Magic Bands info for the new test dates in August

[Christinaxo]

So I woke up to 2 emails this morning that my MagicBands had been shipped (one is for a RO for 1 night, the other for a package), but I have not received any email from Disney to participate in the test. After my initial call earlier this week, and being told I could not participate in the test because "AKL is not one of the resorts" (which is what we all know now to be incorrect), I just received a letter invitation in the mail. All it says is that in order to take part in the test I must complete the steps (linking tickets, customizing bands, selecting FP+, etc. by July 27). Today is the 17 day mark for my package reservation though so it does not make sense for Disney to send me this if I won't be taking part just because I did not receive an email. I was told during my last call that if I go through all this trouble with MyMagic+ and am not eligible when I get to the resort that I would be given a few regular fast passes for my troubles. lol um ok?

 

[bcrook]

That's the first time I've heard of that.

RFID cards should work just fine for any of the "Mickey head touch-point readers" including the ones for FP.

It's the "distance reading" (non-touch-point) interactive features (like "knowing/saying" a guest's name at an attraction or Meet & Greet) that are in the province of the more powerful "RF-transmitting" MagicBands.

I've never heard that a MB was required at all. Disney has always maintained that you can opt for a card, but certain features might not be available...I've never ever heard that FP+ would be one of them. To my knowledge, the "lost" features are strictly those based on the active transmitter (which the cards don't have), and which haven't been strictly defined yet, but all the know features are based on the passive chips and work with the cards.

Initially, the reason that was given for not being able to have both FP and FP+ was because the legacy machines wouldn't be able to interact with the magicbands. Everyone using FP+ would be required to use the MagicBand. If you chose to not use the magicband, they you would be given an rfid card and be able to use the regular FP.

If it has always been either/or - don't you think most people would take the RFID card and be able to access both systems?

One of the perks of staying on site was being given a MagicBand, but off site guests would have to Buy theirs. Once again, why would anybody buy one (other than for a souvenir).

Disney wants that data from the receptors in the park - they can't get that with the RFID cards. I don't know if the interactive queues will be enough of a reason to ask for and/or purchase the MagicBand.

I am sure I have read this in different places. I will see if I can find some of the quotes.

EDIT: I understand that the RFID cards will be good for park entrance, paying for stuff, and room access. I also understand that they could be used for FP+, but I didn't think Disney wanted them to be...

This is from the guest privacy FAQs - it is clear that either card or bands will work for FP+.

Are all guests required to participate in MyMagic+?

Guests can enjoy admission to the parks without having to participate in MyMagic+, register on the My Disney Experience website or provide any personal information. Guests who choose to participate in MyMagic+ and register on My Disney Experience will be able to use the FastPass+ service, make dining reservations online, and enjoy the convenience of having their tickets, FastPass+ selections, Resort room access and other enhanced features all in one place. Guests participating in MyMagic+ always have the option to use a card instead of a MagicBand. Guests can also choose whether to use their RF Device to make purchases at select Resort locations.

Here are the "benefits" of having a MagicBand rather than a card:

"Guests can participate in MyMagic+ and visit the Resort without using the MagicBand by choosing a card, which cannot be detected by the long-range readers; however, certain features of MyMagic+ are dependent upon long-range readers, including automatic delivery of certain attraction photos and some personalized offerings are only available to guests using a MagicBand."

 

[chrispeto]

If anybody on this thread has received an e-mail stating they shipped your Magic Bands I suggest you call the number included in the e-mail. It is a direct line to magic band IT, The IT I talked was very polite and knowledgable and she was able to log onto my account and tell me if I had any active magic bands and if I was part of the test.

 

[DisMom1981]

Taken as a stand-alone issue, it would be very likely that if you call back you'd get a different CM
(maybe one who has had his LUNCH )
and you'd get an entirely different attitude (if not a better answer.)

That said, even if you DO get a "better answer," will that answer actually be ACCURATE?

That's where we all are now...
Nobody KNOWS nuthin', for SURE.

