RFID Wristbands at Disneyland

[lurpee]

Just received a re-tweet originally from @datelinesisney saying that Disney is testing RFID wristbands for admission, hotel rooms and fp's. The link was broken as it came to me in two tweets. So, what is a "RFID"?

 

[Rebekkap]

Just received a re-tweet originally from @datelinesisney saying that Disney is testing RFID wristbands for admission, hotel rooms and fp's. The link was broken as it came to me in two tweets. So, what is a "RFID"?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio-frequency_identification

 

[DarthMole]

I'm not sure I'm a fan of them being able to track my every move in and around the park.

I'm also not a fan of this for FPs distribution/redemption. Beside limiting the FP use to the individual, it may also lead to them enforcing return times.

Something like this could also lead to them limiting the number of times you can ride a popular ride in a day. They'll be able to keep track of everything you do with an electronic ID bracelet.

On the flip side, hopefully if they do this it will allow them to offer tickets longer than 5 days again.

 

[lurpee]

I'm not sure I'm a fan of them being able to track my every move in and around the park.

I'm also not a fan of this for FPs distribution/redemption. Beside limiting the FP use to the individual, it may also lead to them enforcing return times.

Something like this could also lead to them limiting the number of times you can ride a popular ride in a day. They'll be able to keep track of everything you do with an electronic ID bracelet.

On the flip side, hopefully if they do this it will allow them to offer tickets longer than 5 days again.

You're so right!

 

[beast4beauty]

I'm not sure I'm a fan of them being able to track my every move in and around the park.

...

Something like this could also lead to them limiting the number of times you can ride a popular ride in a day. They'll be able to keep track of everything you do with an electronic ID bracelet.

I think if Disney wanted to limit the number of times you could ride a ride, they have plenty of other options that have been available since they first opened (ticket books anyone?). Heck, they could use the current tickets/annual passes to do the same thing. I mean, I suppose it's a possibility, but it just doesn't seem likely Disney would do this specifically to limit your number of rides.

As far as the tracking goes, again it's a possibility. Same problem as the last point though, they could have always done this anyway. They could have one of those clipboard CMs follow your every move if they really wanted. However, I doubt they'll go all Bourne Identity and start using that info to advertise directly to you or something, but a large amount of anonymized data would be useful to Disney (traffic patterns around park, ride queue waiting times, etc).

From my understanding, Disney World has been moving towards a similar system for awhile now. Guess Disneyland is just going along with the same thing.

 

[mydisneymoney]

I do not like the idea. Can you imagine having a wrist band on that you can't take off (I would assume you can't take it off because you could give it to someone else). Children are going to hate it. Can you imagine it being used to issue FPs. This would mean every single member of you group would have to stand in line for the FP. It is going to have to be great system before I would be happy to use it.

 

[hootey]

Several resort/amusement parks have been using the "bracelets" for a while(Great Wolf Lodges, etc). They are very easy to use, durable, and cost effective. The bracelet can be used for room access, park access, time restrictions, food/snack/souvineer purchaces, and yes tracking your every move. The bracelets are lightweight, waterproof, and tough, so to to speak. They will eliminate room keys, tickets, and the need to carry credit cards/wallet/purses. Very handy little tools/bracelets....

 

[tinkerbelt]

How would they work for AP's? Does that mean passholders have to go stand in line for a band each time they visit?

 

[starshine514]

I do not like the idea. Can you imagine having a wrist band on that you can't take off (I would assume you can't take it off because you could give it to someone else). Children are going to hate it. Can you imagine it being used to issue FPs. This would mean every single member of you group would have to stand in line for the FP. It is going to have to be great system before I would be happy to use it.

Ugh! I totally agree. We had to wear wristbands for a Fantasmic AP event in May. My DD5 hated it. And yeah, think of all the strollers in the FP collection line... However, I have a hard time believing they'd move away from paper FPs (as some seem to be fearing), simply because your paper FP has your return window. If that's going to be enforced, then you'd better give me something to remind me of that window!

 

[PinkBudgie]

However, I doubt they'll go all Bourne Identity and start using that info to advertise directly to you or something, but a large amount of anonymized data would be useful to Disney (traffic patterns around park, ride queue waiting times, etc).

From my understanding, Disney World has been moving towards a similar system for awhile now. Guess Disneyland is just going along with the same thing.

Several years ago I heard reports that they were talking about putting RFIDs in APs and when you went on certain rides or past certain attractions, characters could address you personally and make comments based on a questionaire you filled out to get your AP. So, maybe...

How would they work for AP's? Does that mean passholders have to go stand in line for a band each time they visit?

No, we would just have to the bracelet all year. I hope they make it cute.

Actually, maybe we would have a card with the RFID chip in it and our picture would still come up as we passed through so we wouldn't need a band.

I've read reports that they are testing RFID FPs in WDW. It wasn't for every FP you get, but you could sign up for a certain amount during your stay. So, it would be like having a reservation with a ride for a certain time. And you take your print out with you. On the up side, some of the "FPs" they offered were special reserved seatings at parades and fireworks. I certainly wouldn't mind that.

 

[Susannajean]

Ugh. I'm dreading this idea if they actually do it. I do NOT want to have to wear a bracelet the entire time I'm at disneyland. But with multiple day tickets, don't you just have to use them within the course of 2 weeks? Lol if someone was coming back a week later would they just make them leave their bracelet on?? Hope its strong!