Any Rumors on Magic Band Testing.

[vadrwilntwrmickyears]

Where are you getting your information? Majority of guests? C'mon... If that were the case you wouldn't be hearing all of the reports (from fairly reputable sources) that upper management is hot about implementation, the sky-rocketing costs, the NEGATIVE customer feedback, etc.

The MB and the MDE concept are really great - don't get me wrong - but the implementation has been terrible and not fully vetted out. And the FP+ implementation to date has been the number one target of people's ire towards the system.

I cant agree more.

This is pretty much what I said. The people who like it come on here and say it has been well received everywhere, except from people on boards and blogs.

Well then, whats left. Is there a secret forum where people are raving about the new system? Micechat had an article saying it sucks. People I know that went there says it sucks. Disney officials have been fired. Others are about to be. The only place where people read good reviews is from Disney owned public written articles. The Orlando Sentinel (Disney Owned) had a good article on the Bands, but if you read the comments every single person, something like 238 comments, hated it.

The funniest is hearing people say "oh, I love the Magic BAnds, I didnt have to go in my pocket for a ticket". Or the " I didnt have to go in my purse to get money". Those reasons to love the system is laughable.

Last I checked, it took me 3 seconds to get money out of my wallet or to get the key from my pocket. Good Job Disney for spending over a BILLION dollars on a system that helps us to save 3 seconds from retrieving these items. And dont forget, Lines to get in the park will be as long as they were before. Because no matter what, it is the police searching through bags, that hold everything up.

 

[mjstaceyuofm]

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.

OK -I'm not one to normally flame, but there is so much wrong and erroneous information in this post you have just lost all credibility with me. I've been a DVC member since 1996 and your information about FP and DVC is 100% FALSE.

Regarding your first point about groups getting FPs makes no sense whatsoever. Once you use a ticket to acquire a FP under the old system you had to wait 2 hours or for the FP time printed on the ticket if less than 2 hours before you could get another ticket. Pretty simple. Whether you use a "runner" or not is a different story, but that "runner" can only get as many FPs as they have tickets.

 

[vadrwilntwrmickyears]

OK -I'm not one to normally flame, but there is so much wrong and erroneous information in this post you have just lost all credibility with me. I've been a DVC member since 1996 and your information about FP and DVC is 100% FALSE.

Regarding your first point about groups getting FPs makes no sense whatsoever. Once you use a ticket to acquire a FP under the old system you had to wait 2 hours or for the FP time printed on the ticket if less than 2 hours before you could get another ticket. Pretty simple. Whether you use a "runner" or not is a different story, but that "runner" can only get as many FPs as they have tickets.

There are no such thing as "runners" either. As I said in another post, Last March my wife and her friend tried to retrieve fast passes for Toy Story Mania for me and a all the kids who stayed behind in the resort. When she tried, the tickets said not eligible with a 4 digit code. The cast member said, this code means these people havent even entered the parks turnstiles yet, therefore are uneligible to get passes. So for all the hoarding responses, Nice Try.

 

[rteetz]

Where are you getting your information? Majority of guests? C'mon... If that were the case you wouldn't be hearing all of the reports (from fairly reputable sources) that upper management is hot about implementation, the sky-rocketing costs, the NEGATIVE customer feedback, etc. The MB and the MDE concept are really great - don't get me wrong - but the implementation has been terrible and not fully vetted out. And the FP+ implementation to date has been the number one target of people's ire towards the system.

That would be why Disney has not finished testing the system yet they started off with three no tiers than they went to four no tiers and must have seen something then went back to three with tiers Disney changes the system all the time because they are trying to find the perfect way for guests to use this. Not everyone is going to be happy Disney knew that before this even started nothing is tested with out problems that's why it's tested. Once it's finished I strongly believe it will be much better. Why do you think people have been moving jobs because of this Disney wants to find the perfect formula to make this work smoothly with little to no problem. And not everyone is negative there are quite a bit of people who are positive about the system.

