Al Lutz: "Next Generation" RFID personalization coming to Fantasyland attractions

[TP2000]

Funny, they can propose to spend big bucks for this NextGen Fantasyland thing, but then some shrew in a cubicle has the power to cut the photo editor at Splash Mountain.

It's like the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing when it comes to potentially damaging the "brand". :brick:

 

[JCtheparrothead]

I work for a major RFID company and was involved in a Design/Walkthrough of MK in 2002. I had the chance to get an idea of what the overall plan was for the site. There is a lot of very cool things that this technology can do but the Mouse is looking to keep an eye on the traffic in their parks....specifically shops and dining locations. At the time of our walkthrough the technology wasn't exactly where Disney wanted it...i am sure it is there now. Should be interesting to see how this plays out.

 

[artvandelay]

Besides interaction, EMH, and Fastpass distrubution, think of how Park management could be improved. Wait times would be more accurate and possibly integrated into the DS system that was tested last summer (or a nexgen system since the DS thing was shelved). Park management could manage park flow better if they know exactly where the congested areas are. Bonus FP's could be given out to try to move guests to less congested areas.

 

[DisneyJoe]

Imagine being able to track the movements of each and every visitor in the park....if properly analyzed and acted upon, many improvements could be made... traffic flow, shopping patterns, bathroom usage, food location usage, walkway congestion and flow....

 

[SWatsi]

That's odd...I only clicked the post button once...and then edited later.:veryconfu

Sorry!

Yeah I wondered what was going on. I thought either that or your WERE very enthused about it! :ROFLOL:

 

[Tink313]

Imagine just walking by a fastpass machine and it spitting one at you without you expecting it.:lol:

That would be so cool.


I havent read the article yet but how long does anyone think it will take to put this technology in the MK? Will it be out in time for MK 40th?(doubt it)

If they do they should also add it to tomorrowland & to future world. Just picture how much better MILF will be and SSE

 

[jakeman]

that was the first thing i thought of here was the privacy issue and how some people are going to scream about this .

But on other than that it's nice to see some new technology being introduce to the park.

I'm sure the form you complete would detail how the information would be used and require a signature (electronic or otherwise).

This seems like a rather ambitious plan. Any timetable?

 

[Rayray]

I actually am taking a class from the professor that owns part of the patent for this RFID technology. I can only say I wish I owned it rather than him haha

The technology is simply brilliant... will cut on many expenses in the longrun. I'm not surprised that Disney is getting into it.

 

[dxwwf3]

Sounds good to me. I'm not sure updating the interior of Fantasyland dark rides is the best way to spend money right now considering everything else that needs work, but at this point, anything they are willing actually spend money on and spend time to get it right, I can't complain about it.

 

[DisneyMusician2]

People always complain how Disney isn't on the cutting edge of technology anymore.

Well, this would certainly provide for a magical experience that people wouldn't normally get.

I know my son would think it would be the coolest thing if his room door opened because it knew we were coming.....

And I don't care if Disney knows where I am while I am on property. They can probably piece my day together just from examining my card uses now anyway. And people making a big stink over a single-finger park entry scan are overreacting to a simply spectacular degree.

Hope they get this done as soon as they can!

 

[GoCamels]

In theory I like the idea of using RFID technology to improve the vacation experience. I took my family to Great Wolf Lodge last weekend. It was very convenient having my room key and CC keyed into my wristband. Just a swipe and I was all set to open my room door or buy an adult beverage or three.

I too had my first experience with RFID at GWL Williamsburg on Sunday Night/Monday, and with the limited uses they were tapping (room key/purchases) Im more than a little excited about the potential this technology holds at all theme parks. A few things less to carry around.

Didn't I read somewhere that there's potential for a I-Phone app for the bar code for airline tix...think just having a bar code/RFID app that you use your phone for everything. I'd grab it in a heart beat.

As for the "privacy" issues? I hear aluminum foil hats are still on sale at "Ted's Black Helicopter Emporium".

 

[dxwwf3]

People always complain how Disney isn't on the cutting edge of technology anymore.

