Originally Posted By dshyates The Orlando Sentinel discuees Disney's 1+ Billion Dollar NextGen project. That is the guest expense tracking/ attraction interaction RFID technology that Disney believes will kick up the Disney Parks experience to the next level. So far from what I have read, this NextGen thing is sort of creepy in a "Big Brother" kind of way. And I don't really understand how it is going to be such a benifit to guests that they would spend 1+ Billion dollars on it. leemac seemed pretty stoked about it a couple of months ago, but I just don't get it. <a href="http://thedailydisney.com/blog/2010/01/disney-quietly-working-on-1-billion-plus-next-generation-technology-project/" target="_blank">http://thedailydisney.com/blog...project/</a>
Originally Posted By Mr X I would prefer they spend a billion bucks on a bunch of cool rides and shows. But I guess that makes me outdated and irrelevant. *sigh*
Originally Posted By -em I'm a huge fan of RFID and so could see the benefits- I do have to say the whole refitting of the costuming depts on property with RFID has been fun to experience, and one that in time will save the company a lot more than it spent as it removes "human error" from most of the equation...
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer I would not call it a gamble at all. It's a very large program that's really going to bring something new and big to the Resort. Something we've needed for a long time, and no, it's not more princess M/Gs.
Originally Posted By dshyates "It's a very large program that's really going to bring something new and big to the Resort." So what "big" things is this program going to bring to the resort?
Originally Posted By leobloom ^^Stitch will be able say your name as he burps in your face. Won't that be grand?
Originally Posted By MPierce They certainly are secretive about this whole thing. Which leads me to believe there is much more to this program than what has leaked out. While I'm truly excited that Chip, and Dale will know my name, I would be more excited if they took that money, and just fixed the attractions they have or planted some more plants. I'm also curious to see if you have to start reserving your fast Passes 180 days in advance, due to this revolutionary concept. Will the Mouse be calling me on my cell phone at the resort to tell me it's time to wake up, and get to the Parks, and spend money. I hate to sound paranoid because I know Mickey really has my well being, and happiness at heart.
Originally Posted By MPierce >> I'm a huge fan of RFID and so could see the benefits- I do have to say the whole refitting of the costuming depts on property with RFID has been fun to experience, and one that in time will save the company a lot more than it spent as it removes "human error" from most of the equation... << Could you elaborate a little more on that EM or will the Mouse visit you in the middle of the night with a garrote in his hand? I'm just struggeling with the concept of what is actually going on with this program when it comes to the costumes.
Originally Posted By leemac <<leemac seemed pretty stoked about it a couple of months ago, but I just don't get it.>> I've been a huge fan of vacation customization for a long time. However RFID technology has the ability to improve the guest vacation by customizing experiences and assist the back office functionality. The first practical implementation of RFID that I saw was at Banana Republic. Paul P wanted better inventory management system that would actually tell head office when a stock item sold rather than just how many are sold over a given period. The RFID was (and still is) built into the security device that is stitched into the clothing (and can easily be removed). It meant that management could easily track a product from manufacture to sale (and even to returns). In a retail environment, particularly apparel, your inventory days number is very important as a KPI. We also saw the wristband idea being used by Wild Wadi in Dubai. Wild Wadi is owned by the same folks behind the Burj Al Arab (the sail-shaped hotel) - Jumeriah - and they have a waterproof wristband that controls everything from lockers (you flash the fob over the lock) to top-up for F&B and merchandise spend (it is entirely cash-less as a park). You can get any surplus cash refunded at the end with the deposit. It was just such a neat system and the operators found that people actually spent more than they would with cash (which makes a lot of sense being that you either needed a waterproof container for your cash/cards or return to your locker). Although Wild Wadi is a relatively small park the operator could also track guest movements by the RFID tag if they wanted. It would help to make menu planning and decisions that could benefit the guest experience. The ability to have one device that controlled your entire stay is hugely appealing and would simplify many systems at a resort as complex as WDW. Everything from your Key To The World to your Photopass to your personalized Meet 'n' Greet could be maintained on one system and produce data that could improve the guest experience. I know many people feel this is Big Brother and very Orwellian but ultimately there are ways to get similar data now - WDW can easily track a credit card through their systems to determine spend analytics and meal time planning by guests. Same as they do with credit card-authorized Key To The Worlds. It isn't too much of a stretch to RFID technology.
Originally Posted By Kar2oonMan I can see why this is appealing to Disney -- it means people would like spend more than they might otherwise. Probably a lot of labor-saving that can come from this as well. But I am not getting the "benefit the guest experience" part of it. Making it faster to part me from my money isn't enhancing my guest experience really.
Originally Posted By MPierce Why is Disney being so secretive about it Lee? Is it because they are planning on using it in an unconventinal way? It just makes no sense that everybody knows what RFID is, but Disney is treating it like it is top secret.
Originally Posted By leemac <<But I am not getting the "benefit the guest experience" part of it. Making it faster to part me from my money isn't enhancing my guest experience really.>> K2M - maybe I didn't make my point well. It isn't just about ease of payment - it is also about being able to tailor experiences. That may come through improved knowledge of guest behavior or an ability to provide personalized experience - like every waiter knowing that you are vegetarian or Belle knowing your daughter's name as she approaches.