 

[rteetz]

OK -I'm not one to normally flame, but there is so much wrong and erroneous information in this post you have just lost all credibility with me. I've been a DVC member since 1996 and your information about FP and DVC is 100% FALSE. Regarding your first point about groups getting FPs makes no sense whatsoever. Once you use a ticket to acquire a FP under the old system you had to wait 2 hours or for the FP time printed on the ticket if less than 2 hours before you could get another ticket. Pretty simple. Whether you use a "runner" or not is a different story, but that "runner" can only get as many FPs as they have tickets.

Well my friend is a DVC member and she gets FP pretty much whenever she wants just saying and there is no return time for those FPs. This past October when she went she was given a stack from her DVC guy and only used two out of the dozen she got. And as to the FP hoarders I'm only talking about stories I've heard I've never done any of it because I only use a few FPs a day no more.

 

[mjstaceyuofm]

There are no such thing as "runners" either. As I said in another post, Last March my wife and her friend tried to retrieve fast passes for Toy Story Mania for me and a all the kids who stayed behind in the resort. When she tried, the tickets said not eligible with a 4 digit code. The cast member said, this code means these people havent even entered the parks turnstiles yet, therefore are uneligible to get passes. So for all the hoarding responses, Nice Try.

Runners as in a big group *ENTERS* the park and ONE individual (the RUNNER) fights the crowd - with all the park passes in tow - to go get FPs for said attractions. Tickets only work in the FP machines once they've been activated by entering the park. You see it all the time. You especially see it with Brazilian tour groups.

 

[rteetz]

Runners as in a big group *ENTERS* the park and ONE individual (the RUNNER) fights the crowd - with all the park passes in tow - to go get FPs for said attractions. Tickets only work in the FP machines once they've been activated by entering the park. You see it all the time. You especially see it with Brazilian tour groups.

I have seen those groups maybe there is a misconception between runners and hoarders

 

[vadrwilntwrmickyears]

That would be why Disney has not finished testing the system yet they started off with three no tiers than they went to four no tiers and must have seen something then went back to three with tiers Disney changes the system all the time because they are trying to find the perfect way for guests to use this. Not everyone is going to be happy Disney knew that before this even started nothing is tested with out problems that's why it's tested. Once it's finished I strongly believe it will be much better. Why do you think people have been moving jobs because of this Disney wants to find the perfect formula to make this work smoothly with little to no problem. And not everyone is negative there are quite a bit of people who are positive about the system.

This is what I think the perfect formula should be.

Resort Guests, get 3 fast passes on their bands. Plus they get the regular ticket to use in the Machines under the same old fast pass system rule. In addition, VIP seating to one of the following Parades, Phantasmic, Fireworks or ETC.

Off site guests, just get the same old fast pass system that has always been in place.

 

[vadrwilntwrmickyears]

Runners as in a big group *ENTERS* the park and ONE individual (the RUNNER) fights the crowd - with all the park passes in tow - to go get FPs for said attractions. Tickets only work in the FP machines once they've been activated by entering the park. You see it all the time. You especially see it with Brazilian tour groups.

After they get into the park, I actually don't have a problem with that. I thought they meant "runners" as people who were going to parks early, while families were still asleep in order to get fast passes.

 

[mjstaceyuofm]

Well my friend is a DVC member and she gets FP pretty much whenever she wants just saying and there is no return time for those FPs. This past October when she went she was given a stack from her DVC guy and only used two out of the dozen she got. And as to the FP hoarders I'm only talking about stories I've heard I've never done any of it because I only use a few FPs a day no more.

Those aren't FPs generated from the machines then. Those are priority fastpasses that Disney can give out as they see fit. That is not a normal perk for DVC owners.

 

[rteetz]

Those aren't FPs generated from the machines then. Those are priority fastpasses that Disney can give out as they see fit. That is not a normal perk for DVC owners.

