Technology Update
parkworld-online.com
MyMagic+
Walt Disney World personalises the park experience
Buy a ticket and wander through the park? That’s so old school, at least at Florida’s Walt Disney World. Launched after six years of development – and what is reported to be more than $1 billion of investment – MyMagic+ is reshaping the resort experience for Disney’s guests
“
he Walt Disney Parks and Resorts vision is simple: To be the most trusted provider of shared family travel and leisure experiences throughout the world,” says chairman Tom Staggs. “With MyMagic+ we are taking that experience to a new level.” MyMagic+ is free for Walt Disney World (WDW) guests. It will evolve over time, but today consists of several key components including the MagicBand and FastPass+, all linked via the
MyDisneyExperience.com
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website or a dedicated mobile app. Promising to “connect nearly all aspects of the Walt Disney World vacation experience,” the system makes it easier for visitors to create a personalised itinerary before they arrive at the Florida resort. They can, for example, make FastPass+ ride reservations and select other “must-do” experiences, including show and restaurant bookings. Worn on the wrist, the MagicBand acts as a pass for park admission, access to FastPass+ experiences and as an identifier for Disney's PhotoPass system. For those staying on site at a Walt Disney World hotel, it also serves as a room key and optional payment method. At
MyDisneyExperience.com and via the app, Disney fans can personalise the page with their favourite characters. MagicBands are then mailed out to guests' homes in advance of their visit. For Walt Disney World vacation planners, My Disney Experience offers the convenience of having virtually everything in one place. Users of the app will benefit from extensive complimentary WiFi throughout Walt Disney World giving them information at their fingertips about the resort's attractions, show times, dining and more. New interactive maps simplify navigation of the four WDW theme parks. Those without a smartphone or suitable mobile device can access such services at in-park kiosks and service centres. All Walt Disney World annual pass holders and hotel guests will receive a complimentary MagicBand. Day visitors can either use their RF-enabled park admission ticket to access MyMagic+ services or, if they wish, purchase a MagicBand for $12.95 (plus tax). Marketed as souvenirs, various clip-on attachments are for sale as collectibles, in a similar fashion to Disney’s popular pin trading programme. Hotel guests can make FastPass+ reservations up to 60 days in advance, all other users 30 days ahead of their visit. Changes can be made on site via the in- park kiosks or through the mobile app. Lost bands can be disabled remotely if lost.
MagicBands for sale in the gift shop
While the MagicBands store no personal information, they will clearly provide Disney with a lot of data about how its visitors spend their time and money within its parks and resorts – a useful tool in allowing the company to stay one step ahead of the competition. Expect MyMagic+ to be rolled out to Disney’s other international resorts over time.
Making a reservation is easy with a MagicBand 48
Those without smartphones can acccess MyMagic+ services via in-park kiosks JULY 2014
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