Any Rumors on Magic Band Testing.

[vadrwilntwrmickyears]

Nailed it.

The message being received on my end from disney, is that my money doesnt matter to them anymore.

What disney cares about are the once in a life time visitors, the others don't matter anymore.

I think for the people who got fired, they may have been the ones who had that train of thought about the "once in a lifetime visitors". Disney has to know that they will not make their money from Visitor A, who goes once in a lifetime, They make their money from Visitor B, who comes once and twice a year.

As for my family of four, and our friends who travel with us, instead of staying in the resort for 14-days and getting a 10-park hopper, we are going to stay for 6-days in a resort, with a 5-day one park ticket. With the money saved, were getting a 6-br house with private pool and were now getting the flex pass that gets us into Sea World and Universal. Along with one day in Lego land.

As I said before, I am not the only family who will do this. Instead of our money being spent all in Disney, families will start looking at alternatives.

 

[vadrwilntwrmickyears]

And in the long run I think everyone will see it this way

From March through the end of August, this fast pass idea will not enhance park hoppers. As said, this person went in September. That is when schools starts. That is when the parks are empty.

In March through August, you will see an hour wait from 9am on. You will not get to go on all the rides and then be able to use fast passes in a different park. People who vacation during these times will tell you the same.

 

[Amberleefuta]

We always go in the summer. The reason fastpass was so long or they were gone was due to people hoarding fastpasses or double/triple dipping. I think the new system is a great improvement. Yes there are bugs but they are working out. That is what beta testing is all about. I think everyone needs to take a deep breath and relax. If u don't like it then just don't go.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[ChipnDale79]

We always go in the summer. The reason fastpass was so long or they were gone was due to people hoarding fastpasses or double/triple dipping. I think the new system is a great improvement. Yes there are bugs but they are working out. That is what beta testing is all about. I think everyone needs to take a deep breath and relax. If u don't like it then just don't go.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

how were people double/triple dipping?

the system didnt allow that.

 

[vadrwilntwrmickyears]

We always go in the summer. The reason fastpass was so long or they were gone was due to people hoarding fastpasses or double/triple dipping. I think the new system is a great improvement. Yes there are bugs but they are working out. That is what beta testing is all about. I think everyone needs to take a deep breath and relax. If u don't like it then just don't go.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

How can people hoard fast passes? On your ticket, your only allowed one per two hours or until the time of the ride expires. Your the second person who mentioned hoarding is a problem and people hold multiple at a time. How are they getting more than one fast pass?

 

[vadrwilntwrmickyears]

how were people double/triple dipping?

the system didnt allow that.

I will be pissed if there was a way to hold more than one fast pass and in the 15 years of me coming to Disney, I havent figured it out.

 

[ChipnDale79]

I will be pissed if there was a way to hold more than one fast pass and in the 15 years of me coming to Disney, I havent figured it out.

You could hold more than one at a time, as long as you got your next fast pass after the allowed window.

 

[SarahD]

My only problem with the fast pass system is that half our family is staying offsite, half on (15 of us total). So getting fast passes for half of us does us no good at all.. I'd be happy just to skip the ahead of time/fast pass plus system and get the regular fast passes, but from what I'm hearing, they'll be gone quickly out of the machines because so many will have been snapped up ahead of time via magic band. I am looking forward to the magic bands themselves.

 

[thebwit]

I think the biggest problem is that people are thinking too narrow when it comes to the Magic Bands. One thing to remember is that the MB was done to INCREASE money spent in the park first and foremost. Everyone is just associating it with FP+ and nothing else. Right now the MB is in charge of:
- Room Key
- Park Entry
- Credit Card
- Rides
- Dinning Reservations
- Dinning Plans

It has already showed that it speeds up entry into the park for the most part when compared to the paper ticket. How, I am not sure exactly as you still have the finger print scanner, but I can assume it has to do with the fact that you wear the band rather than have it in your pocket and then have to divvy out cards to each member of your party.

It has also shown an increase in spending at the parks. Again due to ease of use. Just tap your band and enter a pin versus fiddling with a wallet and/or purse.

The FP+ line has had tremendous positive response, especially for things that didn't or normally wouldn't have a FP associated with them. Yes ETWB is a high priority, but now there is a priority for parades and fireworks too which is something that people wanted.

The plan from my understanding is to have this roll out to all parks, resorts, ships, etc... While I haven't done a Disney cruise (others), I can see how having a band would be a lot better than having to bring your wallet. Imagine going on an excursion and not having to bring your wallet with.

Also while on board a ship, from my understanding there's already something in place to find your kids with the technology. Imagine being able to find the rest of your party with the technology. Anyone who's done a cruise with a large party can attest to trying to find one another and it being a pain.

