Long lines for Guardians

[LAS2AMS]

I'm 85% sure that they're not self-service yet. They've been testing that, but I think all of the gates are still using manual scanning via CMs.

Eventually, I believe the screen will work sorta like the TSA booths at a lot of airports (inc. LAX) to compare pictures against the one in the system and/or take a picture if the ticket is new. The whole thing should theoretically be faster than having a CM switch between features in their device.


The tech between WDW and DLR is vastly different. WDW is entirely RFID media across the resort, from hotels to parks, so everything can be tied together.

DLR doesn't have user accounts like WDW does - instead of everything being based on a user account like at WDW, DLR is based on the ticket barcode, which makes what you're describing impossible. At WDW, they can just scan a new card and attach it to a person, and the system knows what admission they have. That's not possible at DLR. The only real identifying mark of the user at DLR is the photograph on the ticket.

Even to implement MB+, they used the DL app as a bridge between the ticket barcode and the RFID in the band. (At WDW, the MB+ is attached to the user account.) Compared to that MMSSHP ticket example - you have to manually switch the MB+ to an OBB ticket to be able to use it. Any physical media at DLR would be specific to the ticket, so you'd have to get one for admission and a separate one for the OBB ticket.

I keep hearing mumbling that the phasing out of physical media at DLR is partially cost - tickets are almost entirely sold digitally now - but there's seemingly some issue with them printing existing barcodes, they may have to re-issue an existing ticket under the new barcode on the physical media. (It sounds like they may not be able to print the existing barcode onto a card, but I'm not sure about that.)

Great info! I guess it makes sense - the tech at DLR historically has lagged WDW. WDW switched to stored media tickets and began experiencing with biometrics (finger) in the mid-90s with AP. (Eliminating photos). DLR was still stamping tickets and issuing photo based AP until 2002.

 

[LKing]

I'm 85% sure that they're not self-service yet. They've been testing that, but I think all of the gates are still using manual scanning via CMs.

Sorry if my post was misleading. I'm 100% sure that they are not self-service yet.

 

[brightlined]

Great info! I guess it makes sense - the tech at DLR historically has lagged WDW. WDW switched to stored media tickets and began experiencing with biometrics (finger) in the mid-90s with AP. (Eliminating photos). DLR was still stamping tickets and issuing photo based AP until 2002.

WDW ended up spending something like $1billion on the MyMagic+ conversion (2013) to switch everything to RFID, and I think there were questions for years as to whether they would ever recoup the cost, especially once it became more common for people to use their phones for park entry (ie, not buying MBs). I think a lot of folks were surprised that DLR didn't follow suit, but with so few hotels in the resort (and with so many of the features tied to room stays), it would have been an insane cost for very little benefit - especially given the significantly higher percentage of locals at DLR who might never use those features (ie, room charges on MBs).

Honestly, I was really surprised that they brought MB+ to DLR at all, even in abbrevated form.

Sorry if my post was misleading. I'm 100% sure that they are not self-service yet.

No worries! I haven't been to the parks in three weeks, and I always hate saying anything definitive if it's possible something has changed since my last visit.

 

[MonocularVision]

I believe the MB+ functionality implemented at DLR only uses NFC and not the RFID-heavy implementation of the original MBs. This is why it doesn’t control doors at the hotel and does not have the “automatic ride picture” functionality. The MB+ functionality requires zero battery on the band side for park tickets, lightning lanes and PhotoPass photographers because it gets powered from the other side.

Ultimately I think the MB+ implementation at DLR was just a lot cheaper because most of it uses off-the-shelf hardware like the iPhones used by the ticket CM’s and PhotoPass photographers.

 

[LKing]

We are way off topic here but I will ask anyway. Are they still converting printed tickets into physical tickets? If so, is that done at the turnstile or at the ticket booth? And just to be clear, those printed tickets can't be used for LL. Is that correct? I thought they had gotten rid of those card like tickets.

ETA: There is discussion about this in an ABD thread and I want to make sure I am sharing the correct information.

