NextGen MyMagic+ feature, StoryMaker, spotted on It's A Small World - https://t.co/pCZaF8n62N pic.twitter.com/kS5gsM5kOc
— Blog Mickey - Mike (@Blog_Mickey) March 9, 2016
Think of StoryMaker as the content part of Disney's MyMagic+ system. When you're wearing a MagicBand in the park, StoryMaker interactive elements can "read" your MagicBand as you pass a trigger point, then look up whatever information associated with your MagicBand that it is programmed to access (such as your name). Then the interactive element can react, based on that information about you.
The Small World installation is the simplest type of response, displaying riders' names on a screen as they float past. While MagicBands eliminate the need for riders to do anything other than be present to trigger the reaction, other parks have used this type of interactivity in their rides before... with rider input. Think of the way that Spaceship Earth takes your photo, the incorporates it into an animated display at the end of the ride, based upon your answers to various questions on its touch screen, for an example.
More than a quarter-century ago, Universal programmed its E.T. animatronic to say goodbye to visitors on E.T. Adventure, though riders had to give their name to a team member in the queue, then carry a "passport card" and give it over to be scanned by the team member at load, for that effect to work. And allowing people to tell team members their name, as opposed to pulling it from a hotel registration record, has led to all sorts of fun mischief over the years...
Insiders expect Disney's StoryMaker system to play a much more elaborate and prominent role in major upcoming Disney developments, such as Pandora: The World of Avatar and Star Wars Land.
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This certainly wouldn't bother me. Of course, I also post on here using my real name.
(I did type my mini-rant while cracking up at 'Bye Felicia')
Iger made a mistake overspending on My Magic Plus, as most people don't think it was necessary, and overspending on Shanghai, when the Chinese economy is falling, but we'll see when it opens in June. I hope Staggs or whoever is Iger's successor can learn from both his predecessors.
I don't see an issue with children's first names, either. The only way a problem would arise is if you haven't taught them "not to talk to strangers" and/or you let them out of your site.
If you don't want anyone knowing who you are, simply don't use a MagicBand. You can still get Fast Passes using a standard card. It's the MagicBand that connects to long-range readers to customize the ride or automatically save on-ride photos.
Disney could just use your first name on a ride, but they obviously have the technology to use your full name or any other personal data that's in their database.
Of course, you can opt out of using MagicBands, but why can't they just respect the wishes of their customers. The default should be personal data should not be used until you opt in.
It's nice to say you can avoid using the MagicBand. That's beside the point since you must create an account to use the services to reserve Fastpass+ and Photopass. They know who you are. Nice, you recommend using standard cards that are clearly "radio frequency technology-enabled cards". They know where you are and who you are to "and deliver personalized moments". You can't opt out of receiving these messages.
You said "Guests participating in MyMagic+ always have the option to use a card instead of a MagicBand."
You see the card is the opt out. You have to trust the card is just a card, but it is RF enabled. Maybe you should buy a shielded wallet as the only protection.
From My Disney Experience FAQ, "Guests can keep their MagicBand or RF Card after their vacation and may use it on a return visit to the Resort." These are the only options.
As for protection for kids in the FAQ, "We will not use information collected in connection with MyMagic+ to personalize or target advertising to children under age 13."
Minors between 14 and 17 have no protections. How comforting.
You're conveniently ignoring the fact that a MagicBand is powered by a battery and the card is not. Only MagicBand's connect to the long-range devices used in attractions. A card in a pocket isn't going to work unless you climb out of the ride vehicle and physically touch it to the RFID device. No need to purchase any special wallet.
Millions of guests don't have a problem with giving Disney this information. What you see as an invasion of privacy others see as a fun enhancement. If this makes you uncomfortable, perhaps you need to stop visiting WDW.
You say millions don't have a problem giving out information. That's a different argument. Just grin and bear it, right? Stop visiting? You're telling me that's my option? Disney should not give out personal information regardless.
Personally, I don't patronize businesses that I don't trust. As a current Annual Passholder and a former WDW Cast Member (who actually worked on the first phase of MyMagic+), I trust Disney.
It seems as if you don't trust Disney. If that's the case, I reiterate my recommendation: stop patronizing Disney.
I'm done. There's no need to continue as I feel like I'm repeating myself.
As someone who used it, it really makes your day better in every way. While some may not like their name 'first name' begin displayed they have can opt out of the feature with simple taps. For those that want to experience 'waiting in line' they can bypass the utilizing the app.
Research has shown that the personalized aspects must offer more than first name greetings. And those updates to the software are in various stages of development.
Technology carries a significant cost and almost always comes with delays, obstacles, etc. Just look at the annual issues Apple has with its smart products. No one chronically complains because they know, within a few months, updates will be issued. The same has been occurring with Disney's My Magic + System.
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