Disney has announced the launch of the 'MagicBand+,' an upgraded wearable device that will provide Disney Theme Park attendees with greater levels of interactivity. The new wearable comes as an updated version of the 'MagicBand,' which was first released in 2013.
Much like the original model, the 'MagicBand+' will be provided to guests upon their arrival to the parks and will be used to unlock hotel doors, scan and gain entry to rides, and pay for food and merchandise. However, the new version adds interactive elements meant to heighten the entertainment experience of the parks as well. For example, one feature invites guests to participate in a virtual bounty hunt around 'Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge' at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
In addition, the 'MagicBand+' wearables will have newly added physical elements, including vibrations and glowing lights that respond to the theme park environment.
Interactive Theme-Park Wearables
Disney Reveals 'Magicband+' for More Immersive Park Experience
Trend Themes
1. Interactive Wearables at Theme Parks - Disney's MagicBand+ incorporates interactive elements into park visits, demonstrating the potential for interactive wearables to enhance the park experience.
2. Virtual Scavenger Hunts - 'Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge' includes a virtual scavenger hunt using the MagicBand+, highlighting the potential for interactive games at theme parks.
3. Enhanced Theme Park Payment Systems - MagicBand+ serves as a wearable payment method for food and merchandise, indicating a potential for further development of theme park payment systems.
Industry Implications
1. Theme Parks - Disney's MagicBand+ demonstrates the potential for theme parks to incorporate interactive wearable technology to enhance the guest experience.
2. Wearable Technology - MagicBand+ is an example of how wearable technology can be used to improve user experiences beyond personal fitness tracking and mobile payments.
3. Mobile Payments - Disney's MagicBand+ uses wearable technology for mobile payments, suggesting potential for further exploration of this technology in other industries beyond theme parks.