the-reason14
Well-Known Member
Didnt the original post say that this was a test? If yea, then hopefully it will stay at just that. Nothing really to get to worked up about, until they say this is an official change.
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Possible Change to Evening EMH Policy
- Thread starter mousefan1972
- Start date
Didnt the original post say that this was a test? If yea, then hopefully it will stay at just that. Nothing really to get to worked up about, until they say this is an official change.
MIDisneyFamily
Member
Well it really cant be about the cost of the wristbands, these things are only less than a nickle each, with as many as Disney buys. Im sure they trying to figure out a new system, and with each study of a new process, there are tests of different kinds. This is just one step in the study of a new method for EMH. im sure there will be a test of some other method too to work something new out. When we did the E ticket nights back a few years ago, I remembered a lot of non-banded guests mulling around, like the EMH, and then that dissapted after the first hour or so. I have never attended any other After hours payed event, how well does the park clearing work for that? Do they have more park clearing staff?
Space Mountain
Well-Known Member
Like I previously said, this will eliminate guests which sneak past the greeter scanning room keys for wristbands, and it was prevent people from reusing their wristbands.
Silvermist
Member
I really don't understand what all the fuss is about. It is a very simple matter to hang a kttk in a clear plastic sheath on a thin lanyard and wear that around your neck. It is MUCH more visible than a wristband and there is no need to pull anything from your pocket. Parents of children under a certain age can wear their children's cards on their own lanyard. I agree, as they are designed right now, it would be impossible to discern whether they are current or from a previous resort stay, but with a little design adjustment, the valid resort stay dates could be made very prominent.
This type of easily and instantly recognizable ID is used every day for hospital staff and other corporate employees throughout the nation. Resort guests could wear the lanyards throughout the day so they would be readily available for fastpass use or should they prefer, they could only wear them once EMH begins. NO wristbands, no need for CM's standing there checking id's and handing out wristbands.
Is it perfectly fool proof? No, nothing is. But seems to me it would be a more fool proof system than the wristbands. As far as clearing out the park, anyone not wearing that VERY prominent id around their neck would be quickly spotted and directed to the exit in whatever manner management currently utilizes.
IMO, there should be NO non-resort guests in the park during EMHs. When you offer perks to your resort guests (or sell admission to a specific event for an additional cost), the value of that perk (or exclusive event) is greatly diluted if the general public is allowed to easily take advantage of that same benefit.
This type of easily and instantly recognizable ID is used every day for hospital staff and other corporate employees throughout the nation. Resort guests could wear the lanyards throughout the day so they would be readily available for fastpass use or should they prefer, they could only wear them once EMH begins. NO wristbands, no need for CM's standing there checking id's and handing out wristbands.
Is it perfectly fool proof? No, nothing is. But seems to me it would be a more fool proof system than the wristbands. As far as clearing out the park, anyone not wearing that VERY prominent id around their neck would be quickly spotted and directed to the exit in whatever manner management currently utilizes.
IMO, there should be NO non-resort guests in the park during EMHs. When you offer perks to your resort guests (or sell admission to a specific event for an additional cost), the value of that perk (or exclusive event) is greatly diluted if the general public is allowed to easily take advantage of that same benefit.
Phonedave
Well-Known Member
So is resort buses, but, people not staying on property are using them to get around. And there is no checking to see if the person is a resort guest or not.
So, after reading these pages, let me see if I get this straight. Disney will scan your room keys at the entrance to the rides, not at the entrance to the park????? Truly doesn't make sense but, ok... Basically, they are saying the CMs cannot tell the difference between a slim piece of paper pass or a credit card feeling piece of plastic card??? And if you are not a resort guests, you get to stay in the park, but can't ride the rides?? Is that fair??? So, EMH doesn't have to clear the park then...ANYONE can stay, but only resort guests can ride the rides???
Am I confused or is this just a terrible idea????
The busses were covered by others.
It's not a matter of telling the difference between "a slim piece of paper pass or a credit card feeling piece of plastic card". It's a matter of paper wristbands are VERY easy to get though "illegal" means. Room keys are a lot harder to reproduce. With the advent of barcoding, it will be even still harder. And no, barcoded wristbands will not be the answer, because many people get "extra" wristbands via friends of friends of CM's (Sorry to all you honest CM's out there, but this does happen) or though other means.
My solution? Go one step further.
Wristbands for everyone, and you also need to scan your room card at the entrace to all attractions. The CM's can spot the bands easily to move non-resort guests out of the park. And the room key scan ensures that nobody but resort guests are getting on the ride.
How does this help you ask. Right now if you counterfit a wristband you get to ride attractions. Under my scheme, if you get an "illegal" wristband, all it allows you to do is wander around and shop. Not much of an incentive.
