First - THANK YOU MODS for creating this thread...
.
Now, if what I'm going to post does NOT fit? Feel free to delete it. It's likely incomplete, and OTHER folks may wish to add to this?
"Understanding the WDW Computer System - and how to protect yourself when it Croaks".
1)
There IS no single "computer system". There are SEVERAL...
a)
ME has a separate, non-Disney system that can only TALK to the Disney System when things work. ME is run by MEARS, under contract. SIGNS OF FAILURE - no MDE. SOLUTION: Contact MEARS directly (Data Below).
b)
EACH HOTEL has a LOCAL Computer system, concerned with KeyLocks, Room assignment, and room billing. Again, these need to be able to TALK to the Central WDW Computer system. SIGNS OF FAILURE - MB works EVERYWHERE (even Hotel Restaurants), except on Keylocks. SOLUTION: Please do NOT "reprogram" a MB, if it works everywhere else
. Ask for Hotel room Keycards. "Reprogramming" at the Hotel is a PUSH to the Central System, that can mess up everything ELSE your MB can do
.
c)
EACH RESTAURANT has a LOCAL Computer System dealing with THAT DAYS Reservations. These ALSO need to talk to the Main WDW system. SIGNS OF FAILURE - "We don't have your Reservation". SOLUTION: PRINT and CARRY all MDE Reservation numbers. Always be ready to present these (more data below).
d)
PARKS appear to have individual entry systems. We have seen issues with entry at ONE Park, that does not carry over to ANOTHER Park. Again, every Park needs to be able to TALK to the Main WDW Computer system.
The above MIGHT sound negative. It isn't. It's a very GOOD design, referred to as
"distributed computing". If the CENTRAL System fails, smaller individual systems can still function, for a while. So - you can enter parks, but your MB won't open your door. All of your RESTAURANT stuff works, but ME never heard of you. It's as though "parts" of MDE are dead
. Yup, there is a downside to "distributed computing"
Now, everyone's head is exploding, and you never wanted to be a Computer Architect
. No problem - WDW seems to lack one of these as well
.
So WHAT to do?
1) RIGHT OFF -
about 3 days before vacation.... hit the OFFICIAL WDW Website. LOG IN. Hit "My Reservations" (when it's working). Now, PRINT THE WHOLE THING - both as PAPER that you can carry, and as a PDF that you can load onto your CELL PHONE. Boom - you have a copy of EVERY Reservation number.
TAKE THIS WITH YOU.
2)
When there is an issue? PRESENT that Res number. And be prepared to CALL The Phone CMs are wonderful. Not always, but often, they can crack into a failed system, and correct LOST Data.
But they NEED that Res Number.
Now -
reference PHONE NUMBERS - please, KEEP these on your Cell Phone:
1)
MEARS TRANSPORTATION: (855) 463 2776. When ME fails? CALL - have your MAIN WDW Reservation Number. These people are STUNNING.
2)
Walt Disney World/Customer service (407) 939-5277. Yup, it's gonna take a while. But the PHONE CMs are stunning. HAVE YOUR MAIN RESERVATION NUMBER,
There is probably more, that I can't recall right now. But this is the CRITICAL stuff.
The WDW Computer "system" is not just ONE system.
When you see "MDE"? You are looking at an illusion. One can cobble together a Web Site that LOOKS coherent, but actually tries to operate off of everything from modern technology, to 1970's IBM Mainframes.
All personal opinion - I'm not necessarily right, no one else is necessarily wrong.
