Next Gen Pal Mickey...

...here's some info that was shared with me recently.

Pal Mickey, the plush mickey doll with a processor, has been a decent success--at least on the revenue side of things. However, the technology side of Mickey hasn't been nearly as popular or even used as one might have expected. Frankly, alot of parents have just bought it for the kids because the jokes were cute.

Apparently though, this wasn't entirely unexpected.

Here's why:

Disney had developed the technology for Pal Mickey awhile back in hopes of providing a more seamless (and admittedly less labor intensive) guest experience. After all, printing park guides and distributing them for free is entirely revenue negative.

Even worse, park guides are really inefficient. By their very nature, they are passive and can provide a very finite amount of information to the guest and, worse, cannot provide any "breaking" info because they are preprinted.

And, since the printing schedule for these type things doesn't allow them to be printed on a daily basis Disney is stuck with the daily paper addendum with showtimes, character greets, etc. that they pass out in addition to the park guides. As you can see, all of this not only costs Disney alot of money but also doesn't provide very efficient assistance to the Guest.

Then along came Roger Berry. He is basically the Chief Tech officer for WDW and is a really, really sharp guy (although surprisingly "untechnical" for a head tech exec). Anyhow, he and his team realized that everything from traffic flow to ride throughput to restaurant capacity to wait times (and many other things) could be better managed with an interactive medium than through a static, passive park guide.

The question was posed: Why not create a technology that interacts with the Guest and actually actively "guides" them through an efficient theme park experience rather than simply telling them where things are.

As you can imagine again, the potentials are awesome. Why wait in line for 45 minutes at Peter Pan when Buzz Lightyear has no wait...

A forty minute wait at Le Cellier? Well, Nine Dragons is immediate seating...

The next Legend of the Lion King show not for 40 minutes? Well, Kali has a 20 minute wait but Dinosaur only has a 5 minute wait.

And so on and so forth...

The problem with this potentially great technology was implementation Heck, many guests still couldn't figure out what a FastPass was...how could you expect them figure out how to use one of an interactive park gadget..er, guide.

Simple.

Let the kids figure it out. Make it very userfriendly. Make it NOT seem like a new, complicated tech gadget. Make it NOT seem like the 12th remote for your t.v. system.

Make it APPEAR user friendly at the outset so you can clear the "I hate and am afraid of technology devices" hurdle.

And, thus, Pal Mickey was born.

However, the plan was never to make Pal Mickey the ultimate, final app for this technology. Instead, the idea was to use Pal Mickey as an seemingly innoucous entry point to a much broader application.

Along that lines, (here's the next gen stuff--finally you're probably thinking!) Disney is currently completing negotiations with a major wireless provider to allow guest to use their wireless phone as the next gen version of Pal Mickey.

The wireless phone will do everything Pal Mickey does and much, much more.

Why use a wireless phone as the delivery device? Well, the thinking is that, if the Guest already knows how to use a wireless phone--then they've crossed that "fear of technology devices" threshold already.

So, they'll be glad to receive text and video messages from Mickey telling them that another Spectro has been added or PrimeTime Cafe is giving a special 10% discount for dinner tonite between 4 and 5pm.

Splash temporarily closed for technical problems? Everyone gets a text message telling advising them of this and the option to get a followup message when Splash goes back up. No more trudging across the park from Tommorrowland only to find a CM telling you that Splash is down. This wasted time is now saved and you can use it to head over to Pooh or Jungle Cruise instead. Or, heck, for that matter--you're at MK and you get a message that Splash is down but TestTrack has virtually no wait.


Sound like a potential plus? Here are a few details I was told:

Currently, the plan is that you will not have to be a subscriber to this provider to use the technology when its introduced sometime in the next couple of years, although doing so might give you extra "exclusives".

And, most exciting of all...

Don't be surprised if this provider doesn't end up being the name sponsor for a new WDW Eticket attraction following E:E.

Scoop.

My guess it will be a big name provider, like AT&T or Sprint or something like that.

Very interesting.
Couple of questions.

Will Pal Mickey still be available? I'm going down this spring and was planning on buying one. Will he still work when this technology comes on line?

Would I use my own phone?

I'm from Canada, what about out of country visitors? Will this tech work on my phone?

Would a wireless PDA work. (I heard that this was in the works from HP

An integrated Fastpass would be cool.

