Apple Watch and Disney Magic Bands

[VolcomPaul]

Ok so this has been bothering me for sometime now. Does anyone know or have any information as to if Disney has any intentions as to let Apple Watch users use their Watch as their Park Pass? I cannot find ANYTHING online, and to me that doesn't make any sense. Also I don't understand why the My Disney Experience+ app isn't available on the watch. It always seems to me that Disney is always lacking or is behind when it comes to this type of technology.

On another note something keeps telling me that its coming. I am running the Beta WatchOS3 software on my watch, and they have always had Mickey as a watch face, but now they have Minnie, and Mickey and Minnie both TALK and tell you the time when the watch face is tapped. It is really cool. So my gut keeps telling me that if they are adding more Disney to the watch then it must eventually be able to be used as a Magic band.

Anyways I thought this would be a cool topic to discuss and to see if anyone had any real info on the subject.

 

[princessfionasmom]

I don't have any real info to add but I'm jealous that you have the beta. I can wait for the update, I had no idea Mickey and Minnie talked. I would be very surprised if the don't add something that allows you to use your Apple Watch like the band. The MDE app might be tough to get a lot of the features on the watch but it should be doable for them to add your reservations and current wait times. I'm also interested to hear if anyone does have some real info to add.

 

[ChattaAlley]

Ok so this has been bothering me for sometime now. Does anyone know or have any information as to if Disney has any intentions as to let Apple Watch users use their Watch as their Park Pass? I cannot find ANYTHING online, and to me that doesn't make any sense. Also I don't understand why the My Disney Experience+ app isn't available on the watch. It always seems to me that Disney is always lacking or is behind when it comes to this type of technology.

On another note something keeps telling me that its coming. I am running the Beta WatchOS3 software on my watch, and they have always had Mickey as a watch face, but now they have Minnie, and Mickey and Minnie both TALK and tell you the time when the watch face is tapped. It is really cool. So my gut keeps telling me that if they are adding more Disney to the watch then it must eventually be able to be used as a Magic band.

Anyways I thought this would be a cool topic to discuss and to see if anyone had any real info on the subject.

Is this update available to everyone or just developers. I couldn't find it yet to update. That is super cool though and I do hope that MDE is added to the Apple Watch soon. Make it a lot easier to navigate not having my phone out all the time.

 

[godders]

I imagine that the app would need to be adjusted for the watch so either Disney is working on that or is working on a separate app just for ride times and/or fp+ on the watch. The uptake on the Apple Watch isn't even close to having the same prevalence as touch screen, wifi/data capable phones for example so there isn't the need for it yet nor is there the need for the watch to be used as a park pass. But we certainly are moving in that direction - using our phones and contactless debit/credit cards to pay is one of the first steps.

The Magic Band/MDE system was a $1billion investment - it is a huge and complicated system to create and implement and for the most part works well so I can't see them investing the vast amounts of money needed to use the Apple Watch in this way. The tech would have to be applicable over multiple platforms not just Apple's so I honestly see no MUST about it. Similarly there would have to be a way to secure the Apple Watch like the MB to ONE person. For some reason, unless Apple buys Disney (or vice versa) I just don't see that much favoritism heading into one brand.

I totally get what you mean about Disney being a bit slow/behind the times on some of it's tech but seriously convincing higher ups to INVEST in IT is one of the hardest things out there because for the most part it is non-profit making. Add that to the fact that The Walt Disney Company is made up of many different companies (and that's not to mention all the outsourcing they do) around the world who all have their own tech capabilities, needs and cultures and I imagine it's like pulling teeth.

 

[VolcomPaul]

I don't have any real info to add but I'm jealous that you have the beta. I can wait for the update, I had no idea Mickey and Minnie talked. I would be very surprised if the don't add something that allows you to use your Apple Watch like the band. The MDE app might be tough to get a lot of the features on the watch but it should be doable for them to add your reservations and current wait times. I'm also interested to hear if anyone does have some real info to add.

Yes Mickey and Minnie Talk! Its incredible. Also Mickey can either be in color or Classic Black and White, as where Minnie has 32 Different color outfits she can wear. And I wouldn't expect every feature to be on the watch app for Disney but yes some really useful ones, and I really don't understand Why it can't be used in place of a magic band.

 

[VolcomPaul]

Is this update available to everyone or just developers. I couldn't find it yet to update. That is super cool though and I do hope that MDE is added to the Apple Watch soon. Make it a lot easier to navigate not having my phone out all the time.

Its only available to Developers as of now. I believe it will be available sometime in September. TRUST ME... its worth the wait. It makes the watch so much better.