As somone who allways stays on property, and is quite frankly getting sick of the Evening EMH crowding, I welcome this test.
-dave
Doesn't matter to me about the wristbands or not...
BUT..to the person who said they called disney and they said the buses were for people staying on site only, I ALSO called, and they said they were for anyone with a park ticket...
Think of this issue, my timeshare offered a shuttle, my shuttle dropped me off, I am on property with no car, and my timeshare doesn't take me from park to park.
Umm..I have to park at the TTC for Magic Kingdom....where I have to take SOME form of transportation to get there, with my three children...do I FLY?
BUT..to the person who said they called disney and they said the buses were for people staying on site only, I ALSO called, and they said they were for anyone with a park ticket...
Think of this issue, my timeshare offered a shuttle, my shuttle dropped me off, I am on property with no car, and my timeshare doesn't take me from park to park.
Umm..I have to park at the TTC for Magic Kingdom....where I have to take SOME form of transportation to get there, with my three children...do I FLY?
I may be totally wrong about this, but my understanding was that transportation to and from resorts from the parks was limited to resort guests, but transportation between parks was included in your admission. So, monorail from MK to TTC, then on to Epcot was OK. Resort monorail was only for resort guests. The same with boats. Ferry boat was OK, launches are only for resort guests.
The same holds true at Epcot. Launches to DHS via Epcot resorts are OK for non-resort guests (even though they are also transportation for Epcot resort guests), buses from MK, DHS, & Epcot to AK are OK, but buses to, say, CBR are only for resort guests.
Syntho_Magnetic
Member
I think the perk is getting on the rides with no queue. I've never had a major problem with queues for food and merchandise after hours. Not only the reasons I mentioned before like the inferno barge blowoff, but on any other day everyone is welcome to shop a little after official closing. Should they immediately force non-resort guests out only on EMH days? It seems harsh to me and it would certainly affect their pocketbook. As long as it isn't a record crowd and they're not clogging up the ride queues, they don't bother me.
I know you can at least use the resort monorails, whether you don't stay on property period or if you're in another resort. My friend always stays at Animal Kingdom, but he loves to dine at the California Grill atop the Contemporary to watch the fireworks. And they really advertise that restaurant and some of the other resort eateries on the Travel Channel and such.
I think having a legitimate reason (even if it's just to look at the lobby) to be at a resort qualifies you as a resort guest, if only a short term one.
I think the "for resort guests only" is to keep people from parking at the resorts and taking resort transportation to/from the parks. But I can't remember the last time I had to show a resort ID, except when boarding the launches for WL & Polynesian. And even then, it wasn't every trip.
Which is a completely different discussion. Sorry, I was being purposely vague because I didn't want to go there. :lol:
mickeysgal
New Member
I don't understand why the hotels don't distribute the wristbands, along with the parks. The perk is for resort guest, so they are at the hotels anyway. Families could stop by guest relations and pick up their wristbands before they head out to the parks or throughout the day. Then later at the parks, attraction CM's can stop anyone who tries to get on an attraction without a wristband. If they can show valid id, they're given a wristband, if not, they are shown the exit. I think if the wristbands are available at the hotels throughout the day, the less locations would be needed at the parks.
Operationally, it wouldn't be that difficult. Every morning the hotels are told a wristband color to distribute. Signs can be put up in the lobby and in the weekly newsletter, telling guest where to get them. Since lobby's are less crowded than the theme parks, I believe this would be less confusing for the guests. Also, when getting their wristbands, guests can get additional info about EMH in general.
Just my 2 cents, though.... I wish they would bring back the E-Ride nights as well. I participated in those every chance I could. I would gladly pay again to run from ride to ride, over and over again.
Operationally, it wouldn't be that difficult. Every morning the hotels are told a wristband color to distribute. Signs can be put up in the lobby and in the weekly newsletter, telling guest where to get them. Since lobby's are less crowded than the theme parks, I believe this would be less confusing for the guests. Also, when getting their wristbands, guests can get additional info about EMH in general.
Just my 2 cents, though.... I wish they would bring back the E-Ride nights as well. I participated in those every chance I could. I would gladly pay again to run from ride to ride, over and over again.
MSTINKHERBELL01
New Member
I think this is very interesting info. I guess the only thing to do now is wait for the yay or nay in this from Disney!
While I visit wdw once a month and US/IOA less
, I have not had any issues using my resort key at IOA/US as express passes for my son and I. It was easy actually and took all of a few seconds for the cast to check the valid dates and allow us entry.
I would assume that this would be easy for WDW cast as well. The same way Disney would swipe your room key to verify if it's valid prior to you getting the wrist bands, they could do the same for entry to the rides or simply check the dates.
