For sure, try not to think too much. When you think of all the info they will be saving for each person, it is a bit scary. But honestly, information on a single person isn't much use to them. It is the behavior of the masses they want. It will end up guiding a lot of decisions in the future.
Its not the big brother thing that makes me start to think, its the data base. The master data base. I know that Disney is doing this to get DATA on the masses, and I know exactly how it can pay off big time for them. That is why they are doing it.
What gets me thinking is the beautiful offshoot of this - what it can do for the Disney Guest in a positive way. The potential. Wow.
Now, I am sure that there will always be an 'opt out' on information that people can do if they do not wish to particiapte. Nobody will force them to use the system. I am sure there will be ways for people to maintain their privacy 80% or as close to it as it comes now, and still visit Disney.
But
Lets chat about what it could do for those who do participate. Lets think about those little old magic bands, and the information that could be tethered individually to each and every person, little bubbles let say, on a need to know or clearance level for the CMS. These little rubber croc bands of magic.
Let say a person could choose to fill out simple questionaires about their kids,and themselves if they chose to do that. The information could be about allergies, medical conditions, favorite character, favorite colour, favorite ride or park, any medical disability ect. All of this information is tethered in bubbles on the magic band. Lets look at this application in the big brother way- practical stuff that may be good for the average disney going guest.
Lost Kids?: Hmm, a CM could immediately have all the information needed on the child within seconds, even if the child is too young to know their own last name. Not only that, but they most likely could locate the parents via their own wrist bands in seconds. Nice.
Lost Items?: You could register the description and the last place the item was at, and assuming it gets turned in, your lost item can find you!
Hotel Security: Hmm, all those cars that go into a hotel through the gates, the guard could know if people were checking in, or staying there, or eating at a table service that day, easily and automatically. No more free and cheap parking at the contemporary. If someone was just coming to look at the hotel and browse around, maybe just a 3 hr pass or something is issued. Not that I am the parking police, and actually I dont care that much about this issue, but it could also add a layer of 'security' that only people who should be there, are there, IF you know what I mean.
Park Security: some parameter of this could be helpful information for those undercover agents in the park. Someone acting in a suspicious manner? they could access some basic personal information that may help them make the decision whether the person is a threat or not.
Restaraunt Staff: Could immediately access information as you check in regarding allergies, medical conditions, ect, that can help make them more efficient and provide you with better service. This could be especially nice for those with children with non physical disabilities, and as I type this out, it would be great for people traveling with grandparents too. (My dad has altzhimers, and at the bigging or middle stage, we would still go out, but it made for some 'special' moments, if you know what I mean.)
In the parks: (this was already sort of discussed before) CMS and characters knowing the childs name, also the favorite character could be more attentive in particular.
Interaction between the guest and the physical features in the theme parks: someone who put down on their questionaire they love the water would get special attention from the fountains, favorite characters might pop up in window displays as you pass by. Things in the standby line of your favorite attraction may really react to your magic band. Perhaps at HM the ghosts may end up whispering your name in the graveyard area...perhaps they are more comforting and encouraging whispers when you try to take your 4 year old in!
Make the old new again: Some of the very worn out attractions could receive a technical boost. Imagine being in the hall of presidents, when good old ABe addresses you in particular. Or, if there is a large party from brazil(or where ever) can ask about the brazilian convention in town. Could be kinda funny for the audience. People like that. The star tours thing, a hilight is the 'spy'. Even think how this technology could bump up that experience: 'we have evidence that John form Indiana is a rebel spy! Force him to eat green veggies, that will make him talk! Just thinking out loud
Hmm, the list is endless in possibility, and some of it could be great for the Disney Guest.
I think its when you said 'master data base' and how all the seperate areas tie into the master data base, got me thinking how this model could be used to provide CMS and also Inanimate Objects with small bubbles of pertinent details that can elevate the average guests time at disney, while still providing personal security. Not only in the parks. Not only in the hotels. Not only on the transportation. Everywhere. All the time. Accurately.
Some people will hate this idea. I kinda like it. YMMV
~A
