VIDEO - Tom Staggs joins D11 conference to talk MagicBands and MyMagic+

[ddrongowski]

He was talking about 802.11ac - not A. AC is the next standard in draft to replace N.

My bad, but my answer to that is NO, since it is still in draft and approval and publication are presently scheduled for release early 2014.

 

[flynnibus]

My bad, but my answer to that is NO, since it is still in draft and approval and publication are presently scheduled for release early 2014.

Doesn't mean as much anymore. There are lots of mainstream products already out there based on the draft.. including enterprise grade products. Draft-N spec products were mainstream for a long time before the formalized approval.

 

[ddrongowski]

Doesn't mean as much anymore. There are lots of mainstream products already out there based on the draft.. including enterprise grade products. Draft-N spec products were mainstream for a long time before the formalized approval.

Is Disney really going to hide that many AP's in the parks? Maybe they will.... But it will fail to shorten wait lines, just like all the attempts before. Why, because someone figures out a way to beat it, and Disney does not enforce compliance (which is a good thing.... Maybe....?). But it is all good, as I only go there once a year, and soon may be changing to a different non Disney vacation routine.

 

[dadddio]

If you don't play by their rules, you won't have the same experience as the person next to you that did. Both me and the person next to me could both pay exactly the same for our tickets. We both could have walked through the gates at the same moment. The two of us could be on a completely equal plane. But because he has a band and I don't, my experience will differ from his for the rest of the day. That creates a class system that didn't previously exist, at least not to any great extent. I think it's a slippery slope.

Just because you don't take advantage of all of the benefits available to you doesn't mean that a class system exists. That's rather like saying that a class system exists because some people like to ride SM, while others don't.

 

[dadddio]

Actually, if it has one of the effects that Disney is aiming for of keeping more people on property for longer periods of time, then shareholders should be happy because they will most likely be spending more money while spending more time on property.

Agreed. That being said, the stockholder part of me is quite happy about MM+. The customer part of me kind of is, also.

 

[Buried20KLeague]

Just because you don't take advantage of all of the benefits available to you doesn't mean that a class system exists. That's rather like saying that a class system exists because some people like to ride SM, while others don't.

No it's not. It's like allowing me to ride Space Mountain as I have for decades, then one day when I show up they don't let me on because I'm wearing a green shirt and the only way they'll let me on is if I change to a blue one... And the blue one has a tracking system built into it.

 

[Buried20KLeague]

Agreed. That being said, the stockholder part of me is quite happy about MM+. The customer part of me kind of is, also.

As a stockholder, you're happy about a 2 billion dollar sinkhole that is already months behind schedule and reportedly years behind, with (by all accounts) massive implementation issues, and an apparently massive unforeseen staffing influx required for roll out for an indefinite period of time?

Seriously... Do you want to invest in one of my companies? I'd love to have someone back me that has such a low expectation.

 

[MattM]

As a stockholder, you're happy about a 2 billion dollar sinkhole that is already months behind schedule and reportedly years behind, with (by all accounts) massive implementation issues, and an apparently massive unforeseen staffing influx required for roll out for an indefinite period of time?

You're looking at it with a short term point of view.

 

[MattM]

No it's not. It's like allowing me to ride Space Mountain as I have for decades, then one day when I show up they don't let me on because I'm wearing a green shirt and the only way they'll let me on is if I change to a blue one... And the blue one has a tracking system built into it.

I don't think whether or not you wear the band (or shirt in your example) has any bearing on rides in which you are eligible.

 

[TP2000]

I certainly agree Walt and Kara came off as aweful if you are just a Disney fan watching this conference... but if you are coming from the other side of the fence, you can see where they are coming from (even if you don't agree with some of their mannerisms).

I think they generally come off as aging hipster snobs regardless of whether you are a Disney fan or not. Their well-rehearsed shtick is especially painful for us Disney fans to watch, but most anyone could recognize them as self-absorbed twits once you get within earshot of them.

I'm sure they know their tech industry subject material well, but their act is tiring and annoying and not polite to their guests.

