new blog: Disney Testing New Resort Mug Technology

[LeahZ]

http://www.disunplugged.com/2011/07/11/disney-testing-new-resort-mug-technology/

 

[jcb]

No, really. I was only kidding.

 

[k5jm]

No, really. I was only kidding.

Jack, I seem to remember this discussion when the patent was filed.

 

[Kimberle]

They are going to dispense soda with a time limit???? What, am I now 5 years old???? Coming back from the parks on a hot August day, I can easily drink 2-3 mugs. I'm hot, tired, and thirsty. I would be unbelievably annoyed if I have to wait 5 minutes between fillings. Do bar codes sure, I've no problem with that. But don't add time limits!

 

[k5jm]

From May, 2010.

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=36737274&postcount=1

This could cause a "Pete Rant."

The Patent uses RF ID tags from a Bracelet or Room Key. This is part of the Billion Dollar Technology upgrade for Disney Parks. (See Pic Below)

The End of Refillable Mugs in Disney World?
May 22nd, 2010 by AJ.

Beach Club Marketplace Refillable Mug Station
StitchKingdom is reporting that Disney has applied for a patent that could mean the end of the beloved refillable mugs in Disney Parks and Resorts…or at least the end of the free refills…

The new “Self-Service Beverage and Snack Dispensing Using Identity-Based Access Control” system would mean that your Key to the World card — or even potentially your fingerprint — could do more than just get you into the parks; it could determine your fate as to how many refills of that Orange Fanta you can get next time you’re at Pop Century’s Food Court!

That’s right, Disney’s proposing using RFID technology to put an end to endless refills — unless you’re legitimately paying for them. (Time to throw away those Wilderness Lodge mugs from 1997, maybe? Or at least put them on ebay…)

Of course, in my heart of hearts, I’m hoping this might also be the beginning of automats in Disney World (which would be a.w.e.s.o.m.e.). The patent mentions “snack dispensing” ability, which, I hope, means I can go get a butterfinger cupcake at any time of the night…as long as I have the right magnetic strip to scan, of course…

Check out the patent application here.

...after digging a little bit furthur, I see Disney has been burying some of its other Patent applications that have to do with the "Next Gen" technology. The following is from a a Patent for Animatronic Characters and how they can be dynamically programmed. Buried way down in the document is a small section about reading guest information,,,

0051]In certain shows and attractions, there is a large amount of sensor data information that is available and can be sent to the network to be broadcast to show components. This information can include data related to: [0052]track sensors (e.g., when a ride vehicle passes by) where some rides have RFID (radio frequency identifiers) for recognizing the vehicle, or a system where individual guests have unique RFID tags so the guests can be identified [0053]environmental sensors (e.g., when a door has closed, when guests are in an area (such as for safety concerns)) [0054]synchronization with other show components (e.g., video, audio, lighting, effects (e.g. fog, water spritzers), set pieces (e.g., curtains, doors), time-or-day events) typically using SMPTE time-code [0055]"control tower" inputs, where rides typically have a control room or tower area that traditionally is high enough to see the entire ride. In the tower area, there are typically controls for starting/stopping and/or enabling/disabling the ride and often dispatch cars or individual effects.

[0090]The system 100 can be used in a variety of settings in a theme park or other type of entertainment or shopping venue. Examples include use of actor subsystems to entertain guests or customers in a queue line or store window; a show in a particular area or entrance to a ride or attraction, such as The Enchanted Tiki Room (Under New Management) in the Magic Kingdom where the actors perform a fixed show; and a petting zoo with actor subsystems that interact with guests and to each other.

This is from a non-disney company offering a patent on the refillable containers. I find it funny that they cite Disney as their example.

4.11. Theme Park Theme

[0185]In this non-limiting example, a family goes to a Disney theme park in Orlando. They each bring their beverage container (403), which has been linked to their entrance tickets through an online system. In one embodiment, as they enter the park, each person logs into his or her container by placing a finger on the fingerprint reader (418). An RFID tag in their container is scanned at the entrance gate, identifying the container and ticket, upon which the family receive a number of free food and drink tokens on their cup for later consumption. As part of their admission, each of the family members receives a new lid branded with a Disney theme park logo. Much to their enjoyment, the children receive a lid with Mickey Mouse ears on it that light up as they consume a beverage. Upon placing the lid on their container, the skin of the container changes to a Disney theme that includes an event browser, and a map with a ride reservation interface and some suggested itineraries. The GPS in the lid keeps track of where each of the family members is, allowing routing between rides. The family chooses Pirates of the Carribean on the map. A menu pops up informing them when the ride is available (412). They select a time and continue planning their visit. The map updates with wait times for each ride. At 1.00 PM the container beeps, informing the family that their ride is upcoming. However, one of the kids is missing. The map on the container indicates the person's location, and the family quickly regroups. Upon entering the ride, the reservation is automatically read from the container. The picture taken during the ride is offered for purchase on the container after leaving the ride area. Upon returning home, the container offers a lasting souvenir of their visit: every time they place the Disney lid on the device, the itinerary, activities, diary and photos that were made that day appear for sharing with friends.

