Lost kids and magic bands

[I'mwatchinguWizowski]

Disney tracking aside, I have a child with autism as well and while he doesn’t wander I think these are a great idea
https://www.verizonwireless.com/connected-devices/lg-gizmopal-2/
You add them to your cell plan for about $5 a month. I know a lot of families that use them and would be a great idea in your situation possibly?

 

[Goofyernmost]

The Magic Bands have that ability and it was something that they promoted initially. They probably still do have that ability but Disney is keeping quiet about it because of the absolutely idiotic reaction to it from parents. They decided that somehow a predator that apparently had access to the tracking device, would spot a beep that looked appealing. Go to where they last saw the location and snatch the child. A lot of assumptions have to happen like, for example, the child not move from that spot once they located him/her. That they would likely be alone and not with their family. It was an utterly stupid argument from people without enough common sense to blow out a candle.

However, I firmly believe that they still can find a missing child, and of all the features on that self serving device, that is the likeliest to be a benefit for the guest.

 

[MaryJaneP]

It seems as though the answer to the OP's question about whether the MB can be used to "search" for a missing child has been mostly answered that, in all probability, WDW does not offer, and MB may not be the best technology to pursue, this functionality.

As a topic, though, this is a useful debate and our recollection is that there are numerous technologies (i.e. wearable items) that offer this exact functionality. Parents that are concerned or wish to have this available to them may want to investigate these other outside products. While a leash is not our style, we would be more "tile" kinda people. Less costly, and non-technology-dependent solutions, some of which have already been mentioned (i.e. lanyards, etc) also could be used.

 

["El Gran Magnifico"]

If lost they can identify the child via the Magic Band - with info relayed to security and/or cast members. At that point.......finding the adults that are freaking out won't be difficult........They'd be looking for you, more than you would be looking for them.

 

[Goofyernmost]

It seems as though the answer to the OP's question about whether the MB can be used to "search" for a missing child has been mostly answered that, in all probability, WDW does not offer, and MB may not be the best technology to pursue, this functionality.

As a topic, though, this is a useful debate and our recollection is that there are numerous technologies (i.e. wearable items) that offer this exact functionality. Parents that are concerned or wish to have this available to them may want to investigate these other outside products. While a leash is not our style, we would be more "tile" kinda people. Less costly, and non-technology-dependent solutions, some of which have already been mentioned (i.e. lanyards, etc) also could be used.

I think they use it, but, I don't think they publicize it. Course the kid has to be wearing the MB for it to work.

 

[lazyboy97o]

Florida Statute 934.425(2) “Except as provided in subsection (4), a person may not knowingly install a tracking device or tracking application on another person’s property without the other person’s consent.”

Since it’s all built on a web-based system, I imagine collecting such information for children under 13 without consent would be a violation of COPPA.

Specific tracking would also be a breach of Disney’s privacy policy.

 

[larryz]

Florida Statute 934.425(2) “Except as provided in subsection (4), a person may not knowingly install a tracking device or tracking application on another person’s property without the other person’s consent.”

Since it’s all built on a web-based system, I imagine collecting such information for children under 13 without consent would be a violation of COPPA.

Specific tracking would also be a breach of Disney’s privacy policy.

A parent strapping a MagicBand on their kid's wrist looks like consent to me.

 

[lazyboy97o]

A parent strapping a MagicBand on their kid's wrist looks like consent to me.

Getting consent for one thing and doing something else is not consent. Disney says they are not getting individualized real-time location information.

 

[MaryJaneP]

Who gives consent for minors?

 

[PG 134]

Magic Bands just track where they were last scanned. Some examples would be fast pass entrance, park entrance, scanned as payment, and scanned to get into resort room.

IF the Magic Bands are attached to a Disney Magic Experience account, all that information should show up when scanned. If not attached, would show name and if they have annual, DVC, Florida Resident, Cast Member, and such status. It is how security can tell at resort entries where your resort or dining reservation is by scanning. That is assuming you handed them the right Magic Band and not another person in your party's Band.

Average random Cast Member does not have access to this information. Only select departments involved would have access like Security, Guest Relations/Concierge, various Management and such.

Previous poster who mentioned taking photo at beginning of day has a good idea. Information is gathered from parent or child and then sent across all company radios on property.

Important information to give Cast Members:
Name, age, physical description, clothing, last location seen, possible previously established meet location, Resort/Room number(if staying on property), car description/location (maybe they went to car in parking lot). Advise your child to speak with anyone with Cast Member nametag if they become separated. Most Cast Members wear the white background one with few wearing blue variant.

~Hope this helps~

 

[larryz]

Magic Bands just track where they were last scanned. Some examples would be fast pass entrance, park entrance, scanned as payment, and scanned to get into resort room.

Doesn't this ignore the long-range scanners (ride photos, personalized experiences)? No intentional scan done for those.

 

[lazyboy97o]

Magic Bands just track where they were last scanned. Some examples would be fast pass entrance, park entrance, scanned as payment, and scanned to get into resort room.

MagicBands are tracked beyond when they are scanned. In some cases the readers can also pick up the RFID cards without being tapped (Disney had to update their terms and privacy policy to acknowledge that they could be read but will not be tracked).

 

[PG 134]

Doesn't this ignore the long-range scanners (ride photos, personalized experiences)? No intentional scan done for those.

I was just giving examples.

 

[WDWBusDriver]

Unfortunately, no. They will be unable to track you down using your magic bands. However, if he will be wearing his own they can get your names and information on where you are staying to assist in reuniting your family.

The way a lost parent, (children are never lost at Disney, but their parents can be), is found is by getting a description of the parents clothing and doing a visual search of the park. Basically just a BOLO (Be On the Look Out). In order to help this process, place in his pocket a short description of your appearance and if you'd like to get extra helpful, a short description of your clothing. And if he were to ever wander and not be able to find you, have him talk to ANY Cast Member and give them that paper. The Cast Member will be able to get the search process going and keep him feeling safe.