I'm still fascinated that Staggs had Kara and her kids comped into Disneyland and DCA for the day, assigned a VIP Guide plaid to hustle them through the exit on stuff and pander to them, and then Staggs sat there and tried to convince her she had fun because they snapped a photo of her smiling at Disneyland. And yet this entire conversation was about tech and products only available at WDW, with no immediate Disneyland roll-out planned. Odd that bit of info never got mentioned by the three of them during their 20 minute chat.

 

[misterID]

Disney has always had a class system, to be fair. This is just building it up. The problem with the MM+ is how the results have been in the R&D. And if you listen to what he said, it's basically all the stuff that will happen in the future... Perhaps distant future... They do seem to know where they're at with it, and he's putting up some language to temper expectations while still building it up. That was impressive on his part.

In the corporate mindset, this is actually the perfect investment for WDW. Invest in elevating premium experiences for guests when you're the number 1 tourist destination in the world, instead of rides. It makes sense from that stand point. Other parks are investing that type of money in enhancing the actual park, not the guest experience, which is what they feel is all they have to do with WDW. It's understandable, and is correct in a lot of aspects, you can't fault them there. I think they're setting themselves up, though.

At the end of the day, it goes back to the realities of the consumer. The product drives everything... If UNI continues on the path that they're on (not just talking about the expansions we know about, but the ones they're currently researching and investing in that you don't know about, instead of something like MM+, but their actual park attractions, resorts, lands and... other theme parks) you're going to see the old trump card made on Disney -- The kids determining the vacation... The cool park with the cool rides, over mom and dad's nostalgia. Also, with even the hardcore WDW fanbase that see this as some kind of silly, juvenile civil war they have a vested interest in (us against UNI), a lot more Disney fans are going to be swayed by the "pretty lights" and all they need now is a taste of what's there, and then, what's to come... Takingt he Disney day away from the WDW vacation isn't just important for now, but the future.

If UNI is halfway towards aiming attractions at Families, such as the Madagascar land in the other park, this is going to get very interesting in the coming years... And sooner or later, WDW will respond... It might take a complete overhaul of their Theme Park division, but it will happen, and it will be pretty cool to see their response.

 

[Sped2424]

HEY they are bringing back the Mickey mouse talking!

 

[Buried20KLeague]

I don't think whether or not you wear the band (or shirt in your example) has any bearing on rides in which you are eligible.

Absolutely not. But it WILL increase my wait time for those rides.

 

[Buried20KLeague]

You're looking at it with a short term point of view.

And you're not looking at it rationally.

See? We can both do that.

I am looking at it long term. Go up a few posts of mine where I clearly stated what my problem is with this whole thing. I shouldn't need to type it again. The post you just quoted of mine was everything about this that should bother a stockholder. Let me know which part of that wasn't true.

 

[bubbles1812]

Disney has always had a class system, to be fair. This is just building it up. The problem with the MM+ is how the results have been in the R&D. And if you listen to what he said, it's basically all the stuff that will happen in the future... Perhaps distant future... They do seem to know where they're at with it, and he's putting up some language to temper expectations while still building it up. That was impressive on his part.

In the corporate mindset, this is actually the perfect investment for WDW. Invest in elevating premium experiences for guests when you're the number 1 tourist destination in the world, instead of rides. It makes sense from that stand point. Other parks are investing that type of money in enhancing the actual park, not the guest experience, which is what they feel is all they have to do with WDW. It's understandable, and is correct in a lot of aspects, you can't fault them there. I think they're setting themselves up, though.

At the end of the day, it goes back to the realities of the consumer. The product drives everything... If UNI continues on the path that they're on (not just talking about the expansions we know about, but the ones they're currently researching and investing in that you don't know about, instead of something like MM+, but their actual park attractions, resorts, lands and... other theme parks) you're going to see the old trump card made on Disney -- The kids determining the vacation... The cool park with the cool rides, over mom and dad's nostalgia. Also, with even the hardcore WDW fanbase that see this as some kind of silly, juvenile civil war they have a vested interest in (us against UNI), a lot more Disney fans are going to be swayed by the "pretty lights" and all they need now is a taste of what's there, and then, what's to come... Takingt he Disney day away from the WDW vacation isn't just important for now, but the future.