Ya, new Eticket rumour!!!

3 or 4 years ago I interviewed with a now defunct contract design company here in Atlanta. One of the gizmos they were working on was the Imaginavigator (or the name was something like that). It was a large pager with an LCD screen that would alert you to facts and deals around the World Showcase lagoon. They had a working system that would so exactly what you had described. Disney was set to do a test roll out with about 100 or so units but at the last minute pulled the plug on the project.

So when Pal Mickey was announced I knew this was something Disney has been working on for quite a while. Personally I think the plush toy is a lot cooler than a pager.

Can't wait to see what they come out this next. :sohappy:

Originally posted by Sherm00
My guess it will be a big name provider, like AT&T or Sprint or something like that.

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I don't think it's going to be AT&T...there financials are a mess. They've already got SE and its sponsorship seems to be year by year now.

My guess is Cingular or Nextel.

Thanks for the info. sounds awesome and I can't wait for this. Now do you know if this is somthing that would happen on your existing cell or if they would give you one to rent for the day?

I don't see how this is going to be sucessful by using guests own wireless phones. It's going to be difficult to link everyone's phones to a park ticket, etc.

I think Disney would be better off selling/renting something that can be used easier than phones.

Originally posted by turkey leg boy
I don't see how this is going to be sucessful by using guests own wireless phones. It's going to be difficult to link everyone's phones to a park ticket, etc.

I think Disney would be better off selling/renting something that can be used easier than phones.

Click to expand...

Most NEWER Wireless phones are coming equipped with Blue Tooth technology. http://www.bluetooth.com/tech/works.asp

My guess is that it will have nothing to do with your service provider, but, instead it will run on a simple blue tooth signal. :wave:

Originally posted by DMC-12
Most NEWER Wireless phones are coming equipped with Blue Tooth technology. http://www.bluetooth.com/tech/works.asp

My guess is that it will have nothing to do with your service provider, but, instead it will run on a simple blue tooth signal. :wave:

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That doesn't help me much.

What about those that don't have wireless phones?

I still say selling/renting something ($$$$$$$$$) would be better.

Originally posted by turkey leg boy
That doesn't help me much.

What about those that don't have wireless phones?

I still say selling/renting something ($$$$$$$$$) would be better.

Click to expand...

Understood... I am just going by what the original poster had posted:

"Why use a wireless phone as the delivery device? Well, the thinking is that, if the Guest already knows how to use a wireless phone--then they've crossed that "fear of technology devices" threshold already. "

But then again... I would probally not pay $$$ to get an annoying Instant message every 5min. So the cell phone route would work better for me.

There are a number of ways to use the cell phone to deliver updates:

• Bluetooth
• WAP site/pages
• Text Messages
• Java App or similar tech
• Emails

Most phones support at least one of these. The best choice would be the java app as it would allow you to customize what you receive and what you don't.

While wireless phones/devices would almost certainly be available for rent, I was told that the technology would be accessed through Guests' existing wireless device.

Again, this is not something that will likely be rolled out even in '04. However, it is in the testing phase on small scales. Eventually all of this will be synched up through the Destination Disney program.

For now, the "new" news is that Disney is wrapping up negotiations with a wireless provider and that provider has agreed to expand its relationship into an attraction sponsorship in exchange for, among other things, being the preferred Disney wireless provider.

That's all I know for now. I'll update when I hear more.

motorola - though not real popular - is the only cell phone company that has disney themed cell phones - with more in the making, and here recently they have began to carry a lot of disney electronics... hmmm...

Nextel will be there for this. Nextel is the fastest growing cell phone dealer around. Look what they just took on the nascar sponsorship you talking big bucks. I would not be surprised if they did this and sponsored the next big e-ticket ride. just my 2 cents

And why didn't Disney just get Apple to do it? :drevil:

Also, the big problem with Pal Mickey is that without a logical user interface, the customer dosn't know about the features, unless they pour through a manual durring vacation... yeah right.

Now, I hate technology for technology's sake, and frankly, that's what's happening now. Personally, I think we can expect to see a handheld soon, like the one's the tested at Test Track awhile back (I used them too.)

