News Digital Key coming soon to Walt Disney World Resort hotels

[wdwmagic]

A new feature in the My Disney Experience app will allow guests to quickly unlock their hotel room using a digital key on their mobile devices.

https://www.wdwmagic.com/other/myma...g-soon-to-walt-disney-world-resort-hotels.htm

 

[DznyGrlSD]

...but why? isn't that the point of the magic band?

 

[mcbates23]

The MB does cost them money for each one they make. If they force you to use the app for hotel/park tickets/FastPass they would save a lot of money.

 

[ToTBellHop]

The MB does cost them money for each one they make. If they force you to use the app for hotel/park tickets/FastPass they would save a lot of money.

Mmmhmm

 

[ABQ]

...but why? isn't that the point of the magic band?

Had the same thought, though you don't have to be as much of a contortionist to hold your phone to the touch point as you do your wrist.

 

[nicb88]

I wonder if they’ll ever expand the MDE app to Apple Watch and other smart watches. Then, they could essentially act as a MagicBand if in time the phone features encompass fastpass, charging and room key.

 

[micdisney]

The MB does cost them money for each one they make. If they force you to use the app for hotel/park tickets/FastPass they would save a lot of money.

They also make money though from the ones people buy at the park as well as the accesroies people get. Maybe that doesn't bring in enough for them to keep it though

 

[larryz]

Interesting that the digital key is bluetooth... the MBs are still RFID... the article says either or both can be used (for now, anyway)...

I wonder how long it will take for some miscreant to crack this.

 

[Gitson Shiggles]

The MB does cost them money for each one they make. If they force you to use the app for hotel/park tickets/FastPass they would save a lot of money.

They also make money though from the ones people buy at the park as well as the accesroies people get. Maybe that doesn't bring in enough for them to keep it though

Other hoteliers are already doing this. This seems to be more of a “keep up with the rest of hotel industry” move than one that saves money.

 

[larryz]

Other hoteliers are already doing this. This seems to be more of a “keep up with the rest of hotel industry” move than one that saves money.

Ah, more "keeping up with the Hiltons." I'm sure this will go a long way toward justifying a resort fee.

 

[trainplane3]

- Puts phone in front pocket
- Pelvic thrusts to unlock door
I like this.
This is neat but I don't think I'll be using this at all.

 

[tissandtully]

Did this at a Doubletree a couple months ago and it worked pretty well. Apple Watch integration would be awesome.

 

[NormC]

Interesting that the digital key is bluetooth... the MBs are still RFID... the article says either or both can be used (for now, anyway)...

I wonder how long it will take for some miscreant to crack this.

Magic bands have two passive RFID and one Bluetooth LE device.

 

[wdwmagic]

Apple Watch integration would be awesome.

Indeed it would! Hopefully that is in the works.

 

[larryz]

Magic bands have two passive RFID and one Bluetooth LE device.

I didn't know the 2.4 ghz radio was bluetooth... that's interesting.

 

[Dave B]

What if you don't have a cell phone, still use Magic Bands or are you given a hotel key? Are they going to get rid of Magic Bands already?

 

[drizgirl]

What if you don't have a cell phone, still use Magic Bands or are you given a hotel key? Are they going to get rid of Magic Bands already?

Then you have to sleep in the parking spot outside you are being charged for.

 

[drizgirl]

...but why? isn't that the point of the magic band?

Because you silly...... TECH!

 

[HauntedPirate]

Ah, more "keeping up with the Hiltons." I'm sure this will go a long way toward justifying a resort fee.

A new MAGICAL!!! benefit of the MyDisney Experience app - unlocking your room with your mobile device!!! Brought to you by the Disney Resort Fee©.

 

[tissandtully]

Again, this just seems pointless. There was a rumor about 8 months ago that indicated they where going to have a greeting in your hotel room where the lightd and TV would turn on and welcome you, much rather have that than this.

Also, IMHO opening your hotel door with your magic band feels magical and is a fun and cute way for them to intergrade tech in hotels, this just takes the fun out of it.

If only the door hardware wouldn't have issues with people with multiple Magicbands on their account. I had to deactivate most of my older ones to finally get the doors to work reliably.