MyMagic+ question for next week's episode

[Dustin]

Hey everyone! Dustin here.

In this weeks’ segment for The DIS Unplugged, we’re taking a refresher course on all things MyMagic+ which encompasses the MyDisneyExperience app and website, MagicBands, FastPass+, and MemoryMaker. We want you guys to help guide our discussion. I have a three part question for you…

What is one thing you like about MyMagic+? What is one thing you dislike about MyMagic+? And finally, what questions do you still have about MyMagic+ that we could address on the show?

We hope to hear back from all of you. We’ll see you live at 1pm 01/20/15 on Livestream or at http://www.disunplugged.com. Thanks!

~ Dustin

 

[sweetpeama]

What is one thing you dislike about MyMagic+?

That the app does not seem to work on older straight talk android phones or at least it doesn't on my LG Optimius. With many cutting the contract cell phones and going to companies that just offer prepaid services this cuts a number of people out of having an app to change things in park.

what questions do you still have about MyMagic+ that we could address on the show?

How water proof are they especially for those of us with sensory seeking children with Sensory Processing Disorder who put everything in their mouths.
Is Disney going to offer alternatives to a wrist band such as a belt clip in the near future for those who have children who might not like things on their wrists?
Can parents of children who are non verbal but older set messages to cast members in case their child wanders off As a mother of a 7 year old who is non verbal (profound apraxia) it would be nice to have the piece of mind to know that a cast member could scan her band if she got seperated from me that would tell things like her name, I have apraxia and can not talk but I understand everything you say and know sign language, my parents phone numbers are and then have the numbers.

 

[sweetpeama]

copy and paste cut off the first part of my response

First let me preface this to say I have not been on a trip with My Magic Plus

What I like is the idea of not having to fumble in my pocket of a pass or room key

 

[mytripsandraces]

Hey everyone! Dustin here.

In this weeks’ segment for The DIS Unplugged, we’re taking a refresher course on all things MyMagic+ which encompasses the MyDisneyExperience app and website, MagicBands, FastPass+, and MemoryMaker. We want you guys to help guide our discussion. I have a three part question for you…

What is one thing you like about MyMagic+?

I like that I don't have to worry about finding my key when I go to the room or fumbling with it while I'm carrying a tray. I also like that it's one-size fits all. The adult size is too big for me, but one quick move and it's child (and my) size. Easy peasy!

What is one thing you dislike about MyMagic+?

If the point is to have all of the information in one place, I think the Annual Passholder information should be transferable from band to band, so I don't also have to carry my card.

And finally, what questions do you still have about MyMagic+ that we could address on the show?

We hope to hear back from all of you. We’ll see you live at 1pm 01/20/15 on Livestream or at http://www.disunplugged.com. Thanks!

~ Dustin

Will wifi be added to the Disney buses, boats and monorail trains, so guests can update their fast passes in transit?

Thanks!

 

[vwlfan]

I was very favorably disposed to FP plus but my initial experiences were very negative. Too long to go into here but suffice to say that it took four Cast Members and three days before everything was straightened out. Then they worked very well!

But organizationally I question whoever trained Cast Members to serve the many break-in issues the innovation brought with it. The level of competence, not to mention those of CMs behind the scenes whom they contacted for help was at best uneven and inconsistent.

Their saving grace in fairness was each CM's eagerness and sincerity devoted to TRYING to help!

 

[dwbrewster]

When I think of mymagic+ I think of FP+ straight away so my review is a bit focused towards that.

1) I know a lot of people hate the new FP+ system but I liked the idea of knowing a couple of things I was guaranteed to do while visiting and could plan my trip around that. For example, we had our FP+ for Enchanted Tales with Belle at 11 and then A&E M&G at noon so I was able to plan my time in the Fantasyland area for that portion of the day and got to do two things with no wait that my DD(4) would enjoy and in between got to meet Gaston.

2) I don't like that you are locked in on the top attractions and last minute changes are impossible. For example, forecast for our MK day was 90% rain when we were taking off for our trip and I was about to scramble and switch our DHS FP+ but would have lost all Frozen FP and those are the things my DD(4) would have wanted the most.

 

[Princess Jes]

What is one thing you dislike about MyMagic+?

That the app does not seem to work on older straight talk android phones or at least it doesn't on my LG Optimius. With many cutting the contract cell phones and going to companies that just offer prepaid services this cuts a number of people out of having an app to change things in park.

what questions do you still have about MyMagic+ that we could address on the show?

