Dial M for Mickey
The ubiquitous cell phone can be a great tool at a theme park. For example, groups that split up can reunite by calling one another. And phoning a friend can while away the tedium of waiting in line for an attraction. If said friend calls back in the middle of a quiet moment at a stage show, and the audience member forgets to silence his or her phone however, the obnoxious strains of a "When the Saints Come Marching In" ringtone can cause an irritating outburst at the park. Similarly, an intriguing new partnership between Walt Disney Parks and Verizon Wireless has the potential to bring mobile phone-enabled park guests valuable information--and irritating marketing pitches.
According to Disney, guests at its Florida and California resorts will be able to access a wide variety of info, including wait times for attractions, directions to get around the parks, character sightings, and dining tips, via their mobile phones starting early in 2009. Verizon and Disney will take the technology to the next level when it introduces the mobile phone-driven Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure at Epcot, also set to debut in the first part of the year. Disney says that non-Verizon customers will also be able to get some park info on their phones, albeit without the bells and whistles that the can-you-hear-me-now folks will be able to enjoy.
Disney says that the Verizon program will be available to guests before, during, and after their park visits. That's where the potentially irritating part comes in. As the Los Angeles Times reports, the technology has Big Brother overtones. Once Disney has your phone number and knows your plans, it could send targeted ads, ad infinitum. Disney and Verizon say it's all about enhancing the guest experience and that they do not intend to be overly intrusive.
What do you think? Would you participate in Disney's new mobile phone program? Or would you be concerned about compromising your privacy? Click on "Comments" below.
Photo: Disney
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