Volcano Bay Construction & Preview Discussion

[Mr. EPCOT]

New article at the official blog about TapuTapu... not really any new information, but there is this fun new infographic!

Universal Orlando Close Up | How to Use Your TapuTapu Wearable - Close Up

 

[Adz]

Not sure it's been mentioned yet but TapuTapu is actually the 'Prism' product by accesso.

It's been designed to replace their existing line of Q-Bot devices. I believe Universal offers this (or at least did) in IOA, so TapuTapu being rolled out wider than just Volcano Bay is not out of the question as the framework is already in place.

It's a very cool bit of tech and able to do a lot more than what's been announced for TapuTapu so far.

 

[Mr. EPCOT]

It's a very cool bit of tech and able to do a lot more than what's been announced for TapuTapu so far.

Any good examples?

 

[Alicia]

Any good examples?

Parkwide announcements sent directly to everyone's Tapus? Individual messages sent to specific individuals. Paying with it, like they now offer at Aquatica. Using it to unlock hotel doors and tracking locations like the MagicBands. Storing ride photo data. I'm sure it could accomplish all the things MagicBands can and more, since it has a screen and can alert you when it's told to.

 

[Alicia]

Prism | Accesso

 

[shiekra38]

Can you pay with these things?

 

[Adz]

Can you pay with these things?

Yes! As AliciaStella has said it's actually far more capable than a MagicBand in what it can do.

 

[Alicia]

Can you pay with these things?

Yes, but it is unknown yet whether Universal will be taking advantage of that capability. They have not yet said they will be.

 

[randompixel]

Prism | Accesso

Makes you wonder how Disney managed to blow so much money on MM+

 

[shiekra38]

Yes, but it is unknown yet whether Universal will be taking advantage of that capability. They have not yet said they will be.

Gotcha, that was my question...I just worded it badly haha

It will certainly make the payment process easier, but I'm curious how you tie your card to it..

 

[UniversalRBLX]

Makes you wonder how Disney managed to blow so much money on MM+

They decided to do everything in-house, where Universal outsourced for some help.

 

[Alicia]

Gotcha, that was my question...I just worded it badly haha

It will certainly make the payment process easier, but I'm curious how you tie your card to it..

Cashless Wristband | Aquatica Orlando

Step 1: Visit a ticket window or the Information & Reservations Counter to activate a wristband account by linking to a credit card or providing cash.

Step 2: Set Up separate spending limits for each person in your family.

Step 3: Scan at any shop or restaurant to make a purchase.

Step 4: Your account automatically settles at the end of the day.

Quick. Easy. No Fees.

 

[SkiBum]

They decided to do everything in-house, where Universal outsourced for some help.

And also because it is Disney. Has to have cost overruns with overpromising and under-delivery.

 

[Nico]

The wristband isn't the only component. I'm assuming they'd have to have the integrated doors, check outs, kiosks, website integration, software to push all the info, staff to update etc. Even still, that's not a billion dollars.

 

[UniversalCityFL]

Messaging could be huge. HUGE.

"Bad weather approaching. Please exit the water"

"Say "Krakatau" and get 25% off your food in the next hour"

"A native has escaped his villiage. Wearing a red lei. If you spot him, notify an islander for a prize"

"There's no wait at X ride -- come visit!"

It also brings up ethical challenges -- do you use it in extreme circumstances to notify everyone of a missing child and ruin the mood?

 

[Alicia]

It also brings up ethical challenges -- do you use it in extreme circumstances to notify everyone of a missing child and ruin the mood?

How about messaging a parent directly for a found child. One of the possibilities I've been thinking about.

 

[Mad Dog]

Messaging could be huge. HUGE.

"Bad weather approaching. Please exit the water"

"Say "Krakatau" and get 25% off your food in the next hour"

"A native has escaped his villiage. Wearing a red lei. If you spot him, notify an islander for a prize"

"There's no wait at X ride -- come visit!"

It also brings up ethical challenges -- do you use it in extreme circumstances to notify everyone of a missing child and ruin the mood?

"It's Volcano sacrificial victim time. Hide your women"

 

[Mike S]

"It's Volcano sacrificial victim time. Hide your women"

 

[GAcoaster]

I would guess they will let you link your Tapu Tapu to a credit card for cashless transactions. That's one of the biggest challenges to food and beverage sales in a waterpark is that people aren't carrying wallets. They want to encourage those guests to spend spend spend! There's a giant concrete phallic symbol to pay for...

 

[Adz]

It's also how express will work.

Instead of it issuing a return time, if you've paid for express it will simply allow you immediate access to the attraction.

Nice and seamless.