WIRED article: Disney's $1 Billion Bet on a Magical Wristband

[Networth]

Intresting read.

 

[IrishNYC]

Whether or not people agree with what was said about spontaneity, and regardless of how many people loathe FP+, or how many people complain about how much money Disney and their big wigs make, plenty, and I mean plenty of those complaining the loudest will continue to be repeat visitors who go to WDW once a year, if not more.

 

[Planogirl]

Is not this simpler? Is this not your natural state? It's the unspoken truth of humanity, that you crave subjugation. The bright lure of freedom diminishes your life's joy in a mad scramble for power, for identity. You were made to be ruled. In the end, you will always kneel. - Loki

This is perfect, just perfect!

By the way, I love Loki. Not as much as Thor but it's close.

 

[Ratpack]

It says they have enough battery for two years, does Disney replace them at that point with new bands or is the battery replaceable? I have not gone during the MB era yet but I assume these bands can be kept for trips in the future?

 

[hoosll]

I loved the old system because we knew how to work it to ride OUR favorite rides multiple times. For me, the new system allows Disney to better predict crowd size at any given time on any given day and staff accordingly; including opening or closing portions of the rides to pre-set wait times. No longer are there less crowded weeks as Disney can artificially make the parks “crowded” by reducing staffing at rides and restaurants.

The curse of computers is that they can give so much data that we can crunch the numbers endlessly. Disney wanted more real time and predictive data so they invited us to tell them our plans and then tagged us like the AK animals with magic bands on the property.

I cannot remember a time when generations were so stratified by technology. Disney is certainly playing to the techno-savvy with smart phones.

 

[MikeandReneePlus5]

Much as we humans like to think we want freedom to do whatever we want, we quite often don't.

I hold onto this idea every time I parent my teenagers, although they of course do not believe it is true at all.

 

[soniam]

Thanks for posting. I enjoyed the article. I guess with the MB development over, they were able to free up the lab for possibly TSMM expansion. Was the lab the building across from TSMM?

I might be the only person here who actually feels free by planning ahead. With a plan, it frees up my mind to focus on the here and now and what's around me, than to be calculating what to do next. I love state machines

 

[Robo]

1. It says they have enough battery for two years,

2. does Disney replace them at that point with new bands or

3. is the battery replaceable?

4. I have not gone during the MB era yet but I assume these bands can be kept for trips in the future?

1. And, more likely, closer to three years. We just don't have any practical knowledge yet.**

2. We don't know yet, of course, **as the bands have only been used for about a year at the most, now.
But, more likely, a guest will continue to get bands included with a resort stay, and those who have older MBs but without a resort stay might (or might not) be able to get a replacement MB at a discount.

Also, even a MB with a completely dead battery will still be fully functional for park entry (the "tickets" use,) FP+ entry, FP+ kiosks for making day-of FP, opening resort room doors, charging to the resort room, and anything else where the MB is "touched to" a reader.
It's just for the "distance events" for which the battery is needed.
Which, right now, is primarily for automatically connecting on-ride photos and videos to guests riding the attractions that offer them.
(The battery "distance event" that Disney is most interested in if the "tracking"
of the MB's wearers as they traverse the parks and shops.)

3. No. Completely sealed unit.

4. Yes.

 

[ForeverDance]

I might be the only person here who actually feels free by planning ahead. With a plan, it frees up my mind to focus on the here and now and what's around me, than to be calculating what to do next. I love state machines

Actually I feel the same way. The more I can plan ahead the more relaxed I feel on the actual day.

 

[hoosll]

Actually I feel the same way. The more I can plan ahead the more relaxed I feel on the actual day.

I love to plan. too ... I had a small notebook with all our plans mapped out with reservation numbers, etc. I can choose restaurants and even parks months in advance ... but I also know that a certain amount of flexibility on vacation is necessary for weather, health, and just whimsy. The fact that Disney is now charging us for missed dinner reservations and limiting the number of fast passes we can get daily says to me that there is a motive from Disney's side and it no longer fits my level of planning ... in fact it has paralyzed my ability to plan a Disney vacation.

