Magic Bands coming to DCL

[MKRuns 26]

An interesting post on the Magic Band Collector's site today with quotes from a Fortune interview with Bob Igar. Looks like DCL will be utilizing Magic Band on all four ship in the future. No date of when this will take place, but probably in the next few years

 

[PrincessShmoo]

An interesting post on the Magic Band Collector's site today with quotes from a Fortune interview with Bob Igar. Looks like DCL will be utilizing Magic Band on all four ship in the future. No date of when this will take place, but probably in the next few years

Could be true, could be wishful thinking. Even with bands for use onboard (unlocking doors, charging purchases to room, photos) a card would be necessary for use to gain access to most foreign port areas when returning to the ship from a day ashore. I doubt that DCL (or Disney) is willing to foot the bill for installing the necessary readers in all ports they call at.

And, how about the card slot for keeping the lights on? Yes, any card will do, but is DCL going to tell everyone to be sure to have a card available for this, or just supply a blank card for this purpose.

I'm figuring that bands may be an option, but cards will still be issued.

 

[jdb in AZ]

Can Magic Bands run the washers and dryers at the WDW hotels?

 

[OKW Lover]

Can Magic Bands run the washers and dryers at the WDW hotels?

not yet

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Can Magic Bands run the washers and dryers at the WDW hotels?

They couldn't when were there in September.

We only used the magic band to unlock our room door, and charge meals to our credit card in the hotel.

 

[OKW Lover]

Could be true, could be wishful thinking. Even with bands for use onboard (unlocking doors, charging purchases to room, photos) a card would be necessary for use to gain access to most foreign port areas when returning to the ship from a day ashore. I doubt that DCL (or Disney) is willing to foot the bill for installing the necessary readers in all ports they call at.

And, how about the card slot for keeping the lights on? Yes, any card will do, but is DCL going to tell everyone to be sure to have a card available for this, or just supply a blank card for this purpose.

I'm figuring that bands may be an option, but cards will still be issued.

No need to install readers in all ports - a simple wireless link will do the trick. They already do this in the parks.

As you note, any card will work in the light thing for the new ships. Even better, they could use the "long range" feature of MB's to know if somebody (or at least their MB) is in the cabin.

 

[mmouse37]

No need to install readers in all ports - a simple wireless link will do the trick. They already do this in the parks.

As you note, any card will work in the light thing for the new ships. Even better, they could use the "long range" feature of MB's to know if somebody (or at least their MB) is in the cabin.

I think what shmoo meant was many ports have agents that physically check your ship card before they let you in the secured area of the port.

MJ

 

[MarriedToPeterPan]

Aside from not really liking the look of the Magic Bands (I prefer my lanyard with my card), the idea of the band being able to activate the lights just from being in the room sounds like a much better idea to me than having to find a card to activate them. However with the ships still being "new" would they actually want to go through with changing the system for the lights in the ships. To me that seems like it would almost be more work than changing the system to get on and off the ship at ports.

 

[OKW Lover]

I think what shmoo meant was many ports have agents that physically check your ship card before they let you in the secured area of the port.

MJ

Yes, that's what I understood too. Having a MB reader (linked wirelessly to the ship) would accomplish the same thing.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Yes, that's what I understood too. Having a MB reader (linked wirelessly to the ship) would accomplish the same thing.

My point is - is Disney going to foot the bill for the wireless link to the ship in each port, and training the local security (whoever they may be) how to use it?

 

[OKW Lover]

My point is - is Disney going to foot the bill for the wireless link to the ship in each port, and training the local security (whoever they may be) how to use it?

The wireless link is a one-time installation on the ship. Nothing is needed in the ports as the readers are hand-held.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

MagicBands are already in use on the ships. The kids are using them in the kids clubs. Quota filled. Let's move on.

 

[Bee2u]

The wireless link is a one-time installation on the ship. Nothing is needed in the ports as the readers are hand-held.

So there IS something needed at each port - the hand-held device, and the local security (whoever they may be) would need to be trained (and willing) to use it.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

So there IS something needed at each port - the hand-held device, and the local security (whoever they may be) would need to be trained (and willing) to use it.

And, since in many port that local security is the military, there would have to be an on-going training program, because there's no way of knowing who is going to be assigned to check ID for entrance to the port areas from cruise to cruise.

 

[Savikins]

They have wristbands on Quantum of the Seas that seem to act like magic bands. I wonder if they still have to provide people with cards to access the ports.

 

[undertheradar]

Just wondering if privacy laws will trump magic bands?

 

[ultimate_ed]

Just wondering if privacy laws will trump magic bands?

What privacy laws would you be referring to and how could they lead to DCL not being able to use Magic Bands?

 

[TAK]

In case anyone is interested, this is the original Bob Iger interview they're referring to:

http://fortune.com/2014/12/29/disney-ceo-bob-iger-empire-of-tech/

It does actually say: "Already, Disney says, MagicBands have led to increased spending at the park. And the plan is to expand to other locations, including the company’s line of cruise ships."

I kinda think (personal preference of anyone here aside) that's the magic words there -- "led to increased spending". Anything that leads to more $ being spent usually happens, one way or another.

 

[Carlnne]

Im all for it- especially if they are special colors or have a logo that distinguishes from the ordinary park bands. I would really miss the castaway club lanyard though.

 

[DynamicDisneyDuo]

Im all for it- especially if they are special colors or have a logo that distinguishes from the ordinary park bands. I would really miss the castaway club lanyard though.

They could always do CC level colored bands.