Monday Mouse Watch : Disney has trouble convincing guests to come make a "Magic Connection"

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Jim Hill — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 03:05:36 GMT

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re: Monday Mouse Watch : Disney has trouble convincing guests to come make a "Magic Connection"

Jim Hill — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 04:09:51 GMT

Why does everything have to be so complicated? Why can't you just go into the place, do what you want, and leave? By the time we're done with these devices, everyone is going to need a utility belt like Batman to carry them all.

re: Monday Mouse Watch : Disney has trouble convincing guests to come make a "Magic Connection"

Jim Hill — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 04:21:43 GMT

Raving? I've taken those Disney surveys: "Would you say you enjoyed it? Really enjoyed it? or really really enjoyed it?" These are the same surveys that show the suits that nobody notices the lack of maintenance in the parks, and everyone feels ticket price increases are fair and reasonable.

I could think of many attractions that need a few mill for refurbishing. Tiki comes flying into my mind, and this year we'll need a new AA President in Liberty Square. Obviously on a spreadsheet, it looks better to invest the few mill into a fastpast rental program. It makes a few families spend $50 more during their trip, but they lose out on other families not making a trip at all.

re: Monday Mouse Watch : Disney has trouble convincing guests to come make a "Magic Connection"

Jim Hill — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 10:52:44 GMT

What's the battery life on these things? Will I lose my virtual FP due to a low battery?

re: Monday Mouse Watch : Disney has trouble convincing guests to come make a "Magic Connection"

Jim Hill — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 12:22:07 GMT

I think the virtual FP would be on a different system than any being tested in the near future. So it wouldn't be something like the DS which, frankly, you might need a car charger for if the kids are playing in the car rides and lines on top of using it for WDW info. I think it's probably an easier platform for testing right now, though, because it is a more common platform than the multitude of cellphone options and upgrades.

So I'm guessing this official in-park devices would come fully charged when you got 'em... Also, there are solar battery chargers out there as well.

re: Monday Mouse Watch : Disney has trouble convincing guests to come make a "Magic Connection"

Jim Hill — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 12:42:05 GMT

I love the idea - the reduction in paper makes my inner tree-hugger happy [not to mention actually keeps to those "green" messages from Animal Kingdom and Epcot] - but the "rental" issue bothers me. For guests how already have a Nintendo DS, it is unlikely that they'll want to carry around two devices through the parks. If they don't own one, it makes sense - no need to buy a new system just for a Disney vacation. For those that HAVE the DS already, I would love to see Disney come out with a something you can plug in to an existing system, much like how you would plug in a cartridge to play a game. I would pay $30 for a Fastpass cartridge that I can use on all of my future vacations.... so long as the Fastpass itself is free and available in the usual fashion.

re: Monday Mouse Watch : Disney has trouble convincing guests to come make a "Magic Connection"

Jim Hill — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 12:44:03 GMT

When these units were first announced, the first thing that came to mind was "profiling". Personally I was curious to see whether or not the recommendations made by the device would change based upon whether or not you were staying on park property, and if you were, which property were you staying at, and the ages of people in your party. At dinner time, when you told it you wanted to eat, would it recommend a counter service to people staying at the All Stars, and a sit-down to people staying at the Poly? Crystal Palace for people with kids, and Tony's for people without? Would this be the advent of the rumored upcoming changes to the Fastpass system where the more you spent on a hotel, the shorter your wait time for Fastpasses? That sort of thing.

So I have to admit that I said to myself "yeah, I knew it" when they said that they were changing the plan to roll these test units out at the Poly and the GF instead of in the parks, under the theory that those with the cash wouldn't balk at the deposit. I think Disney is really off with this theory, as the door swings both ways. Many people with plenty of cash stay at a lower-end resort so that they can stay longer; for example, my family stays at the All Stars or the mid-grades so that we can stay for two weeks for essentially the price of one. In the end we likely pay the same or more than someone staying four or five days on the monorail. We bring plenty of disposable cash and if we were approached in the lobby would not really have to think too terribly hard about whether or not we'd hand over our card. Alternatively we know that a lot of people who stay at the deluxes scrimp and save to be able to stay in one, and they wouldn't have the possibly disposable deposit.