 

[brightlined]

I believe the MB+ functionality implemented at DLR only uses NFC and not the RFID-heavy implementation of the original MBs. This is why it doesn’t control doors at the hotel and does not have the “automatic ride picture” functionality. The MB+ functionality requires zero battery on the band side for park tickets, lightning lanes and PhotoPass photographers because it gets powered from the other side.

MB+s have both. NFC requires battery power. When the battery runs out, the existing functions (including what's in that last sentence) work via RFID.

There's no "automatic ride picture" functionality at DLR because they didn't install the receivers on the rides. (There was some conjecture when MB+ arrived at DLR that California privacy laws would bar that functionality.) WDW's receivers use both NFC and Bluetooth, so you can use MB and/or your phone - but DLR doesn't have them at all.

The hotel room doors handle Bluetooth, so I assume they can handle NFC and/or RFID. I assume the issue right now is that the MB identifier is a park ticket, not a specific user, which opens up a whole world of messiness. (Even if you could identify the hotel guest via a park ticket, there's a myriad problems that could pop up - for example, if you switch your MB to an OBB ticket, you'd have to switch it back to gain access to the room. It'd be quirky and unprofessional.)

Ultimately I think the MB+ implementation at DLR was just a lot cheaper because most of it uses off-the-shelf hardware like the iPhones used by the ticket CM’s and PhotoPass photographers.

That's what made it possible. The main thing that made it cheaper was they didn't install all of the features - the room charge functionality by itself would have been a tremendous expense.

 

[brightlined]

We are way off topic here but I will ask anyway. Are they still converting printed tickets into physical tickets? If so, is that done at the turnstile or at the ticket booth? And just to be clear, those printed tickets can't be used for LL. Is that correct? I thought they had gotten rid of those card like tickets.

ETA: There is discussion about this in an ABD thread and I want to make sure I am sharing the correct information.

There was one thread quasi-recently where someone said they were able to get physical media at Guest Relations. Definitely not at the park gate - I would be gently skeptical about the ticket booths being able to handle it.

And those should be able to be used for LLs - if they can get into the park with it, it should work in the LL barcode scanners (they're looking at the same thing).

 

[MonocularVision]

MB+s have both. NFC requires battery power. When the battery runs out, the existing functions (including what's in that last sentence) work via RFID.

Yes, they have both but it isnt true that RFID is used as a backup. The readers of NFC are providing the power via electromagnetic field. The NFC chip in the MB is passively powered.

There's no "automatic ride picture" functionality at DLR because they didn't install the receivers on the rides. (There was some conjecture when MB+ arrived at DLR that California privacy laws would bar that functionality.) WDW's receivers use both NFC and Bluetooth, so you can use MB and/or your phone - but DLR doesn't have them at all.

NFC is Near-field communication. It would not work with the scanners are WDW for automatic photo capture. They use RFID. The details on the implementation are described by the company that helped them implement it. They didn't and don’t use Bluetooth.

The hotel room doors handle Bluetooth, so I assume they can handle NFC and/or RFID. I assume the issue right now is that the MB identifier is a park ticket, not a specific user, which opens up a whole world of messiness. (Even if you could identify the hotel guest via a park ticket, there's a myriad problems that could pop up - for example, if you switch your MB to an OBB ticket, you'd have to switch it back to gain access to the room. It'd be quirky and unprofessional.)

I can’t comment on what they may be possible but considering the MB+ just has an identifier, there is no reason it could not be associated with a room, so I have to assume that the door locks they purchased for their hotels can’t interface with it yet. Probably an expensive investment to make it work.

 

[LAS2AMS]

NFC is Near-field communication. It would not work with the scanners are WDW for automatic photo capture. They use RFID. The details on the implementation are described by the company that helped them implement it. They didn't and don’t use Bluetooth

When I was at WDW, I used my phone exclusively. No MB, no room key. Yet the attraction photos automatically downloaded to my app - not sure what tech they’re using to do that.

 

[dina444444]

When I was at WDW, I used my phone exclusively. No MB, no room key. Yet the attraction photos automatically downloaded to my app - not sure what tech they’re using to do that.

