NextGen/RFID news, info and experiences

[GrumpyFan]

I thought it might be nice if there was a central topic on the latest news, information and experiences with the forthcoming RFID cards/keys and bands. I might suggest to the mods that this might even be a good subject for a new sub-forum?

We had a bit of a messy experience with it last week while visiting. We stayed at Pop Century 4/21 thru 4/25 and had major issues at check-in and went thru at least 5 sets of keys before we had a full set that would work on our rooms. There were four of us in 2 rooms, and we wanted all 4 keys to have access to both rooms, but this seemed to be problematic. We finally had a manager set up the keys and he told us it was due in part to the NextGen/RFID settings in the system. Apparently, the system had pre-selected us to be able to use MyMagic+ and FastPass+ however, that system isn't ready yet, so it interferes with how the keys are coded and would show errors to the CM when trying to setup the keys, but most CMs don't know how to deal with it. Regardless, he said everything is a complete mess right now and creating lots of problems for the resort/check-in people because the system is half implemented, but not turned on.

I saw in another thread elsewhere that a guest was told that due to all the problems, full launch/roll-out has been delayed until end of summer.

 

[bethymouse]

full launch/roll-out has been delayed until end of summer.
Oh dear!

 

[BoarderPhreak]

Our experience was so-so. Absolutely no problems with the RFID card and new-fangled "turnstiles" at the parks or for resort room access. Worked every single time! Yay!

Using the RFID card tied in to a normal credit card for purchases though... HUGE problems. Which reminds me, I need to send WDW a good-and-bad email. Bad about the whole situation, which left us dead in the water in Epcot and good for the CMs that helped out to get us limping again until resolved back at the resort. BOO!

They shouldn't release this crap until it WORKS. Customers are not your beta testers!

 

[GrumpyFan]

Once they got the room access issues worked out, we didn't have any further issues. Park entrance and charging features all worked flawless.

 

[ParentsOf4]

I stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge last month with an RFID card and noticed resort automobile gates opening while I was 40-to-80 feet away. Normally I would have thought it was the guard opening the gate. It still might have been. However, it seemed to happen when I removed my resort parking sheet from my window and even when I used the "talk to the guard" lane (sorry I don't know the official name). In other words, I drove in using the lane closest to the guardhouse to speak with the guard and the automatic gate next to me opened even though no other car or bus was coming. It could have been a misunderstanding from the guard, him thinking I intended to use that lane but, as already noted, I had removed my car's parking pass from the windscreen.

What's obvious (to me at least ) is that RFID technology could be used to automatically raise gates at resorts for registered guests.

 

[RonAnnArbor]

The rollout will definitely not occur until after the summer -- we already have several threads where that has been pretty much confirmed, including during my debriefing interview a few months ago after testing FP+
No problem with RFID on my latest visit -- even when a room had to be changed from one to another - automatically programmed on their end and worked fine at the new room.
Still a pain that the Annual Pass is a separate card from the KTTK card...

 

[msteel]

What's obvious (to me at least ) is that RFID technology could be used to automatically raise gates at resorts for registered guests.

We have had that at my place of employment for several years now, so it's definitely possible.

 

[LizC]

Will guests staying at the Swan/Dolphin be able to use MyMagic+ and/or FastPass+?

 

[MissM]

Will guests staying at the Swan/Dolphin be able to use MyMagic+ and/or FastPass+?

I might be mistaken, but I believe Swan & Dolphin won't have "key to the world" all-in-one room keys like the Disney resorts, but, when the RFID tickets roll out for everyone including day guests (as opposed to just AP's and such), you would get one that way. It would just be a separate ticket from room key. I believe there is mixed information on the MagicBands availability to off-site guests regarding free versus paid upgrade but even so, eventually the RFID tickets would be available which would give you access to the other things like FP+

 

[luv]

I had a major issue with the old keys not working once. I have also had the problem of trying to get keys that open more than one door. i know it can be done, but they seem to have trouble with it. That isn't unique to RFID.

I have said this many times already, lol, but I LOVE my RFID AP. The old paper ones stopped working all the time. I was always having to replace them. This thing has worked. And it is plastic, so Woo-Hoo that!

 

[GrumpyFan]

Will guests staying at the Swan/Dolphin be able to use MyMagic+ and/or FastPass+?

The capability to add non-Disney owned hotels to the system was being considered or at least planned for in the early design patents that were published. However, with all the problems they have been having just with Disney-owned hotels, I wouldn't expect it to be implemented until such time as those problems are resolved and implemented fully. So, the answer is, probably so, but not sure when that will be available, nor which specific features will be available for their use. The patents made it sound like Disney would try and sell these features to other hotels to offer to their guests. If so, then it will all depend on what they buy or are able to negotiate with Disney.

 

[ParentsOf4]

Will guests staying at the Swan/Dolphin be able to use MyMagic+ and/or FastPass+?

MyMagic+ (MM+) is the guest name of the overall NextGen upgrade with FastPass+ being one of its components. From a WDW guest perspective, MM+ has 3 key components:

• My Disney Experience - This is the updated webpage and new phone app.
• FastPass+ - This replaces FastPass.
• MagicBand - This replaces traditional WDW tickets.

