Tom Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, showed off its new high-tech system at the 11th D: All Things Digital conference. This is the most information we’ve seen released on the new MagicBands.
Mr. Staggs discussed the many possibilities that come with the MagicBands, including customized “Happy Birthday” messages for guests and interactive attractions.
(This video is 29 mnutes)
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Disney’s park characters, including talking Mickey Mouse, will be able to know visitors names in advance of meeting them, even setting up specific meet-and-greet times for personalized encounters.
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Restaurants, beginning with Be Our Guest in New Fantasyland, will allow advance ordering of food, ready upon arrival.
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Guests will be able to design an It’s a Small World doll online at home, which will appear in the ride, popping up from behind decorations, while passing by, appearing along with a special message if guests are celebrating an occasion, like a birthday.
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Ride times, fireworks and parade seating, and other attractions will be able to be reserved from home in advance using the My Disney Experience online system.
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MagicBands will integrate with FastPass and PhotoPass systems.
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Staggs hinted that the upcoming Disney Infinity console video game will interact with the MagicBand, though he noted he isn’t ready to make any official announcements.
- Staggs emphasized the overall goal is not to convert all attractions to digital experiences,noting Disney’s parks are a 360-5 experience, meaning 360-degrees around guests using all five senses. He also said It’s a Small World as a digital ride would not be appealing, but attractions like that can be enhanced digitally.
What do you think about the new Magic Bands? Leave us a comment, we’d love to know what you think.
