Just when you thought the world couldn’t get any more high tech, it does.  Sometime over the next few months, Disney World will be launching a new wireless-tracking wristband, which will serve as your room key, and park entry pass.  The band is linked to your credit card and uses Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) chips.  The amply named “MagicBands” are part of a larger system called MyMagic, which allows the theme parks to gather personal information on its visitors, such as name, age, gender, what they’re purchasing, and location data in real time.

“Imagine booking guaranteed ride times for your favorite shows and attractions even before setting foot in the park,” said Tom Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “With MyMagic, guests will be able to do that and more, enabling them to spend more time together and creating an experience that’s better for everyone.”

With the data they’re gathering, The New York Times reported that the Disney characters could greet visiting children by name, and potentially wish them a happy birthday if relevant.  However, parents are not required to share such data.

This is a huge operation.  It will affect over 60,000 Disney employees, 100,000 guests every day, and cost between $80 million and $1 billion.  Chump change… right?  Book your flight today and see what all the fuss is about.

Don’t forget to ‘LIKE‘ us on Facebook!

Sources: NBCNews