Disney World Tests Nintendo DS in the Magic Kingdom
Last week, Disney started a field test of its new Magic Connection system at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. I’ve been looking for some more information about the tests, and today, Jim Hill Media posted a great explanation of how the tests work and what Disney’s plans are for the Magic Connection.
First, the tests are only happening at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom because of the high investment required to add the technology into the park that will link the Nintendo DS handhelds up to Disney’s system. The handhelds will ultimately be able to give guests real-time information about wait times on rides and enable guests to reserve Fast Passes electronically from any location within the park.
The Fast Pass reservation system is what Disney thinks will lure guests into paying the rental fee required to obtain a Magic Connection handheld during their visit to Walt Disney World. However, it’s important to understand that not just any Nintendo DS will work. Only Disney’s special Magic Connection handhelds will be able to receive information from Disney’s system.
Disney’s first field test of the Magic Connection handhelds happened last week, and initial results were positive. Now, Disney Imagineers are reviewing the results and plan another field test in the near future, possibly as early as March.
No word on when the Magic Connection will roll out to all guests yet.
What do you think about these new Disney handheld devices? Would you pay to rent one? How much would you be willing to pay per day for one?
Tags: Walt Disney World, Disney Imagineers, Disney Nintendo DS, Magic Kingdom, Disney Fast Pass
10 Comments
I really liked this until the part about renting one. There are already so many miscellaneous expenses in the parks that I don’t think we, personally, we take part.
I think it sounds cool!
I’ll be really interested to see how much they charge for renting one of these handhelds. While I love the idea of being able to reserve Fast Passes from anywhere inside the park, I also don’t like adding another expense, particularly for families who are on vacation and already spending too much. We’ll have to wait and see what Disney charges, but I’m sure they’ll be popular and will definitely help people make their time at the Magic Kingdom very efficient.
I’m on the fence with this one. There are so many costs already associated with your trip to Disney’s Theme Parks. My questions are how much is the rental fee going to be? Are they going to be waterproof? What if you lose it? As a mom of 2 kidos, I personally don’t know if it will be worth the investment and keeping track of it with all the excitement taking place.
Tina, I hadn’t even thought of the hassle of trying to keep track of the handheld. That’s a really good point. It’s so easy to lose something at Disney (see my Disney World Lost & Found post for my own experience). You make a really good point about what would happen if you lost the handheld. In the field tests, guests had to sign a form that if the handheld were lost, their credit card would be charged $300. That’s just scary.
$300 is a lot of money. And if they are waterproof or get broke, etc. – all good points. Still a cool idea though.
Our family was chosen to use the DS on our trip a few weeks ago, and I must say I was totally impressed & think that it would enhance any visit (a familiarity with a DS is certainly helpful).
The best features in a nutshell:
real-time line info,fast pass comeback times, &
the “walking-man” icon, that can direct you anywhere in the park… even the closest bathroom!
As for the possible rental fee – I think it would be worth it. We LOVED it!
Thank you so much for sharing your experience, Melanie. I think that really helps! I can’t wait to try one myself.
I would rent this if I had a large group with me, but what concerns me is the cost. I already buy Disney guide books etc… I think the most I would pay is 9.99 a day and that is stretching things. I mean maybe they will include it as a perk w/ dining plus pkg or something?
I would definitely rent one. I hate feeling like I have to run from attraction to attraction just to be able to get a fast pass. I wonder if you’ll be able to rent one for the duration of your trip, kind of like a stroller rental. Pay a little bit more, but when you break it down, it’s less per day that you’re in the park.
Wonder if they’ll eventually allow you to make dining reservations or track your itinerary on there
Sounds worth the money to me!