Disney World RFID Wristbands Wirelessly Track Visitors

Disney World will use new technology to track visitors to its parks. USA Today reported that the theme parks are using radio-frequency identification or RFID to keep track of park-goers. Disney World visitors soon be able to get rid of tickets and credit cards and use wireless rubber wristbands that keep track of where they go in the park.

The New York Times reported that the "MyMagic+" program will be rolled out later this year and will let visitors who use the option use a website and app called MY Disney Experience. This preselects three FastPasses before they get to the park which goes to VIP seating in parades and rides. "Magic Bands" can also be used as room keys, park tickets, credit card and FastPass making the bracelet convenient and all-access.

USA Today reported that annual passholders and those that stay at Walt Disney World Resort hotels as well as those who buy a photography package will get a wristband for free.

"MagicBands can also be encoded with all sorts of personal details, allowing for more personalized interaction with Disney employees.," reports The New York Times. "Before, the employee playing Cinderella could say hello only in a general way. Now - if parents opt in - hidden sensors will read MagicBand data, providing information needed for a personalized greeting: 'Hi, Angie,' the character might say without prompting. 'I understand it's your birthday.'"

"Ensuring the security of our guest's information is obviously very important to us and no one is more focused on this than we are,"Disney Parks and Resorts Chariman Tom Staggs writes on Disney's blog. "Everything is opt in and guests will have the opportunity to choose what information they share with us. Guests should also know that the band does not store personal information."

USA Today reports that RFID isn't a new phenomenon. Other parks such as an amusement center in Fort Lauderdale had RFID wristbands in 2004 and Great Wolf Resorts in Wisconsin also has been using RFID technology since 2006.