Okay I was just saying what I knew

 

[rteetz]

This is what I think the perfect formula should be. Resort Guests, get 3 fast passes on their bands. Plus they get the regular ticket to use in the Machines under the same old fast pass system rule. In addition, VIP seating to one of the following Parades, Phantasmic, Fireworks or ETC. Off site guests, just get the same old fast pass system that has always been in place.

Well what we think and what Disney thinks are two different things and from a business stand point they are not going to keep both systems that wouldn't be smart. I think Disney should give resort guests the perk of let's say 6 while off site get 3 FPs. Disney would never keep both systems that's why they are phasing them out.

 

[DebbieB]

Well my friend is a DVC member and she gets FP pretty much whenever she wants just saying and there is no return time for those FPs. This past October when she went she was given a stack from her DVC guy and only used two out of the dozen she got. And as to the FP hoarders I'm only talking about stories I've heard I've never done any of it because I only use a few FPs a day no more.

I've been a DVC member for 14 years and never got a fastpass from them. They do sometimes give them out for attending a tour, so salespeople do have them, she must be adding on points to get some kind of special treatment from her salesperson. This is not the norm.

 

[rteetz]

I've been a DVC member for 14 years and never got a fastpass from them. They do sometimes give them out for attending a tour, so salespeople do have them, she must be adding on points to get some kind of special treatment from her salesperson. This is not the norm.

I'm just saying what she got I don't own DVC so I don't know but she said she went to the new grand Floridian villas where her DVC guy was working and she got a stack of FPs.

 

[Alice Royal]

This is what I think the perfect formula should be.

Resort Guests, get 3 fast passes on their bands. Plus they get the regular ticket to use in the Machines under the same old fast pass system rule. In addition, VIP seating to one of the following Parades, Phantasmic, Fireworks or ETC.

Off site guests, just get the same old fast pass system that has always been in place.

Yeah, this *seems* all fine and dandy until you factor in Florida residents and other locals who have APs. We ARE a good chunk of their business and while some go frequently, some only go as many times as a non-resident, and therefore holding more FPs for everyone else would be the crappiest stunt for them to pull. Just saying.

 

[Coach81]

DVC member here.. can someone tell me the "stack of FPs" trick so I can use it???? LOL

 

[beer dave]

DVC member here.. can someone tell me the "stack of FPs" trick so I can use it???? LOL

Me too! All we ever got were some crappy stickers or maybe a pin.

 

[Robbi]

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!

You weren't limited to 3/ day and you could have used both the MB and your KTTK card for more. It was not an accurate representation of the new reality.

A perfect success...Unless of course you want a fastpass at a second park, or a second premium ride, or are an annual passholder, or a florida resident taking a day trip, or staying off-site for any portion of your visit, or have an annual pass that is up for renewal before your room reservation date, or you only want a single fast-pass, or you actually understood the old system, or you cannot get a magic band because you are staying at a different hotel, or you can ONLY get a magic band becasue you are staying at a different hotel, or you have come to rely on the old fastpass system to justify the eternally rising costs of tickets...

Amen

Yes you have a point with park hoppers. My family always buys park hoppers and this makes me kind of mad that I can't use them at two parks in one day. I do feel tho that having only 3 per person will free up more fast passes instead of those people who hoard fast passes and there are plenty of those people out there. I feel now soarin and test track fast passes won't be gone within an hour of the park opening same with TSM. Your only going to see long lines in the busy season especially the holidays but once Disney gets all the glitches worked out I don't think it will be that bad in the long run.

They won't be gone in the 1st hour, they'll be gone 60 days before you go. This is reminding me of the days of having to get up at 5am to wait on the phone for A CRT reservation.

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.

Disney will be terribly disappointed. I will not be spending extra money. The only reason we're still going in April is because my friend's 11 yo is really looking forward to the trip.
Another friend is a CM at an MK restaurant. She told me it's miserable there because guests are grumpy about FP+ or their MBs not working. There are a ton of complaints from guests and CMs hate it too because they are bearing the brunt of the anger and frustration. She's thinking about quitting.