Information continues to evolve but the plan is for everyone to be able to use all of MM+ to at least some degree. The last semi-official information is that offsite guests would have to pay for MagicBand. Otherwise, they would use RFID tickets.

The Swan & Dolphin have been in negotiation with Disney in order to have similar benefits as onsite guests. Presumably this includes complementary MagicBand along with any additional onsite guest privileges created for MM+.

Again, the details continue to evolve so what's "true" today might not be "true" in the future.

 

[LizC]

MyMagic+ (MM+) is the guest name of the overall NextGen upgrade with FastPass+ being one of its components. From a guest perspective, MM+ has 3 key components.

The capability to add non-Disney owned hotels to the system was being considered or at least planned for in the early design patents that were published.

I might be mistaken, but I believe Swan & Dolphin won't have "key to the world" all-in-one room keys like the Disney resorts, but, when the RFID tickets roll out for everyone including day guests (as opposed to just AP's and such), you would get one that way.

Thanks so much for answering, and so quickly!

I am going in October and am planning on staying at the Swan. My husband and I will both have AP's. So is it safe to assume we will be able to take part in all the NextGen components? Also, I remember reading about booking rides in advance is that something I can do as an AP holder? (Although, I am not sure if I would want to, that may be a little to planned out even for me! )

Thanks again for your help!

 

[GrumpyFan]

MyMagic+ (MM+) is the guest name of the overall NextGen upgrade with FastPass+ being one of its components. From a guest perspective, MM+ has 3 key components.

• My Disney Experience - This is the updated webpage and new phone app.
• FastPass+ - This replaces FastPass.
• MagicBand - This replaces traditional WDW tickets.

Information continues to evolve but the plan is for everyone to be able to use all of MM+ to at least some degree. The last semi-official information is that offsite guests would have to pay for MagicBand. Otherwise, they would use RFID tickets.

I'm curious where you heard/read that about guests having to pay for MagicBand? Maybe I just missed it, but I haven't seen this specifically spelled out. I assumed that if MagicBand was replacing ticket media, they would issue one instead of a regular paper/plastic card. However, I did read that they will have "premium" or deluxe custom bands with designs and characters that guests will be able to buy if they desire something more aesthetically appealing.

 

[RandomPrincess]

Magic Bands are included for

I'm curious where you heard/read that about guests having to pay for MagicBand? Maybe I just missed it, but I haven't seen this specifically spelled out. I assumed that if MagicBand was replacing ticket media, they would issue one instead of a regular paper/plastic card. However, I did read that they will have "premium" or deluxe custom bands with designs and characters that guests will be able to buy if they desire something more aesthetically appealing.

This is from WDWMagic's Magic Band FAQ Page -

"Guests staying at Walt Disney World Resort hotels, and Annual Passholders will receive a MagicBand, as well as those guests who purchase a photography package. Guests who stay at non-Disney hotels will receive an RFID enabled ticket with features of touch to enter the park, touch to redeem FastPass+ and touch to pay. These guests can participate in My Disney Experience and purchase a MagicBand if they wish."

The same info is listed on many other Disney Fan Blogs and Sites.

 

[GrumpyFan]

I am going in October and am planning on staying at the Swan. My husband and I will both have AP's. So is it safe to assume we will be able to take part in all the NextGen components? Also, I remember reading about booking rides in advance is that something I can do as an AP holder? (Although, I am not sure if I would want to, that may be a little to planned out even for me! )

Timing of when this will all be available is still unknown and Disney's not saying anything about it officially. As to whether you will be able to book rides (FastPass+) in advance, see my comments above. Assumedly, APs will have this functionality available, but Swan/Dolphin guests may or may not, depending on whether they negotiate (or buy) this feature for their guests from Disney.

 

[GrumpyFan]

Magic Bands are included for

This is from WDWMagic's Magic Band FAQ Page -

"Guests staying at Walt Disney World Resort hotels, and Annual Passholders will receive a MagicBand, as well as those guests who purchase a photography package. Guests who stay at non-Disney hotels will receive an RFID enabled ticket with features of touch to enter the park, touch to redeem FastPass+ and touch to pay. These guests can participate in My Disney Experience and purchase a MagicBand if they wish."

The same info is listed on many other Disney Fan Blogs and Sites.

I guess I need to read more of those... Thanks!

 

[stalkingmickey]

So if I am going Sept 12th and I want a wrist band possibly a specialized one do I have to tell Disney I want two wrist bands now. Or am I to wait until I get there??

 

[GrumpyFan]

So if I am going Sept 12th and I want a wrist band possibly a specialized one do I have to tell Disney I want two wrist bands now. Or am I to wait until I get there??

Nobody knows at this point.
Disney has not stated when the MagicBand will officially be available.

Pure speculation, but if I had to guess, I would think they would notify you via your welcome/reservations package sent via mail and provide an option (probably online) to request or purchase a custom MagicBand. I would also think that you could purchase a different one when you get there. That is, when these officially become available.

 

[stalkingmickey]

Nobody knows at this point.
Disney has not stated when the MagicBand will officially be available.

Pure speculation, but if I had to guess, I would think they would notify you via your welcome/reservations package sent via mail and provide an option (probably online) to request or purchase a custom MagicBand. I would also think that you could purchase a different one when you get there. That is, when these officially become available.

Thank you.