My DH's unique take on MBs and tracking ....

[twinsouvenirs]

My DH stays clear of WDW news for the most part but I just got this email from him:

"http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702303453004579290632128929194#!

I skimmed this article and thought... Disney is going to use those bands to track us around the resort, aren't they?

We should tie one to a goose and see how long it takes security to show up..."

I love him

 

[erionm]

I skimmed this article and thought... Disney is going to use those bands to track us around the resort, aren't they?

If you are concerned about tracking, you can request a KTTW card at check-in. The KTTW card will perform most of the same functions as a MagicBand, except they lack the active transmitter.

 

[DisneyRegulars]

I've never really understood why people get all worked up about this. Who cares if Disney knows my path through the park. What difference does it make if I am standing to watch a parade and Disney knows my location or I am standing to watch a parade and Disney is not keeping track of my location. It doesn't affect my enjoyment of the parade at all. In fact, it could increase my enjoyment of future parades because Disney could learn that I like parades, and could set reminders up for me automatically when parades are going to start.

They could do other cool things too, like based on your last visit, we recommend these FP+ attractions at these times in order to optimize your standby wait times.

They could also learn a lot of other really cool information about people's touring styles. Yes some information will be used to make them more money (ie. place toy kiosk to left of ride exit rather than right because 35% more people turn left after exit than right), but other information could be used to improve crowd control tactics and make a crowded park seem less crowded.

I'm all for it. Track away Disney. Track away.

 

[glamdring269]

Many people also carry cell phones that track their every move. But for some reason we don't give much thought about cell phones. Ever want to get a surprise? Open up Google Now on your Android phone. It knows where you're going before you think about it yourself.

 

[SuperRob]

Disney isn't tracking anyone through the parks. It's a lot of FUD being spread just because the potential is there.

That said, the first time someone loses a kid at the parks, they're going to wish Disney WAS tracking them.

 

[crisi]

As someone who worked with an active RFID system to track data center equipment - the technology is not reliable and has a limited range. HOWEVER, GPS is way better, and with your cell phone and your MM+ account with location services enabled, they can track you a lot better.

My husband and I were just talking, apps on our phones don't GET to use location services unless WE turn them on. For one thing, drains the battery. For another, generally I know where I am, there aren't many reasons for my applications to know. (I turn it on for UrbanSpoon to find restaurants near me - then turn it off for Urban Spoon, they don't need to know where I am when I'm not using their service).

 

[twinsouvenirs]

To clarify, my husband and I both figure that we're being tracked by every marketing company that can figure out how to do it... so we get it

I just LOVED his idea about the goose

 

[twinsouvenirs]

If you are concerned about tracking, you can request a KTTW card at check-in. The KTTW card will perform most of the same functions as a MagicBand, except they lack the active transmitter.

We aren't worried It was just an observation!

We have already had the girls try their bands on and toddle around... they love it

 

[DisneyRegulars]

I just LOVED his idea about the goose

Ah I see! I can appreciate this. And if we are specifically talking about attaching magic bands to Disney fowl, I wouldn't mind seeing one on one of those birds with the long pink curly beaks. Every time I see one of those I just want to grab it by the beak and shake it. Not sure why, just always have. I'm sure the bird would be more pleased with me if I instead just magic banded him.

One of these guys:

 

[Sammie]

Disney isn't tracking anyone through the parks. It's a lot of FUD being spread just because the potential is there.

That said, the first time someone loses a kid at the parks, they're going to wish Disney WAS tracking them.

Thank you,

 

[twinsouvenirs]

Ah I see! I can appreciate this. And if we are specifically talking about attaching magic bands to Disney fowl, I wouldn't mind seeing one on one of those birds with the long pink curly beaks. Every time I see one of those I just want to grab it by the beak and shake it. Not sure why, just always have. I'm sure the bird would be more pleased with me if I instead just magic banded him. One of these guys:

Lol I totally relate. I always want to grab those giant coy in ponds to see how squeezable they are.

 

[Chuck S]

I really think for young children, the tracking would be a big plus. Just wait until a young kid that is a "runner" gets separated from the family! Since everyone seems to think protective leashes and wrist straps are cruel, this tracking seems like a great option. And what, if heaven forbid, there is a true child abduction? The MagicBand tracking would be a big help to locating them.

As others said, who cares if Disney knows I'm in one queue or another, or if they calculate what percentage of time I spend in particular stores or restaurants. Maybe they'll use that info to individually target specials and coupons in the future, or use such individually tailored specials and coupons to encourage me to visit other nearby attractions/shops. I mean, even with the marketing aspect, it doesn't mean I have to follow through and use the specials or coupon, any more than I use the coupons in the newspaper and junk mail. Most wind up in the trash. Maybe they can send coupons to our smartphones based upon our current location...that would be a great way to use location info...assuming we could opt out of receiving the texts.

 

[disneynutz]

Here is the facts according to Bill.

Disney is spending over a billion dollars on technology changes, bands etc.

Disney expects to make much more that a billion dollars back by using the technology.

Disney has issued a contract to AT&T to provide Wi-Fi in the parks, common areas, and backstage areas.

The Magic Bands have a Wi-Fi function which includes tracking capability, the Wi-Fi circuit in the bands is why they need a battery.

Who cares if they track us especially if it pluses our Disney experience. They will need to do something to manage the hoards of people that that Disney is expecting to fill the parks.

Bill