Let's look at other potential uses for the MB. I can see new tech being used where while on a ride or a show there is a level of personalization. Be it Mickey saying Hi NAME or that you are from a foreign country and the band automatically tells the narrator of the ride to have the language be in your primary one.

We also know that the MB is going to be replacing PhotoPass with Memory Maker. Now let's see how could this help Disney get more $ from you? Well they could send you a personalized photo book of your previous trip. Or use photos from your previous trips in their marketing material to you. Who doesn't like getting mail from Disney?

One other thing to think about with the MB, while it is taking longer than expected, Gmail was in Beta for YEARS.

 

[themousexpert]

I think the biggest problem is that people are thinking too narrow when it comes to the Magic Bands. One thing to remember is that the MB was done to INCREASE money spent in the park first and foremost. Everyone is just associating it with FP+ and nothing else. Right now the MB is in charge of: - Room Key - Park Entry - Credit Card - Rides - Dinning Reservations - Dinning Plans It has already showed that it speeds up entry into the park for the most part when compared to the paper ticket. How, I am not sure exactly as you still have the finger print scanner, but I can assume it has to do with the fact that you wear the band rather than have it in your pocket and then have to divvy out cards to each member of your party. It has also shown an increase in spending at the parks. Again due to ease of use. Just tap your band and enter a pin versus fiddling with a wallet and/or purse. The FP+ line has had tremendous positive response, especially for things that didn't or normally wouldn't have a FP associated with them. Yes ETWB is a high priority, but now there is a priority for parades and fireworks too which is something that people wanted. The plan from my understanding is to have this roll out to all parks, resorts, ships, etc... While I haven't done a Disney cruise (others), I can see how having a band would be a lot better than having to bring your wallet. Imagine going on an excursion and not having to bring your wallet with. Also while on board a ship, from my understanding there's already something in place to find your kids with the technology. Imagine being able to find the rest of your party with the technology. Anyone who's done a cruise with a large party can attest to trying to find one another and it being a pain. Let's look at other potential uses for the MB. I can see new tech being used where while on a ride or a show there is a level of personalization. Be it Mickey saying Hi NAME or that you are from a foreign country and the band automatically tells the narrator of the ride to have the language be in your primary one. We also know that the MB is going to be replacing PhotoPass with Memory Maker. Now let's see how could this help Disney get more $ from you? Well they could send you a personalized photo book of your previous trip. Or use photos from your previous trips in their marketing material to you. Who doesn't like getting mail from Disney? One other thing to think about with the MB, while it is taking longer than expected, Gmail was in Beta for YEARS.

Yes this is what Disney set out to accomplish. However, you are wrong when you say there has been a positive response. Unless that is if you get your info from the internet, because as you know, if it is on the internet, it must be true.

The reason Iger and others are angry is because 40% of the people from September til now are complaining. When people get a snack, their account is being charged, rather then the dining credit being taken away. Cast Members were being scolded, until they saw for themselves that the correct buttons were being pressed by cashiers, but the bands weren simply not working. 100's of apologies have been given to Cast Members as a result of the negative memos and warnings issued to their employees for no reason at all.

At check outs in the resorts, that is when 40% of the people have been freaking out after realizing they have 20 snack credits left, but charged 100 bucks from their account. Some people not even realizing this until they got home. I am telling you all this as a fact, Iger and his associates are crapping their pants. Their anticipation for errors and complaints as the holidays and peak season begins have scared them to death. This entire system has not been as positive as you read.

As for the the fast passes. Mark my words, non resort guests will be getting screwed. Floridians and resort guests will not have to worry about lines after testing is over.

 

[anthony2k7]

I think the biggest problem is that people are thinking too narrow when it comes to the Magic Bands. One thing to remember is that the MB was done to INCREASE money spent in the park first and foremost. Everyone is just associating it with FP+ and nothing else. Right now the MB is in charge of:
- Room Key
- Park Entry
- Credit Card
- Rides
- Dinning Reservations
- Dinning Plans

It has already showed that it speeds up entry into the park for the most part when compared to the paper ticket. How, I am not sure exactly as you still have the finger print scanner, but I can assume it has to do with the fact that you wear the band rather than have it in your pocket and then have to divvy out cards to each member of your party.

It has also shown an increase in spending at the parks. Again due to ease of use. Just tap your band and enter a pin versus fiddling with a wallet and/or purse.

The FP+ line has had tremendous positive response, especially for things that didn't or normally wouldn't have a FP associated with them. Yes ETWB is a high priority, but now there is a priority for parades and fireworks too which is something that people wanted.