I dont know:shrug: Let's just see what happens Ohana!
Magical Day All!
While I visit wdw once a month and US/IOA less
, I have not had any issues using my resort key at IOA/US as express passes for my son and I. It was easy actually and took all of a few seconds for the cast to check the valid dates and allow us entry. I would assume that this would be easy for WDW cast as well. The same way Disney would swipe your room key to verify if it's valid prior to you getting the wrist bands, they could do the same for entry to the rides or simply check the dates.
I dont know:shrug: Let's just see what happens Ohana!
Magical Day All!
sweetpee_1993
Well-Known Member
First and foremost, agree, disagree, understand, or confused I have to applaud the powers that be at WDW for continuing to stay open to new ideas and make the effort to address the problem of non-resort guests staying for EMH's. Good on them.
I wouldn't have a problem showing a wristband and a resort id. I think the barcode thing with the scanners at all attractions is a great idea. Also, the barcode scanners could be added to all registers at dining/retail locations so that the only way a CM can complete a transaction is to make a valid scan first. This would also deter non-guests from hanging out. People say it would be a hassle to scan KTTK cards for their children and the possibility of trying to keep up with them would cause extra loss of cards. Well, if you knew you had to have the cards to function you would be more cautious with them as well as find an easily accessible place to store them. If lost, you have to report to a few locations spread out where you are required to show identification which is searchable in the computer system proving you belong. Then a temporary paper barcode card can be handed out AND the old key card is deactivated so someone finding it or having purchased it from a guest now has a useless piece of plastic. This would be even more incentive to be careful with the cards not to lose the keys or demagnetize them because one would have the additional hassle of getting new keys when they return to their resort. Also, wandering security can be checking keys AND wristbands. Non-guests are escorted to key locations where they are passed off to CMs who escort groups of these people out.
In December I remember overhearing a group of 20-something girls who were discussing buying the MVMCP tix (guess they didn't know it was sold out). One kept arguing that they should just go in the park and stay. She repeatedly said, "How will they know? They won't know." I just chuckled. At some point they'd be out. We got our wristbands checked at every attraction or cocoa-n-cookie spot.
I wouldn't have a problem showing a wristband and a resort id. I think the barcode thing with the scanners at all attractions is a great idea. Also, the barcode scanners could be added to all registers at dining/retail locations so that the only way a CM can complete a transaction is to make a valid scan first. This would also deter non-guests from hanging out. People say it would be a hassle to scan KTTK cards for their children and the possibility of trying to keep up with them would cause extra loss of cards. Well, if you knew you had to have the cards to function you would be more cautious with them as well as find an easily accessible place to store them. If lost, you have to report to a few locations spread out where you are required to show identification which is searchable in the computer system proving you belong. Then a temporary paper barcode card can be handed out AND the old key card is deactivated so someone finding it or having purchased it from a guest now has a useless piece of plastic. This would be even more incentive to be careful with the cards not to lose the keys or demagnetize them because one would have the additional hassle of getting new keys when they return to their resort. Also, wandering security can be checking keys AND wristbands. Non-guests are escorted to key locations where they are passed off to CMs who escort groups of these people out.
In December I remember overhearing a group of 20-something girls who were discussing buying the MVMCP tix (guess they didn't know it was sold out). One kept arguing that they should just go in the park and stay. She repeatedly said, "How will they know? They won't know." I just chuckled. At some point they'd be out. We got our wristbands checked at every attraction or cocoa-n-cookie spot.
Captain Chaos
Well-Known Member
You never had to show proof of staying on property, yet, the bus system was advertised as a perk for staying on property.... More than likely Disney felt it would be easier to let anyone use it rather than cause a scene, but, then stop saying it is a perk.... And yes, they do still say that....
This is the point I am getting at... Disney says the bus system is a perk for people staying on site, but then allows all guests to use them ( fine by me, I really don't care, just stop saying it is for people staying on site only cause that is a lie).... Because EMH is for peopel staying on site too.. If the new system winds up being used, how fast will people staying off site get to use the EMH perk too??? Pretty darn fast because not many CMs will care enough to check for the cards...
By the way, I called three times and spoke with three different people, and all three said the same thing.. The buses are for people staying on property only.... So, I guess all three were mistaken then.... Again, since all people can use the buses, they need to stop saying this... False advertising isn't looked upon very favorably....