By rolling this out at the deluxes only, Disney is only going to shoot themselves in the foot by hitting one demographic: the people who go to Disney and drop a lot of money in a short period of time without leaving the House of Mouse. One very obvious way this would be reflected is that (I'm quite positive, if someone has alternate numbers please feel free to correct me) that in general those who spend more on their hotel spend less time in the parks as they would be more apt to try to get their money's worth. Also since they chose two monorail properties, this would also make for an easy hop back for a swim. Not to mention tourists on property tend to behave much differently from those who are off property when it comes to park time, as they can move around much more readily. A person on the monorail could (and often does) hit the MK in the morning, leave for lunch and a swim at the hotel, and then hit Epcot, lets say, in the afternoon. Thus their readers would show a half day in the park, which would be pretty easy to misread.

Poor move on Disney's part. While offering it in hotel lobbies is a good idea, they should rotate the hotels and also offer CM's at the TTC as well for the driving crowd.

re: Monday Mouse Watch : Disney has trouble convincing guests to come make a "Magic Connection"

Jim Hill — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 13:09:57 GMT

The more I read these stories, the more I come to the conclusion that the folks running things at WDW are the most clueless bunch of dolts on the planet.

Gee, let's spend millions of dollars on some new techno-gadget before we know if anyone wants one. Field tests go badly?? Oh hell, it's not that it's a bad idea ... we just field tested it wrong! It couldn't possibly be that people don't want these things! We're Imagineering! We know everything!! We know what people want more than they do ... so if at first they don't want it, we'll just cram it down the throats of someone else who might!

Look, this is a stupid idea. Pal Mickey tanked. They wasted millions on that piece of crap, so what do they do?? They come up with some new piece of crap to waste millions on! And why? Because they think that, unlike a new ride or attraction, they might actually "recoup their expenses" for this thing (that's corporate lingo for, "Make a ridiculous profit by overcharging people for something they don't want in the first place."). It's a DUMB IDEA! People don't WANT to be lugging some other piece of hardware along with them on their vacations!!

So in the end, because of nothing more than arrogance, they're going to end up wasting probably tens of millions of dollars that could have been put to good use elsewhere in the parks (read that as, "on a GOOD new attraction") on something that no one wants anyway.

Really ... it's astounding to me that these people can make money. They make it in spite of themselves. If the place was run by anyone with a clue, they could be doing ten times as well.

I'm really starting to doubt that Iger is the right guy to run this ship. Every time I turn around I see them wasting money on stuff that's virtually guaranteed to flop.

re: Monday Mouse Watch : Disney has trouble convincing guests to come make a "Magic Connection"

Jim Hill — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 13:27:40 GMT

I actually like this idea. Especially the virtual FP's. But I would only get it if they sold a cartridge. No way would I rent a special DS - I already own two.

re: Monday Mouse Watch : Disney has trouble convincing guests to come make a "Magic Connection"

Jim Hill — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 14:17:17 GMT

I get a guidemap and fold it up in my pocket because I don't like to carry a lot in the parks. So, I would take a pass on this, but if I did use the service I'd prefer for it to be on my own device(cell phone or whatever). Not one I'd have to rent.

re: Monday Mouse Watch : Disney has trouble convincing guests to come make a "Magic Connection"

Jim Hill — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 14:19:22 GMT

For those who are opposeded to this device, I would urge you to take a look around at what's happening culturally and technologically. The current generation of young people are incredibly connected electronically via text messaging, cell phones, IM, video games, etc. This new generation loves technology so much, you might could say they are addicts, hence the term "Crackberry" for the Blackberry. So, I see Disney as trying to be ahead of the curve, or at least trying to be in tune.

