Anyone ever use Mobile Magic?

[savs]

I have been checking into this for my upcoming vacation. I'm just afraid that since I don't have internet capabilities, that I'll be charged for data usuage.

I have read several posts on this subject, adn some say nope no charge for them, while others have stated there was a small data charge on their bill.

I would hate to get it and get home from vacation and see that I spent way too much money on data charges.

 

[d-r]

I saw something very similar on Mobile Magic yesterday (when we were in Epcot). I think there was about an hour window, give or take 20 minutes. It was more specific than the Times Guide, but didn't tell you when the next window would be.

Yes, that is exactly what I mean, but some characters it isn't showing. I was responding to the statement that it wouldn't do you any good to see that Mushu was in China if you were in France - I think if it told you the times he'd be there it would be good.

Those charecter pictures above are in the animation studio and what looks to be the AK Good Times Gathering spot which are both RANDOM locations and charecters are always subject to change or just not show up. I can see how and why they do not add that information to the application.

That's what I'm saying. If somebody was going to print a list on a piece of paper, then I understand those characters not being on there. But for "LIVE" information on a cell phone app I do not think it is excusable. And I'm sorry, all those characters didn't just magically materialize in the animation building with no one knowing.

I'm sorry but I think you all are giving the programmers too much of a break on this - I think that is the whole point of having the live information on the cell phone, to have updated, current information. That's sort of the point. If they are going to charge 9.99 every six months, it should be more current information than what you can get off a piece of paper at every snack stand for free. Otherwise why bother?

Also I've seen it be wrong about the character locations - characters listed at the BAH were in the animation building, Tremaine listed in the wrong place. Donald listed as not in the park when he was. Those kinds of things are simply not excusable for this type of application. This isn't some random thing that fans threw together. It is from Disney themselves, and if they are going to bother to put it out there it should be current and correct.

 

[doconeill]

Yes, that is exactly what I mean, but some characters it isn't showing. I was responding to the statement that it wouldn't do you any good to see that Mushu was in China if you were in France - I think if it told you the times he'd be there it would be good.

I chose Mushu specifically as he is not always scheduled to be there. Mulan is generally scheduled, but Mushu sometimes appears with her unannounced.

That's what I'm saying. If somebody was going to print a list on a piece of paper, then I understand those characters not being on there. But for "LIVE" information on a cell phone app I do not think it is excusable. And I'm sorry, all those characters didn't just magically materialize in the animation building with no one knowing.

I'm sorry but I think you all are giving the programmers too much of a break on this - I think that is the whole point of having the live information on the cell phone, to have updated, current information. That's sort of the point. If they are going to charge 9.99 every six months, it should be more current information than what you can get off a piece of paper at every snack stand for free. Otherwise why bother?

Also I've seen it be wrong about the character locations - characters listed at the BAH were in the animation building, Tremaine listed in the wrong place. Donald listed as not in the park when he was. Those kinds of things are simply not excusable for this type of application. This isn't some random thing that fans threw together. It is from Disney themselves, and if they are going to bother to put it out there it should be current and correct.

Is it possible to be able to list every character available when they are out there? Yes. Totally, 100% possible. But the situation with the characters is so fluid, that for the exact errors you describe - if a character WASN'T appearing at the given location and time (because more frequent breaks were needed, the character wasn't available, etc.) then its just as bad as not listing them. They might as well remove them all from the program.

Fact is, sometimes a manager finds out, "Hey, the Incredibles are here and want to meet guests! Let's send them out to the Animation Building - oh, wait...that's already full, let's try the courtyard..." Yes, someone could try and update something somewhere, but that requires having a device with which to do it, access, and the time. It isn't the programmer's problem to crack. The facility is already there...it's the managers sending the characters out to keep it up to date. And THAT is the practicality problem.

Man, the application has only been out for 7 months or so...and we know Disney IT isn't the fastest moving thing on the planet...

 

[kelly01]

I have been checking into this for my upcoming vacation. I'm just afraid that since I don't have internet capabilities, that I'll be charged for data usuage.

I have read several posts on this subject, adn some say nope no charge for them, while others have stated there was a small data charge on their bill.

I would hate to get it and get home from vacation and see that I spent way too much money on data charges.

I think I see where the confusion lies. There are really 3 different ways to get Mobile Magic:

The first is as an "app" that is downloaded to your phone. This is what, I believe, most of us on this thread have used and are refering to. It is only available to Verizon Customers, and you must have a compatible phone (no smart phones). This app costs $9.99 and there are NO other data charges (not even small ones . You might see data usage, but no charges. Here is the info from the website on this app:

How much does the application cost?
Disney Parks Mobile Magic costs $9.99 to download and use for 180 days. Once you download the app, you will not be charged for additional data usage.

