Verizon's "Mobile Magic" Launching in November

[devoy1701]

"The mobile application is available for download and purchase
beginning in November for $9.99 per six months of service. To purchase
the application, Guests can text MAGIC to 2777 from their Verizon
phone."

I have a Verizon mobile phone... keep the app. I know where everything is, and I'll read the info boards for free. What a looser.

sounds pretty neat actually. Won't be using it much for WDW but I'm going to DL for the first time in a couple weeks and it'll be something fun to use while standing in a queue or hanging out in the hotel room.

But if I get it for 6 months anyway, I guess I will use it a bit for WDW just to see what the app offers. It'll be great to know what the wait times are for attractions in another park while you're walking around Magic Kingdom!

 

[sweetpee_1993]

I'll just follow a Verizon person around looking over their shoulder.

 

[DisneyJoe]

I for one would not spend 10 bucks for 6 months of service. That is unreal. Come one now.

That's $1.60/month. People spend more than that on coffee and cigarettes - and some iPhone apps that they try once and then never use again.

 

[Hoop Raeb]

When Uni does this for free, I don't get why Disney has to go so fancy. Anyone who's seen Uni's site knows it's no frills. Wait time in text. That's it. That's all I need. Why ya gotta give me maps and cute-sy graphics. I'm sure it'll be slow as hell too.

Fail.

 

[paul436]

Do you need to have Internet access available on the phone (which requires an extra fee from Verizon) or will the app work on its own?

 

[devoy1701]

Do you need to have Internet access available on the phone (which requires an extra fee from Verizon) or will the app work on its own?

I'm assumig by App it means a smart phone app...which pretty much all require a data connection to work. Especially ones that receive live updates. :shrug:

 

[RSoxNo1]

When Uni does this for free, I don't get why Disney has to go so fancy. Anyone who's seen Uni's site knows it's no frills. Wait time in text. That's it. That's all I need. Why ya gotta give me maps and cute-sy graphics. I'm sure it'll be slow as hell too.

Fail.

Where can you download the Universal App? Does it work for Verizon phones, and can you access it when you're not in their parks?

 

[PhilharMagician]

I'll use this on my next trip. I can see sitting down for lunch and checking the wait times are at differant parks or FP time at the park we are in. Or maybe sitting having a Dole Whip and checking times for Space of Thunder. This could be a useful tool.

 

[sknydave]

Where can you download the Universal App? Does it work for Verizon phones, and can you access it when you're not in their parks?

The Universal thing is just a website you can visit. Go here:

http://66.77.171.132/MobileWeb/

 

[Phonedave]

When Uni does this for free, I don't get why Disney has to go so fancy. Anyone who's seen Uni's site knows it's no frills. Wait time in text. That's it. That's all I need. Why ya gotta give me maps and cute-sy graphics. I'm sure it'll be slow as hell too.

Fail.

You can make that argument for anything that has "frills"

Heck, why do you need a cell phone app in the first place. They make this thing called a map - FOR FREE and it fits in your pocket. Also has 100% service coverage - even indoors.

You get maps and graphics because then they can make a buck off of it. Business 101

-dave

 

[Phonedave]

When Verizon and Apple come to a deal, then they might!

The problem is, Verizon and Apple are both 1,000 pound gorillas. Each is used to dominating it's partnerships. The both choose partners, not make concessions in the hopes of being chosen.

Very hard to come to terms when both companies are like that.

-dave

 

[kennygman]

This app isn’t nearly as appealing as I thought it would be. It will only give you Wait Times and Fastpass details while in THAT park. That is what the tip board is for isn’t it?

 

[kennygman]

The Universal thing is just a website you can visit. Go here:

http://66.77.171.132/MobileWeb/

If Disney did something simple like this or even make an app that shows wait times across the parks, don't you think that would ENCOURAGE park hopping and thereby increase sales?

Say I'm in Epcot at 11:30 with Soarin' and Test Track running at 75 minutes on an EMH day and realize that the wait time for Everest is only 10 minutes, wouldn't I just hop on a bus to switch parks?

 

[devoy1701]

This app isn’t nearly as appealing as I thought it would be. It will only give you Wait Times and Fastpass details while in THAT park. That is what the tip board is for isn’t it?

I hope this isn't true...but the only thing I have to say about that is I can't see the tips board at the end of Main Street while I'm enjoying my lunch at Cosmic Rays...and the Tips Board is out of my way if I'm heading over to Peter Pan...

EDIT: So i reread the original post, and atleast when you're not in the park you can still check to see if FPs are still available or if wait times are high, moderate, or low. So I think it'll definitely come in handy for the park you're in, and might also be somewhat useful on planning what park to head to next...(ie: well I really wanted to ride Soarin' today but the wait says RIDICULOUS and there are no FPs available...so let me head over to DHS instead...)

 

[sknydave]

It only gives you info for the park you're currently IN? bwahahahaha

 

[Hoop Raeb]

You can make that argument for anything that has "frills"

Heck, why do you need a cell phone app in the first place. They make this thing called a map - FOR FREE and it fits in your pocket. Also has 100% service coverage - even indoors.

You get maps and graphics because then they can make a buck off of it. Business 101

-dave

Agreed it's business. Just saying that they should have made it free and kept it simple. If it's all about making a buck, why not charge to use fastpasses. Not everything that Disney does is to make a buck. There's something to be said for guest convenience.

 

[kennygman]

I hope this isn't true...but the only thing I have to say about that is I can't see the tips board at the end of Main Street while I'm enjoying my lunch at Cosmic Rays...and the Tips Board is out of my way if I'm heading over to Peter Pan...

EDIT: So i reread the original post, and atleast when you're not in the park you can still check to see if FPs are still available or if wait times are high, moderate, or low. So I think it'll definitely come in handy for the park you're in, and might also be somewhat useful on planning what park to head to next...(ie: well I really wanted to ride Soarin' today but the wait says RIDICULOUS and there are no FPs available...so let me head over to DHS instead...)

I guess each guest has his own opinion of the usefulness of this app. For that much money compared to a .99 iphone app, I'd think they'd throw all the bells and whistles at it.

 

[westie]

Boy, do I hate verizon. 10 bucks for 6 months of service? On top of the $150/mo. I'm already spending? I really like it but, you should be able to make res' from your phone w/o dialing(out of area charge). And, knowing verizon, I doubt you can get it turned off after 6 mos. so they'll get you for another 10 bucks. Did I mention I hate verizon?

 

[DisneyLeo18]

I have the Palm Pre with sprint and I think it works much better (especially since you can run multiple apps at the same time or check your email or text while you run the app) and I'm a little disappointed I won't be able to access this app for my trip in December. Although my friend coming with me has a blackberry with verizon so maybe i can get him to buy it :lol:

 

[RSoxNo1]

This app isn’t nearly as appealing as I thought it would be. It will only give you Wait Times and Fastpass details while in THAT park. That is what the tip board is for isn’t it?

If Disney did something simple like this or even make an app that shows wait times across the parks, don't you think that would ENCOURAGE park hopping and thereby increase sales?

Say I'm in Epcot at 11:30 with Soarin' and Test Track running at 75 minutes on an EMH day and realize that the wait time for Everest is only 10 minutes, wouldn't I just hop on a bus to switch parks?

Kenny, I assume you have downloaded the app? How accurate is the information? Is it real time, or is it something like touringplans.com's iPhone app where it's contingent on guest information.