Personally, I liked Pal Mickey, and bought one for myself, and probably enjoy it more than my kids. He's somewhat corny in his jokes, but occasionally he points out something interesting and he's fun to have while waiting in lines. So, this kind of device obviously appeals to me as well. It will be interesting to see where it goes.

re: Monday Mouse Watch : Disney has trouble convincing guests to come make a "Magic Connection"

Jim Hill — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 14:36:46 GMT

I get that Disney's trying to be innovative here, and I understand that if their idea takes off, it could be great, although it's no replacement for maintaining and upgrading the existing attractions. I'm personally not interested in walking around the parks with my nose buried in an electronic device, but I understand my opinion is not necessarily that of the majority.

But did anyone else consider that $300 is a pretty steep deposit for a device that could be too-easily dropped, lost, soaked, or otherwise damaged during a day of heavy usage, especially since the kids will no doubt want to play with it, too? Sorry man, but I wouldn't want to risk it.

re: Monday Mouse Watch : Disney has trouble convincing guests to come make a "Magic Connection"

Jim Hill — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 15:49:59 GMT

My 2 cents:

I realize that today's culture is largely technology dependant. I'm not naive enough to think anyone can change that. I think there are pro's and cons to this way of life.

My question is this: Just because people want something, does that make it the best thing to give them?

I'm sure most people wanted McDonald's french fries while at the Magic Kingdom... and now we have to change the boats on IASW so they don't bottom out when all the fat people get onboard.

I'm sure people wanted to get on rides faster and without waiting, so they gave them FastPass... and now the regular line is twice as slow AND the FP'ers miss the majority of the theming in the queues.

Heck, I'm sure some people thought Disneyland was too cute and cuddley and wanted something more hip and adult... and they got DCA!!!

So I admit to be worried that people are desiring more technology to aid them in their attempt to get maximum enjoyment out of the parks... and they give them something that pulls their focus from the park and onto a computer screen.

re: Monday Mouse Watch : Disney has trouble convincing guests to come make a "Magic Connection"

Jim Hill — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 16:12:35 GMT

for me - what is entertaining in an ironic was is the depiction of the family scene for digital fastpass. Sitting at a meal, asking for a ride, then getting fastpasses. c'mon. I go to DLR a lot and the notion there is once you get a fastpass you know when the next window is to get another one. Then, by the end of the day, you might have a your choice of attractions because you saved all of your fastpasses. IF they decided to enforce the time window on fastpasses once the digital system went in, then great it works. However, if the policy of use it whenever is still in place, look for fastpasses to go faster than they do today.

Oh, and I hope their security measures are up to snuff on that one. Can you imagine the denial of service attacks that might be attempted on getting fastpasses for Space? interesting dilemma.

re: Monday Mouse Watch : Disney has trouble convincing guests to come make a "Magic Connection"

Jim Hill — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 17:03:53 GMT

Why can't people just go and enjoy the park? Why do they have to always be planning their next move? Fastpass destroyed some of the magic of just strolling leisurely around the park and now this is going to finish it off.

All that aside, this is ony going to turn into a big nightmare for the guest relations department if they don't function the way a guest wants or the way a guest expects them to work.

re: Monday Mouse Watch : Disney has trouble convincing guests to come make a "Magic Connection"

Jim Hill — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 17:36:55 GMT

Well, there we go: guarenteed fastpasses for the biggest attractions only go to the highest bidder. If you can afford the gizmo, you get onto "Nemo" (when Disneyland gets them) or Soarin' (in Epcot). If you can't afford the gizmo, you have to explain to your crying kids why you can't get them on it as the rich kids staying in the Grand Californian and Grand Floridian ease on through the fastpass line with alarming consistency...

re: Monday Mouse Watch : Disney has trouble convincing guests to come make a "Magic Connection"

Jim Hill — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 17:48:08 GMT

Funny ... I didn't even really consider the financial implications of this, but yeah I guess that's true. Only people who can afford these gizmos will be able to rent/buy one ... so I guess they're left out in the cold when it comes to navigating the parks, getting Fastpasses, and good advice.

