well as off-site guests, only a limited number of reservations may be available for booking prior to 180 days. If you do not get the reservation you want, call again as early as possible on the 180 day mark for the date in question.

Maybe Fastpass+ will have a similar advantage.

Is this true with the Disney Experience website? I ask because the website is only allowing me to book 180 days in advance (no +10) so I have been booking dining one day at a time for our July trip. I am staying on site using DVC points and the reservation is linked in the website.

 

[maggiew]

If these are real concerns for anyone, they can opt out!

I know. And I will, if that is an option. Although I am pretty sure that Disney will do away with regular FP soon. They won't have both systems going for very long (IMHO). In addition, if we opt out, I am sure the regular FP will become unavailable very early each morning. So not really much of an option to opt out.


I have another question. We are doing a cruise in June. I was thinking about going to WDW one day pre-cruise for Star Wars Weekend. If I get 10 day non-expiring tickets, would I then be able to use the codes from those tickets for our December trip on the MyMagic+ system but then keep my offsite December reservations?

Maggie

 

[texasteacher35]

Seriously...people are never happy, you can't please everyone...I like the idea of no paper fast passes...what a waste. Not having to run across parks for fast passes is awesome. We go to WDW from Chicago A LOT, and I am excited to see change...they will work out the kinks. Disney rocks, and so I have faith in them working this through. It may not be perfect at first, but come on...

I am more disappointed about the reduction of discount for my premier passport. Seriously!

 

[Waddler]

So much privacy paranoia coming from people using the internet. I am sure the irony is lost on them. Too funny...

Paranoia is a strong word. I realize that my privacy is vulnerable when using the internet, too. Doesn't mean I have to enjoy it.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

It still amazes me -- though it shouldn't anymore -- how negative people can be on here!! CRANKY!!

And many of the same ones complaining about any new technology Disney tries, also complain that Disney isn't investing enough in the parks!

A WDW vacation - and planning it - makes me happy. Even when I'm not 100% thrilled with every little aspect of every change Disney makes. I'm looking forward to what this new technology can bring.

Time for me to take a DIS break! I know... I won't let the "logout" hit me on the way out!

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

Seriously...people are never happy, you can't please everyone...I like the idea of no paper fast passes...what a waste. Not having to run across parks for fast passes is awesome. We go to WDW from Chicago A LOT, and I am excited to see change...they will work out the kinks. Disney rocks, and so I have faith in them working this through. It may not be perfect at first, but come on...

 

[DisneyFive]

You won't have to wear the band all day long. You can attach it to a lanyard or to a belt loop, or even throw it in your bag and bring it out only when you need it.

There are also indications that Disney will offer RFID items other than a wristband.

I'll be interested to see what they come up with. I'm not bashing FP+, as we tried it this past Sept and it was fine. It WAS very nice to know that you already had FP's for your desired attractions at predetermined times even before you got to the park.

I just don't want to wear a bracelet around all day while in the parks, to access my room, etc...

Dan

 

[rjvose17]

We are going to WDW for a little trip January 25-30... We are DVC and PAP holders. This trip instead of using DVC points we are staying at POP. Would it do me any good to ask about the magic bands and the new fast pass system upon check in? I myself am getting a bit confused over all the changes. I like change so I'm anxious to see how it all works and have read that some people are getting picked to try things out. What are your thoughts?

 

[dadddio]

I'm not really excited about the new MyMagic +.

It might be good for a newbie or someone who didn't understand you needed to plan a little ahead . Some may have left Disney disappointed that they didn't get to do xyz because the line was too long or they didn't make an ADR to eat with the princesses. This way they are "guaranteed' to do their "must dos". (Provided they know about MyMagic+ or can figure it out.)

That's just the thing. Loads of people won't know that they are supposed to plan out their rides 60 days out.

That's kind of what I don't like about FP+. Not only does it ignore those people who don't know that they should be microplanning their theme park visits, but it doesn't give enough perks to those that do microplan their visits to be a reasonable replacement for FPs. Sure, these people can schedule three (or four?) rides in advance, but they used to be able to get half a dozen FPs to the big rides.

FP aside, there does seem to be some good stuff here. The whole RFID thing is expected to include value added stuff. Most of those things are also opportunities for us to spend more, but Disney's primary business is increasing corporate profits, not that there's anything wrong with that.

Also, we usually do room only reservations. We've never done a full package because we don't want the dining plan. Now it looks like I will have to do a package to get tickets. Hopefully it will work out that we can have a Disney room reservation and then order Undercover Tourist tickets and add them to the MyMagic+ thing if we get the tickets mailed to us ahead of time.

You can book rooms and buy tickets on the Disney website without adding a meal package. As I understand it, those people who buy tickets from other sources can also still use the MM+ system. They just will type in their ticket number on the website. That's not unlike how cruisers enter their ticket numbers on the site to be able to preschedule excursions and dinners.

