Possible Podcast discussion

[jtwibih]

I'm fairly new to the podcasts and have grown to love them. You guys do a great job.
I wanted to ask about a possible segment where the group can add to the recent article on MiceChat that was posted on the Rumors boards regarding the MM+ failure. I know MM+ has been discussed on the podcasts but I thought the article was much more negative than anything I've heard about this rollout.

Here's the link just in case you haven't read it.........
http://micechat.com/49401-my-magic-plus-failure/

 

[*NikkiBell*]

First off, to the boards! I hope to see you post here more often.

I saw this article over the weekend as someone sent it to me via FB. I skimmed through, but found it a bit aggravating, to say the least, because I have always said - and will continue to do so - that the program is not 100% implemented yet. It is still in the testing phase, albeit the largest test they have done thus far. I think everyone needs to give Disney a chance to fix all of the kinks before calling it a failure.

Likewise, it seems like the negative hype about this program is being blown out of proportion compared with those who have actually used it and found it to be a positive experience. There are a few threads on the Theme Parks forum that are now discussing this and the majority of people who have used the system found it worthwhile; I also noticed that this was a trend on The DIS' FB page. It appears that many are quick to complain about a system that they have not tried first hand and are instead going by hearsay from the Disney die-hards who experienced a glitch or two or those who worry it will ruin their vacations forever to come. I guess that's true with any news story now-a-days: negative press gets more attention than positive. This is especially so when you combine the anonymity of the Internet.

I still remain firm in my stance on this: it's a new system that is not complete and bumps along the way are to be expected. This is why Disney has yet to announce the system as being full implemented - it's not due to it still being in "beta." I rather Disney keep testing things out before making FP+/MagicBands 100% live. It's better to fix things now instead of stopping the old system (Legacy FP, if you will) and only offering the new one with kinks in it. You know what they say, "Rome wasn't built in a day."

I wrote about such hype in a recent blog for The DIS. You can find it here:

http://blog.wdwinfo.com/2013/11/06/disneys-magicbands-the-hype-the-hysteria-you/

 

[k5jm]

I find the bands very uncomfortable to wear. For that reason alone, I plan to stick to my regular RFID media.

Oh, and have you seen me scan my Magic Band with my phone?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDfXh7jCtzA

This is a revenue generation project that had to have an ROI associated to it. That ROI is based on a timeline and the article referenced above is correct in the profit realization timeline. In the stock holders eyes, it is a bust for 2013. There are some positives, but your blog post really needs to be more objective and not so "smell the roses." I would suggest finding an IT implementer of this type of technology and discuss with them the "in's and out's" of implementation.

I know that when my company takes on a Billion dollar project, there has to be a realization of monies that is proportional to or greater than the amount of money spent on that project or heads roll. Lots of heads rolling around WDW nowadays.

 

[*NikkiBell*]

There are some positives, but your blog post really needs to be more objective and not so "smell the roses." I would suggest finding an IT implementer of this type of technology and discuss with them the "in's and out's" of implementation.

Thanks for your feedback.

I think that's the beauty of a blog article - it does not have to be objective. It's based on personal opinion. Now if it were a news article, being equal on both sides is something that one would need to be careful of. That's not the case here.

Like I said, I will wait to bash the system until it is fully implemented. Tweaks are being made regularly which impact how it works. Is the program past its deadline? Apparently so, but I am glad that it isn't being "thrown to the wolves" with all of these issues; it's better to get it right before going full steam ahead. Once it is live, you can bet I will shout it from the rooftops if it does not work well, and I most definitely won't be objective.

 

[cubsblue]

All I can say is it's worked great for us and as a shareholder I still see a positive on the parks and an increase in spending already.

 

[jtwibih]

This is a revenue generation project that had to have an ROI associated to it. That ROI is based on a timeline and the article referenced above is correct in the profit realization timeline. In the stock holders eyes, it is a bust for 2013. There are some positives, but your blog post really needs to be more objective and not so "smell the roses." I would suggest finding an IT implementer of this type of technology and discuss with them the "in's and out's" of implementation.

I know that when my company takes on a Billion dollar project, there has to realization of monies that is proportional to or greater than the amount of money spent on that project or heads roll. Lots of heads rolling around WDW nowadays.

This is where I was going with that article.

I find it pretty alarming (if this is in fact true) that this "failure" is causing Iger to halt or cancel future projects in the short run. Obviously the testing is not netting the increase in merchandise sales. I wanted to hear what the group thought about this article and Iger's reported reaction to the troubles. I have too many thoughts and questions to go into this right now.

For the record, I agree with NikkiBell that people should back off of the criticism until the testing is over. I do think the negativity is a little out of control.

That being said, Disney's panic is the part that worries me and should worry others. They already have so many things in DHS, Epcot, and DAK that need work. It's tough to see potential projects put on hold because of something like this.

 

[jtwibih]

And for the record, we had zero problems last week with FP+ or the Magicbands. I have no complaints at all.

My complaints will come if the company really decides to cancel much needed improvements because they based the whole MM+ on a hope to increase merch sales by shortening wait times.

Last thing.....My intention for creating this thread was to suggest a podcast discussion, not to start another debate on MM+. I thought the article was pretty strong and hoped to hear Pete and the group discuss it. Maybe they've talked to some people about Iger's reaction that could confirm or deny these reports.

