Over a billion for Magic Bands, that is awesome!!!!!!!

[mikek]

to be fair- theres not a billion dollars being spent on just magic bands. it's all their internet and IT infrastructure.

For example I've read in the business pages they plan to spend 452 million to remove .go.com from all the WDW webpages. They consider that will be a bargain as they've wasted 2.5 billion on the go network since it's inception until they abandoned it earlier this year.

Iger was quoted as saying "it's a small price to pay to remove those two pesky letters and the extra dot from all our web addresses. We consider this a down payment in moving our IT department into the later 1980's. Who knows where this may lead? Perhaps with just another billion we will be able to gather enough momentum to upgrade the Apple IIC that runs the WDW monorail system- our transportation folks have their eye on an Apple LISA currently housed in the smithsonian. I know just last week my laptop was upgraded to windows 95 by our wonderful IT folks!"




<ducks and runs>

 

[dansamy]

<ducks and runs>

No need to duck and run when you speak truth.

 

[Shaden]

to be fair- theres not a billion dollars being spent on just magic bands. it's all their internet and IT infrastructure.

For example I've read in the business pages they plan to spend 452 million to remove .go.com from all the WDW webpages. They consider that will be a bargain as they've wasted 2.5 billion on the go network since it's inception until they abandoned it earlier this year.

Iger was quoted as saying "it's a small price to pay to remove those two pesky letters and the extra dot from all our web addresses. We consider this a down payment in moving our IT department into the later 1980's. Who knows where this may lead? Perhaps with just another billion we will be able to gather enough momentum to upgrade the Apple IIC that runs the WDW monorail system- our transportation folks have their eye on an Apple LISA currently housed in the smithsonian. I know just last week my laptop was upgraded to windows 95 by our wonderful IT folks!"




<ducks and runs>

BRILLIANT !!! holy crap that's awesome ...

 

[Planogirl]

Don't like it? Don't go. Simple.

Truthfully I can't stand this response and I see it everywhere here. We all have the right to criticize those things that bother us and yet still go to and enjoy the parks. It's not really so simple IMO.

I agree. The mentality is just pure sarcasm without real logic to it. It's just not that simple. This sarcasm would assume not only that the money would be spent at the parks, but plays off the idea of the money being a pure expense. My question to the OP would be, are you suggesting that no one is coming to the parks to try to magic bands out? Because, I assure you, a LOT of people are attracted to coming to the parks because of the magic bands, though they may not be all that popular here at the DISboards. Plus, the bands' statistics show that they are increasing Disney's profit in the parks. So, the whole idea is a little distorting, because these bands will likely pay for themselves if successful. Combine all that with the fact that I've heard the magic bands cost is built into the resort room prices...I don't see how that billion can be labeled as a complete loss in budget, much less a loss in attraction budget.

Rest assured, Disney isn't going to voluntarily lose money, not to just make 'guest experiences' better for free. Everything they do is to improve their bottom line.

I can't imagine that all that many people even KNOW about the magic bands yet and can't believe that so many are excited to try them. Yet.

I can't wait to bump this thread after the Magic Bands bomb in the parks and rub it in the face of all of the " Its Disney, they can't do anything wrong, if you don't like it don't go people". Mark my words, this will be a billion bucks flushed down the old Kabota and I'll gladly be one of the people pushing the lever.

BOMBS AWAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY.

Do come back when it bombs and rub it in everyone's faces. Like someone said, also come back if it works. I expect it to be a glitchy mess for a while and probably involve more planning than I like but Disney will probably make it work just fine.

 

[DRDISNEYMD]

Don't like it? Don't go. Simple.

~Yes!!! ^^^This! Some of these same posters have no problem telling this to people who voiced concern or disappointment about the Main Street Starbucks! You can't have it both ways. If you don't like it, don't go. It really is that simple. Disney is a vacation destination -- not some staple like food & water! LOL.

and we "disney can do no wrong"ers expect you to do the same and admit you were wrong if they are successful.

~Son of Gadsden -- do not expect anything. Complete waste of time. Seriously, when we tested our fabulous Magic Bands in the parks and all over the resorts "everyone" wanted one -- even at the airport, people were asking and were impressed by them!

 

[raeolight]

honestly I hope they succeed because if they do that means more money for upgrades. I mean they did just build fantasyland too. So it's not like they are ignoring us. As much as I love Disney one of my biggest frustrations has been with their online presence. The fact that it's more user friendly to go to a fan site to get info than straight to the horse's mouth is a problem. My Disney experience, even with some of it's glitches, is still lightyears a head of their old systems. I think we are just seeing the very beginning of how mb and the subsequent upgrades will enhance our trips. I'm not naive enough not to expect problems but hey that's what research and development is all about. And on that note, I just got our email saying our mb are on their way!