How water proof are they especially for those of us with sensory seeking children with Sensory Processing Disorder who put everything in their mouths.
Is Disney going to offer alternatives to a wrist band such as a belt clip in the near future for those who have children who might not like things on their wrists?
Can parents of children who are non verbal but older set messages to cast members in case their child wanders off As a mother of a 7 year old who is non verbal (profound apraxia) it would be nice to have the piece of mind to know that a cast member could scan her band if she got seperated from me that would tell things like her name, I have apraxia and can not talk but I understand everything you say and know sign language, my parents phone numbers are and then have the numbers.

Don't stress about the waterproof side of things, they're designed to be worn at the waterparks which would be far more water than a little one would have in their mouths
also, they don't HAVE to be worn, you can hold onto your little one's band if they'd prefer not to wear it
I hope this helps

 

[Princess Jes]

To give a slight insight to my experience, I should preface my post with the fact that I've only visited WDW once, and it was in March/April 2014, Magic Bands were in full use and for me, I LOVED it. I left telling my husband that I want a magic band for my life.... car keys, house keys, credit/debit card etc. it was so freeing, I loved them! And, I'm not from the USA so I had no cell service and had to rely on the in-resort and in-park wifi, and had zero issues. I found the wifi to be extremely good, to the point I facetimed from the pirch at the yacht club with no cutouts... internet is pretty crap in Australia so by comparison, it was great for me!

What is one thing you like about MyMagic+?

well I think the above speaks to why I loved it. I love that I can go into the park with a small shoulder bag to carry my phone, a light sweater/cardigan and a bottle of water. it was so great to have that on me at all times and if hubby (who had the cash in his wallet) was in the toilet and I wanted a drink, I could go grab one while I waited and didn't have to worry about getting his wallet from him! having a form of payment n me at the water parks was great too!

What is one thing you dislike about MyMagic+?

there isn't a purple one... yep, this is the only thing I disliked... C'mon Disney, get your stuff together and gimme a purple band so I don't have to paint it with nail polish in my resort room!!
ETA. I thought of something non-magic band related (I got caught up in the question and answered only based on MB's...) the teiring system sucks and so does the inability to book your additional fast passes via the app and for park hopping.
I recently listened to an old show y'all did on the Fastpass+ and MM+ info (prior to it being implemented) and you'd mentioned a rumour that there may be options for example that If you'd used one of your 3 FP+ for the day, you could effectively book a 4th then, rather than waiting for all 3 to have been used/expired. basically having (and I think you used the term) "3 in your pocket at all times"
and of course... the MDE app and website are unreliable at times...

And finally, what questions do you still have about MyMagic+ that we could address on the show?

I cant really think of anything, though recently when in the very early stages of planning a potentially non-existent trip, I wanted to know the functionality, if any, of Magic bands if I was staying at the Swan/Dolphin. I wanted to know if you could charge to your room like you do with the other resorts.

 

[sweetpeama]

Don't stress about the waterproof side of things, they're designed to be worn at the waterparks which would be far more water than a little one would have in their mouths
also, they don't HAVE to be worn, you can hold onto your little one's band if they'd prefer not to wear it
I hope this helps

Thanks for the information.

 

[kbelle8995]

I know that I am the only person who doesn't own a smartphone.

It is next to impossible to make last minute changes for me. I did most mine at home. I felt pretty trapped in the way I had to do them.

I was able to book mine a week before I arrived and was able to get the rides I wanted.

It ran well at the park but I decided not to use MyMagic+ again just doesn't work for me.

 

[o0quirkygirl0o]

What is one thing you like about MyMagic+? What is one thing you dislike about MyMagic+? And finally, what questions do you still have about MyMagic+ that we could address on the show?

One Thing I Like:
I enjoy being able to use the app (when it works) as a one stop place to organize all my information. Everything is integrated all into one place and that makes things like finding an attraction or looking up when our dinner reservation a lot easier.

Now, this has a caveat. This app would be awesome it it would just work consistently. I find both the spotty functionality of the app and the spotty WiFi reception a real hindrance to the MyMagic+ way of working.

When it works it is awesome. When it doesn't it is a huge frustration.


One thing I Dislike:
I dislike having to rush to get FastPasses way in advance. It feels too much like the mad dash to get dining reservations. Generally it is just too much rushing for me and its not the most fun thing to do. Fighting the internet and tons of other people who all want the same thing you do, in the wee hours of the night, is not my idea of a good time.


