Magic Band Accessories

[Tim_4]

My bigger problem, which I've stated over and over, is that this WILL be used to create "haves" and "have nots". Stay in a resort, get extra fastpasses.

Guess what? The whole world has "haves" and "have nots," with everything in between. Some people can afford the Grand Floridian. I cannot. My experience is no worse because I know some people have a nicer resort than me.

This isn't even based on class. It's based on no more than willingness to wear a bracelet. If you want to be a "have" so bad, strap up. I'm sorry if Magic Bands ruin your Utopia of the Disney World proletariat rising up against the vicious bourgeoisie.

Spend more in generic Disney Parks crap, get more fastpasses.

That's just completely made up. You look foolish and lose credibility when you do crap like that.

 

[CDavid]

Skipping the band means you miss PLUS features, not the basic ones that already exist. The only way that's a problem is if you're the envious type who is somehow injured by other people having features that you don't. You make it seem like those without a band will be second class guests. You're wrong. No more than those without a Disney Visa or Tables in Wonderland are second class guests now.

No, that's a problem if you skip the band and happen to want to use one of the features (whatever those turn out to be) which aren't supported on the RFID card. It has absolutely nothing to do with being envious, injured, or a second class citizen.

 

[Sped2424]

No, that's a problem if you skip the band and happen to want to use one of the features which aren't supported on the RFID card. It has absolutely nothing to do with being envious, injured, or a second class citizen.

Then don't skip the band? I believe he mentioned the feature you miss is the long range rfid which is the interactive plane of it such as its a small world knowing its your birthday, a princess knowing your name receiving push notifications about meet and greets around the park. All of these are what you would technically miss and what you are technically missing now yet still enjoying every bit of your disney vacation! These bands offer another level of interactivity that is the initial draw for them and what you will miss if you opt out. See i could see an issue if disney only offered the band to a sort of premium high tier guest but that is not the case. Everyone can get a band, and everyone can enjoy this experience the only issue I see here is people just don't wanna wear the darn thing. And considering this is the first phase of this I would expect different types of things for the long range rfid as they mentioned jewelry etc etc.

 

[Tim_4]

No, that's a problem if you skip the band and happen to want to use one of the features which aren't supported on the RFID card. It has absolutely nothing to do with being envious, injured, or a second class citizen.

But that's not Disney's fault. If you want to use one of those features, DON'T skip the band.

If you want to enter the park, wear a shirt.

If you want to ride Space Mountain, walk to it.

If you want a monorail to your resort, stay on the loop.

If you want extra magic hours, stay on property.

If you want to watch TV, look for the remote.

If you want to pass Calculus, do your homework.

If you want to play baseball, wear a glove.

You see how that works? Life is full of minor inconveniences that we do all the time because the experience at the end of the tunnel is worth it. If it's not worth it, we don't undertake the inconvenience. Think of the new "Magic" features as an attraction and the inconvenience (if you consider it one) of wearing the band is like waiting in line to experience that attraction. You'd rather not, but it's either worth it or it isn't.

With the band, people who wear it get new experiences. Without the band, NO ONE. gets new ANYTHING. And y'all prefer the latter?

 

[CDavid]

The card does EVERYTHING except long range RFID. If it involves "touch-to-do-something," the card can do it, including Fastpass+. The reason for this is because the long range RFID requires broadcasting a signal, which requires a battery that can't be made flat and put into a ticket.

I see no reason it couldn't be made relatively flat, like a car key fob, just not nearly as thin as a credit card. Most of a Magic Band is just "band" anyway, right, with the electronics basically where a watch would nornally go?

 

[cslafferty]

I'm thinking the long range RFID might be used in things like character meet and greets and the "talking" Mickey so he can call kids by name . . . yes?

 

[Tim_4]

I see no reason it couldn't be made relatively flat, like a car key fob, just not nearly as thin as a credit card. Most of a Magic Band is just "band" anyway, right, with the electronics basically where a watch would nornally go?

The people who prefer the card generally want to put it in their wallet. The battery is too thick for that form.

I'm thinking the long range RFID might be used in things like character meet and greets and the "talking" Mickey so he can call kids by name . . . yes?