 

[rubies2blue]

We just got back from staying at the Port Orleans Riverside and helped test the magic bands. I am in LOVE! We had ABSOLUTELY no problems at all and Disney will see sales rise! Where else can you get this? Nothing to carry with you no tickets, room keys, credit cards to pack around and worry about possibly losing. A+ to Disney!!

In terms of Park Development. . Avatar as well and several other expansions in AK, Disney Springs, Hollywood Studios addition of Star Wars as well as Cars land coming over? Not to mention Fantasyland almost in completion!! That seems like all great things coming down the pipe for the parks side....

 

[Mouse14]

So far the only thing I have found that I don't like about the MB is this. I got my band 2 weeks ago for my upcoming stay in nov. I'm a pass holder and it's ready connected to the band. Yesterday I was with some friends who do not have a magic band. The problem is very frequently we would grab a fast pass for one ride and go ride another while we wait for our return time. Well come to find out MB bands cannot get fast passes like everyone else does. The CM said all I have to do is go online and make it but the app would not let me select that day. It seems your only able to make a fast pass plus days in advanced. So I was left without one while everyone else had a fast pass.... Someone solve/explain that one...

 

[Chuck S]

...my main complaint with the next gen is the FP+, simply because my family doesn't like to plan and these FP+ have caused us some serious stress for our upcoming trip.

There I will agree, I'm not a big planner, either. I think the MBs are good from the standpoint that you really can't lose them like a room key card.

But I used to pre-plan maybe 3 sit down meals during a 7 or 8 day trip. Then let everything else work out...planning other meals depending upon our mood and choice of park that day. Now with FP+, I feel like I have to do a lot more planning. So now I have something pre-planned for almost every day for my trip next month.

And, in my case, it really didn't increase my spending for Disney's benefit...I mean, I usually ate a table service meal or two daily, they just weren't pre-planned...some were spur of the moment locations that turned out to be previously undiscovered gems. Like Restaurant Marrakesh, which was never booked up. But having to decide so far out if I want Liberty Tree or Plaza Restaurant for lunch at MK is just strange. I usually decided during the trip and made reservations a couple days out.

 

[Chuck S]

So far the only thing I have found that I don't like about the MB is this. I got my band 2 weeks ago for my upcoming stay in nov. I'm a pass holder and it's ready connected to the band. Yesterday I was with some friends who do not have a magic band. The problem is very frequently we would grab a fast pass for one ride and go ride another while we wait for our return time. Well come to find out MB bands cannot get fast passes like everyone else does. The CM said all I have to do is go online and make it but the app would not let me select that day. It seems your only able to make a fast pass plus days in advanced. So I was left without one while everyone else had a fast pass.... Someone solve/explain that one...

Couldn't you use your actual AP card in the FP machine to get te same time as your friends, in addition to the FP+ on your MagicBand?

I see we have to carry the physical AP to get our applicable discounts. It would be nice if they program the TiW and AP discounts into the bands and have them communicate that info to the cash registers.

 

[Mouse14]

Couldn't you use your actual AP card in the FP machine to get te same time as your friends, in addition to the FP+ on your MagicBand? I see we have to carry the physical AP to get our applicable discounts. It would be nice if they program the TiW and AP discounts into the bands and have them communicate that info to the cash registers.

I did not have it on me because I thought I was wearing all I needed. ( that's what i get for thinking )

 

[Bob Roberts]

I am sorry about my sarcasm everyone, but a guy needs to vent. I bought into the Disney Vacation Club in the year 2000. I thought at that time "Wow look at what Disney has done in the past 10 years, just imagine what will happen in the next 10, I can't wait!!!."

Hmmmmmmmmmm what did happen from 2000-2010? Everest, Philharmagic, some crappy stunt show at the Studios, Toy Story Mania, Saratoga Springs, DVC add on's at a bunch of the other resorts. Thats really about it. If I listed everything that happened between 1990-2000, the list would go on for miles.

Then I hear a billion dollars into this crap, and things like microchips on refillable mugs and it irks me. A billion dollars is a billion dollars. That is alot of money even to Disney. I love how efficient transportation like the Monorail will never expand because its to costly. But there is tons of money for devices that track where you have been, and how much you have spent $$$$$$$$.

Remember Walt Disney had the mentality of "if you build it they will come". The all mighty dollar was the icing on the cake but it was not the be all and end all for him. Walt wanted to see what the Disney company could do. Even Michael Eisner has a bit of this in him. But this new guy Iger, he is what is wrong with America now. Its all about "whats in it for me so I can be worth even more $$$$$$". I am financially well off myself. I have enough money, I don't understand people like this who are financially well off who want more and more and more.

 

[Yellowstonetim]

Silly, impraticle, expensive ideas!! Like the electric light or horseless carriage.

Can't you see the amazing possibilities here? This technology is going to completely change the way people visit theme parks. What is going on now is just the tip of the iceberg, just like the original electric lights and horseless carriages. And both of those and lots of people standing around going, "Ridiculous! Waste of money!"