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.

Thank-you.

You misread the quote. You commented on the Mouse Expert and then I commented on that thread. The Mouse Expert was insinuating that the off site guests will get screwed with only the locals and resort guests having free reign.

This is probably true. I thin WDW will be going to a pay for extra FP plan.

Me too! All we ever got were some crappy stickers or maybe a pin.

 

[Yellowstonetim]

You weren't limited to 3/ day and you could have used both the MB and your KTTK card for more. It was not an accurate representation of the new reality.

You misunderstand. It represented the "new reality" perfectly and the KTTW card and regular FP had nothing to do with it. Regular FP wouldn't do us any good.

For example:

Last trip we tried several times and could not ride Toy Story Midway Mania by standby or FP. The line was always ridiculous and the FP's were either gone or for a completely wrong time.

This trip, we made FP+ reservations for the exact time we wanted in the afternoon. That morning we got up and went to a DIFFERENT park and had a blast riding what we wanted first thing and walking around. We had lunch and everything was so relaxed because we didn't have to be at Toy Story Mania standing in line or checking FP times. We didn't even need to be in the park!!

In the afternoon we left the one park and went to the second park where we had 3 fast passes all ready to use when we wanted with no running, no checking FP times. It was awesome and so relaxing. AND we got to ride Toy Story Mania for the first time with no long wait, no worries, no adjusting to fit available FP times.

This was wonderful and made our trip more fun, more relaxed, and less stressful.

This would have been IMPOSSIBLE with the old FP system.

And I am convinced there are 100 people like me for every one that is very upset and will stop spending money. Disney can't please everyone but this will please MORE people than the old system.

 

[Hoodie]

You misunderstand. It represented the "new reality" perfectly and the KTTW card and regular FP had nothing to do with it. Regular FP wouldn't do us any good.

For example:

Last trip we tried several times and could not ride Toy Story Midway Mania by standby or FP. The line was always ridiculous and the FP's were either gone or for a completely wrong time.

This trip, we made FP+ reservations for the exact time we wanted in the afternoon. That morning we got up and went to a DIFFERENT park and had a blast riding what we wanted first thing and walking around. We had lunch and everything was so relaxed because we didn't have to be at Toy Story Mania standing in line or checking FP times. We didn't even need to be in the park!!

In the afternoon we left the one park and went to the second park where we had 3 fast passes all ready to use when we wanted with no running, no checking FP times. It was awesome and so relaxing. AND we got to ride Toy Story Mania for the first time with no long wait, no worries, no adjusting to fit available FP times.

This was wonderful and made our trip more fun, more relaxed, and less stressful.

This would have been IMPOSSIBLE with the old FP system.

And I am convinced there are 100 people like me for every one that is very upset and will stop spending money. Disney can't please everyone but this will please MORE people than the old system.

This is what we're planning to do for our upcoming trip. I still haven't been on Toy Story Mania for the exact reasons you state. What FP+ does is changes the way we've all gotten used to touring the parks. There will definitely be growing pains while everyone adjusts to the new reality. I do think that they will have to bump up the number, particularly in the MK. I think they will push through the roll-out converting each park. I suspect that by the time I go in Feb, both AK and at least one other park will have the legacy FP machines competely gone.

I also think this is a long term move to add another reason to stay on Disney property. Universal has been pretty successful in getting people to stay onsite by offering their version of the fastpass for "free" to guests. I can't count how many posts I've seen about people staying for 1-2 nights at a Universal hotel just to get the free pass. Disney notices that too. They've made a big deal about offering the Fast Pass system for free. I think they'll keep that - just give onsite guests and AP holders the ability to book their fast passes 60 days in advance AND via the apps and make everyone else go to the kiosks. That way they give an incentive to stay onsite and can still claim their FPs are free to everyone. It remains to be seen how much of a draw that will be.