I'm not sure how Apple's tap to pay will work but with Google Wallet it is treated like a debit card. You need a pin number to access the funds. Its almost a combination of a banking app and standard debit card.
Yes but in a few years that will be different in a bad way. In the near future when it becomes common to use your phone and app for things like this it will just seem really silly to have to strap on some outdated plastic band to accommodate Disney's "system". I don't think WDW will want Walgreens to appear to be more advanced.
By next year all credit cards in the US will also require a PIN.
I doubt they are opening an apple store in Epcot, but they are opening one in Disney Springs.
Agreed, they will have to keep Magic Bands on hand for those that don't have phones/devices to support it.
Negative, a bus driver told me it was in Epcot because it has to do with technology. There will be a small satellite store in the Springs though as not everyone goes to Epcot.
Well if a bus driver said it...
A MagicBand does more than just facilitate payment and entry. The MagicBand tracks movement for analysis as well as for features like Memory Maker. Enabling that on a phone means ensuring that batteries are not drained too quickly. It also requires more directly asking people to enable such functions. One of the big advantages of the MagicBand is that they also work in water so you don't have to go dig out your phone if spending time at the pool or a water park.
I don't even use my credit card anymore but it seems long over due for something other than a signature.
And I am not going to ever doubt a Disney bus driver. Their word is gospel, and if people are atheists, good as gold.
Who said it has to be a phone? One of the big rumors about this press event is a waterproof watch. I could see the two working together seamlessly as well as also potentially working in conjunction to a Magic Band if needed. This could add more functionality to the system as phones have more sensors and capabilities. Just imagine you phone can alert you to ride closure and you can ask Siri to change your Fastpass or your phone recognizes that you've done a lot of walking for the day and makes some relaxing suggestions. I would expect much deeper integration into the MyMagic+ system and I don't see the Magic Band being able to deliver that. The system was built with the app from the very beginning for a very good reason.
The same iWatch rumors have also recently suggested that the battery life may not be all that great.
followed by restoration of original ride? (I can dream can't i?)
But more people are willing to buy just the phone than the phone and the watch.
Yes but many are less likely to use the functionality of the app because they think of the app and band as different things. When people start using their phone for Magic Band interactions it will increase the engagement of the app. This is a HUGE benefit for WDW as it gives them a greater opportunity to cross sell and up sell. This was the whole point of the MyMagic+ system and having it work on a phone will accomplish Disney's goals far greater.
I'm sure they will have solutions for all combinations of technology guests are using as well as other methods to account for contingencies for when peoples batteries die or other wise can't use certain devices. It's clear Disney wants guests to have their phones on them as they've been installing charging stations in the parks.
Disney could get people using the app more by just allowing to do more, like make the additional FastPass+ reservations. Disney also could have developed their own phone-based payment system like Starbucks or done something like Starwood and utilized Bluetooth. Opening up the phone for payment also removes a perk for staying onsite at Walt Disney World and thus the benefits Disney obtains by having people charge to their room.
If they allow the app to be able to charge purchases back to your room this is still a perk for just WDW guests.
