UPDATE: Disney Restores Some MagicBand Interactive Features on Some Attractions

WDWNT on October 5, 2016

Last week, we told you about many of the MagicBand interactive features around the parks that had recently been deactivated. Well, since we posted that story, a few of these elements have returned to service at the Magic Kingdom.

The Space Mountain exit ramp once again displays the names of guests

The Space Mountain exit ramp once again displays the names of guests

Space Mountain and “it’s a small world”, which boast two of the simpler “name display” effects, were both reactivated over the weekend. These effects had both been turned off for weeks when we ran our story last week (in fairness”it’s a small world” was closed for most of that time, but returned for at least a week with the effect still off). Maybe somebody reads WDWNT.com?

:it's a small world" says goodbye to guests in various languages at the Magic Kingdom

:it’s a small world” says goodbye to guests in various languages at the Magic Kingdom

Perhaps it had simply gone unnoticed, or perhaps Disney was in the progress of updating the technology or fixing the broken readers at the attractions. The truth is, we may never know exactly what happened.

Interestingly enough, the effect in The Haunted Mansion is still turned off. Perhaps the upcoming December refurbishment will be used to fix the effect? Only time will tell.

Walt Disney World Quietly Disables MagicBand Interactivity on Rides

WDWNT on September 26, 2016

Over the last few years, we have slowly seen Walt Disney World install screens at many of its theme park attractions for new interactive elements that would utilize the technology in a guest’s MagicBand. Many of these effects were eventually turned on, such as the Hitchhiking Ghost scene at the end of the Haunted Mansion, the “it’s a small world” finale where guests would receive a customized farewell, and the Mission Roster at Mission: Space at Epcot. Quietly over the last few weeks, many of these effects were turned off.

The now-retired effect on The Haunted Mansion

The now-retired effect on The Haunted Mansion

Is Disney finally throwing in the towel on these elements? It is uncertain, but all of theme being turned off simultaneously certainly means that they are up to something.

Some of these changes were deemed controversial by fans. The personalized tombstones that the ghosts would carry in the Haunted Mansion finale were called hokey, the “it’s a small world” goodbyes considered forced, and overall many guests felt like Disney was shoving it down their throats that they had the technology to put their name (and where they live) on a screen. Personally, I thought at least a few of them were clever, but agree there was likely too many of them present.

Guest names would show up as "it's a small world" would say goodbye in various languages to them using RFID technology in the MagicBand

Guest names would show up as “it’s a small world” would say goodbye in various languages to them using RFID technology in the MagicBand

Similar effects were also installed at several other locations but never turned on. For example, screens inside Star Tours and the Hollywood Brown Derby at Hollywood Studios were simply never used. Another set of screens at Cover Story on Hollywood Boulevard were turned on for about 2 weeks before going back to being just static images again.

The Mission Roster at the exit of Mission: Space was turned off for the first time this week since it was installed. A short ISTC video with famous quotes about the exploration of space plays now:

Perhaps Disney will be upgrading these systems and they will be returning soon, but for now (or possibly forever), don’t be surprised if you don’t see your name in lights at your favorite Walt Disney World locale.

Disney Researching Possible MagicBand Replacement Concept

WDWNT on August 18, 2016

A new style of MagicBand is in development according to MagicBandCollector.com.

Prototype New Design for MagicBand-type Media

Prototype New Design for MagicBand-type Media

A new post on the FCC shows some pictures of a prototype MagicBand puck that would, in theory, fit into an interchangeable strap or other items. This would allow guests to simply keep this puck and interchange different straps and accessories to their pleasing. The change would decrease pricing in custom “On Demand” straps, and mean Disney would have to buy less devices with RFID chips in them. This would also better control the number of linked ticket media east guests would have on their MyDisneyExperience account, as new their is no real limit.

When or if these will ever be rolled out remains to be seen, but it is at least being kicked around by Disney.

Tom Corless’ 6/16/15 WDW Photo Report (Disney Springs, New Polynesian Merchandise, ETC.)

WDWNT on December 7, 2015

I visited Disney Springs/Downtown Disney, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios this week and took a ton of newsworthy photos to share, so let’s take a look:

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Work continues on the Town Center in Disney Springs

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The new pedestrian bridge is nearing completion

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Some new concept art can be found as you arrive from the parking garage

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Time is running out for the old globe

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Artwork of what the new Planet Hollywood will look like

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Portions of Paradiso 37 are being remodeled

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Jock Lindsay’s Hangar Bar is coming along nicely

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Vivoli Il Gelato is now open in Disney Springs

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Inside Out Tsum Tsums are now available at Once Upon a Toy

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There’s also plenty of other Inside Out items

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Not sure how new these are, they are called “Snuggle Snappers”