I was thinking about staying offsite next trip. We had a 2 bedroom condo when we went to Hawaii last year and now my teen girls are spoiled on the room space. So they wanted a condo again for our trip to Disney. Maybe I won't be able to do that if this new system rolls out before our trip.

I think that you will still be able to do that. You'll just enter your ticket number on the website.

I'm still undecided about the bracelets. I like the idea of having one thing for photopass, room key and tickets. Not sure I want charging priviledges on that. I'm afraid of my CC info being on the RFID. I've read too many articles about the new RFID chips on CCs and theives getting the info off of those. I bet it would be easy game at WDW for the theives and these RFID.

As I understand it, your CC info won't be on the chip. It will be rather like the current KTTW card where it identifies the guest and whether he has spending priveledges, but doesn't actually include the CC number. The CC number is already in the system from check-in, so doesn't need to be on the card. The issue of someone somehow cloning bracelets to ring up charges is a good one, but can be avoided as it is with CCs. A simple way would for the system to pop up a picture of the bracelet holder at point of purchase.

I'm also a little concerned about privacy. I didn't think about the things a PP mentioned, like WDW will KNOW that you spent an hour at World of Disney and didn't buy anything. Or you like to spend your afternoon in the shops at EPCOT. A little too big brother for me. I'm hoping I can get a card with the RFID instead of the bracelet and then put it in one of those metal wallet things you can buy at Walgreens to protect against the RFID readers. Then just bring out the card when you need it.

Something tells me that the mouse already has a handle on whether people are buying things or browsing the shops. That being said, you will still have a couple options to de-big brother it. One is to pay with cash or a credit card instead of the bracelet. You will have the option of not having spending privledges just like with the KTTW card.

In many ways, most of what they are doing is just taking the current KTTW concept and taking it to the next step by adding PhotoPass to it. To do that right, they have to change the technology to RFID. This change allows them the ability to offer greater experiences.

FOr me, FP+ is the weak point to the entire scheme, not magic bands. Magic bands allow them an additional sales opportunity, but don't 'reduce the magic', in my opinion.

 

[awoogala]

Just curious as I haven't looked. Are they allowing any comments to remain that are anything but glowing?

No. I know of 5 posts that have not been posted on that blog.

 

[awoogala]

Yeah. I can't believe so many people are excited about enhanced marketing. They must either trust that Disney won't cross a line, or they haven't thought it through.

Want to design your own Test Track car? First, here's an ad about a product you might be interested in.

Happy wake-up call from Mickey! He sees that you had the wine pairings at V&A's last night. Would you like him to bring you a Bloody Mary and advil to take the edge off your hangover?

Did your kid spend half an hour looking through Minnie merchandise, but left the store empty-handed because you wanted her to think about a purchase first? Maybe a targeted ad pops up on your resort TV screen, telling your little girl that poor plush Minnie is homeless and is waiting for you to save her.


You walked 6.8 miles yesterday, ate approximately 1,800 calories, and are running a 700 calorie deficit... and you have a weakness for dole whips. How much food pron can you take before you cave and buy one?

Sent your overcooked steak back to the kitchen at dinner last night and left a justifiably small tip? Every CM can now see that your pain-in-the-butt score is 2 out of a possible 10.

Sure, some of the above examples are far-fetched... but where will they draw the line?

top that off with the fact that once you have given them permission to data mine your kids, what is to stop them from selling that info to other companies? You have opted in, and given them permission.

 

[dadddio]

What about those people who book through a travel agent. I know when I book with AAA I can not see my reservations online. So even if I buy a package am I out of luck for everything

Your travel agent will mail you your tickets (or vouchers). Then you can enter the numbers on the website and you're good to go.

Ok...another scenario...

My Disney cruise includes a day at wdw....I have a reservation number for the cruise but will that let me make a fast pass reservation for my day at wdw? We have been told our room keys will also be our ticket....

I assume that it will be handled the same way as you do your exursions and Palo reservations. In fact, it would not at all surprise me to see the ships move to MyMagic/magic bands pretty quickly.

 

[dadddio]

My question is what happens to those of us with AP's who make frequent trips? Since I go often, I tend to plan less. I can't plan my trip six months in advance because I may not even know I'm heading down to Disney until one month prior. Or I may wake up one day and say "hey, I think I'll plan a trip to Disney next weekend." We go often....of course I'm not going to plan like someone taking a once in a lifetime trip (or even those who go once every few years). So where does that leave us? Waiting in a standby line every time because I couldn't make my fastpass reservation six months in advance? I don't want to plan my days like that! Seems way too rigid.

This is my biggest concern. When we were AP holders, we would decide to hit the parks completely on a whim. With the old FP system, this was not a problem. With the new system, this will be a huge problem.