Disney 'Magic Band' RFID bracelet revealed!!

[Disco]

The bracelets have 2.4GHz radio transmitters in them just like the article said. This means they can be "read" from a distance where standard RFID tags have to be held up next to a reader within inches.
Considering that they're using coin batteries to power them broadcast distance is probably like 10m max. For comparison, home Wi-Fi devices using a power outlet range in the hundreds of feet.
As with any modern wireless device it is pretty safe to assume that they connect with authentication and/or are encrypted.
However, the article states that they use passive RFID as well. The standard close range RFID scanners and conversely, criminals with skimmers, would still work. I feel rather confident that Disney is probably encrypting the data at least or the passive system is just using non critical info. Unfortunately they just have not stated that this is true so it would be nice if they cleared it up.
The range these bracelets transmit is not enough for them to keep active tabs on you in the park. Even if they were it would not be feasible from an IT standpoint to actively track everyone in the park. That is just too much information and most of it is useless.
I'm sure they'll track how many people are in the queues and purchases. You do get a personalized experiences and not to mention more rides in a day.

 

[ctl]

Will your AP info be loaded on the wristband too? The bracelet does look kind of clunky, as long as I can put it in a pocket and not have to wear it all the time. I can just imagine myself sitting at V&A at a very expensive $500 meal with the equivalent of a convict ankle bracelet on my arm! If they load credit card info for charging on the bracelet, could the info be swiped electronically by someone in close proximity?

 

[MikeSF]

The bracelets have 2.4GHz radio transmitters in them just like the article said. This means they can be "read" from a distance where standard RFID tags have to be held up next to a reader within inches.
Considering that they're using coin batteries to power them broadcast distance is probably like 10m max. For comparison, home Wi-Fi devices using a power outlet range in the hundreds of feet.

How wide are most of the walkways? They probably will simply line the borders with scanners, who knows perhaps allowing multiple scanners to triangulate where you are rather than giving simply 10m location bubble.

As with any modern wireless device it is pretty safe to assume that they connect with authentication and/or are encrypted.
However, the article states that they use passive RFID as well. The standard close range RFID scanners and conversely, criminals with skimmers, would still work. I feel rather confident that Disney is probably encrypting the data at least or the passive system is just using non critical info. Unfortunately they just have not stated that this is true so it would be nice if they cleared it up.

Not sure how they do the KTTW cards when you say you can charge with them, but I was under the impression it simply had a "charge" tag when you swipe it, then it used its own internal network to get your CC info to charge with, so there could be know "skimming" of your credit card info as it's not actually on the KTTW card... at least I HOPE that's the way it's done. I doubt the bracelets will be much different, you're not going to have any valuable information stored on them so no worries about them being stolen.

 

[arthuruscg]

On the Samsung Galaxy SIII commercials when they touch phones to transfer pics or playlists they are using NFC or Near Field Communication basically a really close range RFID that I think is the future of checkouts. So if Disney started using NFC it could replace the wristband.

Note I haven't at all researched this so I could be completely wrong and have no idea what I am talking about.

Rfid uses the same frequency as wifi, so the Disney program could use wifi to broadcast your location.

 

[jkpatrick]

Certain Chase cards have a RFID chip in them already, Chase calls it "blink". Look at your card and if you see what looks like a "sound wave" icon, you have a RFID chip in your credit card.

It works at quite a few supermarkets and fastfood places (Mcdonalds and Jack in the Box are some).

http://money.howstuffworks.com/personal-finance/debt-management/blink1.htm

 

[mike the canuck]

I think its an awesome idea too.
I have no notions that I'm so important that Disney is going to track me personally and if you think about it, knowing excact wait times or that an area needs more staff attention is brilliant. My credit cards already have rfid in them so the idea of my info on a bracelet doesn't scare me either. Criminals aren't going to go to crazy lengths when there are much easier, faster, and less visible ways to go about their dishonesty.

These are my feelings exactly

 

[jade1]

Newer credit cards have an RFID chip in them but are at risk, so hoping these will be not as easy to rip off the info. Thief just stands next to you and they get the info. So if you see someone stand by you then suddenly run towards your next FP-try to beat them there.

Or keep it covered in aluminum foil between rides.

http://www.ehow.com/how-does_5772197_do-scan-credit-cards-purse_.html

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Systems
A thief cannot scan "conventional" credit cards through the walls of a purse. He can, however, target a new generation of credit cards that use "hands-free" RFID technology. Designed to save consumers time at the checkout counter, hands-free credit cards can be read by the register from a range up to 18 inches.