Are you sure about all of that? Most of those "positives" sound like a list of the benefits the system was supposed to deliver, rather than what it has actually delivered.

I've read stories to the contrary on most of those points - with park entry being slower because its confusing, more CMs being needed at park entry (higher cost) to assist guests, whilst other guests are simply skipping by the "turnstiles" completely when the CM's arent watching. As for the increased spending - I'd also read that the project had failed to deliver on every single benefit target so far, so I assume this includes increased spending target.

 

[lucyem]

The billion spent on MM+ technology has nothing to do with the number of FP+'s allowed. That is a management decision that can be changed at any time.

In September, FP+ actually enhanced my park hopping. I was able to go to one park at opening and ride all the rides I wanted first thing and then in the afternoon went to a second park and didn't have to worry about FP's being gone because I already had them for my favorite rides. I did this twice with great success. No hurries, no running, two parks and the best rides!

I personally found the preplanning and lack of flexibility totally frustrating. I was there last week and no I did not have tiers which started after I had my FP+'s. That would add even more frustration. As it was I was unable to change times. My DH was sick. We would have LOVED to change the days we were at certain parks. We would have LOVED to push some times to later in the day. But no. Sorry stay where you are and ride anyway or give up riding your favorite rides without a really long wait.

And yes I totally see why your plan works and is the best way to go. But start factoring in a sleeping or sick child. Factor in a surprise change in weather or suddenly realizing there is something special you want to do elsewhere. Or you want to take a nap or sleep in. Suddenly you realize you have lost a ton of flexibility. And any spontaneity. A CM told me it will get better once all the FP+'s are out there. I tend to disagree. And that is why they created tiers. Because honestly there were never enough FP's for TSMM in the first place. MK is one thing. Epcot, DHS & AK are another.

I think they should have introduced MB's for everyone. Got them straightened out. Then add a few more rides in Epcot and DHS and then started working in FP+. Its obvious they bit off more then they can chew. Yes people are annoyed about MB but if that was all then the complaints would be less and I think people would be more positive about them.

 

[themousexpert]

I personally found the preplanning and lack of flexibility totally frustrating. I was there last week and no I did not have tiers which started after I had my FP+'s. That would add even more frustration. As it was I was unable to change times. My DH was sick. We would have LOVED to change the days we were at certain parks. We would have LOVED to push some times to later in the day. But no. Sorry stay where you are and ride anyway or give up riding your favorite rides without a really long wait. And yes I totally see why your plan works and is the best way to go. But start factoring in a sleeping or sick child. Factor in a surprise change in weather or suddenly realizing there is something special you want to do elsewhere. Or you want to take a nap or sleep in. Suddenly you realize you have lost a ton of flexibility. And any spontaneity. A CM told me it will get better once all the FP+'s are out there. I tend to disagree. And that is why they created tiers. Because honestly there were never enough FP's for TSMM in the first place. MK is one thing. Epcot, DHS & AK are another. I think they should have introduced MB's for everyone. Got them straightened out. Then add a few more rides in Epcot and DHS and then started working in FP+. Its obvious they bit off more then they can chew. Yes people are annoyed about MB but if that was all then the complaints would be less and I think people would be more positive about them.

You are 1 of a million who are complaining about this exact same issue. No flexability. With the bands, you have to plan your entire trip, 60 days in advance. These bands were designed to herd guests as if they were cattle. Over 1 billion dollars so far for this system and they still are calling this a test. Complaints, nasty emails and phone calls have soared to the point that from September til now, there has been more complaints then the entire 2012 year. You only don't read about it because Disney doesn't let anything get out.

 

[Alice Royal]

I think this entire idea was a bad one. With the key cards, if your spending the day at the park, you can hold 6-7 fast passes. Including having the ability to Park Hop. Now everyone is only allowed 3 seems to be a bad idea.

Last years trip, there was a 225 minute wait for Soaring and Test Track.This was with the old fast pass system. Now with the tiers, This is going to increase the wait times to such a high wait, I think people may get annoyed and then consider not even going, being it is nearly an all day event to ride one attraction.

Plus Is it me, or does it seem that this will take away from anyone needing to buy Park hopper tickets anymore. I always get the park hopper and always go to two parks. What would be the point now? It seems that either there is more to come that we dont know about or that this was just a very bad idea. Long lines make unhappy parents. Unhappy parents dont spend money.

I have to call BS on that one. I'm an AP and I've gone at all times of the year. Never seen more than 2-2 1/2 hours for either of those rides.