 

[*NikkiBell*]

Thinking back, wasn't it reported recently that merchandise sales were up as a result if MagicBands? I thought it was mentioned on a recent show. This article is the only place I have heard of their canceling future projects because of finances associated with the new system being delayed. I'd be curious to hear if its actually true or not.

 

[rteetz]

Thinking back, wasn't it reported recently that merchandise sales were up as a result if MagicBands? I thought it was mentioned on a recent show. This article is the only place I have heard of their canceling future projects because of finances associated with the new system being delayed. I'd be curious to hear if its actually true or not.

You are correct it was reported that sales were up due to the continued Implementation of Magicbands. I don't think canceling future projects is part of this. Pandora now what it is being called is WDWs main focus. And I'm sure disneyland has some things in the works as well. New fantasy land is still not 100% finished and I'm sure they want it done more than we do. There are also several Epcot imagination pavilion rumors floating around as well. Also of course as Bob Iger has stated himself Star Wars is a huge focus of there's they really want to implement it in the parks.

 

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

something to keep in mind with micechat, they tend to focus on things very negatively. One big example is that Disney no longer cares about Disneyland because they are closing the court of Angles. Don't get me wrong the court of Angles is a nice place to visit if you knew it existed, but the average guest didn't so it closing does not affect the at all. People often post there they they are never going to the parks again and canceling the AP because they saw a piece of garbage on the grass in front of the castle. They tend to be a bit dramatic at times about thing that they don't like.

 

[jtwibih]

I have seen numerous sites that focus on the negative side of Disney. I have also seen where Disney reported that sales are up. It seems though they are continuing to have to throw money at MM+ and are way over budget which is causing the reported halts/cancels of projects. I think that's what has Disney panicking. The investment is huge and is still growing because of technical issues with no end in site. To me, it's a good topic. I don't claim to know all things Disney (or even a lot for that matter). I think this is something to worry about if it's true. Even if the site is considered very negative, alot of what they said didn't sound like opinion.

 

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

I have seen numerous sites that focus on the negative side of Disney. I have also seen where Disney reported that sales are up. It seems though they are continuing to have to throw money at MM+ and are way over budget which is causing the reported halts/cancels of projects. I think that's what has Disney panicking. The investment is huge and is still growing because of technical issues with no end in site. To me, it's a good topic. I don't claim to know all things Disney (or even a lot for that matter). I think this is something to worry about if it's true. Even if the site is considered very negative, alot of what they said didn't sound like opinion.

I think a lot of what other sites are reporting about canceled project is just rumors. There is no actual proof that any of the projects that they list were going to happen they are just that rumored. With Disney as far as the parks and resorts are concerned it is best to go by what they say rather then what you read somewhere else no matter what their source is, they may not have all the facts.

 

[OKW Lover]

Interesting points being made here. Thanks all that are contributing.

Just a comment about the rising cost of this whole project, and please bear with me as I'm a recovering bean counter. As a company continues to look at a project's viability the decision point is the here and now, not what was projected x years ago. The expenditures to date are "sunk costs". That means you can't get them back. So management looks at the project and says, "is it worth another $x million more to compete it?" The answer on a project of this magnitude, this far along is almost always yes because all the development costs have already been incurred and we are at the implementation phase. This is not seen as throwing money at the project. It is seen as funding a project to completion.

 

[safetymom]

I did mention on last weeks Podcast about the cost overruns. I would love to have a discussion about the program. I am still not convinced this is a great program.

I may see it differently since I work with clients daily about MDE and Magicbands. I personally don't care for wearing the band.

I am trying to keep an open mind but they still have some convincing to do to get me on the MDE and Magicband fans side.

 

[k5jm]

I did mention on last weeks Podcast about the cost overruns. I would love to have a discussion about the program. I am still not convinced this is a great program.

I may see it differently since I work with clients daily about MDE and Magicbands. I personally don't care for wearing the band.

I am trying to keep an open mind but they still have some convincing to do to get me on the MDE and Magicband fans side.

Amen, Sister!!

(Did I see Figment at Four on Friday? or F@FonF)

 

[safetymom]

Amen, Sister!!

(Did I see Figment at Four on Friday? or F@FonF)

See you there F@FonF

 

[OKW Lover]

See you there F@FonF

Is there a FP+ for that?

 

[jtwibih]

Bad choice of words when I said "throwing" money. I just meant the costs continue to rise with no end in sight.

 

[doconeill]

Well, I do have to say, even though this is a "test" (and they'll continue to call it that until after every last person is on the new system, and even then...think Google's use of the "beta" tag), I can't really say it is going well, given the number of reported issues with MagicBands opening the room doors, which to me (and I am an IT consultant and have experience in software engineering) is the most basic of the advertised functions. While at the same time they are starting to force guests to use them.

 

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

Well, I do have to say, even though this is a "test" (and they'll continue to call it that until after every last person is on the new system, and even then...think Google's use of the "beta" tag), I can't really say it is going well, given the number of reported issues with MagicBands opening the room doors, which to me (and I am an IT consultant and have experience in software engineering) is the most basic of the advertised functions. While at the same time they are starting to force guests to use them.

Another thing to keep in mind is that we are only seeing the negative reviews. I'd say there are a lot more positive ones that are not being reported for every negative one.