I liked how it improved my experience this September and can't wait for what is to come.

 

[delmar411]

So far the only thing I have found that I don't like about the MB is this. I got my band 2 weeks ago for my upcoming stay in nov. I'm a pass holder and it's ready connected to the band. Yesterday I was with some friends who do not have a magic band. The problem is very frequently we would grab a fast pass for one ride and go ride another while we wait for our return time. Well come to find out MB bands cannot get fast passes like everyone else does. The CM said all I have to do is go online and make it but the app would not let me select that day. It seems your only able to make a fast pass plus days in advanced. So I was left without one while everyone else had a fast pass.... Someone solve/explain that one...

Actually your issue is that your band is not really active. AP holders only get bands when they stay at a resort. So it's not active until you actually check in. You can make same day FP you just have to be allowed to. Look at the system. The first day you can make FP selections is your fist day of check in.

You should of had your plastic AP with you and need to carry it all times you are in the park to pull paper FPs and receive all AP privileges such as discounts and free parking.

This isn't a band issue, it's user error. Sorry.

 

[Chuck S]

I am sorry about my sarcasm everyone, but a guy needs to vent. I bought into the Disney Vacation Club in the year 2000. I thought at that time "Wow look at what Disney has done in the past 10 years, just imagine what will happen in the next 10, I can't wait!!!."

Hmmmmmmmmmm what did happen from 2000-2010? Everest, Philharmagic, some crappy stunt show at the Studios, Toy Story Mania, Saratoga Springs, DVC add on's at a bunch of the other resorts. Thats really about it. If I listed everything that happened between 1990-2000, the list would go on for miles.

Then I hear a billion dollars into this crap, and things like microchips on refillable mugs and it irks me. A billion dollars is a billion dollars. That is alot of money even to Disney. I love how efficient transportation like the Monorail will never expand because its to costly. But there is tons of money for devices that track where you have been, and how much you have spent $$$$$$$$.

Remember Walt Disney had the mentality of "if you build it they will come". The all mighty dollar was the icing on the cake but it was not the be all and end all for him. Walt wanted to see what the Disney company could do. Even Michael Eisner has a bit of this in him. But this new guy Iger, he is what is wrong with America now. Its all about "whats in it for me so I can be worth even more $$$$$$". I am financially well off myself. I have enough money, I don't understand people like this who are financially well off who want more and more and more.

Remember the stockholder revolt against Eisner was NOT because he "Lost the Magic." It was because stock prices were not performing to the levels demanded by investment houses and fund managers. Iger meets those requirements. Stock prices are finally up. The Walt Disney Company, Inc. has a fiduciary responsibility to investors. So now days it IS all about the money, and return on investment, no matter what the business is based upon. Don't blame Iger for doing what the stockholders demand. I have a few shares of Disney, and I personally would've been thrilled to see Eisner find a new partner to work with after he lost Frank Wells, but he did not find the right person. Remember, even in Walt's day, there was Walt the dreamer and Roy the financial manager. And often the two had disputes about their responsibility to shareholders, like when WED (now Imagineering) was formed as a separate, free standing company in 1952. It was absorbed in to the Disney Productions in 1965, 10 years after Disneyland opened.

 

[Planogirl]

Remember the stockholder revolt against Eisner was NOT because he "Lost the Magic." It was because stock prices were not performing to the levels demanded by investment houses and fund managers. Iger meets those requirements. Stock prices are finally up. The Walt Disney Company, Inc. has a fiduciary responsibility to investors. So now days it IS all about the money, and return on investment, no matter what the business is based upon. Don't blame Iger for doing what the stockholders demand. I have a few shares of Disney, and I personally would've been thrilled to see Eisner find a new partner to work with after he lost Frank Wells, but he did not find the right person. Remember, even in Walt's day, there was Walt the dreamer and Roy the financial manager. And often the two had disputes about their respnsibility to shareholders, like when WED (now Imagineering) was formed as a separate, free standing company in 1952. It was absorbed in to the Disney Productions in 1965, 10 years after Disneyland opened.

I think that this is an excellent point. Disney doesn't have that balance of dreamer and financial manager and hasn't for quite a while.

 

[pikasso]

We were told as annual pass holders we would be given a chance to get a magic band for testing but now we have to stay at a resort so thanks for nothing.

 

[dansamy]

We were told as annual pass holders we would be given a chance to get a magic band for testing but now we have to stay at a resort so thanks for nothing.

They're not done with testing yet.

 

[delmar411]

We were told as annual pass holders we would be given a chance to get a magic band for testing but now we have to stay at a resort so thanks for nothing.

They have just done AP testing using CMs. They never said AP holders would be the ones to test, just that we'd get a band for free unlike off site guests.

 

[PuppyJonathan]

Bob invested in too much unneeded but unique stuff. Michael invested in rides but the wrong type of rides (california adventure, flats)