What is Nextgen?

[Susie63]

Can someone please enlighten me on this topic.

 

[tinkcollector]

"If you've ever been to Walt Disney World you know that planning is key and long lines can just about ruin your trip.

But image if you could book appointment times for your rides, meetings with Disney characters and other popular park attractions months before your vacation.

This isn't some fantasy land, but part of a high-tech reality being introduced across Disney theme parks as part of a billion-dollar project dubbed “NextGen.”

Details of the plan emerged in February 2011 when Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Tom Staggs announced some major changes at an investors' conference.

“Guests will be able to reserve times for their favorite attractions and character interactions…secure seats at our shows and spectaculars…make dining reservations…and pre-book many other favorite guest experiences -- all before even leaving their house," Staggs said"


Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2012/04/18/whole-new-world-for-whole-new-disney/#ixzz29a40TtNm

This is from Fox News and I think it explains NextGen very well.

 

[BryANDJessMom]

I know it has been tested all summer iat WDW. Anyone know if you will have to be onsite to get the Fastpass reservation option?

 

[cats mom]

Can someone please enlighten me on this topic.

Tough question to answer because Disney is looking at a lot of different technology projects, all collectively included under the NextGen umbrella.

Maybe because FP+ is already being tested in WDW, I've seen folks use the terms interchangably, but my understanding is that the entire NextGen system could be much bigger than just changes to the FP system.

I think exactly what will eventully be implemented, and the timing of the projects, is still very much just rumor and speculation.

Some of the possibilities:

Your RFID bracelet, customized versions available at an extra charge, will hold all the information needed to serve as your hotel key, park admission, fastpass scheduler, dining manager, photopass ID, provide interactive games / experiences / suggestions, and will be able to process payments with just a wave at a paystation.

Personally I'm concerned about how all the data will be stored, handled, and protected, but full implementation won't happen overnight, and some of the ideas being tossed around now may never happen.

 

[ikeymakes3]

Yes it will be available to all (at the Disney Magical Markup). Not that we are being nickeled and dimed for everything now as it is.