RFID wristbands for resort guests

[MorenaSangre]

Heh...the discussion is really fascinating to me. Oddly enough, the arguments here and on other boards seem to focus on the wristband. If I understand RFID correctly (which I may not), isn't the point that it could be embedded anywhere from a key card to a wrist band to a pair of mouse ears to a lanyard?

I don't really care one way or the other about the wristband, but I do find the idea of property-integrated RFID to heavily customize my experience fascinating. Certainly it skirts the ol' invasion of privacy thing, but Google already knows when I sneeze, so I tend to think the idea of a princess at a character dinner calling me by name when she comes to my table sounds pretty cool.

Now can I get Tables in Wonderland and my passholder perks added to that chip...

 

[scion5220]

Heh...the discussion is really fascinating to me. Oddly enough, the arguments here and on other boards seem to focus on the wristband. If I understand RFID correctly (which I may not), isn't the point that it could be embedded anywhere from a key card to a wrist band to a pair of mouse ears to a lanyard?

I don't really care one way or the other about the wristband, but I do find the idea of property-integrated RFID to heavily customize my experience fascinating. Certainly it skirts the ol' invasion of privacy thing, but Google already knows when I sneeze, so I tend to think the idea of a princess at a character dinner calling me by name when she comes to my table sounds pretty cool.

Now can I get Tables in Wonderland and my passholder perks added to that chip...

Like...in a hockey jersey?

http://lightning.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=551151

 

[McIntoshMango]

After reading through just the first page of posts, it's what I thought would happen - people are already deciding that they would like a choice of wristbands or their child wouldn't wear one or whatever.

Jeez - let's just see what Disney does with this. RFID is here to stay, live with it. RFID is more places than you know.

Just wondering what is the problem with discussing the idea? I don't like things touching the top of my hand or wrist. Not even sleeves, or hospital bracelets, so I can't say that? It does no harm that I can tell.

 

[book_junkie]

Would you have to attach a credit card to it? I don't charge to the room ever.

Actually, do you have to attach a credit card to the KTTW card? I don't think I did last time, but I wasn't paying for the room.

You don't have to attaching a credit card to your KTTW card... just decline the option anytime it's asked, and on your KTTW will say No Charging Privileges on the front. I've always declined because I get paranoid that I'm going to loose my key (happened once or twice)- my credit card at least has my picture on it so hopefully someone notices that it doesn't match the person using it...

I would imagine the new and improved system would work the same way.

 

[rock_doctor]

... the bands would be very affordable. If an extra $10 or less per person is going to make or break your trip I think you should reconsider a trip to WDW and save up for longer before making one when it won't be so tight.

RFID chips are super cheap. A single chip is probably a couple cents, i think the last roll i bought was $134 for a thousand stickers... So it really is a no cost option. There are tech issues though, every band reader would need to be networked to a central system plus the RFID chips are actually very susceptible to magnetic and RF fields. That is how you request them to transmit the stored data is though a RF signal or Magnetic field. Personally, i would not wear a bracelet nor would i let them give me a RFID chip. It is not a safe technology. You might as well stand in the middle of a busy room and scream your personal information... Somebody walking past you can trigger your RFID chip to transmit its data with a simple reader available off the web. Those who have the RFID enabled credit cards must be aware of this issue... I am absolutely sure being able to give you a sticker or plastic bracelet would be cheaper then giving you a custom printed card but i don't see it happening as security can't check your bracelet as easily as a card. They would have to scan you bracelet but the upside they could very easily attach a picture of you to your account information... Scan the bracelet and your picture comes up like they do on cruise ships. When you board they scan your id card and your picture comes up.

 

[phyllis1966]

I think it's a great idea - I wish they'd be available for November. What's especially intriguing to me is the idea of different interactions while you're in the parks. The PhotoPass enhancements sound pretty cool, too. I am concerned about the safety issues that were mentioned, though...

 

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

I really love how any new technology brings out the tinfoil hat brigade

B

 

[KatieCollette]

So how soon do we think these are going to be used?

 

[Sammie]

All of this is coming about due to the new LILO system. There is even more than can do with it, such as limit access to pools, etc.

The wristbands have snaps on them much like the adjustable back of a ball cap, so yes you can take them off to sleep and bathe.

 

[chartle]

You wouldn't catch me wearing one of those wristbands; they look too dorky. The first thing I'd do is cut it off with the scissors I carry in my fanny pack.

There would be no reason to cut it off, just take it off.

Its not like its a ankle bracelet.

 

[linzbear]

Hey guys. Newbie here. Let me over my view on this.

I dont understand why everyone is so up in arms up the wristbands. Looking at the pictures I've seen of them, they are easily removeable and can be put in your pocket or bag. You only need them to swipe one of these Disney RFID readers. So in theory, you don't really need to wear it.

