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Since the opening of Disneyland in 1955, the Disney Parks priority has always been to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation to deliver the best experience for its visitors. It is with these words that Tom Staggs, the chairman of the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts division, announced a few days ago the launch of a new initiative called MyMagic+ at Walt Disney World, Florida.
The concept of MyMagic+ is to improve the guest experience by the use of various tools and technologies. Disney's goal is to ensure that every visitor makes the most of his stay at Walt Disney World with ease and at no additional charge. In order to do this, the program is divided in 3 main services that are connected together: My Disney Experience, Disney FastPass + and MagicBand.
Prior to their arrival, guests can now plan their stay by logging on to My Disney Experience, a new website which is also available as a mobile app. In addition to find practical information related to the theme parks, water parks, resorts and activities offered at Walt Disney World, they can make dining reservations or connect with family and friends to coordinate plans and share photos.
With MyMagic+, the free service of FastPass also evolves to the next level. Invented by Disney in 1999, this system allows visitors to avoid long queue by booking a specific time slot at some attractions with a ticket received on-site.
The new version, called Disney FastPass+, will now allow guests to book this time slot in advance via My Disney Experience. Still offered for free with the admission at the parks, the service is also extended to new activites. For the first time, guests will be able to reserve firework and parade viewing areas, shows, Disney character meet & greets and more.
Finally, the biggest change will intervene in the organization of the visit in itself thanks to MagicBand, a RFID wristband that serves to enter the theme parks, water parks, Disney Resort hotel room, buy food and merchandise. As a real masterkey, visitors can also use MagicBand to book the new Disney FastPass+ or serve as the connexion to the Disney's PhotoPass service.
Disney has specified that the MagicBand wristband will not store any sensitive personal information about the visitor, but a unique code that will make the connection with its client account (and the options he has purchased) securely via a encrypted database. Furthermore, each visitor can decide what kind of personal information he wants to share within the system and even may refuse the service.
The MyMagic+ program is led to evolve over time with new applications and services. It could also be extended to other Disney Parks worldwide, although no details have yet been revealed about it.
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