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There are now Once Upon a Time phone cases available at D-Tech on Demand

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Also, new Star Wars designs

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The Sign Shoppe in Marketplace Co-Op also has some interesting new items

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The Wonderground Gallery has some really fantastic items

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The expansion of the World of Disney Store is moving full steam ahead

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New ceramic mugs have been released at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

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There’s also a new window display between Captain Cook’s and BouTiki

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If you wanted your MagicBand to be a watch, your wish has been granted in MagicSlider form

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The launch screen at Rock’N’Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith was replaced

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There are some new graphics guests will see before they launch into the ride

BREAKING: Disney World Guests Can Soon Make Custom MagicBands

WDWNT on October 7, 2015

The first-ever MagicBand on Demand kiosk may have already opened at Walt Disney World inside the Tomorrowland Power & Light Co. building at the exit of Space Mountain at the Magic Kingdom. Disney quickly posted and retracted the story about the MagicBand on Demand system earlier this morning.

 

While we don’t have any more details yet, it appears guests will be able to choose the color of their MagicBand, a design (those seen above and many more to choose from), and perhaps may be able to customize the inside of the band with an inscription of some kind. We are still waiting on more details on this process and we expect confirmation from Disney shortly.

UPDATE: We have since found out that guests may choose between the 8 MagicBand colors (which now includes purple) and names can be placed on the exterior of the band based on the design you choose. Custom MagicBands are $21.95, $29.95 if personalized with a name.

Purple MagicBands Are Coming!

WDWNT on September 3, 2015

Since the launch of MyMagic+ some time ago, guests have been asking for a purple MagicBand to be added to the available line-up. It appears it is coming…

 

These two new MagicBands coming out soon have designs printed on a purple MagicBand. The retail MagicBands with designs have only ever been printed on colors actually available, so we expect a plain purple MagicBand to be available to guests in the not-too-distant future. Stay tuned!

Christmas Party, Big Hero 6, and Olaf Holiday MagicBands Coming Soon

WDWNT on October 24, 2014

Some new “vanity” MagicBands are going on sale at Walt Disney World soon:
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Limited release Big Hero 6, 10/24 release
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Open edition Christmas, 10/31 release
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Limited edition Olaf only at Hollywood Studios, 11/3 release

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Limited edition Christmas Party exclusive, 11/7 release

The exact edition sizes and prices for these MagicBands is unknown at this time.

Walt Disney World Testing MemoryMaker Sales with Park & Party Tickets Through 10/31

WDWNT on September 30, 2014

Currently, MemoryMaker at Walt Disney World can only be purchased at two price points, one for advance purchases and another for day-of purchases. Starting immediately, guests can be part of a test which allows them to buy 1-day park or Not-So-Scary Halloween Party tickets that include the MemoryMaker.

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These tickets that include MemoryMaker can only currently be purchased at the ticket sales locations at the Transportation and Ticket Center. Guests who purchase the 1-day park tickets and/or party tickets will receive a MagicBand as well. The testing period will last through October 31st. Ticket prices are as follows (all include tax):

  • 1-day Magic Kingdom ticket with MemoryMaker: 146.97
  • 1-day Park Hopper ticket with MemoryMaker: 184.25
  • 1-day Water Parks Fun & More (Includes 2 “Fun” visits): 205.55
  • 1-day Park Hopper Water Parks Fun & More (Includes 2 “Fun” visits): 233.24

The ticket with MemoryMaker is also being tested on all remaining Mickey’s Not-so-Scary Halloween Party nights:

  • Party Ticket for 9/28/14: 107.57
  • October Party Tickets: 112.89 for nights priced at $67 normally, $117.15 for nights priced at $71 normally

VIDEO & ANALYSIS: Walt Disney World Introduces On-Ride Video, Tower of Terror Debuts First

WDWNT on September 5, 2014

Very quietly on August 12th, 2014, the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror began offering an on-ride video to guests who had purchased MemoryMaker and have a MagicBand in their procession. The video is acquired at two points in the ride and automatically edited together as a really nice video package, as you can see here (we tried it out last night, so see if you can find some famous WDWNT faces in the video):

The video is automatically showing up on the PhotoPass website for guests with MemoryMaker who have claimed their Tower of Terror on-ride photos. Pretty neat, huh?

The only change to the ride that the video cameras make is a much brighter white-light that lasts for a few seconds as your elevator stops at the floor where the on-ride photo has always been taken. Otherwise, the ride experience is the still the  same.

Based on some testing that has been done with cast members over the last few months, it seems likely that on-ride video much like this one should be coming to other attractions at Walt Disney World very soon, including but not limited to Expedition Everest and the Haunted Mansion.

So, what do you think? Is this a cool offering? Would you pay to get on-ride videos like this for your vacation?