Talking Mickey is a long way off but basically yes. A band kid might get "hi Jimmy" versus "hiya pal" for a non-band kid.

Edit: Even that's not necessarily true if they put touch points in the meet and greet queues. The long range stuff would be your family name appearing in a window or something like that. Also long range Photo Pass.

 

[cslafferty]

I see no reason it couldn't be made relatively flat, like a car key fob, just not nearly as thin as a credit card. Most of a Magic Band is just "band" anyway, right, with the electronics basically where a watch would nornally go?

Because then I have to make sure I'm wearing something with pockets or bring a wallet/purse - and then that means I have to stop at the security check point. I for one like the band idea because I can just slap that puppy on and walk on through the gates. It's a matter of personal preference - some are going to like it, and some won't.

 

[Tim_4]

Because then I have to make sure I'm wearing something with pockets or bring a wallet/purse - and then that means I have to stop at the security check point. I for one like the band idea because I can just slap that puppy on and walk on through the gates. It's a matter of personal preference - some are going to like it, and some won't.

And that's what they're going for. I'm not the biggest band supporter in the world because I like a watch on my left and nothing on my right but I'll definitely wear one when I stay on property for two main reasons: pools and water parks.

 

[CDavid]

But that's not Disney's fault. If you want to use one of those features, DON'T skip the band.

If you want to enter the park, wear a shirt.

If you want to ride Space Mountain, walk to it.

If you want a monorail to your resort, stay on the loop.

If you want extra magic hours, stay on property.

If you want to watch TV, look for the remote.

If you want to pass Calculus, do your homework.

If you want to play baseball, wear a glove.

You see how that works? Life is full of minor inconveniences that we do all the time because the experience at the end of the tunnel is worth it. If it's not worth it, we don't undertake the inconvenience. Think of the new "Magic" features as an attraction and the inconvenience (if you consider it one) of wearing the band is like waiting in line to experience that attraction. You'd rather not, but it's either worth it or it isn't

I get your point, and even agree with you to a point, I just don't think any of the analogies above really works. A card to a band is a fundamental change in ticket media, rather than something we're accustomed to being necessary to participate in a given activity.

I'm not the biggest band supporter in the world because I like a watch on my left and nothing on my right but I'll definitely wear one when I stay on property for two main reasons: pools and water parks.

Indeed, I see the advantages at a water park. Though it makes little sense, while I'll wear a watch with no problem, a band on the other hand would drive me nuts.

 

[copcarguyp71]

I hate repeating myself here but the magic band is once again optional if you don't want one don't get one, no need to say that this one piece of optional equipment will single handedly ruin your entire stay.

BUT... per disney you may have a lesser experience as understand it if you do opt out...so resistance is futile if you want to take full benefit of all the offerings if I am reading into all of this correctly.

 

[Buried20KLeague]

Guess what? The whole world has "haves" and "have nots," with everything in between. Some people can afford the Grand Floridian. I cannot. My experience is no worse because I know some people have a nicer resort than me.

This isn't even based on class. It's based on no more than willingness to wear a bracelet. If you want to be a "have" so bad, strap up. I'm sorry if Magic Bands ruin your Utopia of the Disney World proletariat rising up against the vicious bourgeoisie.

That's just completely made up. You look foolish and lose credibility when you do crap like that.

That's not the point. It's that up till now, everyone has been on a level playing field and that's about to change. That should bother all of us.

And my "spend more" comment was a hypothetical. It's one of the many possible ways that have been discussed on this site regarding how Disney could reward those it chooses to. I'm not sure how brainstorming possible ways Disney could use this in their favor hurts my credibility. We've put together a fairly long list of ways that all make some sense. We've been given hardly any solid info on where this is all going. To not see this system for what it is - data mining and cost controlling while increasing revenue - makes me question YOUR credibility... Or at least your motives.

 

[Sped2424]

BUT... per disney you may have a lesser experience as understand it if you do opt out...so resistance is futile if you want to take full benefit of all the offerings if I am reading into all of this correctly.

The lesser experience much like the wristband is also optional and its currently the experience guests have at the parks now. I already listed all the pluses that came with the wristband in my previous post. If you like the way you enjoy disney parks now then no harm no foul because you can do everything minus all the interactive experiences, but if you want to do those you are going to have to opt in to wear a wristband. I just don't see why that is so devastating.