He was very kind, not rude. My aggravation is not with him and was not expressed on the phone at all. He and all the other ITs are most likely stuck playing damage control after some suits made some uninformed decisions that they know will get worked out and don't care that it is at the expense of the IT people who had they asked for input would have probably said hold off to begin with. I've seen this scenario in the insurance business, education, etc. going to wait and see If we get " The E-mail" and go from there I guess. My frustration and I'm sure a lot of other people's as well is that we've put a year of planning (money, touring, etc) into this and should be able to get a clear cut answer at this point of whether or not this new experience will include us and how to prepare for it. Either way, when I step back from it all, I feel fairly confident that we will have an enjoyable vacation and will return in the future- exactly why the suits aren't worried about ruffling feathers with this complete discombobulation of a system perhaps.

 

[DisMom1981]

I suggest waiting patiently rotfl2 for the 17 day point. So much could change between now and then and again before you arrive depending how testing is going. If you get an email there is still plenty of time to fix everything, if you don't get an email there is still plenty of time to fix everything.
Meanwhile I'll be reading every post and driving myself nuts!!

I know. I keep saying the exact same things but I'm a nut addicted to these boards LOL

 

[chrispeto]

One more thought on the issue maybe the shipment of Magic Band is the the e-mail that the CM are talking about. Just saying

 

[Simba's Girl]

Well, my DD is pretty excited to get hers in pink!

Not sure what your point about SAB is, but I do agree that those with bands will still need KTTW cards to access certain locations, including SAB and the 5th floor CL.
Are you saying the band is useless unless it gets you in to the pool?

My only DD who is psyched about the band is the six year old. One couldn't care less and the other is well, 13...

from what I hear over on the resorts BC YC thread TPTB haven't figured out how to give access to those staying at BC YC with MBs...To prevent pool hoppers same thing with 5th floor too

 

[TIME4DIZ]

Initially, the reason that was given for not being able to have both FP and FP+ was because the legacy machines wouldn't be able to interact with the magicbands. Everyone using FP+ would be required to use the MagicBand. If you chose to not use the magicband, they you would be given an rfid card and be able to use the regular FP.

If it has always been either/or - don't you think most people would take the RFID card and be able to access both systems?

One of the perks of staying on site was being given a MagicBand, but off site guests would have to Buy theirs. Once again, why would anybody buy one (other than for a souvenir).

Disney wants that data from the receptors in the park - they can't get that with the RFID cards. I don't know if the interactive queues will be enough of a reason to ask for and/or purchase the MagicBand.

I am sure I have read this in different places. I will see if I can find some of the quotes.

EDIT: I understand that the RFID cards will be good for park entrance, paying for stuff, and room access. I also understand that they could be used for FP+, but I didn't think Disney wanted them to be...

Is possible that you are mixing the traditional KTTW card with a new RFID card. This is from MDE and its clear that RFID cards are being promoted as an access tool for FP+

Unlock the Magic with Your
MagicBand or Card
Later this year, a simple touch of your card or MagicBand will let you enter parks, unlock your hotel room door and more.Your key to a more carefree visit.
MagicBands and cards are all-in-one devices that serve as your “ticket,” “room key” and more. With a MagicBand on your wrist or a card in your pocket, you’ll travel lighter throughout your vacation. With the introduction of FastPass+, your MagicBand or card will even allow you to check in at FastPass+ locations.

Touch-enabled cards are available now. MagicBands are currently being tested and will be available in the coming months.

Disney magic has never been more seamless.

Use your card or MagicBand to:
Unlock the door of your Disney Resort hotel room.
Enter theme and water parks (with valid theme park admission).
Later this year, you’ll also be able to use your card or MagicBand to:
Check in at FastPass+ entrances (with the introduction of FastPass+).
Connect Disney PhotoPass images to your account.

 

[TIME4DIZ]

My only DD who is psyched about the band is the six year old. One couldn't care less and the other is well, 13...

from what I hear over on the resorts BC YC thread TPTB haven't figured out how to give access to those staying at BC YC with MBs...To prevent pool hoppers same thing with 5th floor too

I spoke with IPO a few days ago and was told all guests during the test dates will get bands and a KTTW card. The pool and elevator are not yet RFID enabled.

 

[bcrook]

Is possible that you are mixing the traditional KTTW card with a new RFID card. This is from MDE and its clear that RFID cards are being promoted as an access tool for FP+

Unlock the Magic with Your
MagicBand or Card
Later this year, a simple touch of your card or MagicBand will let you enter parks, unlock your hotel room door and more.Your key to a more carefree visit.
MagicBands and cards are all-in-one devices that serve as your ticket, room key and more. With a MagicBand on your wrist or a card in your pocket, youll travel lighter throughout your vacation. With the introduction of FastPass+, your MagicBand or card will even allow you to check in at FastPass+ locations.