They use Bluetooth for that.

 

[brightlined]

Yes, they have both but it isnt true that RFID is used as a backup. The readers of NFC are providing the power via electromagnetic field. The NFC chip in the MB is passively powered.

You're right. I had it in my head as one RFID and one NFC, but I had it backwards.

MBs have both active and passive RFID chips. The passive chip is NFC. The active chip is UHF. (There's also a 2.4GHz radio.)

To your original point - there's definitely more than just NFC in use with MB+ at Disneyland - the MB+ reactions (eg, fireworks and ride exit) can't work with NFC.

NFC is Near-field communication. It would not work with the scanners are WDW for automatic photo capture. They use RFID. The details on the implementation are described by the company that helped them implement it. They didn't and don’t use Bluetooth.

You're right that they're RFID. But that system absolutely has Bluetooth at WDW. That's what they use to interface with the WDW app. It's not out of the question that they installed a separate Bluetooth receiver/transmitter when they added that functionality to the app, but WDW definitely uses Bluetooth for that feature.

 

[MonocularVision]

To your original point - there's definitely more than just NFC in use with MB+ at Disneyland - the MB+ reactions (eg, fireworks and ride exit) can't work with NFC.

That is Bluetooth and it requires the band to be charged.

You're right that they're RFID. But that system absolutely has Bluetooth at WDW. That's what they use to interface with the WDW app. It's not out of the question that they installed a separate Bluetooth receiver/transmitter when they added that functionality to the app, but WDW definitely uses Bluetooth for that feature.

I am less familiar with the photo stuff at WDW but I am pretty confident when it was first released it was based on RFID, unless my memory fails me.

It is possible that they switched it over to Bluetooth but the automatic capturing process can’t rely on Bluetooth, at least for the phone because iPhone apps can’t do that (unless they perhaps they get a special entitlement from Apple). I am not sure why they would spend all that money to convert the system from RFID to Bluetooth (again, for the automatic “add your ride photo” feature).

 

[dina444444]

That is Bluetooth and it requires the band to be charged.


I am less familiar with the photo stuff at WDW but I am pretty confident when it was first released it was based on RFID, unless my memory fails me.

It is possible that they switched it over to Bluetooth but the automatic capturing process can’t rely on Bluetooth, at least for the phone because iPhone apps can’t do that (unless they perhaps they get a special entitlement from Apple). I am not sure why they would spend all that money to convert the system from RFID to Bluetooth (again, for the automatic “add your ride photo” feature).

For the Magicband it’s long range rfid. But they also enabled Bluetooth for cell phones via a setting in the app/on the device a number of years back when they started taking out some of the post ride view your photo stations.

 

[LKing]

The parks were PACKED today. It took us an hour to get from where traffic stopped on southbound 5 to the Disneyland Way signal! It took another 45 minutes to get into the structure, park and down to security. After waiting all that time, this was the line for the women's restroom at Mickey & Friends.



Security - The person in front of me said that this is the last weekend for the $50 kids tickets. She said next weekend is blocked. Not sure if it is truly blocked or if there are no reservations available. Either way, it would explain why so many non MK locals with small children were there today.



Lines to get into DCA



Disneyland

 

[dina444444]

The parks were PACKED today. It took us an hour to get from where traffic stopped on southbound 5 to the Disneyland Way signal! It took another 45 minutes to get into the structure, park and down to security. After waiting all that time, this was the line for the women's restroom at Mickey & Friends.

View attachment 946070

Security - The person in front of me said that this is the last weekend for the $50 kids tickets. She said next weekend is blocked. Not sure if it is truly blocked or if there are no reservations available. Either way, it would explain why so many non MK locals with small children were there today.

View attachment 946072

Lines to get into DCA

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Disneyland

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The kids tickets are valid through the 20th.

 

[LKing]

The kids tickets are valid through the 20th.

I saw that. That's why I wondered about her comment about it being blocked vs no reservations available.