 

[Tim_4]

That's not the point. It's that up till now, everyone has been on a level playing field and that's about to change. That should bother all of us.

And my "spend more" comment was a hypothetical. It's one of the many possible ways that have been discussed on this site regarding how Disney could reward those it chooses to. I'm not sure how brainstorming possible ways Disney could use this in their favor hurts my credibility. We've put together a fairly long list of ways that all make some sense. We've been given hardly any solid info on where this is all going. To not see this system for what it is - data mining and cost controlling while increasing revenue - makes me question YOUR credibility... Or at least your motives.

Nope it's ABSOLUTELY data mining. But they'll mine the data whether you use a band or a card.

Please stop with the level playing field nonsense. You sound like an honest to goodness communist.

 

[Sped2424]

Nope it's ABSOLUTELY data mining. But they'll mine the data whether you use a band or a card.

That was the whole reason why they are willing to spend 2 billion on this and around 500 million around park expansions. Because if they can get the actual data of where and when and what you spend money on in the parks you bet they are going to build the parks around it. Its disney guys.

 

[Tim_4]

That was the whole reason why they are willing to spend 2 billion on this and around 500 million around park expansions. Because if they can get the actual data of where and when and what you spend money on in the parks you bet they are going to build the parks around it. Its disney guys.

Yup. People say "Disney is doing this to make money." Well yeah. Duh. But that doesn't mean it's bad for the guest. The only way they get your money is if they do something you WANT to pay for, meaning what's good for Disney is ALSO good for the guest.

1. They mine data so they can find out what you like

2. They can offer MORE of what you like.

3. You pay them for it.

Obviously they're after #3 but the process requires number 2, which should make us all happy happy happy.

 

[cslafferty]

To not see this system for what it is - data mining and cost controlling while increasing revenue - makes me question YOUR credibility... Or at least your motives.

Isn't this what all successful businesses do? While I don't know all the details or "where this is all going," I'm going to keep an open mind and trust TDO - not because I'm blinded by pixie dust, but because Disney is a multi-billion dollar organization. WDW is the #1 tourist destination, and they want to keep it that way. They're not going to make major changes in how they do things without researching, speculating, surveying, and number-crunching to the nth degree. Like all successful businesses, they want to keep people happy so they'll keep spending their money and keep coming back. If people don't think they're getting a good enough return for their money, they'll stop coming. So, I'm going to trust that this next gen stuff is worth it. I'll see for myself in Dec.

 

[Sped2424]

Isn't this what all successful businesses do? While I don't know all the details or "where this is all going," I'm going to keep an open mind and trust TDO - not because I'm blinded by pixie dust, but because Disney is a multi-billion dollar organization. WDW is the #1 tourist destination, and they want to keep it that way. They're not going to make major changes in how they do things without researching, speculating, surveying, and number-crunching to the nth degree. Like all successful businesses, they want to keep people happy so they'll keep spending their money and keep coming back. If people don't think they're getting a good enough return for their money, they'll stop coming. So, I'm going to trust that this next gen stuff is worth it. I'll see for myself in Dec.

Hey if they figure out no one buys this crappy piece of merchandise or no one goes to this specific one store then they will put money into it to make us wanna go there and spend our money, win win!

 

[Buried20KLeague]

Nope it's ABSOLUTELY data mining. But they'll mine the data whether you use a band or a card.

Please stop with the level playing field nonsense. You sound like an honest to goodness communist.

Communism is just a red herring.

So just so I'm clear... You don't think I should care if other people are givern twice as many fastpasses (HYPOTHETICALLY) during my next 10 day trip, or that I might not be able to even get a FP for multiple E- tickets over multiple days if I don't know I'm visiting 60 days in advance in order to make reservations? That makes me communist?

 

[lazyboy97o]

That was the whole reason why they are willing to spend 2 billion on this and around 500 million around park expansions. Because if they can get the actual data of where and when and what you spend money on in the parks you bet they are going to build the parks around it. Its disney guys.

Disney made a name for themselves by giving people something they did not know they wanted, not chasing trends. It hasn't worked yet and it won't work this time. No amount of technology can replace what has been lost.