MyMagic+: Wonderful convenience or scary invasion of privacy?

Disney is making big waves with its announcement of MyMagic+--a program that merges an interactive website and mobile app with an all-purpose electronic bracelet. This "magic" bracelet acts as a guest’s room key, theme-park ticket and payment tool all in a single device. The bracelets, dubbed MagicBands, will also track which rides visitors use, which characters they interact with, where they go and what they buy within the park.

According to Disney, the perks of the program include unparalleled convenience and a more personalized experience (imagine Mickey or Minnie greeting your child by name, or a ride employee knowing where you're from as you approach the platform). However, according to some experts, the program has more benefits to Disney than to its customers. They cite the massive quantities of data that Disney will be collecting about those wearing the "magic" bracelet. Using powerful analytics, Disney will be able to transform all that raw data into powerful information about the effectiveness of its offerings, pricing, product placement, and much more.

And privacy experts are flat-out worried; one called the entire program a "slippery slope" that could contribute to an entire generation considering such tags "normal." Others assert that the bracelets will lead consumers to spend even MORE time and money at the Disney parks.

The program, which is supposed to roll out this spring, will be optional. After reading several of the articles, I'm not sure we'll be signing on for this program. While it would be a sweet moment to have a character greet our daughter by name, I just don't like the idea of her being "tracked" and monitored by Disney. Part of the magic of vacation is getting away--and getting a little "lost" in the action. I'm not sure you can do that when an inventory tag is strapped to your wrist.

No high-tech bracelets--just lots of space at an affordable price
If you're planning a trip to Disney and Central Orlando, consider our four-bedroom, three-bathroom townhouse at Regal Palms Resort. It's just minutes from Disney...and we don't monitor your whereabouts. ;-)