The fact is, when it boils down to it, going to a theme park is like watching TV, people want it to be passive. They don't want to operate something to get information, and they don't want to do any work to get the information. That's why a cast member infront of the ride is still there, not an electronic display. Wonder why those TV/PC combo units arn't selling? It's ease of use. I dont' want to use a PC while flipping on the tube to watch Survivor. Same with Disney. I want the technology to be invisible, like a remote or TiVo.

Originally posted by mkepcotmgmak
motorola - though not real popular - is the only cell phone company that has disney themed cell phones - with more in the making, and here recently they have began to carry a lot of disney electronics... hmmm...

Click to expand...

yeah... motorola just dumped there very unprofitable semi-conductor biz, so they could focus more on the next gen. phones. So I have a feeling they will be back with more great wireless products.

Originally posted by WDW*babe
Ok, I have a question. I got my PAL Mickey the first week of June. If they upgrade his system or whatever, does this mean I would have to buy a new one? Or what?

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No the bases of his system is simple a reciever that picks up radio freq points or RF for short. He giggles and that alerts you to what he has to say. He can mention new things whenever with out really needing an "upgrade"

I need to turn mine on and bring him back to Magic Kingdom to see if he is talking about Philharmagic yet.

On the lines of the cell phone / wireless idea its nice but I see an issue with standards. If you have a phone that supports the technology they are wanting thats fine. But if you have an older non standard phone that does not support the service your out of luck. Plus I know folks who dont even own a cell phone (shocking I know) also then the lines come in of which ever major carrier gets the contract what about anyone outside of that carrier. Example sprint wins do verizon costumers get to use it? Or cingular?

I see it as a good way of getting mass messaging out But I personally think people still want the old way the map in hand etc.

Originally posted by Testtrack321
Now, I hate technology for technology's sake, and frankly, that's what's happening now. Personally, I think we can expect to see a handheld soon, like the one's the tested at Test Track awhile back (I used them too.)

The fact is, when it boils down to it, going to a theme park is like watching TV, people want it to be passive. They don't want to operate something to get information, and they don't want to do any work to get the information. That's why a cast member infront of the ride is still there, not an electronic display. Wonder why those TV/PC combo units arn't selling? It's ease of use. I dont' want to use a PC while flipping on the tube to watch Survivor. Same with Disney. I want the technology to be invisible, like a remote or TiVo.

Click to expand...

You took the words right out of my mouth. The whole Pal Mickey/PDA guide thing is the only part of the Destination Disney grand plan that just doesn't attract me. I really don't picture myself walking around WDW looking down at a little screen every couple of minutes and going wherever the thing tells me. Aren't we supposed to be looking up and around at all the details? And Pal Mickey always seemed to me like a cheap babysitter, like tired parents would get one to tell jokes to the kids so THEY don't have to put up with them for a while. Mind you, I'm not criticizing anyone here who has them, I'm just saying that's what I picture when I think about them.

I've gotten over my fear of technology a long time ago... Hell- I carry around already, and use it constantly. I use PinPics.com's Palm interface, and I'm working on making a complete guide to Disney for the Palm. (I'm also working on something for the Palm where you can get up-to-date Disney news whenever you HotSync)

A few years back, I bought that game where you had to ride the ride to get the game. Because I wanted to play the games? Nope- I just thought it was a cool idea, and just wanted to collect the games....

So, I think that something like this would be awsome... Just, I'd rather being able to rent a Palm, or something like that- or better yet, be able to use my own... I'm not sure if I'd like to use my cellphone.... Imagine everyone in the Parks' cellphone going off at the same time? (Well- I guess it would be pretty cool if they did it right... Maybe before a big parade, and have Mickey call everyone?) But- I know at least for me- text messages cost 10 cents to recieve...

I think it would be cool to have an interactive map- you get a palm-type device (which of course would be user-friendly), with a few links- to the different parks. Then you get a map, and you can click on rides, and see if they're open, their wait, a description, etc.. You'd also be able to see where you were on the map, and get messages when a parade is about to start, or a nearby show is... maybe you could even set reminders if you want to see the 5 PM seating of a certain show?

Like I said- I'm no longer afraid of technology myself... So, I think that there would be enough people who wouldn't mind trying it that it might be worth it... I don't think too many people are too technology-afraid that they wouldn't try something like this... I can see someone not liking e-mail, etc..., but someday it will be as common as the telephone...


Also- does anyone know if PalMickey used Infared?