Disney's $1 billion dollar bet on magical wristband - Wired

[OldsDr]

I'd trade all of Animal Kingdom for Pleasure Island

 

[jade1]

I'd trade all of Animal Kingdom for Pleasure Island

I contemplated PI on the list but not with Disney Springs coming.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Wouldn't trade even 7DMT for all of that.

That ride is as lame as it gets...
Stop setting the bar below grade

 

[lockedoutlogic]

I contemplated PI on the list but not with Disney Springs coming.

Disney springs is gonna be a mall with offerings begot at most upscale urban mega malls...

We think...they haven't made very many announcements on "coming soon"

The hope there is that they have some good restaurants lined up...

 

[DDLand]

Wow...how do those Cherries taste?

Since 1999...they have closed discovery island, river country, pleasure island, shuttered one EPCOT pavilion, all but gave up on innoventions, stripped what was once the best pavilion and never corrected the mistakes.

And not to mention the state of studios and the lack of dedication to animal kingdom in that time period.


I'm sorry...they are not better. DVC is "better"...some areas like several new small scale food and bevs in EPCOT are better...

They have higher prices and higher attendance...that is not proof of better.

Laisse faire and the customers are not always right. They are absolutely wrong here. It's clouded by the reputation and world class spin of the D.

The lemming effect.

Okay, we can go back to 1999.

We were talking about attractions inside the 4 parks. However I'll bite on all those.

1) Discovery Island was an extremely niche product. I'd contend Discovery Island and Animal Kingdom of today service the needs of everyone today better then the old one did.

2) RC closure irrefutably hurt Fort Wilderness guests. Once again a niche product. Most guests didn't care about closure. It effected the vast majority of guests little or not at all.

3) WoL is a loss.

4) Replaced with E Ticket.

5) Innovations of 90s was a cheap collection of corporate commercials. It was controversial.

6) Norway, Mexico, and SWSA lost.

A few others too. Let's think on the other side.
1) Wishes

2)Illuminations RoE

3) Soarin

4) Lights Motors Action

5) Mission Space

6) Ariel

7) TSMM

8) Everest

9)Asia

10) Kali River Rapids

11) Flights of Wonder

12) Rethemed Toontown

13) Crush'n'Gusher

14) Star Tours the Adventure Continues

15) The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

That's off the top of my head.

If I could choose to spend a week in the old Disney World or the Disney World of today I'd choose today. (It would be a tough choice because time travel sounds awesome)

We can also add in all the Resort hooks I've talked about too.

Since 1999 the product is better. I wouldn't want to go to AK and find no Asia. To Epcot without Soarin. HS with TSMM.

Not trying to say that increased attendance is in indicator. However people do seem content with what they're getting for the price.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Oh dear...

Now the whole orchard is coming down...

I'll get back to you on this... Gonna take some time

 

[jade1]

That ride is as lame as it gets...
Stop setting the bar below grade

My point was "at a minimum" 7DMT-hence the "even" a bit over your head apparently.

 

[jade1]

Disney springs is gonna be a mall with offerings begot at most upscale urban mega malls...

We think...they haven't made very many announcements on "coming soon"

The hope there is that they have some good restaurants lined up...

My point is if they eliminated PI and did no rebuild-it would carry more weight. Even though we stopped going to PP years ago anyway.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

My point was "at a minimum" 7DMT-a bit over your head apparently.

You suggested the closure of
Actual guest areas - even if they had seen their day - was easily passed off as a joke with a jr coaster reference...

I have a sense of humor...but this might be the one area where I can't find it:
Charging more
For less and Telling us how lucky we are

 

[jade1]

You suggested the closure of
Actual guest areas - even if they had seen their day - was easily passed off as a joke with a jr coaster reference...

I have a sense of humor...but this might be the one area where I can't find it:
Charging more
For less and Telling us how lucky we are

I would not trade even 7DMT for your entire list if I could snap my fingers, "much less" everything else they have added since 1999-not even sure why the random year but whatever. Call it a joke if you want-but we do not miss anything on that list-NOTHING. Esp compared to what's been added, not to mention what's underway and coming.

