Internet Privacy and Disney

Originally Posted By GOB

I was listening to an NPR special on the internet whilst driving home this morning and had an idea.

With the NextGen program, it's safe to say that the internet will be having a larger role in our WDW vacations. Now, let's say I'm using the internet from my WDW resort hotel room. If I log on to my usual haunts, like WDWMagic or the LaughingPlace, Disney could theoretically see which sites I personally visit (provided I use my room key to gain internet access) and perhaps even see what my account names are. Now that Disney can match an online persona to a living, breathing, and paying guest, could my experience at the parks be affected by what I post online?

If a guest gushes about Disney on the web, perhaps he would receive more interactions (or personal attention) from Disney. If he starts nitpicking about his visit or posting negative (read: objective) information, maybe he would receive poorer service, or perhaps better service, to appease him.

With Disney's recent (rather frightening) forays into social media and its integration into the parks, I fear that the line between the virtual and the real is becoming ever-so-finer. Once Disney is able to match usernames to faces, who knows what they could do? I believe Spirit might have touched on this topic before (linking use of discounts to park experiences), but I felt the need to bring this up in light of what we've seen lately. I hope on hope that my identity online remains uncompromised to Disney, and that my experiences aren't affected by what I say (or don't say) online (and I'm not even an outspoken critic, at least as much as some across the internet are, not that there's anything wrong with that.)

So, are my concerns legitimate, or am I overthinking the threat? I had considered bringing my iPad on my next trip to post during downtime,, but if the Mouse is watching, do I dare risk it?

Thoughts?

 

Originally Posted By Longhorn12

>Now, let's say I'm using the internet from my WDW resort hotel room. If I log on to my usual haunts, like WDWMagic or the LaughingPlace, Disney could theoretically see which sites I personally visit (provided I use my room key to gain internet access) and perhaps even see what my account names are.<

They can easily do this now (and probably do at least look at the websites people visit)

>Now that Disney can match an online persona to a living, breathing, and paying guest, could my experience at the parks be affected by what I post online?<

Yes

>So, are my concerns legitimate, or am I overthinking the threat? I had considered bringing my iPad on my next trip to post during downtime, but if the Mouse is watching, do I dare risk it?<

Yes your concerns are legitimate however they are about a decade too late. Everyone is always watching whenever you go online. Even using the best techniques to hide your footsteps on the web they are traceable. No matter what proxy/etc. you are using.

So go ahead and bring your iPad. It doesn't matter. All the information they could want/need off of it they probably already have if you are staying on site or going to the park, and if they don't some other company does.

(Also with all the concerns over Apple tracking and storing user positioning I would be more worried about the tablet than Disney)

 

Originally Posted By Witches of Morva

ORGOCH: Whatcha all OUGHTTA do is git yerselves some crystal balls so ya wouldn't have ta worry 'bout none a this modern day internet @#%^! There's no way in Hades anybody can spy on us Cauldron gals the way we conjurs up stuff all the time. No fer us ta whack the hacks. No havin' ta worry 'bout anybody stealin' our identities er nothin' else! So git with the program git some crystal balls!!!

 

Originally Posted By dshyates

I am surprised it has taken this long for Disney to jump into the OBVIOUS data mining game. I know they have been doing it for years below the radar. But this NextGen thing is like the Grocery/ pharmacy/ whatever discount cards on steroids. I would suspect Disney will also buy your info from said grocery/ pharmacy/ whatever's to fill out any info gaps, of course, so they can provide more personal customer service. Isn't customer service why Disney is spending $1+ BILLION?

 

Originally Posted By DlandDug

Despite the obvious scary implications, it is still the case that there are legal protections in place. But as stated above, privacy on the internet should NEVER be assumed.

This is rather alarming on its face, but do consider this. There are literally thousands of guests logging onto the internet every day on Disney property. It seems hard to believe that they would be zeroing in on each and every one of them.

 

Originally Posted By dshyates

I am sure fey bois toiling away in the Disney Data Mine would get a big kick out the sites I am visiting while on Vacation. They will be doing something while they work, but it won't be whistling.

 

Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer

>Now, let's say I'm using the internet from my WDW resort hotel room. If I log on to my usual haunts, like WDWMagic or the LaughingPlace, Disney could theoretically see which sites I personally visit (provided I use my room key to gain internet access) and perhaps even see what my account names are.<

If you post enough to be read (or post around people who get read) they already know who you are and when you are visiting. Simple as that.

 

Originally Posted By Witches of Morva

ORGOCH: Not us cauldron gals! We got swamp gas ta use whenever we wanna' fog up the ol' crystal ta keep our dang selves private!

 

Originally Posted By A Happy Haunt

That is a scary thought... Nothing is private anymore

 

Originally Posted By Longhorn12

>Nothing is private anymore<

Hasn't been for a while if you really tried.

Gizmodo or one of the Tech sites has a guide on how to get your personal information removed from background check websites. I'd advise looking it up if you're worried about it.

 

Originally Posted By standor

Why is it necessary to be on the internet while on vacation? When I am on vacation, I want to forget about the rest of the world and just enjoy myself. The trouble with people today is that they can't and won't get away from electronic devices. You can go anywhere and you will see people texting or on the phone.
GET AWAY FFROM IT FOR A WHILE AND JUST ENJOY LIFE.

 

Originally Posted By DlandDug

>>GET AWAY FFROM IT FOR A WHILE AND JUST ENJOY LIFE.<<

BUT THE INTERNET IS PART OF LIFE THESE DAYS.

(Why are we shouting???)

 

Originally Posted By dshyates

I am often on my iPhone while at WDW. But I live 6 miles away, and am not on vacation while there. I am not usually on my iPhone while on vacation though. Mainly since I have recently spent my vacations in West Virginia where they have no 3G. It is very frustrating.

 

Originally Posted By FenwayGirl

<<When I am on vacation, I want to forget about the rest of the world and just enjoy myself.>>

Exactly. Just got back from a 2 weeks "electronics free" vacation at the beach! It was the best...no phones, computers or television. Lots of reading, sitting on the beach and overall enjoying my family..

 

Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer

I'm leaving for NYC in 2 days... all I'm taking is my phone. Going to tweet a bit, but nothing that would get in the way of my experiences.

 

Originally Posted By PotNoodle

Unfortunately, some people have to work when they are on vacation. My husband, in theory, has two weeks off starting tomorrow, but he is going to be working while he is on "vacation."

Otherwise, I think he would like to switch off.

 

Originally Posted By DDMAN26

When I'm on vacation my phone is used solely to coordinate a meeting spot.

 

Originally Posted By standor

People should learn to relax and not be on call 24 hours a day. Nobody should be a slave to electronics.
I wasn't shouting before I just was making a point.

 

Originally Posted By Bolna

I think the OP's point might have been that with all the next gen technology people might have to use the computer when at WDW - for example to schedule the FPs for the next day etc.

To a certain degree it might be helpful to have internet access already today because you could search for dining availability for later in the day.

However, I really enjoy going offline during vacation as well - and thanks to ridiculous roaming fees, I am even more or less without a mobile phone (only use it for real "emergencies" like finding a member of my party which got lost). Makes you realise that life is possible without it.

 

Originally Posted By FerretAfros

>>...for example to schedule the FPs for the next day etc.<<

From my understanding of the NextGen system, if you're waiting until one day ahead of time, you're already too late. You'll need to schedule all of your stuff with plenty of time to spare (starting 180 days ahead of the beginning of your vacation), and it's pretty unlikely that there will be many options left with one day to spare. So in a way, you still won't need a computer on your WDW vacation...