Remember the "good old days" when Cast Members used to give you all that information? Back when most of them could speak English and actually knew the answers to your questions ...

re: Monday Mouse Watch : Disney has trouble convincing guests to come make a "Magic Connection"

Jim Hill — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 18:26:53 GMT

Maybe Disney can come up with a system where I pay someone to go to Disneyland FOR ME. That way I don't have to pay for a ticket or the expensive food. I don't have to brave the weather. I never have to wait in line. They could take photos with nobody in the picture and then photoshop me in later... sending along a description of what "I" did that day.

Or maybe they go around the park with a camera attached to their head and I can just pop in and watch whenever I want to. I could send them text messages that tells them where I want them to go next.

OR... maybe Disneyland should just go virtual. Shut the park down and just offer everything online. Never a line. Nothing shuts down for repairs. They could save money by firing all the imagineers, and park employees, and just hire a few animators to draw the rides. That way we cater to all the people who must have technology in order to get the most out of their experience.

Wow. The technological improvements could really improve the theme park adventure!!!! Some day I will never even have to go to the park.

re: Monday Mouse Watch : Disney has trouble convincing guests to come make a "Magic Connection"

Jim Hill — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 19:38:46 GMT

captainhook91 said:

"OR... maybe Disneyland should just go virtual. Shut the park down and just offer everything online. Never a line. Nothing shuts down for repairs. They could save money by firing all the imagineers, and park employees, and just hire a few animators to draw the rides. That way we cater to all the people who must have technology in order to get the most out of their experience."

Dude, don't laugh ... if Iger keeps things going in the direction he is now that day might not be all that far off.

re: Monday Mouse Watch : Disney has trouble convincing guests to come make a "Magic Connection"

Jim Hill — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 21:39:09 GMT

Don't make me play the Luddite card again here people!

bonk!

re: Monday Mouse Watch : Disney has trouble convincing guests to come make a "Magic Connection"

Jim Hill — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 02:28:18 GMT

Here's the problem in a nutshell: (the execs owe me compensation for doing their job here...)

Charging money to rent proprietary information-technology devices is NOT futuristic or even present-day thinking. That's a mindset that would be forward-thinking in the 80s & 90s.

In an internet age of mainstream cell phones and handhelds, the consumer wants it provided to HIS device for FREE. (You wouldn't pay money to rent a film camera from the Magic Kingdom, would you?)

If they cannot accomplish their communications using established, widely available technologies, then the whole project will fail, period.

re: Monday Mouse Watch : Disney has trouble convincing guests to come make a "Magic Connection"

Jim Hill — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 11:44:20 GMT

I hate this idea, but I disagree that the initial idea of Fast Passes ruined anything. Quite opposite of what others have said, I think FP have made it possible for families to enjoy the parks far more and to take in far more details. When I was growing up, my family was a family of ride enthusiast. We never took the time for any boring old show because we wanted to hit the Mountains and the Pirates of the world. By the time you got three or four rides knocked out, it was almost time for park closing. The first time I utilized the FP, I was done with all of my favorite rides by noon and this whole new world opened up to me. I was able to relax! I wasn't worried about having time get on Splash Mountain. I took my time and just took all of the details in. I sat down and watched the shows. I took the steam boat around. All of these little things that my family had always neglected in the name of the all might ride was suddenly there in front of me. As long as FP remain free and available to all guests equally I'm 100% in favor. I just have a problem when you create a caste system, either by charging for the right to get them easier (as this plan calls for), or charging for the right simply to get them (the Universal, Six Flags route).

re: Monday Mouse Watch : Disney has trouble convincing guests to come make a "Magic Connection"

Jim Hill — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 13:48:09 GMT

I agree with jables and disagree with SRK. These days by having fastpass I can enjoy other attractions that may not have been possible before because I was waiting in a long line. Now, that is not the ideal that DIsney execs want (they want you to spend while waiting) but now we watch entertainment, go on Mark Twain or canoes, and then visit the attraction for fastpass.

besides, Fastpass did not create a rush to hit every ride. That has increased as prices have increased. If I am paying up to $70 per person 10 and older (10!) then I am compelled to maximize my day and hit as many rides as I can, any way I can.