 

[VolcomPaul]

I imagine that the app would need to be adjusted for the watch so either Disney is working on that or is working on a separate app just for ride times and/or fp+ on the watch. The uptake on the Apple Watch isn't even close to having the same prevalence as touch screen, wifi/data capable phones for example so there isn't the need for it yet nor is there the need for the watch to be used as a park pass. But we certainly are moving in that direction - using our phones and contactless debit/credit cards to pay is one of the first steps.

The Magic Band/MDE system was a $1billion investment - it is a huge and complicated system to create and implement and for the most part works well so I can't see them investing the vast amounts of money needed to use the Apple Watch in this way. The tech would have to be applicable over multiple platforms not just Apple's so I honestly see no MUST about it. Similarly there would have to be a way to secure the Apple Watch like the MB to ONE person. For some reason, unless Apple buys Disney (or vice versa) I just don't see that much favoritism heading into one brand.

I totally get what you mean about Disney being a bit slow/behind the times on some of it's tech but seriously convincing higher ups to INVEST in IT is one of the hardest things out there because for the most part it is non-profit making. Add that to the fact that The Walt Disney Company is made up of many different companies (and that's not to mention all the outsourcing they do) around the world who all have their own tech capabilities, needs and cultures and I imagine it's like pulling teeth.

Thats another thing I don't get.. we can make purchases from our iPhones, we can use gift cards, bonus cards, etc... but why can't we even just use our smart phones for Park entry? All the technology is there.
Some people don't like to wear the magic bands and those same people are the ones NOT buying the special bands, they get the free ones that come with the park ticket. For the people that do enjoy wearing them they are the ones who BUY several bands. It doesn't make any sense why they would allow Smart phones or the apple watch to act as the magic band.

Also Disney and Apple work very closely. Apple has more apps developed by Disney then any other "app store" platform. Also The Apple Watch is the ONLY watch to have Mickey and Minnie as watch faces.

 

[bookgirl]

RFID readers at gates. Does the Apple Watch have the ability to transmit a RFID that is compatible with the readers, will Apple open their tech to Disney and vice versa?

Doubt Disney will retool all their entries to a compatible reader and I doubt Apple will let Disney install software into their hardware.

 

[godders]

Thats another thing I don't get.. we can make purchases from our iPhones, we can use gift cards, bonus cards, etc... but why can't we even just use our smart phones for Park entry? All the technology is there.
Some people don't like to wear the magic bands and those same people are the ones NOT buying the special bands, they get the free ones that come with the park ticket. For the people that do enjoy wearing them they are the ones who BUY several bands. It doesn't make any sense why they would allow Smart phones or the apple watch to act as the magic band.

Also Disney and Apple work very closely. Apple has more apps developed by Disney then any other "app store" platform. Also The Apple Watch is the ONLY watch to have Mickey and Minnie as watch faces.

Personally I don't think the tech is there yet because smart phones/operating systems are very complex beasts. By getting people to use THEIR technology Disney has an element of control and IT security because the bands themselves are connected to anything most of the time unlike most smart phones. I enjoy wearing MBs but I'd never BUY one because I get nice coloured ones as part of my holiday package (no doubt the cost is in there somewhere).

Apple and Disney might work closely from a commercial point of view (which is the point of apps and inserting their brands into another one). Exchanging/opening up of technology is completely different. Also Apple has stiff competition when it comes to market share (I believe Samsung are no1.) for personal handsets so Disney would be missing out on a whole bunch of money from that perspective

 

[VolcomPaul]

RFID readers at gates. Does the Apple Watch have the ability to transmit a RFID that is compatible with the readers, will Apple open their tech to Disney and vice versa?

Doubt Disney will retool all their entries to a compatible reader and I doubt Apple will let Disney install software into their hardware.

YES The Apple watch is able to read and transmit RFID. The hardware is there. And I don't think Disney nor Apple have any problems working together. When Magic bands were just a rumor and Apple watch was confirmed there was tons of talk about the Watch acting as your "smart ticket" but now theres nothing.

 

[VolcomPaul]

Personally I don't think the tech is there yet because smart phones/operating systems are very complex beasts. By getting people to use THEIR technology Disney has an element of control and IT security because the bands themselves are connected to anything most of the time unlike most smart phones. I enjoy wearing MBs but I'd never BUY one because I get nice coloured ones as part of my holiday package (no doubt the cost is in there somewhere).

Apple and Disney might work closely from a commercial point of view (which is the point of apps and inserting their brands into another one). Exchanging/opening up of technology is completely different. Also Apple has stiff competition when it comes to market share (I believe Samsung are no1.) for personal handsets so Disney would be missing out on a whole bunch of money from that perspective

Again, the proof is in the pudding. Apple and Disney are very close! And all the Hardware is in place with the iPhones and Apple watch as RFID chip are in both; that how your able to make purchases with them. It is EXTREMELY easy for Disney Parks to at the very least make park passes available in the Apple Wallet so one can use their watch or iPhone as a park pass. Thats all they would have to do. I know its possible, but I just am very curious as to if anyone has any insight if this is coming or not.

