(c) Walt Disney Company

The Internet went a bit crazy today yesterday following Disney’s announcement this morning of its ambitious MyMagic+initiative. While rumors and speculation have been circulating for quite some time, today’s announcement gives us some concrete information to work with. Of course, the announcement is also igniting a firestorm of emotions, ranging from elation to frustration to all-out anger.  While this story will continue to develop and evolve, here is the latest news on all things “NextGen:”

The official Disney announcement can be found here.

Appearing fast on the heels of Disney’s announcement was this article in the New York Times, At Disney Parks, a Bracelet Meant to Build Loyalty (and Sales)

It’s a bit repetitive, but NBC has picked up the story here.

American Public Media offers this brief article and radio segment on MyMagic+, which features commentary from Len Testa.

For a local perspective, Orlando Sentinel journalist Jason Garcia offers this article: Disney reveals NextGen details with “MyMagic+” Updated: The Orlando Sentinel has expanded their coverage of MyMagic+ (same link). WESH TV Orlando has an article and story video here. Also, see this brief article in the Orlando Business Journal.

I’m not sure how exactly this is a feminist issue, but the Jezebel blog is covering the story here.

The Dallas Morning News weighs in with this ominous headline: Big Mickey Mouse Is Watching You

For more of the ominous variety, here’s Salon.com’s take: Mickey Mouse’s Magic Handcuffs

Similarly, USA Today asks readers whether MyMagic+ is Convenient, or creepy?

Could NextGen investments be leading Disney to look for cost savings elsewhere? Maybe. Here, Reuters addresses Disney’s cost cutting review.

Indeed, the Wall Street Journal notes that Disney’s stock price fell this morning  yesterday (updated: as well as this morning), perhaps because of potential cost cutting. Was the NextGen announcement made today to soften the blow of potential layoffs and cost cutting initiatives? (I don’t know – just a speculation.)

Not sure if you know the whole story behind this project? Attractions Magazine gives a nice overview here, which includes a video of FastPass+ testing. Updated: wdwmagic.com has a useful and very brief FAQ section for a good introduction to the implications of the project. If you want a more detailed overview, check out this post at the Disney Tourist Blog. Debra Peterson at examiner.com also well describes MyMagic+ here.

For a fan perspective, the discussions at disboards.com, wdwmagic.com, and insidethemagic.net would be a good place to start.

By the way, this is far from Disney’s first time wading into the waters of public relations battles over identity and data collection. Check out this Wired piece from last year about biometrics on the Disney Cruise Line. You might also enjoy this interview with a former Disney employee and biometrics industry insider.

As for me, my personal take is a wait and see attitude – I don’t love this idea in theory,as I can certainly think of many other ways Disney could spend billions of dollars to make capital improvements at WDW parks and resorts. But with as little as we know right now about timeline, implementation, and implications, I think much remains to be seen. If it’s a great initiative, great. If not, let’s hope it goes the way of New Coke.

More news and analysis as I find it. If, in the meantime, MyMagic+ has got you down, here’s some good news.