This new device will definitely favor those with $$. so I wonder what things people will cut out in order to take advantage. My guess nothing and the device will only be used by the "haves". this also may help to justify the "boutique" park idea that Rasulo reportedly is interested in...

re: Monday Mouse Watch : Disney has trouble convincing guests to come make a "Magic Connection"

Jim Hill — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 16:22:05 GMT

'Remember the "good old days" when Cast Members used to give you all that information? Back when most of them could speak English and actually knew the answers to your questions ...'

Not sure which park you went to, 'cause in WDW I had no problems with any cast member and there are and remains 2 cast people in the "hub" of the Magic Kingdom at all times, as there has since opening day.

English was only a consideration when in parts of AK or AKLodge (where some cast members are from Africa) or some parts of World Showcase - both of which you'd have expected to have people for whom English is not the first language.

Granted, I didn't need to ask too many questions, being a vet tourist and Disneyanna freak (even though I'd not been to WDW in over 20 years).

re: Monday Mouse Watch : Disney has trouble convincing guests to come make a "Magic Connection"

Jim Hill — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 17:04:42 GMT

acroyear said:

"Not sure which park you went to ... "

Well the Studios for starters, where I had a show host that had such a heavy accent that no one in the audience could understand a thing she said. Everyone thought at first it was some kind of schtick. When they realized she was for real most people walked out.

And forget about trying to get any info from half the CM's at the resorts ...

re: Monday Mouse Watch : Disney has trouble convincing guests to come make a "Magic Connection"

Jim Hill — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 01:14:26 GMT

Why even theme the theme parks anymore if everyone is going to walk around looking at little screens so they can find their next Fastpass?

Stupid. I know Disney is "trying to stay a head of the game" and keep "in tune" with technology, but that's not always a good thing.

Think about it.

re: Monday Mouse Watch : Disney has trouble convincing guests to come make a "Magic Connection"

Jim Hill — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 15:28:48 GMT

While I do use fastpass... the BIG negative it has on the park is that is clogs the streets and shops by taking people out of the line they should be waiting in, it causes you to completely bypass the queue theming (if fewer people see it do you think they will keep making it so cool on future attractions?)... not to mention lengthening the time it takes to go through the normal line.

Other than that it's great! ;oP

Disney Magic Connection testing goes well

Jim Hill — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 18:19:48 GMT

re: Monday Mouse Watch : Disney has trouble convincing guests to come make a "Magic Connection"

Jim Hill — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 18:45:47 GMT

"it causes you to completely bypass the queue theming (if fewer people see it do you think they will keep making it so cool on future attractions?)... not to mention lengthening the time it takes to go through the normal line."

You said it yourself, the stand by lines are longer than ever. This seems like little reason to stop theming the line when people are in lines twice as long as they used to be.

re: Monday Mouse Watch : Disney has trouble convincing guests to come make a "Magic Connection"

Jim Hill — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 20:45:24 GMT

jables:

When you are in the fastpass line you bypass the queue theming. Yes, the poor saps who didn't get a FP get to stand in the queue and look at the theming for EONS while the line crawls slowly ahead... but who do the parks care most about? The people who do the right thing or those who pay the most? There has been talk of paying for FP and it's already in practice at other parks. This is a clever way of getting people to pay for FP without saying that's what's going on. Then who knows? Depending upon what resort you are staying at might affect what FP are available etc, etc,etc,...

When they start to cater to those who pay more, who in return get on the ride faster... what reason do they have to continue theming the regular queues? I can already hear the response...

Question:

"Excuse me CM. Why is the line so boring?"

