27 May 2015
Disney eyes future wearables to grow MyMagic+
BY Alice Davis
Disney is planning the next steps in its MyMagic+ campaign as it eyes the fast-growing wearables market for inspiration.
The Walt Disney Co’s $1bn (£650m, €917m) investment in the MyMagic+ customisable cashless smart ticketing system has proved popular with guests and has represented a leap forward for the industry. Most guests use a MagicBand, an RFID-enabled smart wristband that allows them to make purchases, book time slots on attractions and access their selected FastPass+ experiences, as well as access their hotel rooms. The bands work alongside a mobile phone app and also connect to Disney’s PhotoPass.
Disney is reportedly looking into ways to offer other wearable technology to its visitors. The wearable technology market is potentially transformative for many industries, as wireless communications become prevalent in almost all aspects of life. Wearables can include smart wristbands, such as the MagicBand, as well as smartwatches, smart glasses, and items of clothing.
Walt Disney Co chief operating officer Tom Staggs told Reuters last week that the company was investigating which other current and future wearable technologies could be harnessed to offer visitors the holistic, customisable MyMagic+ experience.
The newly-launched Apple Watch is an example of a product that Disney might want to make compatible with its MyMagic+ system, having already incorporated Apple Pay into the proposition.
Staggs also said that MagicBands could soon be introduced at other Disney parks.
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