Excellent point! Even if I'm not totally sold as Fantasyland being the place that needs the most work at the resort, there would be no complaining from me if they decided to follow through with this initiative.

 

[Master Yoda]

I too had my first experience with RFID at GWL Williamsburg on Sunday Night/Monday, and with the limited uses they were tapping (room key/purchases) Im more than a little excited about the potential this technology holds at all theme parks. A few things less to carry around.

Didn't I read somewhere that there's potential for a I-Phone app for the bar code for airline tix...think just having a bar code/RFID app that you use your phone for everything. I'd grab it in a heart beat.

As for the "privacy" issues? I hear aluminum foil hats are still on sale at "Ted's Black Helicopter Emporium".

Ted's was infiltrated by a CIA operative a few months ago. You will need to make your own hat. Here are the plans. http://zapatopi.net/afdb/build.html



:lol:

 

[tirian]

Sounds good to me. I'm not sure updating the interior of Fantasyland dark rides is the best way to spend money right now considering everything else that needs work, but at this point, anything they are willing actually spend money on and spend time to get it right, I can't complain about it.

This involves a complete refurb of Fantasyland. New façades, new attraction interiors, new E-ticket (TLM). If approved, this will make DL's New Fantasyland truly look like it's from the 1980s.

Hmmmm...so it seems Disney is looking to renovate an existing area instead of building a new one to compete with HP at Universal. :drevil:

(BTW, I personally don't have a problem with the Medieval Faire look of Fantasyland; we have the architecture at Epcot to make up for DL's Fantasyland. But I won't complain if ours looks more like a real village after this proposed renovation!)

 

[Figment632]

What don't you like about it?:shrug:

I don't know I guess I should because I used to love when ET said my name at the end of the ride in uni. It seems to me that the only reason they may do this is to keep track of you while your in WDW.

 

[TubaGeek]

I don't know I guess I should because I used to love when ET said my name at the end of the ride in uni. It seems to me that the only reason they may do this is to keep track of you while your in WDW.

WHO CARES if Disney keeps track of you? What possible difference could it make to your vacation? Other than all of the benefits we've been discussing on this thread.
Disney could use that info to get better detailed data on park traffic. Can you imagine watching a giant park map with a light representing each person? Watching where they go throughout the day (which Disney already does to some extent) would be a great planning tool for them.

 

[dxwwf3]

This involves a complete refurb of Fantasyland. New façades, new attraction interiors, new E-ticket (TLM). If approved, this will make DL's New Fantasyland truly look like it's from the 1980s.

Hmmmm...so it seems Disney is looking to renovate an existing area instead of building a new one to compete with HP at Universal. :drevil:

(BTW, I personally don't have a problem with the Medieval Faire look of Fantasyland; we have the architecture at Epcot to make up for DL's Fantasyland. But I won't complain if ours looks more like a real village after this proposed renovation!)

To me, everything else in that planned rehab is more important than this technology in the actual attractions. That technology elsewhere and for other things, that's a different story.

I also don't have any problems with the look of our Fantasyland right now. Disneyland's is far superior, but that is mainly because of the actual attractions there and not just the great architecture.

 

[plutoismyhero]

I think that this could do nothing but increase the magic and WDW unless of course they try and make it into a pal mickey then its gonna bomb....but i personally love the idea...i think people should give it more of a chance before bashing it.

 

[jakeman]

I too had my first experience with RFID at GWL Williamsburg on Sunday Night/Monday, and with the limited uses they were tapping (room key/purchases) Im more than a little excited about the potential this technology holds at all theme parks. A few things less to carry around.

Didn't I read somewhere that there's potential for a I-Phone app for the bar code for airline tix...think just having a bar code/RFID app that you use your phone for everything. I'd grab it in a heart beat.

As for the "privacy" issues? I hear aluminum foil hats are still on sale at "Ted's Black Helicopter Emporium".

Thread drift...

By GoCamels, you don't mean the Campbell Camels do you?

 

[MousDad]

I'm going to go out on a limb here and give this a thumbs up.

Thumbs up also to Iger and his 2 trips to Florida.