Subsonic Radio

My aunt (Floridian) and mom (visiting) were at the World last week and when entering the Magic Kingdom did NOT have to have their finger scanned for admission.

I also heard on the WDW Magic Radio Podcast that there was a rumor they were going to look into eliminating this. It sounds like if the test goes well at Magic Kingdom, it won't come back and may spread to other gates.

Here's hoping - I've hated that ever since it started.

this is the first I've heard of this. Last time I was down there (December 2006), they were in full swing, but you didn't actually have to scan your fingers to get in. SO long as you showed valid photo ID, They would let you in with a simple code on the machine.

Whether you scan your finger or not depends on what type of ticket you have from what I can tell.

When I was there in 2006, I had to scan my finger when I used my Cast ID Card to enter the parks through the turnstyles, however when I bought a single night ticket for the Halloween Party at MK, I didn't have to scan my finger OR have a code entered, I just put the ticket in and went through (actually, I put my finger on the reader as force of habit waiting for it to be scanned, and it wasn't, I was told to just go through).

Andy.

Yes, I have heard you do not have to have your finger scanned. Just show a drivers/id.

i prefer bioscan to checking out ids to prevent ticket resales.

I really hope they get rid of the finger scanning thing. Half the time it doesn't work or people don't know how to use it. It creates huge lines and waits to get in. Whatever system Busch Gardens Tampa has is the best theme park entrance system... virtually never a line to get into the park. Disney should look into that.

Cheshire Cat wrote:I really hope they get rid of the finger scanning thing. Half the time it doesn't work or people don't know how to use it. It creates huge lines and waits to get in.

Making people rummage around for ID would make an even bigger problem. When I worked at WDW I often had to ask guests for ID for selling alcohol to them, you'd be suprised how many guests don't carrry ID with them in the parks. Particularly guests from overseas who don't carry their passports around with them. Which is understandable since it's the last thing they'd want to go missing. But a passport is also the easiest recognised type of ID.

I really can't see asking for ID at the park gates working at all. As usual, time will tell.

Andy.

Why not just print a photo on the pass itself, like Universal does?

how would you get the photo on the ticket media....so i would have to send in a photo when i biuy online an 8 day pass?

They have a camera right there where you pick up the ticket media for the first time. It takes a digital picture which prints out right on the card. The whole process takes a few minutes. Sea World does the same thing.

If you buy it online, you get a voucher which you exchange for a real pass when you get there.

I don't think they ever used the finger/hand scanner for day passes. Because there isn't a simple way for me to know I have the pass that I used the other day, there isn't a name on it. (Okay my wife uses the one with Mickey on it, and I used the one with Donald, but there was nothing that made that mine.) I can't imagine trying to sort out 5-10 passes with kids who just want in the gate.

We now have APs and they have our names on them (which makes figuring out who's is who's simple.) And for those they use to use the finger scanner. But in general biometrics devices are pretty bad. I don't think I've ever been asked for ID, once or twice I was asked to spell my last name (which is pretty unique, and German in origin.)

johno

The finger scans don't work anyway. I've used other people's tickets plenty of times. Even if the finger scan throws up a red flag, they just wave you through anyway.

The finger scans may prevent some people from trying to use other people's tickets out of fear of getting caught. But, that's the only purpose they serve.

i like the idea of buying in advance. that way head right for the rides..if its my my day dont want to waste any time!

I would like to see them nix the finger scans, too.

Whatever gets me through the line the fastest is preferable.