Disney files with FCC for wearable digital passes

[antngoof89]

Big brother comments aside (just as everyone else has mentioned) I actually think this enhances the visit. Who likes having to carry around their wallets all day long and hope not to get it wet! This would be great for me. All I'd have to do is carry around my wristband wave it to get whatever I needed. Drinks, foods, park entrance, fast pass. It's essentially the same thing as a KTTW Card but more convenient.

Big Brother comments are really silly. Let's be honest. EVERYTHING YOU DO ANYWHERE AT ANYTIME CAN AND IS BEING WATCHED! If you're so worried about being watched, change your actions. I think it's just dumb to worry about people watching your actions when every place you go at any time in any town has a way of watching you. Your bank knows where you are at all time. Your credit card companies do as well. This isn't any different than anything else going on in any other place!

[Quadstriker]

If they do happen to switch to these and you want to prevent them from tracking you, all you have to do is wrap the RFID device in aluminum foil or buy a RFID bag.

Wow, I really hope I see someone with tinfoil wrapped around their wrist so I can have a good laugh.

This whole thing is no big deal to me. I can take it or leave it. Is it really that much faster to scan a wristband rather than pull out your card while you're standing in whatever line? Much ado about nothing, imo. At least as far as the current implementation we are currently speculating about. Why so much money has been pumped into this is confusing to me, but I guess this is just the first step in some down-the-road ideas that could be imagined.

[MyDisneyworld]

I could see them using those gel type ones that eveyone has like the live strong yellow ones. This way Disney could sell hundreds of different collectable ones that you would purchase on your own (money maker) then they just tie all your info to that. This would save disney the money for printing tickets as guests would just buy their own bands. If they went this route I know my kids would love it and want to buy a new band every trip.
I have used the great Wolf Lodge ones and they are very sharp, at least the ones at the location I stayed at. Also you can't remove them which is very annoying. I would be against that style.

[PlutoToo]

Wonder how they would handle wristbands for annual passes?

[missastrocat]

Has anyone considered how the bracelets will stick out like a sore thumb in family pictures? I mean, gray may not be everyone's color. Maybe they will have holes around it so super fashionable people can decorate it with disney charms.



I actually think it's a neat idea. Wonder what the finalized product will look like. I think it would be neat if they use the information gathered on it during a vacation to help send me suggestions, promos, etc. for future trips.

[Aurora]

I am willing to wager a large sum of money that these bracelets will be available FOR PURCHASE. I bet if you are willing to plunk down some $$$ the bracelet will be an OPTION for "enhancing your park experience." Further, they will almost certainly be available exclusively to onsite resort guests.

They will most certainly not be handed out to everyone who purchases a park ticket.

Anyone care to take that bet?

Ooooo, how much money? Unless you have some secret insider information , I'd be willing to bet a much smaller sum of money. Or a virtual .

I think people will probably have the option of holding a ticket or wearing the wristband (marketed as the ultimate all-in-one park convenience), that the wristband will be easily removable, and that many people will prefer it over a hard ticket. I doubt they would charge for them because the data they'll be able to gather is worth so much more than any fee, which would also be a small disincentive to wearing the band.

Also, I'm sure they'll have all the details worked out about annual passes, non-expiring passes, etc., just like they do now. (Maybe they'll even completely do away with non-expiring passes. Hope not! )

In any case, I would be surprised if they switched over completely to wristbands, even after they've been rolled out for awhile. I think there are too many people who wouldn't be able to wear them for various reasons.

[TheVBs]

I don't mind a wristband as long as it's comfortable and removable. Wouldn't want to have to sleep in it! I could see how it would be more convenient and speed up lines at the turnstiles and the CS places. I'm sure they'll still have the card option. Couldn't see them charging extra for it though. Like someone else mentioned it's also more convenient and profitable for them without adding the deterrent of an additional charge to the guest.

[seanyred]

The room keys and KTTWC already have RFID inside them so if you don't want the wristband I'm sure this will be the option. Also there are wallets that block RFID If it is of a concern to you.

[DisnIse]

I swear, we saw this concept being filmed in Tomorrowland last December/January (I think). They had a multi-generational "family" walking around with different variations of the wristbands. The kids had bright colors, the adults were more subtle.... we couldn't get too close, but we stalked as best we could.

I'm actually surprised that it would have taken this long to come to fruition, but that HAD to be what they were filming. Interesting!

(and I have no opinion either way. I have teen/tween boys who normally would hate the bracelet concept, but they'll do just about anything if it means a trip to Disney.)

