No Tickee, No Laundry
Posted: Thu Mar 28, 2013 10:42 pm
After investing in wristband passes, Disney lobbies to rewrite ticket law
By Jason Garcia, Orlando Sentinel
March 29, 2013
Walt Disney World has spent close to $1 billion developing its "MyMagic+" system, which includes replacing conventional tickets with wireless-transmitting wristbands that serve as all-in-one park passes, room keys and credit cards. Now Disney wants to make sure those "MagicBands" are protected by Florida law. The giant resort is lobbying the Florida Legislature this spring to rewrite the state's ticket laws to cover its new bracelets, which Disney hopes will revolutionize the theme-park experience for visitors — and become a lucrative new source of souvenirs.
The company says the changes in state law are necessary as ticketing systems advance far beyond the familiar paper passes, both in its theme parks and elsewhere. "As technology continues to evolve, theme parks and other venues are able to make ticketing for guests more convenient," Disney spokesman Bryan Malenius said. "The bill being considered by the Legislature will help Florida keep up with the rapidly changing way guests experience entertainment choices, including our parks."
The language is contained in a broader bill that aims to prevent fraudulent sales of theme-park passes, which Disney and others say have become a criminal cottage industry in Florida. But some sports fans and activist groups say the measure goes too far and would unfairly impede consumers from reselling tickets to football games, concerts and other events. full article
By Jason Garcia, Orlando Sentinel
March 29, 2013
Walt Disney World has spent close to $1 billion developing its "MyMagic+" system, which includes replacing conventional tickets with wireless-transmitting wristbands that serve as all-in-one park passes, room keys and credit cards. Now Disney wants to make sure those "MagicBands" are protected by Florida law. The giant resort is lobbying the Florida Legislature this spring to rewrite the state's ticket laws to cover its new bracelets, which Disney hopes will revolutionize the theme-park experience for visitors — and become a lucrative new source of souvenirs.
The company says the changes in state law are necessary as ticketing systems advance far beyond the familiar paper passes, both in its theme parks and elsewhere. "As technology continues to evolve, theme parks and other venues are able to make ticketing for guests more convenient," Disney spokesman Bryan Malenius said. "The bill being considered by the Legislature will help Florida keep up with the rapidly changing way guests experience entertainment choices, including our parks."
The language is contained in a broader bill that aims to prevent fraudulent sales of theme-park passes, which Disney and others say have become a criminal cottage industry in Florida. But some sports fans and activist groups say the measure goes too far and would unfairly impede consumers from reselling tickets to football games, concerts and other events. full article