 

[Josh Hendy]

Let's just assume that the inflation numbers are correct because the consensus among economists, analysts, government, companies, think tanks, public organizations etc. is that it is. Now you can say all those people are evil or stupid. I just won't buy it.

...

It isn't a broad consensus among experts, it's a quite small group within the BLS who make up inflation numbers. They have their counterparts in other countries and believe me, if they are not actually in cahoots between the various countries, they are educated at the same schools by the same profs and they are under exactly the same kinds of official and unofficial pressure. A number of years ago they decided to change the way that they calculate price inflation in such a way that it significantly understates the percentage value of inflation, compared to previous years. The details of the way that they changed their methodology is well documented (at the shadow stats web site and elsewhere).

I can't tell you why so many supposedly wise and respectable people agree with or at least refrain from criticizing the BLS. Rather than use the words "evil" or "stupid" which you suggested, I would instead say that it's a combination of self-interest (for example government budgeting and fiscal policy is far, far simpler when you are told that inflation is very low or non-existent) and a lot of ignorant, wishful thinking based on sloppy intellectual habits and a really lousy public education system (all the way through the university level). By "sloppy" I mean, "fail to apply logic to questions of finance and public policy in a rigorous and skeptical way". By "lousy" I mean, "fail to teach anybody to do the abovementioned".

Corporations BTW don't give a hoot about what the government claims to be the "official" inflation rate, except in that they may be locked into labor contracts that have escalator clauses tied to the rate. In that case, the corporations would absolutely keep their traps shut if it meant for example that they could double their admission ticket prices in 20 years but pay their employees only 50% more. To take an absolutely hypothetical example that (I'm sure) has nothing to do with anything discussed on DisBoards (cough).

 

[MrJobson]

For me, I’m not paying Disney for rides. I’m paying Disney for experiences. And the next-gen/mymagic+ technology is basically a giant infrastructure project with the ability to improve every aspect of your vacation experience. That is literally its stated goal, and while I can understand being more excited about new rides than infrastructure technology I can't be mad that Disney is spending its own money to try to improve the guest experience. Personally, I think the possibilities are pretty cool to think about:

If Disney decides to install those sensors throughout the park, a new world of data opens up. They could have Mickey and Snow White findyou. They might use the park’s myriad cameras to capture candid moments of your family—enjoying rides, meeting Snow White—and stitch them together into a personalized film. (The product teams called this the Story Engine.) But they might also know when you’ve waited too long in line and email you a coupon for free ice cream or a pass to another ride. And with that, they’ll have hooked the white whale of customer service: Turning a negative experience into a positive one.

Seriously, they could do all sorts of crazy and fun things with this technology. The possible applications for story-telling and experience building are pretty cool and can extend to everything, from the basics of park admission and purchases to enhancing character interactions and personalizing ride experiences. They have already been doing impressive things with the logistical parts of vacation that don’t sound very exciting on a news and rumors board but that are a big part of the what makes a smooth and fun vacation:

If you sign up in advance for the so-called “Magical Express,” the MagicBand replaces all of the details and hassles of paper once you touch-down in Orlando. Express users can board a park-bound shuttle, and check into the hotel. They don’t have to mind their luggage, because each piece gets tagged at your home airport, so that it can follow you to your hotel, then your room. Once you arrive at the park, there are no tickets to hand over. Just tap your MagicBand at the gate and swipe onto the rides you’ve already reserved. If you’ve opted in on the web, the MagicBand is the only thing you need.

Oh, and also it now handles your parking access and they are already starting to roll out a system where you don’t have to wait in line to check in to your hotel room but just go straight to your room and everything is already set for you.

Soarin is not...a moderate simulator is not. You can't call a simulator an E based on the wait time.

Toy story ABSOLUTELY not. Are you insane? A screened 3d shooter on a track?