4.12. Vending Machine Theme

[0186]In this non-limiting example, a user uses his container (408) to obtain a beverage from a vending machine. Upon approaching the nearest vending machine, a menu pops up that allows the user to select a beverage. The user authenticates a purchase by placing a finger on the designated fingerprint reader device (418). Upon placing his container on the cupholder, the machine rinses the container, after which it gets filled with the selection. The screen changes to reflect the logo of the beverage it now contains. As the container fills, an animation shows progress (417). Alternatively, while waiting, the user is entertained through media content downloaded by the beverage machine onto the container. The charge for the beverage is automatically debited through an RFID payment system disposed on the container. A points system awards the user for each purchase that is made through the reusable container with a carbon credit or bottle return credit, rewarding the user for not requiring disposable containers.

...this is from a patent application for emersive theme park experience

[0024] It is also contemplated that the identification data may be pre-selected by a person prior to entering the park. It is further contemplated that in some instances the memory 51 may be programmed with personal information from the person entering the park so as to have a more personalized experience when experiencing the park. Some examples may be birthday information, name, favorite character, favorite book, movie, game, etc. This personalized data may be combined with pre-determined data already stored in the memory 51 so as to provide a more complete and immersive experience.

But here is the Grandaddy of them all. This is what spells out the overall plan of the NEXT GEN of Disney Parks. I will put in the Highlights...

METHOD, SYSTEM AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR PROVIDING REAL-TIME RECOMMENDATIONS

Abstract
A method, system and computer program product for providing real-time recommendations. The method includes accessing an itinerary corresponding to a guest of a venue, the venue having a plurality of attractions. The itinerary was created in response to one or both of preferences of the guest and historical data about the venue. Real-time data about the guest and/or real-time data about the venue are received. A real-time recommendation is created in response to the itinerary, to a current location of the guest, and to one or more of the real-time data about the guest and the real-time data about the venue. The real-time recommendation includes one or more suggested future activities for the guest. The one or more suggested future activities are communicated to the guest via a user device.

[0002]Embodiments of the invention relate generally to providing activity recommendations to guests of a venue, and in particular to providing recommendations to a guest at a venue based on one or both of real-time data about the venue and real-time data about the guest.

[0003]2. Discussion of the Related Art

[0004]Typically, guests visiting a venue, such as an amusement park or museum, would like to tour the venue in an efficient manner. They may want to visit particular attractions (e.g., rides, shows, parades) and minimize the amount of time that they spend waiting in lines. Itineraries may be generated in advance by the guest or by a third party, based on the date and/or hours that the guest is planning to be at the venue and the activities at the venue that are of interest to the guest. Itineraries may be created using historical data such as typical crowd movement through the venue and the number of guests expected on a particular day. The guests may be asked in advance, or upon entering the venue, about their interest in specific activities or types of activities at the venue. In addition, guests may be asked about what activities, or types of activities, they would like to avoid, how much time they plan to spend at the venue, and their preferences for meals (types and times). An itinerary for the guest is then created which includes a planned route through the venue.

[0005]One problem with utilizing a fixed itinerary based on user preferences and historical data about the venue as described above is that the itinerary does not take into account the actual current conditions of the venue. For example, it does not take into account actual conditions which may occur, such as there being more guests than expected waiting to attend a particular activity, or current weather conditions such as extreme heat or rain, in which case a guest may prefer a different set of activities than those in the itinerary. In addition, a fixed itinerary is inflexible in that it does not take into account a current state of the guest. For example, the guest may be hungry and/or tired and may want to deviate from the planned itinerary.

[0006]In summary, the concept of the current technology is to generate a fixed itinerary based on guest preferences and historical data about the venue. This limits the usefulness of the itinerary because the itinerary cannot account for an actual current state of the venue. In addition, a fixed itinerary cannot be updated based on real-time changes in guest preferences.

Link to Document

So what does all this mean? Today, Disney is keeping all of your trip info in one central database. This includes you resort info, you ADR info, you tour info, you Park ticket info, the times you went into the parks, how much you spend on food, etc. When Disney deploys this, your Key to the World Card will have a little RFID chip that will interact with everything. This little chip holds no information. It just has a number, your number. That number is the UID (User ID) that Disney has assigned to you. It links you to everything including the rides, so that Mickey Mouse knows your name and your refillable mug, so that you do not use it at WDW after you leave. I know this sounds very "1984" but it what Disney is sinking its money and its Patent lawyers into.

​

 

[jcb]

Now I feel better. I was beginning to feel guilty about my phenomenal cosmic power.

 

[ninecrayons]

One of the redeeming aspects of this is free access to water and ice for everyone.

What I'm curious about is if they will allow you to "renew" your refillable mug later. For example, if I go to WDW and get a mug on this trip, can I pay for a new new use period without paying for a new mug. If not, this totally becomes wasteful technology.

