How big of a failure is My Magic "Plus" ??? An Interesting Read Here!!!

[Hollowellfam6]

I am utilizing the wait and see approach, we had some problems when we went down in Oct, but overall the experience was not too much of an issue. Remember that Disney is attempting something that has never been done before, and there will be problems and glitches, but what technical device doesn't have those. Heck, look at Microsoft and Windows, it still has issues and has been going on since the late 80's early 90's. Patience is always a problem for most, as they want it to work as "They" expect from the start. It's not going to do that, and remembering that everything gets better over time, this will too....

 

[anthony2k7]

Plain truth, the micechat article, as pointed out on many sites is so full of holes as to be ridiculous. I'd go through them all but it's a waste of time. I'll leave it to you to go read those, but the situation is far from dire.

Maybe the more opinionated parts of the micechat article are full of holes. However, if the rumours are true about how far over budget the project is, how far behind deadlines, and how its missed key targets to deliver returns on investment already - if those are true then I'd imagine the project manager does think or at least should think the situation is quite dire!!!

 

[Robbi]

The my magic plus system has had its ups and downs. It's still in testing. It is now at every disney resort and every disney resort guest can get it if they want. One of the biggest things is you don't have to get a magic band you can still get a card with a RFID chip in it. The biggest problem with the system I will have to say is fast pass but as far as resorts and park entry it has been working pretty well. People don't like the fact that you have to only use three FPs. Which for me is not the end of the world I only used about three in a day I don't need more than that. I like the fact you can now get FP for shows parades and fireworks. The biggest thing of all is people don't like change and this is change I'm ok with it but many others aren't. Disney would not be doing this unless there was a reason and a need for it. People need to realize this.

The difference is the tier system. It's fine to have 3 FPs to use on any ride. It isn't fine when you're allowed 1 headliner and 2 throwaways.

Those that have tested or used the bands/FP+/new system.

In the future off site will be allowed to purchase a band. We will have to wait and see how everything shakes out for off site and total number of FP+, but at this time the majority of people that have used MM+ like it.

Have you read any of the threads on the DIS? There are people who have used the new system and most say they like the bands but intensely dislike FP+.

In our case, I've had to call IT 5 times because either our APs or MYW tickets keep disappearing. I hope this doesn't happen when I want to make our FP+ reservtions. Today, our APs are missing. We never had a problem like this in the past.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

The problem now is that Disney has spent way too much money to back out, and quite honestly, they are losing a big PR battle.

This was never a consideration anyway...

The only thing that would Kill this is a systematic failure or the physical equipment itself.

This is part of an integration strategy that started 20 years ago. There never was "going back" for a second.

 

[snarlingcoyote]

This was never a consideration anyway...

The only thing that would Kill this is a systematic failure or the physical equipment itself.

This is part of an integration strategy that started 20 years ago. There never was "going back" for a second.[/QUOTE]

Yeah, because all the technology, the servers, the OS, the applications, it all existed 20 years ago.

Yes, Disney has to move forward, but the path that they have chosen. . .hmm. I don't think their ROI predictions are panning out.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Not at all...

Disney was never cutting edge in its systems at wdw.

They ran a 1986 issue DOS based resort system and an even more primitive central reservation system...in 2004.

Then they discovered this thing called "windows" in 2005.

They built unique ride systems in the 50's, 60's, and 70's...and occasionally thereafter...

But Disney has never been advanced in their workhorse, frontline computer systems... Especially in networking.

This move towards automation and RFID is a bigger deal than you are making it out to be...for them.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

And for the record...


I'm cautiously optimistic about the bands going forward after using them...

And I am most impressed with the FP+...and as anybody who Knows me would vouch..."I HATE PLANNING THINGS ON VACATION"!!!

but...I have to admit that i see the appeal of booking the popular things around dining. It works and wasn't as restrictive as i had feared.

I am Disney's most skeptical...and therefore ideal test subject.

I'm not "sold" 100%...but I do see the advantages...mostly for them but also some for the savvy/realistic customer.

Running from ride to ride was never a realistic approach to wdw...my opinion... And I frankly don't see the need...