This is true. These may be hugely popular attractions that expertly use their technology to create beloved experiences for guests. But they can’t possibly hold a candle to exciting E Ticket attractions such as Hall of Presidents, Country Bear Jamboree, and, of course, the Rainbow Ridge Pack Mules.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Dear customer,

Disney is great, they do nothing wrong, you have no right to criticize...your instincts and/or perceptions after decades and 100s of thousands of dollars of patronage are just flat wrong...the dividend says so.

You should give them all your money.

Sincerely,
Disney Apologist

(I'm translating...loosely.

Expertly using their technology to create beloved experiences...that's a good one)

 

[MrJobson]

Dear customer,

Disney is great, they do nothing wrong, you have no right to criticize...your instincts and/or perceptions after decades and 100s of thousands of dollars of patronage are just flat wrong...the dividend says so.

You should give them all your money.

Sincerely,
Disney Apologist

(I'm translating...loosely.

Very, very loosely. Almost like purposely mistranslating, though that would seem needlessly mean, so I doubt that is it.

There are things I like about what they are already doing with mymagic+/nextgen right now (and a few things I don't). There are a lot of really cool things I think they can do with it in the future. New attractions excite me (unless they are based on terrible movies like Avatar, in which case they only mildly interest me). Things that make it much easier and convenient to have a Disney vacation excite me too. The ability of this technology to personalize the experience also excites me, and I can imagine all sorts of cool applications for it that will make rides and character interactions and even just walking around the park a more immersive and personalized experience. I thought that would be something worth expressing on a thread about an article about the development of that technology. I am not sure how that got construed as a claim that all criticism of Disney is invalid or caused a leap straight to ad hominem. If I tell you that in my personal weekly orders straight from Bob Iger he assured me that people have the right to both criticize Disney and give them all of their money, does that make my post better?

I think that everyone, as a consumer, should ask themselves if a Walt Disney World vacation give them appropriate value for their money? I'm getting a subtle impression that for you the mymagic+ tech and the attractions added over the last decade or so have not enhanced the experience, or at least not nearly as much as the prices have gone up, and therefore the answer is no. Other people (me included) may disagree. There is a slight possibility that the things that make a good Disney vacation for other people may be a bit different than things that make a good Disney vacation for you.

Expertly using their technology to create beloved experiences...that's a good one)

People don't really love Soarin' and Toy Story? Maybe you don't find the technology very advanced, but is that really the point? I thought the point was to have a good time, and those rides seemed to have that affect on lots and lots of people. Soarin' might be a "moderate simulator," but the combo of the visuals, and audio, and smells, and motion, and even how your dangling legs enhance the feeling of flying all creates a very fun experience that many, many people enjoy and make a core priority of their vacation. They probably could have thrown in some fancy robots or spent decades developing technology to beam the images and smells directly into your brain, but why? The application of technology seems much more important to me than its novelty. Pepper's Ghost was invented in 1862, yet was used for some of the most well-known and memorable scenes on Disney rides.

Though I will admit I was also being somewhat rhetorical because the arguments about what count as an "E ticket" always amuse me as well, given many of the rides that have actually held that status.

 

[disBOBney]

I was surprised that the article did not mention Aulani's use of the mb. I don't have children, but as I was standing in line at one of the waterslides I noticed several kids were wearing a mb, so I had to ask why, since they don't open guest rooms etc. and I was told that every child who registers with Aunties Place is provided a mb to wear during their stay. The mb allows the child to be found if they wonder off. While I can understand the piece of mind this can provide a parent, it does seem a little Orwellian. Did any one else know of Disney using the bands in this fashion?

 

[rteetz]

I was surprised that the article did not mention Aulani's use of the mb. I don't have children, but as I was standing in line at one of the waterslides I noticed several kids were wearing a mb, so I had to ask why, since they don't open guest rooms etc. and I was told that every child who registers with Aunties Place is provided a mb to wear during their stay. The mb allows the child to be found if they wonder off. While I can understand the piece of mind this can provide a parent, it does seem a little Orwellian. Did any one else know of Disney using the bands in this fashion?