How to Foil Would-Be Identity ThievesQuite simply, use foil! Inserting sheets of aluminum foil inside the lining around your purse will block or "attenuate" both incoming scanner radio waves and any response signals emitted by your card.

 

[Disco]

How wide are most of the walkways? They probably will simply line the borders with scanners, who knows perhaps allowing multiple scanners to triangulate where you are rather than giving simply 10m location bubble.

The point is having a AP every 10m is an IT impossibility. They will not be using these to actively track where everyone in the park is at every second. The range insinuates triggers or tracking at selected points such as entering a ride queue or at purchase.

Not sure how they do the KTTW cards when you say you can charge with them, but I was under the impression it simply had a "charge" tag when you swipe it, then it used its own internal network to get your CC info to charge with, so there could be know "skimming" of your credit card info as it's not actually on the KTTW card... at least I HOPE that's the way it's done. I doubt the bracelets will be much different, you're not going to have any valuable information stored on them so no worries about them being stolen.

If someone skims you're KTTW at WDW and makes a replication they can do the same things that you're KTTW card can do. Make purchases, enter parks and even your room. I agree that the info gleaned would not be useful outside the parks as it is probably just an identifier to the Disney computer systems that houses the real info.

 

[linzbear]

If someone skims you're KTTW at WDW and makes a replication they can do the same things that you're KTTW card can do. Make purchases, enter parks and even your room. I agree that the info gleaned would not be useful outside the parks as it is probably just an identifier to the Disney computer systems that houses the real info.

They don't get your resort or room number though, and it would be caught at a fast pass or admission location. Once it's caught, they can invalidate it pretty easily, and they'll reverse any charges or admission uses. Even if they do figure out your resort and room number, all of your valuables are in the safe, right?

It's just not a useful thing for thieves to go for. Far easier and more useful to skim credit cards.

 

[jiminyfan]

Would go to these bands if they could not profit in some way from them. Paper ticket stock costs a fraction of what these bands will cost to produce. I agree Disney will somehow use them to track you and use it to their advantage some how, some way. Disney is in the business of making money first everything else is a bonus. They must have plans on using these for some type of profit generating just not sure how at this time. In time we will eventually all get the story of why they are purposely cutting into their ROI.

I do not wear anything on my wrists and hate the idea of having to do so. Plastic in summer will sweat like crazy.

 

[MikeSF]

The point is having a AP every 10m is an IT impossibility. They will not be using these to actively track where everyone in the park is at every second. The range insinuates triggers or tracking at selected points such as entering a ride queue or at purchase.

I dunno, I would think planting all the flower that they do would be a landscaping impossibility... yet they do it

Maybe not every 10m, but I'm sure there will have quite a few of them around the park, simply using them for rides/purchases seems like such a waste. Granted my deviant mind does tend to go a little deeper, but simply knowing how many people are in a given area could help dictate whether to put additional concession stands, or remove sidewalk shows because it's creating too much of a bottleneck, or even in a very Disneyian future where you see a board with ride times, perhaps you can also see how crowded certain areas of the park are! It would be way awesome for parades so you can see where to go without wasting your time.

Overall, this is primarily for Disney info though, much less for convenience for patrons unless its a side effect (i.e. accurate ride times), at least that would be my guess.

 

[DisneyFansInLINY]

I am so confused. Once the geek terms start going my mind goes blank so could someone please explain what this means in layman's terms? Thank you.

 

[tjkraz]

Would go to these bands if they could not profit in some way from them. Paper ticket stock costs a fraction of what these bands will cost to produce. I agree Disney will somehow use them to track you and use it to their advantage some how, some way. Disney is in the business of making money first everything else is a bonus. They must have plans on using these for some type of profit generating just not sure how at this time. In time we will eventually all get the story of why they are purposely cutting into their ROI.

I do not wear anything on my wrists and hate the idea of having to do so. Plastic in summer will sweat like crazy.

Who ever said it was going to be mandatory and/or free?

I am so confused. Once the geek terms start going my mind goes blank so could someone please explain what this means in layman's terms? Thank you.

Which part?

Disney is implementing RFID technology throughout Walt Disney World. RFID is a short-range wireless radio signal tech which has many applications. The most obvious application is the door locks at Walt Disney World resorts. Most resorts have already had the RFID locks installed. Now, instead of swiping your room key through a magnetic strip reader, you simply tap the plastic card on a small door panel. The short-range RFID signal unlocks the door and you're in.

Other applications they appear to be working on include:
- Park admission (tap to enter the park)
- Fastpasses
- Payment system (tap to pay)

And more.