 

[larryz]

There's more spin in that article than three trips on the Tea Cups...

 

[David Brent]

Whether or not people agree with what was said about spontaneity, and regardless of how many people loathe FP+, or how many people complain about how much money Disney and their big wigs make, plenty, and I mean plenty of those complaining the loudest will continue to be repeat visitors who go to WDW once a year, if not more.

Spot on! Regardless of what WDW changes, we have no choice but to adapt. Nothing that WDW does is going to be perfect, but they are trying and I appreciate that. In the end, WDW isn't forcing you to use it's MB and MDE. It's your choice to adapt or to complain. I am just lucky to be able to visit WDW as much as I can with my family.

 

[Planogirl]

You can adapt or complain OR not go. I know of a few people who have stopped. I'm not saying that it's the most common answer but it is there.

 

[Amunet]

Do people really ask how they are found at the table? Not trying to be snooty! Just a pure question

I assumed people knew because of the technology available with phones and GPS?

Either way, it is a fascinating read! And part of the reasons they bring up with privacy is the same reason I enjoy my flip phone lol

 

[mesaboy2]

Do people really ask how they are found at the table? Not trying to be snooty! Just a pure question

I assumed people knew because of the technology available with phones and GPS?

Either way, it is a fascinating read! And part of the reasons they bring up with privacy is the same reason I enjoy my flip phone lol

GPS isn't capable of pinpointing one's location down to a single table just a couple of feet from the next. RFID is relatively new and there are plenty of people who don't knowingly use it or don't care.

 

[Amunet]

Phones and GPS aren't capable of pinpointing down to a single table just a couple of feet from the next.

I thought GPS was able to pinpoint exactly where you were down to a foot or something?

Not including what I thought GPS was, I know phones aren't that good lol (friend works as a 911 operator and says the phone location is quicker than in the movies, but not as accurate)

Either way, I thought with the same function as the other devices had (at the time Magic Bands debuted), I just thought it wasn't that common as a question. I am fine being wrong! It's great Disney keeps the magic going. Lol maybe I'm just too cynical

 

[mesaboy2]

I thought GPS was able to pinpoint exactly where you were down to a foot or something?

Not including what I thought GPS was, I know phones aren't that good lol (friend works as a 911 operator and says the phone location is quicker than in the movies, but not as accurate)

Either way, I thought with the same function as the other devices had (at the time Magic Bands debuted), I just thought it wasn't that common as a question. I am fine being wrong! It's great Disney keeps the magic going. Lol maybe I'm just too cynical

I believe about six feet is the highest resolution possible, under ideal conditions, with modern GPS. No matter, I think you overestimate the number of people who are tech-savvy enough to not blink an eye when food "magically" shows up at their specific table.

 

[Amunet]

I believe about six feet is the highest resolution possible, under ideal conditions, with modern GPS. No matter, I think you overestimate the number of people who are tech-savvy enough to not blink an eye when food "magically" shows up at their specific table.

Ah okay, I didn't know that, thank you!

Yeah, I think you're right, it's just something I assumed. My apologies if my ignorance offended you

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I thought GPS was able to pinpoint exactly where you were down to a foot or something?

Not including what I thought GPS was, I know phones aren't that good lol (friend works as a 911 operator and says the phone location is quicker than in the movies, but not as accurate)

Either way, I thought with the same function as the other devices had (at the time Magic Bands debuted), I just thought it wasn't that common as a question. I am fine being wrong! It's great Disney keeps the magic going. Lol maybe I'm just too cynical

I have had GPS pinpoint my destination many many many feet from the actual destination.

Not all up on my technology--but seems too broad to find a specific table.

And I think it is part curious wonder on how they do that at BOG.

 

[mesaboy2]

Ah okay, I didn't know that, thank you!

Yeah, I think you're right, it's just something I assumed. My apologies if my ignorance offended you

Not in the least.