Disney does the same thing for the kids clubs on the Disney cruise they use yellow magic bands for that.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Very, very loosely. Almost like purposely mistranslating, though that would seem needlessly mean, so I doubt that is it.

There are things I like about what they are already doing with mymagic+/nextgen right now (and a few things I don't). There are a lot of really cool things I think they can do with it in the future. New attractions excite me (unless they are based on terrible movies like Avatar, in which case they only mildly interest me). Things that make it much easier and convenient to have a Disney vacation excite me too. The ability of this technology to personalize the experience also excites me, and I can imagine all sorts of cool applications for it that will make rides and character interactions and even just walking around the park a more immersive and personalized experience. I thought that would be something worth expressing on a thread about an article about the development of that technology. I am not sure how that got construed as a claim that all criticism of Disney is invalid or caused a leap straight to ad hominem. If I tell you that in my personal weekly orders straight from Bob Iger he assured me that people have the right to both criticize Disney and give them all of their money, does that make my post better?

I think that everyone, as a consumer, should ask themselves if a Walt Disney World vacation give them appropriate value for their money? I'm getting a subtle impression that for you the mymagic+ tech and the attractions added over the last decade or so have not enhanced the experience, or at least not nearly as much as the prices have gone up, and therefore the answer is no. Other people (me included) may disagree. There is a slight possibility that the things that make a good Disney vacation for other people may be a bit different than things that make a good Disney vacation for you.



People don't really love Soarin' and Toy Story? Maybe you don't find the technology very advanced, but is that really the point? I thought the point was to have a good time, and those rides seemed to have that affect on lots and lots of people. Soarin' might be a "moderate simulator," but the combo of the visuals, and audio, and smells, and motion, and even how your dangling legs enhance the feeling of flying all creates a very fun experience that many, many people enjoy and make a core priority of their vacation. They probably could have thrown in some fancy robots or spent decades developing technology to beam the images and smells directly into your brain, but why? The application of technology seems much more important to me than its novelty. Pepper's Ghost was invented in 1862, yet was used for some of the most well-known and memorable scenes on Disney rides.

Though I will admit I was also being somewhat rhetorical because the arguments about what count as an "E ticket" always amuse me as well, given many of the rides that have actually held that status.

We probably don't differ in opinion as much as you think...

My point is that Disney needs...nor warrants any cheerleaders or defenders here.

And my "hesitations" apply specifically and almost exlcusively to the current and recent management of wdw...not Disney as a whole. They are doing some great things... I think their management of Star Wars - to be fair - has been fantastic...and I'm a tougher critic there. Other than feet dragging on park projects. Which is again hard to dispute.

But wdw is under a "enoughs enough" kinda stance. As in "you've gotten enough for what we want you to pay... So anything else will be more"

There are 100 stories/angles/ and arguments - both sides- to illustrate the contention there...I can't spell it out in 3000 words for the 50th time...

Just realize that the "haters" are often on the High end of experience, knowledge, and financial investment of the wdw clientele. The veterans...

We (I think) are worried that its going to a place where it will just be another overpriced place... And it didnt used to be (or at least there was ebb and flow to the value)

And if that's because they took a short term approach and mortgaged the quality foundation by letting the place become a broken down cash cow...

Then I can only pity those that ignord the canaries and continued down the mine shaft.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Disney does the same thing for the kids clubs on the Disney cruise they use yellow magic bands for that.

Those bands are a simple GPS system. They are not of the same construction as the magic bands.

Magic bands have yet to be used for cruiseships

 

[rteetz]

Those bands are a simple GPS system. They are not of the same construction as the magic bands.

Magic bands have yet to be used for cruiseships

Yes but they look exactly like a magicband.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

View attachment 83804
Yes but they look exactly like a magicband.

They seemed chunkier than the magic bands... I did a side by side comparison a few months ago and something was different.

Either way... They haven't done an integration on the ship... Don't know if that's cost, logistics, or incompatibility