How do you all feel about the letter that Congressman Markey sent to Bob Iger? Do you think that what Disney is doing with the RFID bands and MyMagic+ warrants congressional concern? Are you at all worried that Disney will be data-mining everything you do? Do you feel that MyMagic+ puts children at risk?
http://www.wdwforgrownups.com/articles/congressional-bi-partisan-privacy-caucus-questions-disney-mymagicHow do you all feel about the letter that Congressman Markey sent to Bob Iger? Do you think that what Disney is doing with the RFID bands and MyMagic+ warrants congressional concern? Are you at all worried that Disney will be data-mining everything you do? Do you feel that MyMagic+ puts children at risk?
It is very curious as to why they are concerned. Facebook and Google know far more about all of us than Disney can ever hope to. I doubt the congressman is expressing the genuine concern, rather it likely be a ruse for other concerns. Perhaps this technology has more far reaching applications than just DisneyWorld. Maybe for use on a larger scale as a payment method in general for stores and such. So that maybe there is a dog fight for control of this type of tech. Disney is maybe heading to grasp a bigger piece of the pie than other greedy folk want them to have.
Kristen K. wrote:http://www.wdwforgrownups.com/articles/congressional-bi-partisan-privacy-caucus-questions-disney-mymagicHow do you all feel about the letter that Congressman Markey sent to Bob Iger? Do you think that what Disney is doing with the RFID bands and MyMagic+ warrants congressional concern? Are you at all worried that Disney will be data-mining everything you do? Do you feel that MyMagic+ puts children at risk?
It is very curious as to why they are concerned. Facebook and Google know far more about all of us than Disney can ever hope to. I doubt the congressman is expressing the genuine concern, rather it likely be a ruse for other concerns. Perhaps this technology has more far reaching applications than just DisneyWorld. Maybe for use on a larger scale as a payment method in general for stores and such. So that maybe there is a dog fight for control of this type of tech. Disney is maybe heading to grasp a bigger piece of the pie than other greedy folk want them to have.
I agree! I think there is much more to this story than is being put out there. I think its a ruse as well. First off, Disney already tracks what we do when we are in the parks, every time we swipe our KTTWC, TOWLC or any other Disney card for that matter. They also already know our preferences, especially if we buy from the Disney Store online, use a Disney Visa card, maybe order a vacation planning dvd, fill out a survey. And they already know we are celebrating something special, like an anniversary or birthday because most of us wear the buttons, with our names on them 
As far as data mining goes, they are no different than any other establishment out there. They all do it. I am taking an MBA level marketing class this semester and the book we are using has tons of references to Disney. Love it! 
Makes me smile everytime I come across something! As far as marketing to kids, again, you would be surprised at how many establishments market to kids and you don't even realize it. 
I think it is absurd that they expect Disney to answer these questions in such great detail. They would be giving up valuable trade secrets if they do. I am interested to see how Disney handles this. I agree that it is the technology that this fight is over.
You would think that with all the issues that are facing this country and congress that this is small potatoes. I would like to know what is really behind this. As Shakespeare said, "Me thinks though dost protest too much!"
I think the aspect that makes this data mining a federal matter is that half of its targets are children who are too young to be on facebook.
I'm not always obsessive, but when I am, it's a Disney vacation.
Bob Iger responded to the congressman. Here's the link: Disney CEO replies to Congressman about privacy concerns
His response cracked me up! He said that the assertion was "ludicrous" and that the congressman should have reviewed Disney's policies before sending the letter, as they would have answered his questions.
Next WDW trip: May 19-27, 2013
I loved his response as well. To sum it up "You idiot, have your people do some research before tossing about accusations"
Its the old "open mouth insert foot."