If UNI is halfway towards aiming attractions at Families, such as the Madagascar land in the other park, this is going to get very interesting in the coming years... And sooner or later, WDW will respond... It might take a complete overhaul of their Theme Park division, but it will happen, and it will be pretty cool to see their response.

I know this is very random but I just saw Madagascar 3 the other night... They could do something seriously seriously fun involving the circus concept there. That was such a bright fun colorful sequence in the movie where the animals are performing. Afro circus! I think a Madagascar land as a whole would be great and a huge draw for kids. All the characters are so fun. Can you imagine an attraction centered around the penguins?

Also, I would love to see them incorporate How To Train Your Dragon somehow at some point as well. Love that movie.

Anyways, back to your regularly scheduled programing... And yes, I agree with what else you said. Will be interesting to see what drives Disney to respond and how they respond.

 

[MattM]

And you're not looking at it rationally.

See? We can both do that.

I am looking at it long term. Go up a few posts of mine where I clearly stated what my problem is with this whole thing. I shouldn't need to type it again. The post you just quoted of mine was everything about this that should bother a stockholder. Let me know which part of that wasn't true.

I guess that depends on what you consider rational. Investing money now for future returns doesn't seem irrational to me. But it's not for everybody I suppose?

The part that is wrong is that as a shareholder it should bother me that this project costs $2 billion. I'm looking at what that 2$ billion will return 10-15 years down the road. Does that answer your question?

 

[MattM]

Absolutely not. But it WILL increase my wait time for those rides.

That may be possible, but a ticket into WDW doesn't guarantee wait times under "x" minutes, so really nothing has changed. I was just confused bc in your post you said that the color of your shirt (band vs no band) determined whether you would be allowed on the ride.

 

[RandomPrincess]

I've heard the argument about a class system before but I'm not buying it with the bands exactly because they don't cost extra. The only reason the person in your scenario isn't having the same experience as his peers is because he didn't feel like wearing one. Not because he's less wealthy or didn't pay a premium or any other "haves versus have nots" arguments.

Also I've never not had fun at a place because someone else is having more fun. Some people can afford Club Level at the Poly. I cannot. Doesn't hurt my feelings.

Bands will cost extra if you are just buying tickets. Resort Guests and AP get the bands for free.

 

[flynnibus]

And yet this entire conversation was about tech and products only available at WDW, with no immediate Disneyland roll-out planned. Odd that bit of info never got mentioned by the three of them during their 20 minute chat.

I imagine the scenario was something like this...

Kara: "I hate Disney... I think it's fake, overpriced, borish..."
Disney: "Kara, please give a chance to show you what Disney is really like... Please come visit the park on our dime and let us show you the real Disney"

There is nothing nefarious or twisted in not using WDW if all they are trying to do is break down the pre-notion of what Disney parks vacation is about.

 

[TP2000]

I imagine the scenario was something like this...

Kara: "I hate Disney... I think it's fake, overpriced, borish..."
Disney: "Kara, please give a chance to show you what Disney is really like... Please come visit the park on our dime and let us show you the real Disney"

There is nothing nefarious or twisted in not using WDW if all they are trying to do is break down the pre-notion of what Disney parks vacation is about.

True. But it makes me chuckle knowing that they sent her down the freeway to Anaheim for the day, got her into the parks for free, gave her a VIP plaid guide to backdoor her and her kids on all the rides (notice the Cars Land button she was wearing? Racers was one of those rides), and then the Parks Chairman had to show up at her hipster tech-talk and pretend to laugh off her open hostility and denigration of the brand she just got comped into for a VIP experience.

Her audience may not have realized she was comped into the place for a VIP day that only 0.5% of visitors get to have. And she may not even realize how special her day at Disneyland was, or how little it equates to a WDW experience with a MagicBand. But Staggs knew. And he smiled and pretended to have fun with her trash talk. Poor guy.

And it makes these tech titans, Walt and Kara, look even more foolish than their pompous commentary already does.