Disney Magic Connection testing goes well

Disney has completed the first field test of its Nintendo DS-based Disney Magic Connection interactive guide service at the Magic Kingdom, and despite a smaller test group than anticipated, the tests went fairly well. According to a report over at Jim Hill Media, Walt Disney Imagineering's R & D team had trouble signing up as many families daily as it had hoped. The group was planning on 60 families a day testing the device, but averaged only around half that many. Still, the families that did choose to participate in the testing raved about the device's ability to receive and display real-time info about attraction wait times, Fastpass availability, and show times, saying that the device made it much easier to plan their day as they went along. According to the report, Imagineers may move the pre-screening process to Disney's upscale Deluxe resorts, such as the Polynesian, Grand Floridian, and Contemporary — all of which are close to the Magic Kingdom — in hopes that resort guests will be more likely to sign up for testing. The next tests of the system are expected to held as soon as March.