Is soarin really that cool? Rockin roller coaster?

Come on

 

[beer dave]

And for the record...


I'm cautiously optimistic about the bands going forward after using them...

And I am most impressed with the FP+...and as anybody who Knows me would vouch..."I HATE PLANNING THINGS ON VACATION"!!!

but...I have to admit that i see the appeal of booking the popular things around dining. It works and wasn't as restrictive as i had feared.

I am Disney's most skeptical...and therefore ideal test subject.

I'm not "sold" 100%...but I do see the advantages...mostly for them but also some for the savvy/realistic customer.

Running from ride to ride was never a realistic approach to wdw...my opinion... And I frankly don't see the need...

Is soarin really that cool? Rockin roller coaster?

Come on

Ahh--- it finally comes out-- A few of the "conversations" that were had a while back indicated your being open to the possibilities-- And we (I) have been patiently waiting for the ball to drop. I agree with all you have stated in this post. Our touring styles must be very similar. (how many buses did you ride?)

IMO, WDW vacations are for the immersive environment, not the rides, and in my opinion, MDE increases this.

As you have said and I have said in the past, if you can book dining, it is a no brainer to book FPP around it. We all (anyone who makes ADR's) have been choosing a park for at least a portion of our days for a long time at up to 60 days out... just add some attractions to go with them.

The people who really hate FPP are the FP junkies, rightfully so, but when you are working a system in a way that it is not intended to be worked, you should not be so surprised when the system is changed.

 

[ChipnDale79]

The people who really hate FPP are the FP junkies, rightfully so, but when you are working a system in a way that it is not intended to be worked, you should not be so surprised when the system is changed.

I don't understand the last part, are you saying that FP was not intended to be used on rides such as SM 3 or 4 times in one day, instead of 1 for SM and 2 or 3 for other attractions around the park?

It's very possible to follow the window rules of the old FP system and get more than 3 or 4 fast passes in one day. This new system doesn't allow that.

 

[mjstaceyuofm]

And for the record...


I'm cautiously optimistic about the bands going forward after using them...

And I am most impressed with the FP+...and as anybody who Knows me would vouch..."I HATE PLANNING THINGS ON VACATION"!!!

Integrating their systems, the magic bands, tying everything to one account - all great ideas. Unfortunately, there have been implementation issues. And I would caution you to not boast too much about FP+ until you get to experience the parks and it with any type of crowd level. Our experience was that there were lines to get into the FP lines. And on top of that the lines for minor attractions became absurdly long - seriously - who wants to wait 45 minutes to get into IASW?

They have to get the bugs fixed in the MB and connectivity issue, fix the app to have it work better and overhaul the FP+ system.

Unfortunately, I can see that draining the budget and taking quite a long time given the lack of technology and innovation that they started from.

 

[Robbi]

MBs may be read from as far as 10 meters. Great, for unscrupulous people, it's a bonanza.
We will not be putting any credit card information on our cards. The MBs were only supposed to be close contact.

http://micechat.com/50252-rfid/

 

[lockedoutlogic]

MBs may be read from as far as 10 meters. Great, for unscrupulous people, it's a bonanza.
We will not be putting any credit card information on our cards. The MBs were only supposed to be close contact.

http://micechat.com/50252-rfid/

no info is stored on a card...its a number sequence that has to then be translated into a different database.

disney bad with computers...but they arent THAT stupid

 

[OKW Lover]

MBs may be read from as far as 10 meters. Great, for unscrupulous people, it's a bonanza.
We will not be putting any credit card information on our cards. The MBs were only supposed to be close contact.

http://micechat.com/50252-rfid/

The author of that story has apparently been living under a rock. The fact that MB's have two RFID systems has been public since they were first announced.

The passive system is similar to what you were using in a KTTW card and requires that the device be placed very near the sensor (inch or so). The active RFID system in the MB is capable of being read from a greater distance.

Neither of these will give an unscrupulous person access to your credit card or other personal info. The only thing a MB contains is a unique identifier. Your confidential information resides only on Disney's computers just like it did before MB's were introduced.