 

[k5jm]

One of the redeeming aspects of this is free access to water and ice for everyone.

What I'm curious about is if they will allow you to "renew" your refillable mug later. For example, if I go to WDW and get a mug on this trip, can I pay for a new new use period without paying for a new mug. If not, this totally becomes wasteful technology.

What information is stored on the RFID tag attached cup? The RFID tag stores multiple types of information to include the following:
Cup Type (Hot or Cold)
Cup Size (in Ounces)
Company
Location
Date Purchased
Location Purchased
Number of Times Used
Number of Refills Remaining (Date or Specific #)
Time of Last Use

RFID tags are meant to be disposable. The biggest part of an RFID tag is the antenna.

 

[ninecrayons]

RFID tags are meant to be disposable. The biggest part of an RFID tag is the antenna.

I totally get that RFID tags are supposed to be disposable, but my question was if this means you will have to buy a brand new mug each time or you can have the RFID tag "renewed" for a future stay.

Using RFID technology that is embedded in the beverage container, ValidFill is able to install technology into fountain dispensers to control the dispensing of fountain drinks based on the presence of a valid beverage container

If the tag is embedded it's not as simple as giving the guest a new tag. Nor are the RFID tags dishwasher safe. This does ensure that guests will be using a new mug each time, but I imagine this would generate a large amount of waste.

 

[EKW]

Because we all know how expensive that sugar water is! How much does Disney pay for soda, considering the volume they go through. If regular fountain retailers pay 5 or 10 cents per serving, surely Disney gets it for 3 cents or 7 cents. They would have to work long and hard to convince me that they are saving money by doing this.

I bought a mug on our first trip...realized it is a major rip-off and pita. Who wants to walk extra miles each day to go get the mug...go to the food court...go back to the room? I used the mug less than once a day. Last trip I brought aseptic juice and milk packets from home.

 

[GraceLuvsWDW]

Because we all know how expensive that sugar water is! How much does Disney pay for soda, considering the volume they go through. If regular fountain retailers pay 5 or 10 cents per serving, surely Disney gets it for 3 cents or 7 cents. They would have to work long and hard to convince me that they are saving money by doing this.

Exactly! This is a new LOW even for Disney. How are they going to recoup the cost of the imbedded RFIDs by limiting soda refills? Insanity!!!

Really, people paying $200 a night for Motel 6 grade lodging and now soda will be dolled out to them at precisely timed intervals?!?!?

Someone has lost their mind on this one.

 

[mickeymaker2003]

I don't think their plan is to save money on soda. The plan is probably to MAKE money from people who will now choose to pay for their beverages rather than just help themselves without paying instead of limiting themselves to the free water. At $14 per person who buys a mug (or even $2 per person who buys a paper cup), they may make quite a bit more in the long term.

 

[kaligal]

If they're going to use chips instead of mugs, they can cut costs and be more green by eliminating the mugs entirely.

I'm sure this was their end plan - being environmentally friendly and saving their guests a few bucks.

 

[disneyholic family]

One of the redeeming aspects of this is free access to water and ice for everyone.

What I'm curious about is if they will allow you to "renew" your refillable mug later. For example, if I go to WDW and get a mug on this trip, can I pay for a new new use period without paying for a new mug. If not, this totally becomes wasteful technology.

i noticed that too!! so now i won't feel guilty about getting water/ice from the machine...
i wonder if hot water is included in that...
DSIL is planning on bringing instant coffee from home (jacobs).
i wonder if he can just take hot water to make the coffee.

although i'm sure he and DD will buy mugs anyway - DD always does.

But theoretically, i wonder if plain hot water is considered "water'

 

[safetymom]

It's about time. Now to see if this technology works.

 

[starwood]

One of the redeeming aspects of this is free access to water and ice for everyone.

What I'm curious about is if they will allow you to "renew" your refillable mug later. For example, if I go to WDW and get a mug on this trip, can I pay for a new new use period without paying for a new mug. If not, this totally becomes wasteful technology.

I like this idea. Why do I need 10-15 mugs? Let me use the same mug at a discounted price.

 

[PeterPan09]

It's about time. Now to see if this technology works.

I agree. They've been using bar coded mugs in the water parks for years and I've been wondering why they didn't use that technology in resorts.

 

[TyRy]

If I'm reading this correctly, those of us that have split-stays would have to buy two mugs each trip if we wanted drinks. It would be nice if they came up with a way to have it work your entire trip and not stop working after the first couple of days. If they can't do that, we just won't buy them anymore.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

I've never bought a resort mug, but I think that's due to the laziness of not wanting to carry them around.

If Disney is going to do this, I hope that they at least change their mug designs often.

 

[MamaJessie]

What a pain. Timed refills would drive my husband mad as he is one thirsty guy. Guess we'll just buy a couple cases of soda and a couple packs of juice boxes. Way cheaper and we can just keep them in our fridge.