Wait times are wait times. You're going to get the same number of minutes when you multiply ride capacity/output and number of people in line. I don't think FP+ will increase the number of people. It will actually decrease due to FP+ being available at more rides and shows and also due to the tier system. If it were possible for everyone to get 5 FP+ spots on the same rides, THEN you'd see ridiculously long waits.

Remember, Disney pioneered the idea of a fast-pass system. There was a time when EVERYONE waited in the same line.

Don't like it? Tell Disney so by spending your money elsewhere. It's simple.

 

[themousexpert]

I have to call BS on that one. I'm an AP and I've gone at all times of the year. Never seen more than 2-2 1/2 hours for either of those rides. Wait times are wait times. You're going to get the same number of minutes when you multiply ride capacity/output and number of people in line. I don't think FP+ will increase the number of people. It will actually decrease due to FP+ being available at more rides and shows and also due to the tier system. If it were possible for everyone to get 5 FP+ spots on the same rides, THEN you'd see ridiculously long waits. Remember, Disney pioneered the idea of a fast-pass system. There was a time when EVERYONE waited in the same line. Don't like it? Tell Disney so by spending your money elsewhere. It's simple.

I've seen wait times for test trek over 200 minutes several times in April. The worse is when an entire school or group is in the park and trust me, that happens all the time. Like I said before, fast passes shouldn't be anyone's concern. In a few months, floridians and resort guest won't have to wait in line anymore and everyone off resort will be waiting in those ridiculously long wait time rides. And just to clear this up, fast passes decreased lines, not made them longer. Your info is incorrectly calculated.


Just think what will happen to Disney's pocket books if off site guests have to wait in long long rides. Hmmmmm perhaps people will stay in resorts?

This entire system was devised to make more money. For instance, putting money on the band. Do you know that the majority of people by souvinirs from outside Disney. But now with putting money on bands, people will be more likely to grant their kids a wish, rather then saying, I'm sorry son/daughter, I have no money. Its psychology 101. If you have 100 in your pocket, your not buying your kid a 10 dollar balloon. If you have 100 in the band, your more likely to.

Look at what the bands provide. Nothing benefits the guests, it's all about their bank. Does anyone really think disney spent 1 billion on these machines, just to get guests in the parks quicker. It's to get you in the resorts, make you think you don't need a rental car. Without a car, you won't leave and see one of the thousands of souvinir shops all throughout international drive or Bronson highway. Money stays in the resorts and gets spent in the resorts. And fast passes is what will increase resort guest. Again, fast passes are really a non issue for those staying in resorts.

 

[Alice Royal]

I've seen wait times for test trek over 200 minutes several times in April. The worse is when an entire school or group is in the park and trust me, that happens all the time. Like I said before, fast passes shouldn't be anyone's concern. In a few months, floridians and resort guest won't have to wait in line anymore and everyone off resort will be waiting in those ridiculously long wait time rides. And just to clear this up, fast passes decreased lines, not made them longer. Your info is incorrectly calculated.


Just think what will happen to Disney's pocket books if off site guests have to wait in long long rides. Hmmmmm perhaps people will stay in resorts?

This entire system was devised to make more money. For instance, putting money on the band. Do you know that the majority of people by souvinirs from outside Disney. But now with putting money on bands, people will be more likely to grant their kids a wish, rather then saying, I'm sorry son/daughter, I have no money. Its psychology 101. If you have 100 in your pocket, your not buying your kid a 10 dollar balloon. If you have 100 in the band, your more likely to.

Look at what the bands provide. Nothing benefits the guests, it's all about their bank. Does anyone really think disney spent 1 billion on these machines, just to get guests in the parks quicker. It's to get you in the resorts, make you think you don't need a rental car. Without a car, you won't leave and see one of the thousands of souvinir shops all throughout international drive or Bronson highway. Money stays in the resorts and gets spent in the resorts. And fast passes is what will increase resort guest. Again, fast passes are really a non issue for those staying in resorts.

And that's a bad thing? As an International Business major in college this is seeming more and more genius, especially when you consider that the majority of Guests are reacting positively to the changes (as opposed to a potential majority of the sliver of visitors who use the DisBoards).

 

[themousexpert]

And that's a bad thing? As an International Business major in college this is seeming more and more genius, especially when you consider that the majority of Guests are reacting positively to the changes (as opposed to a potential majority of the sliver of visitors who use the DisBoards).

It is a good thing for Disney and business. For me it's bad because I hate staying in the resorts .

 

[Yellowstonetim]

I personally found the preplanning and lack of flexibility totally frustrating. I was there last week and no I did not have tiers which started after I had my FP+'s. That would add even more frustration. As it was I was unable to change times. My DH was sick. We would have LOVED to change the days we were at certain parks. We would have LOVED to push some times to later in the day. But no. Sorry stay where you are and ride anyway or give up riding your favorite rides without a really long wait.