 

[Robbi]

no info is stored on a card...its a number sequence that has to then be translated into a different database.

disney bad with computers...but they arent THAT stupid

The author of that story has apparently been living under a rock. The fact that MB's have two RFID systems has been public since they were first announced.

The passive system is similar to what you were using in a KTTW card and requires that the device be placed very near the sensor (inch or so). The active RFID system in the MB is capable of being read from a greater distance.

Neither of these will give an unscrupulous person access to your credit card or other personal info. The only thing a MB contains is a unique identifier. Your confidential information resides only on Disney's computers just like it did before MB's were introduced.

Thanks for the information. I guess maybe it's my age but I don't trust the technology to be fullproof so I still won't leave any credit card info for either my resort or MBs. There was a thread last year about a few people who had left a cc number for charging. When they got their next bill, there were unauthorized charges made in Orlando while they were at WDW. They had not left the grounds.

 

[tjkraz]

Thanks for the information. I guess maybe it's my age but I don't trust the technology to be fullproof so I still won't leave any credit card info for either my resort or MBs. There was a thread last year about a few people who had left a cc number for charging. When they got their next bill, there were unauthorized charges made in Orlando while they were at WDW. They had not left the grounds.

Technology isn't foolproof but the incidents you refer to involve Disney CMs stealing credit card info when the cards are handed to them during check-in. You run the same risk every time you pay for a dinner check in a restaurant.

Disney's online check-in service allows guests to enter their credit card info from home before even arriving. That's the most secure way to handle it. Charges can only be made using your own MagicBand and private PIN code. The physical card is never surrendered at the front desk.

 

[Robbi]

Technology isn't foolproof but the incidents you refer to involve Disney CMs stealing credit card info when the cards are handed to them during check-in. You run the same risk every time you pay for a dinner check in a restaurant.

Disney's online check-in service allows guests to enter their credit card info from home before even arriving. That's the most secure way to handle it. Charges can only be made using your own MagicBand and private PIN code. The physical card is never surrendered at the front desk.

I realize this.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Integrating their systems, the magic bands, tying everything to one account - all great ideas. Unfortunately, there have been implementation issues. And I would caution you to not boast too much about FP+ until you get to experience the parks and it with any type of crowd level. Our experience was that there were lines to get into the FP lines. And on top of that the lines for minor attractions became absurdly long - seriously - who wants to wait 45 minutes to get into IASW?

don't hold your breath...this you will never see.

I don't go to WDW when its "peak"...it is a disgusting, non-relaxing, not enjoyable experience...and ultimately a waste of money (and in my case DVC points...which equal money)

That is my line in the sand...we go during some of the middle points...october, may, february...but you will not see me go in july or during holidays...its not wise.

I tested the bands...admittedly in a down period...and it exceeded my expectations so far...that doesn't mean the jury is back. But it has potential...

and...if the plan is for them to increase prices to make more profit per visitor (which isn't a stretch from here to the end of my desk)...then attendance may actually ease and make the system better at a higher price.

But for the ACE crowd...who does want to ride the 1975 space mountain 4+ times a day...its gonna suck.

I just don't see the point...i love rides as much as the next guy...and loved the coaster boom that started with magnum in 89 and continued for 20 years.
But WDW was never part of that...its not the place for "ride enthusiasts"

Might i suggest busch gardens, tampa?

 

[lockedoutlogic]

I realize this.

that kinda makes your original statement a bit of grandstanding then, no?

 

[beer dave]

I don't understand the last part, are you saying that FP was not intended to be used on rides such as SM 3 or 4 times in one day, instead of 1 for SM and 2 or 3 for other attractions around the park?

It's very possible to follow the window rules of the old FP system and get more than 3 or 4 fast passes in one day. This new system doesn't allow that.

What I am saying is that I don't think FP was designed to have people running across the park for a pass while the rest of the family waits in a line or for pulling 10 plus FP a day as many posters have boasted. I think it was designed to help everyone have access to the rides they really want to get to experience and to free up some spending money time in the parks. The new system will be exactly that.

 

[Robbi]

that kinda makes your original statement a bit of grandstanding then, no?

No, it means that even knowing the facts, I still dont trust hackers not to be able to figure out a way around the safeguards.