[waymickey]

I goggled the wristbands and one site had a very clear picture of a grey wristband that is removable and had the name of the wearer on it. It looked like it would blend in and not be a problem. It also had mickey on it!
I don't really care either way. I have never had a problem with the hard ticket or any ticket. It will kinda be a pain to grab and run to get fastpasses carrying 6 wristbands.

[buzznwoodysmom]

It will kinda be a pain to grab and run to get fastpasses carrying 6 wristbands.

Good point. I hadn't even thought of fastpasses. We always send one person with all our tickets to grab them. Of course with all this nextgen stuff Disney is hoping everyone books their fastpasses before they even leave home it seems.

[BrerGnat]

It costs Disney virtually NOTHING to manufacture RFID Key Cards. These bracelets are another thing entirely. They cost money to make. They are electronics, essentially, and there is a good deal more to manufacturing these. I can't see them just handing them out for free.

I just think with the HUGE amount of money that Disney is spending on the NextGen initiative, there HAS to be a catch...they have to charge for SOMETHING if they want to make their money back. I'd rather see them charge for the bracelets than for the Fast Passes themselves, honestly.

I bet that the wristbands will come with a whole new set of "special features" that will enhance things for the user. But, I still think it will come with a cost. Even something negligible, like $5.

[PopPhan]

It costs Disney virtually NOTHING to manufacture RFID Key Cards. These bracelets are another thing entirely. They cost money to make. They are electronics, essentially, and there is a good deal more to manufacturing these. I can't see them just handing them out for free.

I just think with the HUGE amount of money that Disney is spending on the NextGen initiative, there HAS to be a catch...they have to charge for SOMETHING if they want to make their money back. I'd rather see them charge for the bracelets than for the Fast Passes themselves, honestly.

I bet that the wristbands will come with a whole new set of "special features" that will enhance things for the user. But, I still think it will come with a cost. Even something negligible, like $5.

I would think thatany costs would be rolled into either room rates or ticket costs. Since these will also double as room keys, it could go either way.

[EeyoresBestFriend]

I would certainly be all over a sparkly version of a wrist band!!

All that glitters is good . . . .

[stephicakes]

The idea doesn’t bother me as long as the bracelet can be removed as others have mentioned… for nice dinners, showering, etc. It would also come in handy when buying items to be sent back to your resort – if I could just swipe my bracelet instead of filling out the order form it would save time during the checkout process. If it already has my room number then I can just swipe & go! (That’s what Disney wants, right..?? For me to be off to spend more $!)

I am sure it will be an option - not everyone can wear one.

steph

[TheVBs]

The idea doesn’t bother me as long as the bracelet can be removed as others have mentioned… for nice dinners, showering, etc. It would also come in handy when buying items to be sent back to your resort – if I could just swipe my bracelet instead of filling out the order form it would save time during the checkout process. If it already has my room number then I can just swipe & go! (That’s what Disney wants, right..?? For me to be off to spend more $!)

I am sure it will be an option - not everyone can wear one.

steph

That would be a great option!!

[MstngDrvnDsnyLvr]

As long as those of us that have sensory issues or skin issues with wear bracelets can still use the cards - its all good. As for the Big Brother comments - hello, do you not realize that we are already living in that world. If you leave your house, you are tracked at some point in your journey.

[Patricia]

I had heard (may have been a rumour) that the wristbands would be available for free in a variety of COLOURS but that if you wanted a custom (character) wristband it would be available at a cost to you.

Character wristbands? Collect away people!

We took this picture of the RFID reader, over our heads, the exit of the Magic Kingdom on our way out on Oct 28. The CM informed us they were testing it.

[MelissaW]

I would certainly be all over a sparkly version of a wrist band!!

All that glitters is good . . . .

I'm so with you on this one!!!! I LOVE things that sparkle!!!

I would totally be for this - it would sure make things so much easier - but then again, easy is not necessarily a good thing for me when it comes to spending money at Disney!

[doodleboy]

I am willing to wager a large sum of money that these bracelets will be available FOR PURCHASE. I bet if you are willing to plunk down some $$$ the bracelet will be an OPTION for "enhancing your park experience." Further, they will almost certainly be available exclusively to onsite resort guests.

They will most certainly not be handed out to everyone who purchases a park ticket.

Anyone care to take that bet?

I think you are on the right track with this. It could be a perk for Disney hotel guests. For those staying on property, rather than wait in those long lines for park entrance you would just whisk in like a car on the tollway with a transmitter. All this while they cut the number of gates that accept tickets, because of the reduced need, and the poor sucker who stays off property stands in an even longer line unless he wants to pay extra for the privilege. Just think of how much faster you will be able to get to the new Starbucks themed location on Main Street.