Things are constantly changing at Disney World. We’ve seen changes with mask rules, changes in security checks, and more.
Cinderella Castle
But now, MORE changes are on the way. Earlier today, we shared that a NEW facial recognition system would be testing in Magic Kingdom for park entry, and today we got to see it in action!
Okay, so here are the basics: From March 23rd to April 23rd, Disney World is testing a NEW facial recognition feature at Magic Kingdom. Basically, Disney will capture an image of your face, convert it into your own personal number, and associate that number with your park admission.
Here We Go!
Participation in the test is ENTIRELY optional. If you don’t want to participate in the test, you’ll just head to one of the alternate lines to enter the park. Of course, we had to see the system for ourselves, so we made our way over to Magic Kingdom to test it out in person!
As we approached the park’s entrance, we found various signs about the Facial Recognition Test. The signs note that participation is optional, and that Disney is testing this technology at this time. You can also scan the QR code or visit the Disney website to learn more.
Facial Recognition Test Sign
Another sign near the Facial Recognition Test entrance noted what you can and can’t wear. Specifically, you must keep your face mask on at all times. But, during the facial recognition test, you will need to remove hats and sunglasses.
Here’s What You Can and Can’t Wear!
Signs near the front indicated where the entrance was for the lanes that were testing the Facial Recognition system. Again, if you don’t want to participate in this system, you can just one of the other lanes with the traditional scanners.
Let’s Get Scanning!
As you get to the spot where you scan your MagicBand or ticket, you’ll see markers on the floor indicating where you should stand.
Here’s Where to Stand
You’ll stand on the markers, and scan your MagicBand or ticket like you normally would.
Scan Away!
You’ll find a screen above the scanner that shows you where to look, and then it’s just a quick scan (say cheese!) and you’re OFF!
Say Cheese!
Check out our video below to see the process in action!
We tried the NEW facial recognition technology when we entered Magic Kingdom today!
pic.twitter.com/kAEmcdBmet
— AJ Wolfe (@DisneyFoodBlog) March 23, 2021
Click here to see more information about the facial recognition system!
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Ummm…nope. Hard pass.
Yaaaa…. no thanks
Keep your mask on and r3move hats and sunglasses. No way is this facial recognition, most likely scanning your eyes!
If Disney is making sure everyone is wearing a mask the right kind of mask good for Disney . If it is to get more people threw that’s great also . What ever it takes to keep all safe in the park s It would not make any difference to me because Disney is making sure everything is working for them to make the money .
Here we go again chapek and big brother watching you i’m surprise you don’t get test for Covid and blood drawn at the same time just to get in the parks but that’s coming you’ll need a card from vaccination just to get in the parks Carousel of progress can’t get any privacy around here
Conceptually, this is very similar to their fingerprint kiosk scanning. While they scanned the fingerprint, the actual fingerprint itself wasn’t stored, just a unique numerical value. As soon as your tickets expired, Disney deleted even that bit of information. Sounds like they’re just doing it with facial scanning instead of fingerprints.
Disney Please !! What else are y’all
Going to come up with ?! The magic bands and hard cards have worked just fine so WHY try to change it. Keep biting your noses off to spite your faces. I totally agree. With Julie. NOPE.
My privacy is already violated way too much. This is a step too far. I dare say, if they ever switch to only facial recognition, our Disney-going days will be done. Not to mention, it’s just plain creepy
Yeah, I’d try it. Anytime we use our credit card, TollRoad fast pass device, or get our magic band scanned… there are always security cameras getting video or photos and that can be synced up with us. So the facial recognition is already being used (sort of) for companies. May as well use the technology to our advantage. If it would save time and make check in a SNAP, then I’ll give it a SHOT… Sorry… I RECOGNIZE that sounds CHEESY.
I like it! Thank you for sharing AJ
Why do they need to have a facial scan? Too intrusive IMO. They don’t do it to vote in elections and they want to do this for entry into an amusement park? Nope.
I wonder if they’re planning to use this the way that Universal Studios does, to make sure that people are not sharing Universal Express / Fastpasses / Magic Bands?
I say ‘simplify things’. You get a hard YES from me. I love the idea of making things easier. And, I agree with a previous person who stated the scanning is of the eyes and not the face…
Hi – I’m not sure if my comments have been reviewed and published – or if I accidentally included the words “Your comment is awaiting moderation”….
I’d appreciate your letting me know if my feedback is appropriate – or if I inadvertently violated some sort of posting rule or guideline?
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
Yes. The facemask effectively “blanks” a good portion of what I would consider key recognisable facial markers (mouth, cheeks, nose) – while still capturing other markers (ears, eyes, eyebrows, forehead, head).
Using PARTIAL facial bio markers, vs more traditional full biomarkers from your thumb or forefinger – is LESS intrusive.
That said – my mind wanders at other potential uses of facial monitoring AFTER you pass through the check-in (e.g. while walking through the park). While it may be helpful at speeding entry at FastPass lanes; or – helping identify/locate a “lost parent” (Guest Services could scan the band of the “lost parents” child (or elderly relative in their families “my DisneyAdventure” grouping – and – possibly – quickly locate the last location (or real-time location) of the “lost parent”. Extreme privacy advocates might balk at that idea (I’m a little on the fence here for this possible use (if it’s being considered) – but – in this day & age of 24×7 CCTV’s – and being on Private Property (e.g. WDW may be out in Public — but we are there as “guests” – subject to the property owners (well meaning) rules & regulations.)
They don’t mention how long the data will be kept (I didn’t follow the links) – but as it’s a test – I’d imagine after a short period (perhaps 2-3weeks?) after the guest leaves the park – and whatever additional tests are run on the data- protocol should specify for deletion of the data.
Rather or not partial facial markers are considered PI (Personal Info) or SPI (Sensitive Personal Info) – and WDW’s policy on data retention of PI & SPI info (they already have our (your!) – thumb print/fingerprint marker if you ever entered via that method) – I’ll leave to the legal eagles to fret and harrumph over.
As a WDW fan for 4+ decades, a techo professional, I find this tech – and the possible inclusion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) mapping for other uses interesting.
And – in the usual WDW way of catering for most everyone’s concerns – especially during a test/trial of new tech or features – you are 100% free to “step right/step left” to the more traditional park entry lane.
Thanks for sharing AJ! —
And – long time lover of your blog – 1st time commentor. Fellow Texan here (McKinney), my partner and I are now living and working in Melbourne, Australia since 2008; we’re looking forward to the time in the near future when we can plan our next trip to WDW (from 1 Oct 2021 – flights are expected to open back up – for us to actually LEAVE
Australia without jumping through hoops to return (as Permanent Residents of Oz).
We’ve been able to “tick the box” and have visited every Disney Park across the globe (save for California Adventure, ironically) – and the last one being Disney Shanghai in Jan 2018 – your tips and info on planning are one of our weekly “YouTube” channels we watch. As a Project/Programme Manager – the ultra need to plan to make the most of your vacation time (once you hit the park), have been noted – and are greatly appreciated.
All the best to you and your team – which have one of the funnest sounding jobs in the world!
Lord Philip Zornes
Lord Philip Zornes, I just hadn’t gotten to the comment yet for moderation. You’re good to go!
The UK is now considering using digital face-scanning to enter pubs and other places. Big brother is being established even at our most loved places. So sad! I’ll go to Disney again once it stops being so authoritarian.