Local 6 Theme World: Big plus from MyMagic

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March 19, 2014

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Big Plus From MyMagic+

I mentioned last week that Disney Annual Passholders can now order a free MagicBand.


While mine hasn't arrived yet, Disney gave its first hands-on media preview of the still-in-test-mode technology. There is a lot to say about this really complicated system of MyMagic+ / FastPass+/My Disney Experience. Today let's start with what may be the biggest single advantage I've found so far for annual passholders and other locals once everything is fully available to us. 



Jim MacPhee, senior vice president of Walt Disney World Parks explained to all of us that the biggest goal for the $1Billion+ program was making life more convenient for guests.   FastPass+ will help (and I'll look at its plusses and minuses tomorrow) but, to me the star example of how the technology can help can best be seen here:
 



That's the line for the ever-popular (and tasty) "Be Our Guest" restaurant in the new Fantasyland. That's the line stretching out the door at 10:30 in the morning.
Look just to the left of the bridge.

See that window?  It lets you skip that line. Here's how.  Using the My Disney Experience App  you can pick a time window to arrive at the restaurant. If you have a credit or debit card on file (something only resort guests have right now)  you can pre-order your food from home -- or elsewhere in the park.  Then just show up.  Check in at the window. And you'll be sent right into "Be Our Guest." From there, just pick a table.  Any table.  You food will "magically" arrive at your table in minutes. No line. No checkout. Just show up, eat, and leave.  (That said, when I explained this to some friends and co-workers, more than a few of them found the idea kind of creepy that servers and your food know where to find you)

Even if you don't pre-order, the band is a help at the restaurant.

The computer touch-screen ordering kiosks (didn't know the beast had such a high-tech castle) asks if you will be paying with your band. If yes, order your food. Touch your band to the glowing Mickey head. Once it turns green -- you are free to go pick a seat.

Getting it to turn green, however isn't always easy. You have to tap the Mickey on your band directly to the Mickey on the orbs or it doesn't work.

I watched several families have a hard time with that. But Disney had cast members on hand to walk them through everything.


More of the MyMagic+ Pluses. Minuses and stuff open for debate coming up soon. Tomorrow: FastPass+.

Keep your emails, questions, tips and comments coming! I always appreciate the feedback. You can always find all of my blog entries at www.clickorlando.com/themeparks


About the Author:

Ken Pilcher is a lifelong Floridian with more than 30 years in journalism experience. He joined News 6 in 2003 and has covered Central Florida attractions and theme parks since 1988. He currently produces News 6 at 7 p.m.