Touch-enabled cards are available now. MagicBands are currently being tested and will be available in the coming months.

Disney magic has never been more seamless.

Use your card or MagicBand to:
Unlock the door of your Disney Resort hotel room.
Enter theme and water parks (with valid theme park admission).
Later this year, youll also be able to use your card or MagicBand to:
Check in at FastPass+ entrances (with the introduction of FastPass+).
Connect Disney PhotoPass images to your account.

I updated my post. I understand the RFID card could do this, but early on, the talk was all about guests using MagicBands. This is where the privacy concerns came about. The MagicBands transmit. I think the language has changed in regards to the privacy issues.

If I have a choice between a band and transmitting and a rfid card and not - I think I will still have to go with the MagicBand, because I think the parks are going to be filled with little interactive surprises. I am sure they will be very popular. But, I would prefer to carry the card in my wallet rather than the carry the band.

If you read some of the early stories about MyMagic+ you will see that it is all about the MagicBand and the data collection. There was no talk of a "non-transmitting" device. Here is New York Times article.

 

[Christinaxo]

Just got off the phone with Testing Line and confirmed I will be part of the testing! The CM told me that I would not be using FP- only FP+ but since I am knocking out "3 big lines", I could afford to wait in standby a little while LOL I thought it was funny that he knew how I would want to spend my first WDW vacation time He also said that for a first time visitor I had an "awesome itinerary" and surprised at how "informed" I am about everything. So glad I found the DIS because then I would have booked FP+ for Stitch's Great Escape (No offense to those who love it but I know my kids would have nightmares about that kind of thing lol) So thanks DISers!

 

[doconeill]

Initially, the reason that was given for not being able to have both FP and FP+ was because the legacy machines wouldn't be able to interact with the magicbands. Everyone using FP+ would be required to use the MagicBand. If you chose to not use the magicband, they you would be given an rfid card and be able to use the regular FP.

If it has always been either/or - don't you think most people would take the RFID card and be able to access both systems?

One of the perks of staying on site was being given a MagicBand, but off site guests would have to Buy theirs. Once again, why would anybody buy one (other than for a souvenir).

Disney wants that data from the receptors in the park - they can't get that with the RFID cards. I don't know if the interactive queues will be enough of a reason to ask for and/or purchase the MagicBand.

I am sure I have read this in different places. I will see if I can find some of the quotes.

EDIT: I understand that the RFID cards will be good for park entrance, paying for stuff, and room access. I also understand that they could be used for FP+, but I didn't think Disney wanted them to be...

This is from the guest privacy FAQs - it is clear that either card or bands will work for FP+.

Are all guests required to participate in MyMagic+?

Guests can enjoy admission to the parks without having to participate in MyMagic+, register on the My Disney Experience website or provide any personal information. Guests who choose to participate in MyMagic+ and register on My Disney Experience will be able to use the FastPass+ service, make dining reservations online, and enjoy the convenience of having their tickets, FastPass+ selections, Resort room access and other enhanced features all in one place. Guests participating in MyMagic+ always have the option to use a card instead of a MagicBand. Guests can also choose whether to use their RF Device to make purchases at select Resort locations.

Here are the "benefits" of having a MagicBand rather than a card:

"Guests can participate in MyMagic+ and visit the Resort without using the MagicBand by choosing a card, which cannot be detected by the long-range readers; however, certain features of MyMagic+ are dependent upon long-range readers, including automatic delivery of certain attraction photos and some personalized offerings are only available to guests using a MagicBand."

From what you quoted, it says that Fastpass+ is a function of using MyMagic+, and not of a MagicBand at all. It says that "certain features" unique to the "long range readers" requires the MagicBand. Fastpass+ is definitely not one of them, as you have to intentionally use the card/band with the touchpoint to use.

I think you may be thinking of the _original_ Terms and Conditions, that said that if you opted for an RFID device, you were opting for Fastpass+ and were excluded from FP. That hasn't been in the T&C since the March update, and is provably false, as ALL the cards they give out now are RFID, and work fine with the Fastpass kiosks (since they still have a magnetic stripe to read).