If you are a non-Verizon customer, or do not have a compatible phone you can still access the "Mobile Magic Website" and/or participate in "Mobile Magic Texting"...in that case, you will incur data charges (according to you particular plan) for web-browsing and/or texting.

Hope this helps!!!

Kelly

 

[chartle]

If you are a non-Verizon customer, or do not have a compatible phone you can still access the "Mobile Magic Website" and/or participate in "Mobile Magic Texting"...in that case, you will incur data charges (according to you particular plan) for web-browsing and/or texting.

Hope this helps!!!

Kelly

Just wanted to add that the Mobile Magic Website or Mobile Magic Texting is no where near the info you get in the paid app.

 

[OneBadApple]

I have been watching this thread and I think with everyone's comments we are going to get the app for our July trip. I'm such a tech geek that even without the positive comments I would probably still get it.

It looks like it could come in handy for us since we are used to lower crowd levels in Nov/Dec.

 

[trekker93]

I am a Verizon customer and downloaded it last month. I liked being able to setup my Favorite rides, restaurants ,etc on it. Then you can look at them to see what the waits are like. Also, you can see the temps, special events, etc.. It is really fun to be able to pull out my phone at any time and see what's happening!

 

[savs]

I think I see where the confusion lies. There are really 3 different ways to get Mobile Magic:

The first is as an "app" that is downloaded to your phone. This is what, I believe, most of us on this thread have used and are refering to. It is only available to Verizon Customers, and you must have a compatible phone (no smart phones). This app costs $9.99 and there are NO other data charges (not even small ones . You might see data usage, but no charges. Here is the info from the website on this app:

How much does the application cost?
Disney Parks Mobile Magic costs $9.99 to download and use for 180 days. Once you download the app, you will not be charged for additional data usage.

If you are a non-Verizon customer, or do not have a compatible phone you can still access the "Mobile Magic Website" and/or participate in "Mobile Magic Texting"...in that case, you will incur data charges (according to you particular plan) for web-browsing and/or texting.

Hope this helps!!!

Kelly

I do have a Verizon phone that is compatable and have unlimited talk and texting and that is it. So if I'm reading your post right, I should be able to download it and only get charged for the 9.99 app and not a charge everytime I turn it on and use it down in Disney....correct?

Sorry, I'm a such a worry wart I just want to make sure I know all the facts before I jump into this
Thanks!

 

[doconeill]

I do have a Verizon phone that is compatable and have unlimited talk and texting and that is it. So if I'm reading your post right, I should be able to download it and only get charged for the 9.99 app and not a charge everytime I turn it on and use it down in Disney....correct?

Sorry, I'm a such a worry wart I just want to make sure I know all the facts before I jump into this
Thanks!

From what I remember, Verizon does not charge additional data usage on GetItNow applications in general, unless specifically stated, and no data plan or mobile web access is required for those applications. Most applications don't use additional data though. You do use minutes during the download, however.

 

[DAZY3BYZ]

I ran the trial yesterday and really enjoyed the app. When I went to buy it a screen showed up telling me that if I didn't have a data plan that I would be charged for useage. I'm calling verizon today to figure this out. I'll let you know what they say. It is a great app. Lots of info.

 

[MelissathePooh]

We had to buy a phone that was capable of the application and Verizon now requires its phones to have a data plan depending on the type of phone. The data plan was regardless of Mobile Magic or anything else - it had to do with the phone and Verizon's requirements. But that was for a new phone.

I got the LG EnV Touch and had to get at least the 9.99/per month data plan.

 

[wmharley]

We had to buy a phone that was capable of the application and Verizon now requires its phones to have a data plan depending on the type of phone. The data plan was regardless of Mobile Magic or anything else - it had to do with the phone and Verizon's requirements. But that was for a new phone.

I got the LG EnV Touch and had to get at least the 9.99/per month data plan.

In November they instituted this stupid rule. Phones that weren't being forced to buy a data plan, now are.

I got the Venus in October and had looked at the Touch, and then the Touch Chocolate right before my 30 days to return it were up.

I kept the Venus because I like the rotating home screens, but shortly afterwards, the same phones i looked at, now had that $9.99 fee forced on them.

 

[d-r]

I think that it does use some data. You aren't going to be able to get the data downloads without it using some data.

We've been using it for a couple of weeks now and have under 8 megs of downloads; that is including a little email and facebook, etc.

