Tuesday, May 21, 2013

My Disney Experience Magic Bands

This is how the bands will be shipped out to guests!
While in Walt Disney World last week, I got a special sneak peek of the brand new, not yet released, My Disney Experience Magic Bands!  This is a brand new, state of the art technology that Disney is pioneering.  This band has a RFID chip in it.  It's your park ticket, your room key, your fast pass, your meal plan ticket, your credit card, your photo pass, and child ID system--that right its, well, magic!

Getting to check the bands out before they are released was so cool!  I got to ask the Cast Members lots of questions.  My first questions was "when are they coming out?"  I did not get a straight forward date, but I did get a "in about two months."  The CM explained Disney wants to hold off on release until they are certain all the kinks are worked out.  With the bands doing so much, there is alot that can go wrong.  I, for one, am happy to see them wait rather an hype up something that does not work very well.  Each family member will get to choose their own color band.  The first one will be free, but there will be a fee if the first one it is lost and need to be replaced.  Disney also has plans to introduce themed bands based on characters, movies, themes ect.  for purchase.

When I was wearing the band, it felt comfortable--just like wearing a watch.  Disney devised a genius way to
ensure that one band can will fit everyone.  See the outer dark gray part?  That part can be separated from the main band, making just the brightly colored part perfect for a child.  The bands are water proof, so they can be worn at the pool and water parks too.  The bands are meant to enhance your Disney experience.  Does your child love Mickey?  How magical would it be for your child to walk up to Mickey and be greeted by name?  This would make them feel so special.  How much do you hate carrying a park ticket, your room key, your fast passes, your photo pass, your credit cards ect all though the parks?  This band makes it so much easier to go hands free.  If you band can carry that much info, security must be a big concern, right?  Disney has thought of that one too.  First of all, no guest will be forced into the MagicBands system.  If you prefer, you can get an old fashion ticket, room key ect.  Each band is protected by a four digit PIN, just like a debit card, so someone else using it will not be a concern.  What your child's privacy?  Again, you can add or omit as much or as little info about your child as you would like. I like the band features for child safety.  If your child get separated from your group, their band can be scanned by a CM and your emergency phone number can be called, rejoining them with the group quickly.

What do you think about the MagicBands?  What is your favorite feature?

A dream is a wish...

--Amy

8 comments:

  1. I am totally going to pick green! I got a sneak peek when I exchanged my AP during the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration. I have to say you got more details than I did. I was totally distracted by the Kitchen Kabaret material in Epcot's Odyssey Center. I never thought I would see it again! Now back to the bands...will they work during runDisney races for race photos? That would be a dream come true!

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    1. Hey Erin! I am going to pick pink, lol. I spent like and hour in there. I am such a Disney nerd! I keep asking and asking...but I did not ask about any runDisney events. I bet its a no though--since its an outside company that takes race pics.

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    2. I don't know Amy, people were giving them their Photo Pass cards at Princess this year. A runner can dream about seamless service. :)

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    3. Interesting...I did not know that! I am sure the Photo pass people could get better shots!

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  2. THIS. IS. AWESOME! Thank you for getting so much information about them I think it is a fabulous idea.

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    1. Thanks! I was amazed at how much they can do this these bands. So cool!

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    2. Oh! And I wanted to let you konw that I nominated you for a Liebster Award! Go ahead over to my blog and take a look at what I'm talking about! :)

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  3. This is a really cool idea. Although, I love the old fashioned hotel key and park ticket. My favorite part of the park ticket was picking out which character I would claim :)

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