I don't think their original intent was for it to work that way (per the original T&C), but they HAD to switch to RFID (the resorts were already converted), and Fastpass+ was nowhere near ready. so it changed.

I still believe their intent it that if you opt to use Fastpass+, you'll be excluded from regular Fastpass - beyond the testing phase. DURING the testing phases so far, they have allowed both, but that appears to have been as a backup, and/or a side effect of guests being given KTTW cards in addition to the MBs (again as a backup).

 

[bcrook]

From what you quoted, it says that Fastpass+ is a function of using MyMagic+, and not of a MagicBand at all. It says that "certain features" unique to the "long range readers" requires the MagicBand. Fastpass+ is definitely not one of them, as you have to intentionally use the card/band with the touchpoint to use.

I think you may be thinking of the _original_ Terms and Conditions, that said that if you opted for an RFID device, you were opting for Fastpass+ and were excluded from FP. That hasn't been in the T&C since the March update, and is provably false, as ALL the cards they give out now are RFID, and work fine with the Fastpass kiosks (since they still have a magnetic stripe to read).

I don't think their original intent was for it to work that way (per the original T&C), but they HAD to switch to RFID (the resorts were already converted), and Fastpass+ was nowhere near ready. so it changed.

I still believe their intent it that if you opt to use Fastpass+, you'll be excluded from regular Fastpass - beyond the testing phase. DURING the testing phases so far, they have allowed both, but that appears to have been as a backup, and/or a side effect of guests being given KTTW cards in addition to the MBs (again as a backup).

I posted that in agreement with what you said.

 

[doconeill]

I posted that in agreement with what you said.

Yeah you edited between I read and when I quoted, so I had to adapt my reply on the fly

 

[TIME4DIZ]

My only DD who is psyched about the band is the six year old. One couldn't care less and the other is well, 13...

from what I hear over on the resorts BC YC thread TPTB haven't figured out how to give access to those staying at BC YC with MBs...To prevent pool hoppers same thing with 5th floor too

And I'm shocked that you don't think a green band would look great with Sunken' Treasure !!!
First one's on me.

 

[bcrook]

Yeah you edited between I read and when I quoted, so I had to adapt my reply on the fly

This Computerworld article also sheds some light on the original intent. The emphasis was (and will be again) on the transmitter.

 

[MYD714]

Just got off the phone with Testing Line and confirmed I will be part of the testing! The CM told me that I would not be able to access FP- only FP+ but since I am knocking out "3 big lines", I could afford to wait in standby a little while LOL I thought it was funny that he knew how I would want to spend my first WDW vacation time He also said that for a first time visitor I had an "awesome itinerary" and surprised at how "informed" I am about everything. So glad I found the DIS because then I would have booked FP+ for Stitch's Great Escape (No offense to those who love it but I know my kids would have nightmares about that kind of thing lol) So thanks DISers!

This makes me nervous because it's not what I was told. I asked the IT person at least 3 times if I could access FP- and I was assured that we could use it once our FP+ were used.

 

[doconeill]

This Computerworld article also sheds some light on the original intent. The emphasis was (and will be again) on the transmitter.

I've posted that about a dozen times. It doesn't actually emphasize the transmitter at all.

The active transmitter will be able to provide information as necessary without intentional action on your part. In theory, they can track you any time you pass within range of a receiver.

The oft-used example of them using it as a plus to the guest experience is with a princess knowing your child's name before you approach and being able to address them by name, without you having to prompt them at all.

 

[Disneylover99]

Just got off the phone with Testing Line and confirmed I will be part of the testing! The CM told me that I would not be able to access FP- only FP+ but since I am knocking out "3 big lines", I could afford to wait in standby a little while LOL I thought it was funny that he knew how I would want to spend my first WDW vacation time s:

More contradictions...this time, no regular fastpass.

I can see though as a first time DW traveller, why you would love the fastpass+. It sounds amazing! Sadly, those of us who utilize many fastpasses per day in multiple parks will mourn the loss of the traditional fastpass machine.

 

[Simba's Girl]

And I'm shocked that you don't think a green band would look great with Sunken' Treasure !!!
First one's on me.

Loads of things will look great after a few of those...