 

[VolcomPaul]

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[wilkeliza]

I think for the most part it is because they need their system to work 100% before they can devote any time to getting the Apple Watch system on board as well. Taking apple pay and google pay and all that is pretty easy since the reader technology is out there. I think there is maybe 1 hotel chain using the Apple Watch as a key card. I also wonder if perhaps Apple cut a deal with that chain to say no other major hotel chain can use our watch for keyless entry. IDK if that would even be possible but I've only seen the one family of hotels that does it.

There has to be some reasom that those of us not on Disney payroll just don't know about.

 

[DarkPaw]

Not sure the Tech. is compatible btw Disney and Apple Watch.

I work in IT, and have 5 different RFID cards on me for access to different places. All use RFID, but none of them are compatible, different tech. different frequency spectrum, etc.

 

[VolcomPaul]

I think for the most part it is because they need their system to work 100% before they can devote any time to getting the Apple Watch system on board as well. Taking apple pay and google pay and all that is pretty easy since the reader technology is out there. I think there is maybe 1 hotel chain using the Apple Watch as a key card. I also wonder if perhaps Apple cut a deal with that chain to say no other major hotel chain can use our watch for keyless entry. IDK if that would even be possible but I've only seen the one family of hotels that does it.

There has to be some reasom that those of us not on Disney payroll just don't know about.

I completely agree with this! I heard about those hotels as well. I know W Hotels, Marriott and Starwood Hotels let you checkin and use your Apple watch as room keys. I think the Hardware technology is there but you're correct, they need to get everything 100% until they start to focus on other things. I still feel it coming if not by years end, then deff in 2017.

 

[VolcomPaul]

Not sure the Tech. is compatible btw Disney and Apple Watch.

I work in IT, and have 5 different RFID cards on me for access to different places. All use RFID, but none of them are compatible, different tech. different frequency spectrum, etc.

I agree, but where I think they are compatible is bc the magic bands can be used on the SAME card readers that Apple watch and iPhones can be used to purchase items in the Parks. So if they are compatible on that card reader, then they should be compatible with the other readers such as fastness reader, or park entry reader. But we shall see, only time will tell.

 

[elle101me]

Yes Mickey and Minnie Talk! Its incredible. Also Mickey can either be in color or Classic Black and White, as where Minnie has 32 Different color outfits she can wear.

OMG! I can't wait for this update!!

 

[TiggerBouncy]

As someone familiar with both technologies, yes - they are compatible. At least the park entry part is - your MB actually has TWO devices in it. One is a short range RFID request / response chip. This is what works for FP+, park entry, etc. Your phone has one of those as well and they could tool it for that (so does the apple watch). The other is a long range transmitter (about the same strength of a bluetooth). This one I don't think the watch can duplicate.

In any case, for the moment I think Disney has too many other things going on not to mention tightening up of the MB brand to spend time on it. they will probably get there eventually. They are certainly aware of the idea. It's just not at the top of their very long list.

 

[DarkPaw]

I agree, but where I think they are compatible is bc the magic bands can be used on the SAME card readers that Apple watch and iPhones can be used to purchase items in the Parks. So if they are compatible on that card reader, then they should be compatible with the other readers such as fastness reader, or park entry reader. But we shall see, only time will tell.

They verry well might be, (I have no inside knowledge of the tech. used by Disney) but there are also "multi" readers wich migh be what is in the shops. So unless someone has knowledge of the pecific tech used by Disney, we can't be sure.

But it sure would be usefull if they would make it work on it, and other phones/watches/etc. The less I have to bring to the parks the better it is.

 

[linzbear]

Ok, first of all, right now the tech does not exist to program a phone for the long range rfid used for storymaker and the ride pictures on SDMT (and elsewhere). Disney isn't going to think about allowing it until it can encompass all of the tech because people are dumb and they'll think it's a complete replacement for the Magic Band, and not a complete replacement for the rfid card. The tech only exists to make the phones, watches, etc a substitute for the card.

Second, Disney pays their programmers crap for the virtue of working with Disney. There is an entire video game industry that does that better than Disney does. That is not going to attract the best programmers, so we end up with bad products on the other side. Writing code for this is blue sky on the features list.

Third, nearly all people going to Disney do not care enough to use their phone as a replacement. The band is plenty convenient for them. (Why spend the money on a niche)

Finally, you can't wear your apple watch at the water parks, so you'd need a band anyway.