I know reservations for next weekend have been full for a long time. We eventually got reservations, but it took a lot of stalking to find an opening.

 

[kikismom]

The parks were PACKED today. It took us an hour to get from where traffic stopped on southbound 5 to the Disneyland Way signal! It took another 45 minutes to get into the structure, park and down to security. After waiting all that time, this was the line for the women's restroom at Mickey & Friends.

View attachment 946070

Security - The person in front of me said that this is the last weekend for the $50 kids tickets. She said next weekend is blocked. Not sure if it is truly blocked or if there are no reservations available. Either way, it would explain why so many non MK locals with small children were there today.

View attachment 946072

Lines to get into DCA

View attachment 946074

Disneyland

View attachment 946075

Yes today was wild! Guardians is currently at 220 minutes. RSR was 205 earlier. We don't get LLMP our first day when we go to the park around noon so we went and did some shopping and two shows and that was it. I feel awful for the people who went today for their one and done day.

We're back in the hotel and are off property. Swam for a bit and will start over at rope drop tomorrow. I just can't believe the crowds today. I mean I know it's Disney but my lord this was crazy.

 

[LAS2AMS]

You’re not kidding. That’s the most people I’ve seen in years. If I were an MK holder, I would’ve left.

DL really needs to end this Mega Stroller BS. They didn’t allow them before Covid, they’re still listed as being too big so not sure why they’re allowing them so liberally. They take up an enormous amount of room.

 

[DonnerB]

@LKing I had pretty much the same experience as you. Had a late start, and was attempting to get off the 5 around 10:20. Was on the phone with my sister exclaiming how I had never seen traffic backed up like that (thanks to this thread I found out that it has sadly been more common than I realized). There was an Anaheim police SUV and security personnel at the fork with cones blocking the entrance to M&F, but as soon as I took the right to work my way to Toy Story (a first in all these years) they let more cars through so I guess they were just intermittently blocking the garages to manage traffic flow.

After parking, security, bus to the parks and park entrance back ups I made it into DCA about 1 hour and 20 minutes later. Parking was a headache for me on December visits, security in January...have never seen all of it combine into what I saw yesterday.

I met friends with 2 young kids (we are all Inspire key holders), so the absolutely insane wait times didn't affect us too much (I snuck in a couple single rider waits while they took grandpa on some other rides with LLMP). But as soon as they left for bedtime I bailed too as @LAS2AMS said they would have. I had said all I cared about were some Food & Wine snacks and Soarin' and that Guardians would be a bonus. Never saw a Guardians wait below 110 minutes. . I have other friends coming from out of state starting Saturday so I checked wait times this morning (I realize it will be closed for their visit) and it was 90 minutes at 8:18 and RSR was 120...so it doesn't feel like yesterday was a blip

I feel like Guardians has had a capacity problem since at least October, but I may be an unreliable narrator. It seems like this thread confirms it has had issues for sure to start this year. And as has already been stated, let's hope this refurb fixes that.

Some of you may have seen me commenting about my thought process regarding my most recent MK renewal. I decided to upgrade to Inspire from Believe mostly for better access to Saturdays because of how many were getting blocked on the Believe. After yesterday, I'm starting to reevaluate renewing at all come fall. All of these ticket deals are contributing to these massive crowds, and another one goes on sale Tuesday that isn't limited to SoCal residents. Meanwhile, Disney doesn't really seem to care about providing a park experience that can handle such crowds (rides at reduced capacity, not opening with the park, frequent closures...). I can take a gamble that they keep running the SoCal ticket deal and build a couple staycations around my VGC points, and come out ahead. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, after all...

 

[dina444444]

Here’s my experience from yesterday. I pulled off the 5 south around 11:10am. The bridge was backed up to the entrance so I went straight. They had just blocked the fork right when I got to the light so I went down and turned to park in Pixar. I walked over to dtd and was through security by 11:50am. They only had 1 person managing both sides at Pixar booths. Also once they directed me up to level 6 there wasn’t anyone directing parking when you got up there which is not normal for still being that early in the day.