It's clear Disney is working on some sort of interactive attraction queues which would leverage the RFID tech. Depending upon what sort of personal information Disney wishes to collect and the information you wish to provide, as you walk around the parks interactive features could be programmed to know the names of people in your party, special events (birthday, anniversary, etc.), favorite characters, favorite colors, park you visited yesterday, things you did earlier in the day ("did you enjoy riding Space Mountain?"), things you haven't done yet ("there is only a 5 minute wait for Pirates of the Caribbean now") and so on. No specifics are known at this time but given the technology involved, the possibilities are endless.

 

[DisneyFansInLINY]

Who ever said it was going to be mandatory and/or free?



Which part?

Disney is implementing RFID technology throughout Walt Disney World. RFID is a short-range wireless radio signal tech which has many applications. The most obvious application is the door locks at Walt Disney World resorts. Most resorts have already had the RFID locks installed. Now, instead of swiping your room key through a magnetic strip reader, you simply tap the plastic card on a small door panel. The short-range RFID signal unlocks the door and you're in.

Other applications they appear to be working on include:
- Park admission (tap to enter the park)
- Fastpasses
- Payment system (tap to pay)
And more.

It's clear Disney is working on some sort of interactive attraction queues which would leverage the RFID tech. Depending upon what sort of personal information Disney wishes to collect and the information you wish to provide, as you walk around the parks interactive features could be programmed to know the names of people in your party, special events (birthday, anniversary, etc.), favorite characters, favorite colors, park you visited yesterday, things you did earlier in the day ("did you enjoy riding Space Mountain?"), things you haven't done yet ("there is only a 5 minute wait for Pirates of the Caribbean now") and so on. No specifics are known at this time but given the technology involved, the possibilities are endless.

Sounds very 1980's futuristic like right out of Back to the Future part II lol

 

[mom2rtk]

It's clear Disney is working on some sort of interactive attraction queues which would leverage the RFID tech. Depending upon what sort of personal information Disney wishes to collect and the information you wish to provide, as you walk around the parks interactive features could be programmed to know the names of people in your party, special events (birthday, anniversary, etc.), favorite characters, favorite colors, park you visited yesterday, things you did earlier in the day ("did you enjoy riding Space Mountain?"), things you haven't done yet ("there is only a 5 minute wait for Pirates of the Caribbean now") and so on. No specifics are known at this time but given the technology involved, the possibilities are endless.

This part does absolutely ZERO for me.

Having someone wish me Happy Birthday or call me by name because the computer chip triggered it means ZERO to me. Sort of like getting a birthday postcard from my insurance agent.

Now, having the Fairy Godmother call my daughter by name because it's the SAME Fairy Godmother we have met and chatted with for years because she REMEMBERED?

Pure Disney magic. And you'll never replicate that with a computer chip.

 

[Reddog1134]

I think for a small child it wouldn't matter if the CM knew his or her name because she remembered or because she was told.

 

[mom2rtk]

How about a Fairy Godmother CM you've never met before knowing your daughters name because it's transmitted from her RFID bracelet and transmitted to her earpiece?

Nope. Zero. Means nothing to me.

I love Disney because of the moments of real magic we've experienced there. Human moments involving people without a touch of technology involved. THAT is what impresses me.

 

[jade1]

Yea personal stuff forget it-BUT if Grandkids are in the future I may change my mind.

But FP and ride times would be nice, esp what FP dist times currently are (even in other parks), that way we can leave EPCOT and know RNR FPs will still be avail for example.

I hope it has a temp on it, just to see what the weather is and the pool temps etc.

 

[Gorechick]

This bracelet will be a major problem for parents of kids with special needs like autism. My son is on the spectrum and hated having any kind of bracelet, usually the paper ones, when going to amusement places that required them. He would not wear it and I had to carry it around for him.

 

[skier_pete]

How about a Fairy Godmother CM you've never met before knowing your daughters name because it's transmitted from her RFID bracelet and transmitted to her earpiece?

Nope. Zero. Means nothing to me.

I love Disney because of the moments of real magic we've experienced there. Human moments involving people without a touch of technology involved. THAT is what impresses me.

Those moments are great, but I personally have never had a moment as you described, of someone remembering me from years before. (In fact, I've more often experienced meeting a CM later in a trip and NOT being remembered.) Now, I've had some pretty great magical moments over the years, including Jasmine and Aladdin getting out of there M&G area to go get our daughter who was being shy, but I could easily see how these magical moments could happen more often with a bit of technological magic.

So, I'm gonna argue that it may mean nothing to YOU, but for a kid to have Cinderella or Aladdin call him/her by name can be a pretty amazing and memorable thing. And if it makes a magical memory for my child, I have a hard time saying that has zero meaning.