Magicbands tested at Disney World Resort succeeded in boosting spending by guests, parks division Chairman Thomas Staggs said.
The bands serve as admission tickets, hotel room keys and credit cards. They were tested by 1,000 people at Walt Disney World in Florida, Staggs said in an interview at Allen & Co.’s annual conference in Sun Valley, Idaho. Guests spent more on average in part because they had fun with the technology, he said.
Disney plans additional testing of the technology, called MyMagic+, before expanding throughout Disney World by the end of the year. The wristbands help with crowd control, reducing the time guests spend in lines by allowing them to book rides and restaurants in advance. They can also schedule special meet-and-greets.
The wristbands link to a customer database, allowing guests to purchase items in Disney World’s hotels, four theme parks and water parks by waving the devices past a sensor. The radio technology speeds transactions, helping customers make their trips more efficient.
Disney will also use MyMagic+ to offer special promotions and activities that may interest customers.
MyMagic+ builds on Disney’s current Fast Pass program, which allows guests to schedule attractions during one-hour windows, once they are already in the park.
“It allows them to have a prearranged schedule before they start their day so it’s actually an enhanced Fast Pass,” Staggs said. “Fast Pass is getting better.”
I know I can’t wait to get my Magicband. Has anyone had the pleasure of testing it out yet?
Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust
Sunshine
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Just got back from Disney World, I hope they get things working better with the program for all this. We had nothing but problems. Everyday over half of our party of 8 was lost in the system and we had to wait till someone could come around and re-enter us into the system. The finger-print scan didn’t work most of the time. Also, why does Disney need to have our finger print to enter the parks? It seems to be a law suit waiting to happen. With everyones finger prints on file, it’s only a matter of time before some hacker breaks into the data base and steals the information and then uses it for identity theft. Then Disney will be sued for using such a system. I think it’s a big mistake using such a system. Hopefully I’m wrong though.
your travel agent does get an email and you will have the options to customize your bracelet in your MyExperience.
I have been chosen to test the wristbands on my trip in 2wks. I have mixed feelings on this so far. It is fun to pick fastpasses but its a little stressful to try to figure out where you will be and at what time.
So excited about this! Is this also going to make it easier for cast members to track down parents of lost children?!? That would be a really nice feature..
Not sure about the bands… I’m not a technological mom
Got the new card to use until we get the band; can’t wait!
Only guests at selected WDW resort hotels are being chosen. It depends on your hotel, and check in date, and I’m sure other factors as to whether you qualify as a candidate for the study. O
yes
Is this band only for guests who stay at a Disney resort or is it available to all guests?
Just to walk into Disney would cost my family 500.00 .. i don’t think i will be going back and we have been going for years.
Talked to a cast member at a call center for a long time about the bands today. VERY COOL! She had the chance to try one out. Can’t wait ’till we get them!
So will we be informed if we are randomly picked? We booked through a travel agent – I wonder if that will make a difference? Thanks!!!!
We’re visiting in September. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that we get picked for a test, or even better, it’s publicly available by that point!