Earlier this week, Disney World announced that they began testing a new facial recognition technology for park entry.
Cinderella Castle
It’s just another way the Disney park experience seems to be going hands-free, in the wake of the new MagicMobile service, and My Disney Experience updates that enable Mobile Order, digital merchandise check out, and more. But this tech-y new feature seems like a BIG step into the future…and a big change overall.
Right now, Disney’s just testing the facial recognition technology in Magic Kingdom until April 23rd. Participation is entirely optional: you can join the line to try it for yourself or opt to use any of the other tapstiles the normal way. No pressure!
Facial Recognition Test Sign
Basically, the software will capture an image of your face (even with your mask on), convert it into your own personal number, and associate that number with your park admission. You’ll have to bring your normal park admission (like your physical ticket) the first time around, so the technology can make that pairing.
Scan Away!
If you’re on the fence about whether or not you want to participate in the facial recognition testing, we went through the process to show you exactly what it’s like! But we wanted some MORE insight into this new process, we decided to ask you, our DFB readers, exactly what you thought. Are YOU comfortable with Disney World using facial recognition technology?!
Let’s Get Scanning!
Ultimately, the results of our Instagram poll were kinda even! 58% of you said you’d be comfortable with the facial recognition technology, and 42% decided they’d prefer to opt-out!
Here’s what YOU said!
A few of you volunteered some info on WHY you were comfortable with the new tech. According to one reader, “Passes used to have your photo on them anyway, so to me it’s just the next phase of it, technology wise.” Not to mention, guests used to have to scan their fingers to get into the parks, so Disney already has that info. Those seem like the old days now!
Magic Kingdom Entrance
Another reader said that “My phone and computers already have it too at this point 
.” And ANOTHER reader piggy-backed off that, adding, “Most people’s phones have face recognition too. If you use current technology, your info is all over the place. It’s just the world we live in.” Sounds like pretty solid logic to us!
Here’s what the scanning device looks like!
Still, 42% of our readers shared that they weren’t comfortable with the new facial recognition. On our Facebook post talking about the facial recognition system, one reader noted that the face scan process sounds “time consuming and pointless,” particularly when it comes to day tickets. But, they noted that this could make sense for Annual Passholders, or that another system could be implemented for APs like placing photos ON the actual Annual Pass. Another also noted that the system could slow things down.
Here’s What You Can and Can’t Wear During the Test
Disney has emphasized that this testing is ENTIRELY optional. If you don’t wanna use it, you don’t have to! But, if it goes well, it could be sticking around for much longer. Who knows.
Let us know your thoughts on this new technology! And stay tuned to DFB for more Disney news and updates — and to our Instagram for more polls. 😉
Check Out the Facial Recognition System in Action!
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If it makes it easier to get into the park and get onto rides I am all in. The government already has my picture ecause of my passport and drivers license…..there is no privacy so might as well enjoy the benefits with it
It’s like trusting a stranger with your password. Not for me. Disney should test it in Hong Kong where the people there are used to this type of invasion and control.
Sounds great to me. We’re AP and every time when you had to use finger recognition, I always seemed to have a problem and held up the line. Probably due to wearing hand lotion most of the time. Not willing to stop using hand lotion, so I’m in. With Covid, hand recognition is a thing of the past so that takes care of it for now.
It scares me… 1984… Big Brother is watching you. I can remember a few years back when it was suggested that Disney was mapping you on property via you Chip ticket. Who you are, where you are, who you are with, what your spending…etc. where does it end…scary….
I don’t understand what the big deal is. Disney uses facial recognition. If your magic band doesn’t work when you’re trying to get into the park, they use facial recognition. I’m guessing they use it throughout the parks.
Sorry my problem is my brother looks like me and on facial recognition gets my details all the time. Most facial recognition machines only have between 6 and 10 points of recognition. Not enough. Also is that data secure and where else in park will try track you
There is no expectation of privacy once you leave your home. Cameras are everywhere, look around. Now with the surge of dash cams, ring doorbells and home security systems with most having cameras like it or not your out there on someone’s computer or cloud server. Neverminded all the hidden cameras Disney already has on property to keep and eye on you. Last think I’m going to worry about is if I get to go to the parks again is this technology.
12 trips and counting.
Disney already did this in some form before, you just didn’t realise it. After getting magic bands confused and not getting the green circle at the turnstiles, a cast member scanned our bands on their pad and it brought up a picture from above of who used the band last. they verified the picture with my husband and off we went. most folk probably dont realise that when you scan your bands they are taking pictures of you at the same time at a distance.
I did not know that –
6-10 points I think is enough for a Theme park- we’re not taking about access to the pentagon
This is a very invasive idea and degrades what privacy we have left. What is to stop them from tracking our face everywhere? Using it for something else like a deep fake? Who knows what they could do with our faces on cameras.
They already have your photo there isn’t anywhere on property that isn’t covered by video except the bathrooms/changing rooms . Even in the dark rides they are watching you.
I hate to say it, but if a company does business with China, they have to give The CCP access to their data. Not sure how I feel about Xi having my facial data.