And yes I totally see why your plan works and is the best way to go. But start factoring in a sleeping or sick child. Factor in a surprise change in weather or suddenly realizing there is something special you want to do elsewhere. Or you want to take a nap or sleep in. Suddenly you realize you have lost a ton of flexibility. And any spontaneity. A CM told me it will get better once all the FP+'s are out there. I tend to disagree. And that is why they created tiers. Because honestly there were never enough FP's for TSMM in the first place. MK is one thing. Epcot, DHS & AK are another.

I think they should have introduced MB's for everyone. Got them straightened out. Then add a few more rides in Epcot and DHS and then started working in FP+. Its obvious they bit off more then they can chew. Yes people are annoyed about MB but if that was all then the complaints would be less and I think people would be more positive about them.

Interesting. I found the exact opposite. I was able to rearrange FP throughout my trip. We changed plans and so would change FP's, I even changed times on some FP just a short time before riding to match my adult kids plans who did not have bands or FP+. I found the FP+ far more flexible than regular FP. You can change your FP and the FP time can go back into the system instead of being lost. A lot is perspective; I "felt" flexible and relaxed and changed plans a number of times. But I also had those favorites reserved.

Last trip we did not do the new Buzz Lightyear ride because we didn't want to stand in a long line and the FP was never available at the right time for us. This time we reserved a ride ahead of time and finally got to ride.

I still think most people want to relax, ride a few favorites and have fun. Most do not want to do 10 FP's. Therefore, most will be pleased with the flexibility.

We - and Disney - do not know yet how the whole public will use FP+, so they don't know yet how many can be safely given out ahead of time and how many can be given out same day. Therefore, they must be conservative until the whole thing is rolled out, operating smoothly, and then they can adjust the number and type of FP's to maximize our enjoyment while not overburdening the system and making FP lines as long as regular lines. 3 is a good start. I think eventually there will be more.

 

[vadrwilntwrmickyears]

I've seen wait times for test trek over 200 minutes several times in April. The worse is when an entire school or group is in the park and trust me, that happens all the time. Like I said before, fast passes shouldn't be anyone's concern. In a few months, floridians and resort guest won't have to wait in line anymore and everyone off resort will be waiting in those ridiculously long wait time rides. And just to clear this up, fast passes decreased lines, not made them longer. Your info is incorrectly calculated.


Just think what will happen to Disney's pocket books if off site guests have to wait in long long rides. Hmmmmm perhaps people will stay in resorts?

This entire system was devised to make more money. For instance, putting money on the band. Do you know that the majority of people by souvinirs from outside Disney. But now with putting money on bands, people will be more likely to grant their kids a wish, rather then saying, I'm sorry son/daughter, I have no money. Its psychology 101. If you have 100 in your pocket, your not buying your kid a 10 dollar balloon. If you have 100 in the band, your more likely to.

Look at what the bands provide. Nothing benefits the guests, it's all about their bank. Does anyone really think disney spent 1 billion on these machines, just to get guests in the parks quicker. It's to get you in the resorts, make you think you don't need a rental car. Without a car, you won't leave and see one of the thousands of souvinir shops all throughout international drive or Bronson highway. Money stays in the resorts and gets spent in the resorts. And fast passes is what will increase resort guest. Again, fast passes are really a non issue for those staying in resorts.

I don't know what I find more interesting. The fact that it seems like you know off resort guests will be getting the shaft eventually, which sounds about right to me and the big picture.

Or the fact that you have had this DIS account for over a year and this topic is the one you pick to make your very first comments on. As if throughout the last several months, no rumor enticed you enough to comment. But now that the Magic Band + is here and taking over Disney World, that is the topic that gets your blood flowing.


When will the off site guest be getting screwed?

 

[rteetz]

How can people hoard fast passes? On your ticket, your only allowed one per two hours or until the time of the ride expires. Your the second person who mentioned hoarding is a problem and people hold multiple at a time. How are they getting more than one fast pass?

First off people in groups will go and get multiple FPs for their group say mom will go get some then uncle bill will some and than aunt jill will go get some for the entire group I've heard several stories of people getting a bunch of FPs for themselves hence the hoarding. Also I have a friend who is a DVC member and they get immediate FPs no waiting for the hour that's on the ticket because that's a perk of DVC. But they have an in and will get a ton of FPs for ride and have so many sometimes that they won't even use most of them. There are many people out there who find glitches to go and hoard FPs it's not that hard to do. This new system gives three to everyone and that's fair I think heck I don't think I've ever used more than 3 FPs in a day.