MyMagic+ Questions:
Do you think there are more tweaks coming up in the system? There is still some argument about weather Disney is allowing too many or too few FastPasses for attractions. Do you think it will be altered either way?

I've heard rumors that some rides may go FastPass only, do you think that will really happen? If so, what do you think the reaction will be?

Have they adjusted the system to let you have FastPasses at multiple parks yet? If not, do you think that is in the works, or do you think it just isn't going to happen?

 

[alabamagirl]

My family used Magic Bands on our trip in June of last year. We really enjoyed every aspect of the bands.
Pros:
Loved having the fastpasses prebooked so we didn't have to dash from place to place. We were much more relaxed. Another great perk was using them to get in the room and pay for things in the parks. Hands free is priceless when you have two toddlers and a huge double stroller to deal with lol. They worked every time and we never had to go to guest relations for any issues.
Cons:
The only thing I can think of is that the actual site to make fastpasses was a little confusing in the beginning. Sometimes I wasn't sure if I had my FP booked or not. I changed a few on the fly using my phone with no problem because by then I was used to the system. However, if someone uses a TA to book all their FPs, they may have a hard time when they need to change something on the app during their trip.
Question:
We had a fastpass for the FF parade at MK. It got rained out. Could we have went to guest Relations to have that FP replaced? It was not our 3rd FP.

 

[rteetz]

I have used MyMagic+ in two occasions now July 2014 and January 2015.

I actually like the ease of use with magicbands I have not had any problems with them except for one and that was in January when the charging feature didn't work on my band so when doing that I would have to use someone else's. That was a bit of an inconvenience but we dealt with it.

FP+ has been fine and I like it actually. I think it makes us use to more than we had before. One downside to it is the tiers at Epcot and DHS. I really wish those two parks didn't have that. It also shows just how little attraction wise there is do to in those parks. In January I tried to do the 4th fastpass and I could've it's just there was nothing I wanted or needed available.

The app has worked well for me both times. I am the primary user of it in my family so it was nice that is was working for me. Yes the in park wifi is a bit slow but wasn't terrible enough to cause any major problems.

 

[NJBrandon]

One thing I like: Not having to run to an attraction at rope drop to get a Fastpass.

One thing I dislike: Having to plan out every aspect of my trips months in advance.

One question: Which is the better system, Fastpass+ or Universal's Express Pass?

 

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

Will wifi be added to the Disney buses, boats and monorail trains, so guests can update their fast passes in transit?

I doubt it as they are moving so you have to use cellular based signals on them whereas in the parks they can have actual fixed devices hard wired to each other to provide the needed signal. Note this is only based off of something from a local commuter service about the same thing but I think it still applies.

 

[samsteele]

one thing I like: well, not much. I tolerate it because I must. "Like" is a really strong word

one thing I don't like: that the FP+ system creates a class system amongst WDW fans by placing onsite guests with their bands above others. Everyone should have the same shot at a hot ride, hot restaurant or hot meet and greet experience if they are prepared to show up early at rope drop, do their time at the gate and put their money down. If anything, AP holders are the most loyal, invested and dedicated of the bunch. They show their love of WDW by handing over their money up front. Sadly, because of the FP+ system, they are then kicked to the back of the line. This needs to change and soon. ps I am not an AP holder and won't be one until this situation improves.

one thing I don't know but would like to: just how capable is WDW of protecting my VISA/credit card info if I load it on my magic band? How secure is it? Really? I have doubts, given the bumbles I have encountered just getting my band issued and up and running by cast members at check-in. Until my magic plus takes off its water wings and the kinks are worked out, I don't want the hassle of a compromised credit card to deal with after my holiday.

Thanks for the info!

 

[hvyhttr]

We visited WDW is November '14. Our experience with the whole MyMagic+ process was good.

We liked...

It was nice to not worry about carrying a wallet or purse around the park. All we needed was the bands. The kids loved having the band (my two year old still grabs it sometimes and puts in on his arm), picking the color, and choosing what they wanted their names to be on the inside of it. We also loved that we were able to "guarantee" a ride on each of the headliner rides at each park without having to do endurance training to run all over the park to get FastPasses.

Overall, I think FastPass plus is much better than the previous blackfriday-like rush to fastpass kiosks.

We disliked...