Originally Posted By leemac <<Why is Disney being so secretive about it Lee? Is it because they are planning on using it in an unconventinal way?>> It is being treated like any project - it is private and confidential until Media Relations opt to release the information. I don't particularly perceive the project as being any more secretive than any other. MPierce - not sure on your definition of "unconventional" - if you are thinking covert or bordering on illegal than no - but it may be using existing technology in new ways. ))
Originally Posted By MPierce >> MPierce - not sure on your definition of "unconventional" - if you are thinking covert or bordering on illegal than no - but it may be using existing technology in new ways. )) << I understand that It can replace room keys, park tickets, and cash. I'm assuming it will act a lot like that interactive Mickey (forgot the name) that you can carry around the park. Your explanation of merchandising inventory was simple enough for me to grasp also. This however seems to have been taken to another level of secrecy. Maybe I'm reading to much into this, but I'm starting to believe the Parks may all become one great big Kim Possible like experience. I just don't know if that application is good or bad. I can understand Disney's reasoning for developing this, and I don't fault them for wanting to make the most profit possible. Maybe I'm just to old, and set in my ways, but I see a distinct possibility of Disney losing some of it's charm with this technology. It's a done deal so I guess I will have to wait, and see. Tell me the truth Lee, since I know you're on the inside of this. Have they threatened if anyone leaks anything about this project that they will be stripped naked, and the bottom of their feet will be beaten with a rubber hose.
Originally Posted By Kar2oonMan >>That may come through improved knowledge of guest behavior or an ability to provide personalized experience - like every waiter knowing that you are vegetarian or Belle knowing your daughter's name as she approaches.<< Ah, okay.
Originally Posted By bobbelee9 So when I get on Peter Pan, Captain Hook will say "Watch your step Bobbe, and enjoy the flight" I'm ok with that.
Originally Posted By MPierce No captain hook will say " I see you haven't made dining arrangements for tonight. Would you like me to get you an ADR at the Brown Derby for 7 pm?.
Originally Posted By bobbelee9 Hey if he can do that, that's fine too. As long as it's a good sitdown and I have time to get there.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 Excuse the cut and paste, but I posted the following in another MAGICal realm and kinda working today ... so here's some more info/thoughts: First of all, this is a global initiative ... although how global remains to be seen. But this is the operational management chart for NEXT GEN: Jim MacPhee, Vice President, Next Generation Experience and Walt Disney World Parks Operations, also responsible to Meg Crofton, President Walt Disney World Resort, to lead the operations integration component of this work • John Padgett, Vice President, Experience Development • Kevin Rice, Vice President, Interactive Product Development, also responsible to Bruce Vaughn, Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer • Andy Schwalb, Senior Vice President, Strategic IT Services, also responsible to Stephanie Young, Senior Vice President, Global Business Technology Strategy • Mike Gomes, Vice President, Imaging, also responsible to Michael O'Grattan, Senior Vice President, Entertainment and Imaging • Brian Besanceney, Vice President, Public Affairs, also responsible to Leslie Goodman, Executive Vice President, Worldwide Public Affairs Other points raised (and I just spent an hour discussing this with a Disney 'pal' who is a bit more excited about the prospects than I am) about this have already been hit on. But RFID has been used in costuming at WDW now (consider that a first step) to control and keep better tabs on items/inventory. Kim Possible is just a beta-test for what RFID can (and likely will) be used for in the parks. Imagine say riding the Seas and Nemo or Dory or Marlin talk to YOU! ... or Peter Pan invites YOU to go to Neverland ... or you walk by a window display at a shop and suddenly your chip triggers something ... or based on prior visits, Fastpasses are waiting for you when you arrive at your resort ... or your wake up call comes from some character that is a favorite of yours, but most folks haven't heard from ... see where this is going? As near as I can tell the $1.5 billion figure tossed out to the media (and fanbois) isn't being entirely honest. ... It includes mostly infrastructure and things over many years ... from things already happening that don't impact guests really (like CM costuming) to the cost inherent in changing every room lock on property and installing new turnstyles etc. But largely, this is designed to take you away from your money. By using cashless tech, guests will spend more. It's always easier to put $2,343 on a chip than to pay with cash or reach for your Visa or Am Ex. You'll wind up spending more and Disney knows this. While this program is designed to completely overhaul the way a guest vacations at WDW, you need to look at this as simply taking Destination Disney (which brought you everything from Pal Mickey to Magic Your Way Tix to DDP to DME etc) to a new level and one that adds more personalization than was ever possible before due to the tech. But yes, it has some major drawbacks as far as Disney's ability to create an incredible database of information on its guests ... and you better believe there are some huge privacy issues/concerns (of course, 78% of people supposedly have no issues being virtual strip-searched to get on a plane ... so I likely know what the typical MAGICal response will be here). Disney will in fact be tracking you through its parks. Again, some fanbois may think this is uber-kewl if they walk by a mirror and suddenly their Fairy Godmother (or CM Bradley) appears on the other side calling to them. I'm not sold. Technology can be very cool ... but without the layered storytelling and the immersion, all it does is leave me cold. But we'll see ... because this isn't like a new attraction where you see it being built ... maybe that's ultimately why I'm cynical about this. That and I see far more upside for The Mouse than his guests, but I'm trying to NOT be a cynical Spirit here. The possibilities are endless ... but WDI has been a dream factory since its inception and take a look at what WDW has gotten the past decade. It's not what CAN they do, but what WILL they do?
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 ^^Oh, please excuse the comments to the other site I posted this at. Forgot to take them out!