About security. Who says these wristbands will have all your information on it? I think Disney has something a little more clever in store for this. In my mind, the best way to go is this. Assign each wristband an ID number. When a guest checks into a resort, their name is attached to wrist ID on a WDW computer system. Now when you would scan your ID into a RFID reader, the computer would recognize the ID number as you. And if someone tries to get your information with a reader of their own, all they will get is the ID number.

Today, when you make a purchase with your Key to the World card, you are simply running a tab so to speak on your room. Disney asks for a credit card number in case you don't pay your room fees upon check out. I doubt these wristbands would much different then the current Key to the World card in that regard.

Just my two cents.

I believe the issue is that with the ID number, they can program a new RFID and then have their own RFID with your ID number.

I imagine the wristband is designed in such a way so that you are not broadcasting more than an inch or 2 away, but someone could still "bump" into you to steal it.

That said, I'm not sure how easy it is to program an RFID. The logical solution is to do an ID number that changes every time you scan.

 

[tony609]

I don't think they would charge extra for it.

These wrist bands would make it Sooooo easy to spend money.

Oh, I love that Mickey Mug! (Bleep) --- What a good picture of us on Splash Mountain! (Bleep) DD would just love that tinkerbell outfit (Bleep). Hey how about a Dole Whip? (Bleep)

Here's your Bill. Oh (#&^@!!!) I mean (Bleep!!)

I NEVER put a CC on file at WDW. I hope, and I am sure it will remain optional. I always use gift cards and cash, no bills when I leave or come home.

 

[chartle]

I believe the issue is that with the ID number, they can program a new RFID and then have their own RFID with your ID number.

I imagine the wristband is designed in such a way so that you are not broadcasting more than an inch or 2 away, but someone could still "bump" into you to steal it.

That said, I'm not sure how easy it is to program an RFID. The logical solution is to do an ID number that changes every time you scan.

But as posted above an RFID chip is passive as passive as a barcode. The reader sends out a signal and the chip responses. There is no battery or programming in it like a car fob.

 

[Krisscot]

I think it is a great idea!! I hate fishing my key out and keeping it in a lanyard that you want to remove in pics. Also I'd your child were to get lost they could pull up all of their information. As for taking it off.. It is no different than a cruise- they make small children wear one all the time with their muster station and cabin 24/7. They don't come off unless u cut them off. They swim and shower in them. And we love the KP stuff so anything like that would be great.

 

[jamieintx]

We have an indoor waterpark resort (Great Wolf Lodge) in our area that uses RFID wristbands. It's your room key, waterpark entrance, and if you so choose, your credit/debit card is added also for purchases in the gift shops/restaurants. It's GREAT! No wallets, cash, tickets, photopass-type card (just scan your wristband) etc. needed.

I'm sure it also helps with loss and theft. I think it's a great idea.

 

[DeaverTex]

I really love how any new technology brings out the tinfoil hat brigade

B

Hey! Don't you go making fun of my tinfoil hat!

Besides, it's aluminum foil. Much better at keeping out Martian Z rays.

 

[chartle]

Hey! Don't you go making fun of my tinfoil hat!

Besides, it's aluminum foil. Much better at keeping out Martian Z rays.

Actually a study at MIT found out that the hats do work.

http://www.google.com/m?hl=en&gl=us...ource=android-launcher-widget&q=mit+foil+hats

 

[rock_doctor]

I really love how any new technology brings out the tinfoil hat brigade

Yep i got my tin foil hat on right now...

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Banking/CreditCardSmarts/NewCreditCardsAllowHandsFreeTheft.aspx

http://www.snopes.com/fraud/identity/pickpocket.asp

http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/how-to/4206464

http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-3513_7-6658127-1.html

http://www.idtheftcenter.org/artman2/publish/m_press/RFID_and_Credit_Cards.shtml

http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/02/08/rfid-skimmer-could-steal-your-credit-card-number-while-its-stil/

http://www.credit.com/blog/2011/03/is-your-rfid-credit-card-making-you-an-easy-fraud-target/

http://consumerist.com/2008/03/how-to-hack-a-rfid-credit-card-for-8.html

http://money.bundle.com/article/your-rfid-credit-card-making-you-easy-fraud-target

http://www.corporatetravelsafety.com/safety-tips/security-wallets-rfid-wallet-and-credit-card-sleeves

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/12/03/tech/main7114331.shtml

 

[disneydad1]

please, please, please no advance FP from home system!!!!!!!!!!

 

[linzbear]

But as posted above an RFID chip is passive as passive as a barcode. The reader sends out a signal and the chip responses. There is no battery or programming in it like a car fob.

But it has to be printed out somehow originally; that's what can be duplicated. I mean, you can photocopy a barcode and get 2 barcodes, you know?

Anyway, if you can't reprogram it, whenever you use it you'd have to provide some identifying information, like your DOB, on every scan.