VIDEO: Disney Parks Chairman Tom Staggs talks MyMagic+ at D11 confrence

May 30th 2013 at 5:41

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Walt Disney Parks & Resort Chairman Tom Staggs appeared at the annual All Things Digital conference, and shared some details on the MyMagic+ 'nextgen' program.

A Disney video was then shown, explaining what MyMagic+ is. The Magic Band was shown in detail, and allows you to 'tap into all the magic of a Disney vacation'. The band will be used to enter the park, access fastpass attractions, enter your resort room and make purchases.

In addition, with MyMagic+ you can plan your vacation online prior to your vacation. It also integrates into the PhotoPass system, so you can access your photos taken by cast members around the park.

Tom gave interviewers Walt Mossberg and Kara Swisher. The appearance of the MagicBand is colored (multiple different colors were shown), and appears to be mainly fabric based, likely with a battery and wireless receiver built in. The band can also be split to make it smaller for children, meaning there is no need to have multiple different versions. 

The MagicBand will be issued free instead of a 'Key to the World' card.

One of the top features of the new MagicBand and MyMagic+ allows you to get fastpasses without having to go to the attraction. Theoretically it makes it possible for you to completely plan out your park visit prior to your vacation.

Another feature of the band is a limit on how much can be charged to the band, prior to a pin being required. So the charging privileges can be limited, or disabled per-band, ideal if you want to allow family members to spend upto a certain amount before having to enter your pin number.

Other features will include personalized character Meet and Greets, as the character will be able to scan the users magic band to find out their name, and can then welcome them by their first name.

Disney have confirmed that the Magic Band does not have GPS, but does have a long-range tracker so that it can be tracked within the parks and resorts. Outside the immediate park/resort areas, the band has no use or value.

The whole experience is designed to give park guests a very personal experience. Things like an in-ride 'happy birthday' message could be shown to guests, along with other personal touches.

Watch the full interview below:

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