Disney Revolutionizes Industrial Engineering

The big question for an Industrial Engineer is to ask how do you make a system more efficient. The engineers at Disney, also known as the imagineers, have devised a method to tremendously cut back on time across each of the 24 resorts, four theme parks, two water parks, and additional venues. Instead of using the typical paper tickets, Disney has created the MyMagic+ system. It is a rubber bracelet encoded with all necessary information including park passes, credit cards, and even room numbers. This system is revolutionary and means big changes in the theme park industry for Industrial Engineers.

From an Industrial Engineering viewpoint, MyMagic+ is not only a great way to reduce wait time outside the park but inside as well. The MyMagic+ bracelets will have capabilities for the user to add credit card information as well as room information. This means that carrying a wallet or purse around the park will no longer be necessary. When a family wants to buy something for dinner, payment is as simple as lifting the bracelet to a scanner (that has light up Mickey Mouse ears of course). Disney has introduced information and access to the MyMagic+ system at https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/plan/my-disney-experience/passholder/.

The imagineers were not only thinking of the short term benefits for the vacationer but the longer term benefits for the park as well. The MyMagic+ system is also designed to build loyalty. The Industrial Engineers probably had this type of thinking; if a family enjoys their time at Disney longer due to shorter lines, ease of payment, and increased overall experience, they are more likely to come back or highly recommend the park to friends and family. This is an ingenious method to boosting attendance and revenue.

Any great advancement in engineering, such as this, will have its appeals as well as draw backs. One primary concern with these bracelets is the privacy and security due to its extensive range of capabilities. Since every family member will need a brecelet, many parents are concerned about how much information is released about their child. Disney has solved this problem by providing parents with the ability to allow only certian bits of information to be programmed into each child's bracelet. Another concern for a number of park visitors is the credit card information avaiable on the bracelet if it is lost or stolen. Information as to how Disney has solved this problem is not yet available, however, Disney will use their many imagineers to devise a reliable and secure system.

For an Industrial Engineer working with a theme park, or any system with large crowds and long lines, finding new and innovative ways to cut back on line wait times is a breakthrough. Engineers can find small ways to cut back the time like fast ticket readers or more lines, but when Disney announced the release of their new MyMagic+ it was a whole new ballgame. With Disney's ranking as the largest amusement park in the world, parks are bound to take note of their system and try it out themselves. Many other theme parks will be bringing Industrial Engineers on board to have them creating similar systems in no time.

In the world of Industrial Engineering, MyMagic+ is a going to entail big changes. Down the road, Industrial Engineers will be able to implement technology like MyMagic+ in more typical places such as airports and restaurants. This technology may not come in the form of a bracelet but possibly a device built into your cell phone. Such technology would entail the ability to simply place your cellphone on a type of scanner to use your credit card or read your airplane tickets. Imagine not having to use your wallet when dining at a fast food chain or a restaurant. It's only a matter of time before engineers make this dream a reality.

To read more on the capabilities of the bracelets and a few words from the creators visit http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/07/business/media/at-disney-parks-a-bracelet-meant-to-build-loyalty-and-sales.html?_r=3&.