Captain Chaos
Well-Known Member
I like the idea of some sort of scanner to check the barcodes on the key cards... Maybe the fast pass machines can already do something like that, or maybe they can upgrade the machines.... But, those 20-something girls were sort of right... How would they know?? I am telling you, the last MSSSHP I was at, I saw plenty of guests walking around the park without wristbands... I didn't encounter any of that at EMH last year at MK... The guests I noticed had the wristbands on.... But, I can tell you this.. I saw no security walking the park, and I noticed several CMs not paying attention to the peopel getting on the rides... So, if they weren't paying attention, you think they were noticing if they were wearing wristbands???
I am all for Disney finding ways to keep EMH for those of us who stay on property... But, they have to find a fool proof way, which is going to be hard to do.... Because, if someone is determined enough, they will find a way around things...
sweetpee_1993
Well-Known Member
It's true. As hard as anyone might try to find the right fix, the right fool-proof system, there will always be someone somewhere with a mind that can figure a way around it. Unfortunate but true. I'm hopeful that enough different measures all combined might make more of an impact than just one method. Again, I'm just glad that the effort is being made.
landauh
Active Member
It isn't the cost of the wristbands that is prompting this test. Many guests have filed complaints with WDW about having to stand in a long line to get the wristbands and then stand in line to get on the attractions. WDW is trying to see if using keycards instead of wristbands will provide guests with a system that removes one of the lines.
In my option, the wristbands are the better system, especially in clearing the park.
The solution that is being tested is by-passing the cause of the problem instead of fixing the problem. A better solution is to have wristband distribution available at resort front desks and kisoks in the parks manned throughout the day. One would argue that this would require additional CMs to man, but these kisosks could be manned by CMs that are on limited duty (injured and not able to stand or do their normal job). These CMs normally are at Fast Pass distribution sites and are generally bored to death after a few hours. A rotation system could be set up that includes the wristband distribution kiosks.
the-reason14
Well-Known Member
90% of the time Im staying at a disney resort, and the other 10% Im not. When Im not, if its convenient, Ill still be using the busses which is for all guests. I believe it if it wasnt they would check resort ids before you are allowed to get in.
But anyways it doesnt really matter what one person thinks about that as its not going to stop me. But someone mentioned distrubiting wristbands at the resorts, I dont really think thats a good idea. I think that would make EMH even more crowded, and from what Ive observed they have some kind of clicker to keep track of everyone getting wristbands at the parks. It seems if it was done at the resorts, it would be more difficult maybe even impossible to keep track of the emh guests.(Well maybe not, but it seems it would be)
I think if they were to distrubute at the resort, then everyone leaving that day would get one, at every resort. That means emh will be more crowded than its ever been. Its advertised on the little tv channel and Im sure there are current other ways they advertise them, but they already are packed. I think having the wristbands be passed out at the resorts will make the emh's even more unbearable/unenjoyable.
Emh's at like AK and MGM are kinda bad, because almost everyone there is going to be at either E:E or ToT and Rrcnr. Making those lines long.
But anyways it doesnt really matter what one person thinks about that as its not going to stop me. But someone mentioned distrubiting wristbands at the resorts, I dont really think thats a good idea. I think that would make EMH even more crowded, and from what Ive observed they have some kind of clicker to keep track of everyone getting wristbands at the parks. It seems if it was done at the resorts, it would be more difficult maybe even impossible to keep track of the emh guests.(Well maybe not, but it seems it would be)
I think if they were to distrubute at the resort, then everyone leaving that day would get one, at every resort. That means emh will be more crowded than its ever been. Its advertised on the little tv channel and Im sure there are current other ways they advertise them, but they already are packed. I think having the wristbands be passed out at the resorts will make the emh's even more unbearable/unenjoyable.
Emh's at like AK and MGM are kinda bad, because almost everyone there is going to be at either E:E or ToT and Rrcnr. Making those lines long.
Rob562
Well-Known Member
I guess it depends on where in the park you were, and how hard the non-wristband Guests are trying to defeat the system.
In December, I visited the Magic Kingdom with some friends. It was a MVMCP night, and they were attending, but I wasn't. We entered the park around 5:30 with a 7:00 closure. (Which was fine, as it was my first day in the parks on that trip, and my two objectives were to get an ice cream cookie sandwich at Sleepy Hollow, and to ride the refurbed Haunted Mansion
) We got in a few rides before official park closing, and then they headed to Cosmic Rays for some dinner. On my out of the park, I passed a checkpoint on the bridge between Cosmic Rays and the Hub where they were checking for wristbands. If you didn't have a wristband, you were not allow farther into the park.
So I *suppose* that if people were inside the checked area before closing, and they *stayed* within the checked area, they could still walk around. But once they passed one of the checkpoints, they wouldn't be able to get back in. And if the CMs at the attractions were doing their jobs, they'd be checking for wristbands. (Though perhaps after a while they stop looking, making the assumption that the park must be clear of Day Guests...)
-Rob