Answer:

"Well Sir/Ma'm, the theming is in the FP line. If you'd care to purchase/rent a Magic Connection Handheld device, you too can experience the Disney Magic that used to be free to anyone in the park. Have a nice day."

re: Monday Mouse Watch : Disney has trouble convincing guests to come make a "Magic Connection"

Jim Hill — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 00:03:48 GMT

I'm not going to read through all of these posts... so if I repeat what someone already voice I apologize...

I hate this idea. I mean I really hate it. What a way to seperate the haves from the have-nots! But, hey, maybe class warfare is the angle Disney is aiming for.

re: Monday Mouse Watch : Disney has trouble convincing guests to come make a "Magic Connection"

Jim Hill — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 03:27:59 GMT

I'm assuming that if/when this sucker ever rolls out, the rental and deposit fee is gonna be much less than $300. It's a prototype, folks - they've only got so many units rigged up for this test and they want to make sure some idiot doesn't leave the park with it. Once the equipment is produced in decent quantities, Disney won't need to charge 300 bucks as a deposit...

I'm indifferent to this thing, to be honest, but then I'm not the target audience for this device. It's an intriguing concept, and it sounds like it'll be more practical to use than Pal Mickey, but making it a rental-only device instead of something that people can plug into their own DS? Someone's seriously not thinking here...

re: Monday Mouse Watch : Disney has trouble convincing guests to come make a "Magic Connection"

Jim Hill — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 15:35:06 GMT

so - for pschnebs - I have a question. Would you still be indifferent if there were services, activities, or specials offered to those folks using the DS system - and not offered to you, but in the past they used to be? The argument is not whether these things would be good or not (does anyone remember the audio tour phones from the zoo and once at disneyland?) but the fact that it could be used for segregating enterainment, food, merchandise, or attraction events or times to those who have the item.

re: Monday Mouse Watch : Disney has trouble convincing guests to come make a "Magic Connection"

Jim Hill — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 12:01:13 GMT

If the Fast Passes can be reserved electronically from anywhere in the park, is it possible that they will disappear faster? People won't have to walk from one side of the park to the other to get a pass, and as soon as they use one pass they can immediately reserve their next one while they are still in line for the first one. What happens if I drop or lose my device? People lose and damage larger items like cameras, cell phones, and digital organizers (Blackberry) every day at the parks. Will I be charged for it if I drop it from a roller coaster? Will some devices get stolen by people that can't afford the devices? If so, will I get charged if it gets stolen? Like most GPS devices, it most likely can't be tracked if the battery is disconnected, and if it isn't stolen to be used at the park, it might be stolen because it would make a really nifty collectors item. Would there be a black-market for stolen devices or do they encrypt the digital signal to prevent "lost" devices from operating in the park? It sounds like a really interesting idea, but I have a number of concerns about the execution and operation of such a device.

re: Monday Mouse Watch : Disney has trouble convincing guests to come make a "Magic Connection"

Jim Hill — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 16:06:43 GMT

I participated in the program on the 15th of January. I don't own a DS, but found the whole thing to be a bit clucky to carry around. The only useful piece of information was the attraction and show wait times. I really enjoyed that feature. Ideally though, they should just create a mobile app to download that information to your phone so you don't have to check back at the board in the hub.

Other than that, it was an electronic version of the map with no additional information. I suggested priority seating reservations for food and menu items for each food location. Getting the device and the exit survey took way too much time, but they were generous and offered each member of our party (8) a free 5x7 photo from our photo pass (which worked out to be a little under $100) for our time.

I really feel they should have added more content before testing these out.

re: Monday Mouse Watch : Disney has trouble convincing guests to come make a "Magic Connection"

Jim Hill — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 13:08:12 GMT

The idea that the Mouse is soooooo amazingly DUMB about people and how they'll react to being clipboard-assaulted after that well-described ordeal of getting through the front gate, let alone being asked for a credit card by a smiling sales-person-type-trained CM....well, it's kind of sad.

They used to be the company that other companies studied and learned from re. how to handle guests and crowd control and people's reactions and moods and attitudes...but somehow they "lost their corporate memory" about such things along the way, and this story is only one more example.