The only thing we really did not like was that when you used up your 3 FastPasses, you have to physically go to a FP+ kiosk to add another. This was really inconvenient. I fail to understand the reason for this...to discourage getting a 4th or 5th FastPass maybe?

Question...

Are there really going to be rides that go to FastPass only?

 

[hvyhttr]

one thing I don't know but would like to: just how capable is WDW of protecting my VISA/credit card info if I load it on my magic band? How secure is it? Really? I have doubts, given the bumbles I have encountered just getting my band issued and up and running by cast members at check-in. Until my magic plus takes off its water wings and the kinks are worked out, I don't want the hassle of a compromised credit card to deal with after my holiday.

Thanks for the info!

Your credit cards are at less risk with MagicBands than they would be if you were carrying your cards in your pocket to the park.

A little more information to debunk some misinformation out there...

The MagicBands themselves hold no personal data on them. They have a "token" or unique identifier (think 64 digit random number) assigned to the band (not to you as a person). There is a central database that holds your information. When your magicband is scanned to do something, whether it is to get into a park, purchase an item, or ride a ride, the machine that is scanning your band takes your token and sends it to the database to access your "account". Your band is not accessing the account, the register or scanner is accessing your account. (Only Disney authorized scanners can access that database). If it is something that requires your credit card, you will be required to enter your secret pin and then the transaction takes place on the register. Your credit card information is never "on your band". If it is just checking to see if you have a reservation or fastpass, then it will provide confirmation and you and your party's names.

These things are going to be adopted by other parks and cruiselines (Universtal Studios, Great Wolf Lodge). If there were any real security concerns, these other places would not be jumping on board.

 

[samsteele]

Thank you for this. I found your explanation genuinely helpful in understanding how the magic band interfaces with my credit card information. I had thought my information was simply encoded in the chip in the band. It appears, though, that it is a much more sophisticated set-up. Out of an abundance of caution, think I will still just carry my plastic in an RFID protector sleeve for the immediate future. I'm definitely a few years (or more) behind the times in this one!

 

[wishing4PA]

In this weeks’ segment for The DIS Unplugged, we’re taking a refresher course on all things MyMagic+ which encompasses the MyDisneyExperience app and website, MagicBands, FastPass+, and MemoryMaker. We want you guys to help guide our discussion. I have a three part question for you…

What is one thing you like about MyMagic+? What is one thing you dislike about MyMagic+? And finally, what questions do you still have about MyMagic+ that we could address on the show?

We hope to hear back from all of you. We’ll see you live at 1pm 01/20/15 on Livestream or at http://www.disunplugged.com. Thanks!

~ Dustin

Thanks, Dustin, for the reminder on what MyMagic+ means. I'm a fairly regular DISboards reader and occasional listener (I'll work on that "occasional" bit), and I returned back from WDW less than 12 hours ago but even so I couldn't have told you what exactly MyMagic+ was.

Two likes: Okay, our entire party did like having TSMM and 7 Dwarfs reserved in advance. We admit it.
Also, and I'm not sure how much this is tied to MyMagic+, but this was my first visit where we were able to designate that room charges would be applied to different credit cards depending on who charged back to the room. This is a great feature when traveling with extended family or friends.

Two dislikes: The tiers. And it really made me sad to see that long line at the 7DMT, knowing that we had been able to book our FP+ 60+ days in advance, and any day guest that just decided to show up and buy a ticket at the entrance didn't really have the same opportunity. Somehow EMH for resort guests never bothered me, but the FP+ advantages do.

And, a random comment: On previous trips I have felt perfectly comfortable going to the parks with nothing but an ID (sometimes I even left that in the safe) and my KTTW card. This trip I had a band on my arm, but still felt like I needed the credit cards, etc. I think this was partly because it took a couple of tries and about 5 or 10 minutes before all our bands worked perfectly to open our room door, leaving a tiny doubt as to whether we might have a problem at the park entrance. That doubt, combined with me now having a Disney Visa that I knew I might want for the discounts, led me to enter the park with both my fashionable new wrist wear (MB) and the ever fashionable fanny pack. Now, if there had been no room door opening issues, & if Disney were able to provide the Disney Visa discounts via MB coding, I would have loved to have just entered with only the band.

Question: my only question is whether anyone has found a way to bend the MB at a slightly different point than the bends it comes with. Not sure if that makes sense, but I kept wishing to re-bend it about 1/4 inch away from where it naturally bent. It wasn't uncomfortable, though, it just could have fit a little better with that adjustment.