Magic Band Idea

[DisneyPups]

So, I was just thinking (as I design my sixth set of magic bands)... if someone can purchase a basic MB for $12.95, and a fancy character MB for $19.95... wouldn't it be cool if resort guests could "upgrade" their MBs for the $7 difference? I would pay it. Or at least pay it for my DD to get a cool one. Anyone else? Who can I talk to about this plan of mine? Haha. Since Disney is all about making more $$ nowadays, it seems like a no-brainer.

 

[AngiTN]

So, I was just thinking (as I design my sixth set of magic bands)... if someone can purchase a basic MB for $12.95, and a fancy character MB for $19.95... wouldn't it be cool if resort guests could "upgrade" their MBs for the $7 difference? I would pay it. Or at least pay it for my DD to get a cool one. Anyone else? Who can I talk to about this plan of mine? Haha. Since Disney is all about making more $$ nowadays, it seems like a no-brainer.

I'd start by emailing Guest Services for both parks and the store side

 

[DisneyPups]

Haha, thanks, yeah. All emails go to GS. I was just kidding (mostly)... but it seems like an idea someone in the ranks must've considered by now. Especially since they now offer the option of declining the MBs.

 

[AngiTN]

Haha, thanks, yeah. All emails go to GS. I was just kidding (mostly)... but it seems like an idea someone in the ranks must've considered by now. Especially since they now offer the option of declining the MBs.

I think it's a grand idea. I would email it to them. Never assume folks think of the obvious. Especially those running a big company.

 

[DisneyPups]

Hmm, ok, now you've got me thinking... maybe I will email them! But why am I trying to give them MORE of my money?

 

[Robo]

I think it's a grand idea. I would email it to them. Never assume folks think of the obvious. Especially those running a big company.

If you want them to do something at WDW...
DO NOT email them with the idea.

 

[AngiTN]

Hmm, ok, now you've got me thinking... maybe I will email them! But why am I trying to give them MORE of my money?

Well, that is a valid point. Still a good idea. I would be all over that. We have about 15 bands each right now. The good news is we can decline them, finally. But if I had the choice I'd rather get a fancy one for a little more money.

 

[DisneyPups]

If you want them to do something at WDW...
DO NOT email them with the idea.

So what do you suggest?

 

[Shellyb84]

I think it's a great idea and would totally pay for that option. Definitely email them. I emailed them after our last trip with some feedback and ideas on the dining plans and a few other things. A lady called me a few days later and we had a nice conversation. She told me they love it when guests provide suggestions, and they really take those into account when making changes/improvements. So who knows, but it can't hurt to email!

 

[supersnoop]

Even though it seems like a great idea, I doubt it makes sense from Disney's perspective.

You're thinking it would be a great way to get something nicer for just a few dollars more; maybe something that you wouldn't pay full price for.
Disney's thinking is that you'll pay full price for the fancy band regardless.

If 100 people would pay to upgrade there band, how many of those would just pay for the fancy band? If it's more than 35, then Disney comes out ahead. I bet they've done that math.

 

[Alesia]

If you want them to do something at WDW...
DO NOT email them with the idea.

Correct. Acting on unsolicited ideas can be a legal nightmare for corporations. Emailing them your idea is the best way to make sure that it never comes to pass.

 

[Alesia]

So what do you suggest?

I would suggest doing nothing. All you can do is hope that the idea occurs to someone who has the power to implement it.

If someone were to email them an idea, Disney absolutely cannot implement it (unless, of course, they already have documented plans to do so) because if they did, they would have to face the very real possibility of that person then coming back and suing them for payment for using their idea. And that person would win, because the email would provide documentation.

And I know you're thinking, "But I don't want any money; I just think it's a really good idea." That may be true, but Disney doesn't know that, and they are not going to take a chance.

And that is why you shouldn't email them. Even if they think it's a terrific idea, you will have tied their hands.

 

[HopperFan]

From the other perspective, this would not be a wise move on Disney's part financially.
- Would drive up the distribution costs regarding inventory and employee cost to pull them.
- Would cause them to lose money on the sale of Bandits and other decorative add ons.
- They get an extra $7 cost VS $7-12 or more depending on all accessories added.
- PLENTY of folks are paying the full $19+ for specialty bands, so as long as those sales are good, no reason to offer.
- They would be cannibalizing their own product line.

 

[scrappinginontario]

I love the idea but I'm guessing from a distribution price it would probably be a nightmare. Currently you have the choice of 7(?) standard bands that they can have made in bulk and stock en masse. From there they use generic machinery to personalize the bands.

To introduce the option of personalizing them means the distribution location would now need to have the option to create bands on site and I'm guessing these 2 places are far, far away from one another.

While I think it's a grand idea, I'm not sure it would work. It's always worth asking though!!

 

[supersnoop]

"be advised that our company policy does not allow us to accept or consider creative ideas, suggestions, or materials other than those that we have specifically requested."
http://disneytermsofuse.com/english/#section6-submissions

 

[ktlm]

I refuse to allow DD to buy a designed MB for $20 since we get the regular ones from the resorts for free, but if I could pay $7 to upgrade us all to the ones with designs, I absolutely would do that.

 

[GreatLakes]

I don't really see the business scenario where this makes sense for Disney.

What I do think will happen at some point is during the MDE customization window guests will have the option of ordering the character and limited edition MBs that are currently only available in the parks. They will be full price though, not discounted because you are choosing them instead of the solid color MBs.

 

[kittyab]

I would upgrade for my DD. I got a watch slider on my last visit I am happy with that.

 

[Polydweller]

I don't really see the business scenario where this makes sense for Disney.

What I do think will happen at some point is during the MDE customization window guests will have the option of ordering the character and limited edition MBs that are currently only available in the parks. They will be full price though, not discounted because you are choosing them instead of the solid color MBs.

Totally agree. Besides what the OP is suggesting is not an upgrade, it's getting a second band for $7 a 63% discount. It's not like they would be upgrading your current one and you'd still have only one. The OPs suggestion requires giving you a second one at a huge discount. There is no business reason to do that.

 

[DisneyPups]

Wow, no worries everyone, I have no intention of emailing Disney. More of a tongue & cheek post about not wanting another basic MB. I'm glad you can decline them now. Although I would LOVE the option of purple. I'll be sure NOT to email them that suggestion (which I'm sure has been made many times) b/c heaven forbid they think they'd need to pay me for the "creative idea". Haha. That just makes me laugh. Oh Disney. Or should I say, oh litigious world we live in.