It isn't downloading a lot but it is some, imho.

The 9.99 a month for 25 megs is probably enough for most people to use it if you aren't doing a lot of other stuff.

You might even look at paying for it by the megabyte. But I don't think you can use it and not use SOME data.

 

[DAZY3BYZ]

Just got off the phone with verizon and they said I did not need a data plan. I do not have a new phone though if that makes a difference. I have an old Env2. They only charged me for the download of the app which was 1.99 and the fee of 9.99 for the 180 day use of the app.

 

[savs]

Just got off the phone with verizon and they said I did not need a data plan. I do not have a new phone though if that makes a difference. I have an old Env2. They only charged me for the download of the app which was 1.99 and the fee of 9.99 for the 180 day use of the app.

Thank you for calling and getting that all spelled out. There is the data charge (1.99) for downloading it, but then once it is on the phone, there is no additinal data charges......that makes since.

 

[labattblue]

Just wanted to add that the Mobile Magic Website or Mobile Magic Texting is no where near the info you get in the paid app.

I have Verizon, but not a phone that is compatible with Mobile Magic. Therefore, I was glad to see the Mobile Magic Texting functionality, until I read the FAQ and saw that you are limited to 4 text msg updates per day.

 

[PIRATEGIRL007]

Someone mentioned the technology it runs off of earlier, if that is the tech it runs off of that would not need a data transfer and you should NOT get charged data.

In a very simple way think of that kind of technology that works same as Pal Mickey, local signals sent out to a certain area and are received by devices that are coded to pick them up. The main system in WDW park updates and sends out new data to those in the vicinity. That would also explain why detailed info isn't available when not around the parks, they just pump a generic (and possibly historical) info to the app to be set on phones when they are not in range of the signal.

 

[chartle]

Someone mentioned the technology it runs off of earlier, if that is the tech it runs off of that would not need a data transfer and you should NOT get charged data.

In a very simple way think of that kind of technology that works same as Pal Mickey, local signals sent out to a certain area and are received by devices that are coded to pick them up. The main system in WDW park updates and sends out new data to those in the vicinity. That would also explain why detailed info isn't available when not around the parks, they just pump a generic (and possibly historical) info to the app to be set on phones when they are not in range of the signal.

Where did you see this?

I can't imagine that it would work that way. The phone has only one way to communicate to the world and that is through the cell towers.

The phone receives wait times data from Verizon servers which gets it from Disney servers. These servers could be anywhere. Disney's servers are most likely on WDW property but they don't have to be. Verizon's are most likely not on property, they are in one their data centers in maybe Virginia. In fact these servers could be in another country.

First, It knows where you are because every phone sold today must have GPS capability.

Second, the reason you are not charged for data is because Verizon has decided not to charge you. Maybe it was part of the agreement with Disney. Disney didn't want to promote a service that could possibly create huge charges on people's bills.

Frankly all the communication that modern cell phones use is data including your phone calls.

The carriers have decided that there is a revenue stream to charge you for data for non phone call uses. It makes sense though because a phone call uses a lot less data than watching a movie on youtube.

 

[doconeill]

Some time back and in another thread, before anyone had used it, I had speculated that they controlled the data being fed to the phone via the repeater network they use within the parks (it's still the cell network, but its like a lot of little cell towers instead of one bigger one). Location can be determined solely through the cell network.

It was later determined that it did in fact use GPS and and not the cell location.

But it still needs to get its data somewhere.

I did mention that as far as I know, Verizon has not generally charged data charges for GetItNow applications, they charged air time + the app costs.

They appear to be doing away with that model in general given recent data plans, etc. so they could potentially charge data time, unless they specifically agree not to, which AFAWK is the case with MM.

The $1.99 "download charge" I think is the minimum "data unit" charge, for something like 2MB. if I download the app on my old phone, I probably wouldn't pay that charge as I've got grandfathered plan that costs me the minutes, not MB.

The $9.99 plan gets you 25MB, and then you still pay $1.99 after.

 

[chartle]

The $1.99 "download charge" I think is the minimum "data unit" charge, for something like 2MB. if I download the app on my old phone, I probably wouldn't pay that charge as I've got grandfathered plan that costs me the minutes, not MB.

The $9.99 plan gets you 25MB, and then you still pay $1.99 after.

OK so now I'm confused.

My son just got a phone that is on the list of supported phones. He had to get a minimum data plan for 9.99. So is he going to get charged 1.99 to download it.

I too was thinking that the 1.99 charge was what it costs to download the app on a phone without a data plan using some $ per mb charge.