As they photograph pretty much everybody these days... why handstamps?

[whoever]

Are handstamps the next buggy whip? Why do I need a handstamp when they know its me, and they know I have access to the parks? What happens if I don't get a hand stamp? I'm an APer these days, and my pic and AP are on file..

 

[Malcon10t]

Are handstamps the next buggy whip? Why do I need a handstamp when they know its me, and they know I have access to the parks? What happens if I don't get a hand stamp? I'm an APer these days, and my pic and AP are on file..

APs don't normally need handstamps. Just ask at the gate if you need one. (Exception is Christmas week, usually they will have signs saying "APs need handstamps" and sometimes they will stamp you coming in as most will forget.

1 and 2 day tickets don't have pics. Also, pictures do go down, and there are times they don't do the pics right away due to crowds. A handstamp is needed so you don't exit the park on your 1 day tix and hand it to someone else.

 

[DHSbutcher]

Im not an AP holder, but last september we left DCA after park hopping all morning and getting soaked on GRR and went to shower and change clothes back at our hotel, DLH, and came back to the parks and when we got there they almost didn't let us in because the handstamp was gone. Yikes! We are used to WDW where a handstamp is no longer used. Fortunately with some convincing, she lady let us in "out of courtesy since we were staying at the DLH." This was not the only trouble we and with the front gate workers, but that is a whole other story

 

[whoever]

Im not an AP holder, but last september we left DCA after park hopping all morning and getting soaked on GRR and went to shower and change clothes back at our hotel, DLH, and came back to the parks and when we got there they almost didn't let us in because the handstamp was gone. Yikes! We are used to WDW where a handstamp is no longer used. Fortunately with some convincing, she lady let us in "out of courtesy since we were staying at the DLH." This was not the only trouble we and with the front gate workers, but that is a whole other story

My first stop after such an experience would have been City Hall. There's ZERO reason hand stamps still exist for 3-day plus or onsite attendees. I've never had reason to approach city hall (I would have for GOOD reasons if I weren't pressed for time, but NEVER negative)

 

[DHSbutcher]

My first stop after such an experience would have been City Hall. There's ZERO reason hand stamps still exist for 3-day plus or onsite attendees. I've never had reason to approach city hall (I would have for GOOD reasons if I weren't pressed for time, but NEVER negative)

In hindsight we should have, but at that time we just wanted to go enjoy the park. It is a really lousy system, and I hope they soon get another system in place eventually. We are returning next month and staying offsite! I know those hand stamps can be hard to get off, but with enough water or rain and some accidental rubbing that could seriously ruin someones day!

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

Are handstamps the next buggy whip? Why do I need a handstamp when they know its me, and they know I have access to the parks? What happens if I don't get a hand stamp? I'm an APer these days, and my pic and AP are on file..

As an APer you don't need the hand stamp (unless noted like the PP said). The kids like to get their hand stamped, but I also just walk out and have never had a problem with re-entry.

 

[Malcon10t]

Im not an AP holder, but last september we left DCA after park hopping all morning and getting soaked on GRR and went to shower and change clothes back at our hotel, DLH, and came back to the parks and when we got there they almost didn't let us in because the handstamp was gone. Yikes! We are used to WDW where a handstamp is no longer used. Fortunately with some convincing, she lady let us in "out of courtesy since we were staying at the DLH." This was not the only trouble we and with the front gate workers, but that is a whole other story

Handstamps usually hold up well under swimming, showering, and handwashing. This has been going on for YEARS. What is "new" is hand sanitizer, that gets rid of handstamps fast. They should warn people about that.

 

[superlarz]

Im not an AP holder, but last september we left DCA after park hopping all morning and getting soaked on GRR and went to shower and change clothes back at our hotel, DLH, and came back to the parks and when we got there they almost didn't let us in because the handstamp was gone. Yikes! We are used to WDW where a handstamp is no longer used. Fortunately with some convincing, she lady let us in "out of courtesy since we were staying at the DLH." This was not the only trouble we and with the front gate workers, but that is a whole other story

Sometimes the gate workers are a little over zealous. I have been with people who have gotten through after a hand stamp has washed off. They asked if she had proof she was in the park that day, like a Fast Pass. We had WoC Fast Passes so they let her in with no further issue.

 

[kirstie101]

Handstamps usually hold up well under swimming, showering, and handwashing. This has been going on for YEARS. What is "new" is hand sanitizer, that gets rid of handstamps fast. They should warn people about that.

Thats good to know! DD and I have APs but DH and DS do not. I put hand sanitizer on the kids often when were vacationing. I'll have to remember to be a little more careful about it now.

 

[larina]

What is you visit with family and people really look alike. I think it's completely reasonable to require hand stamps fro anyone for reentry and I'm not sure why AP holders wouldn't or shohldy be included in that. Oh, and the picture system seems to go down, a lot, so the hand stamps can be handy.

A previous poster mentioned folks staying onsite shouldn't need a stamp and I'm curious as to why this would be true.

 

[Gisele]

It's a matter of which is faster, showing your hand stamp or whipping out your AP. I find it easiest to just show my hand stamp.

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

It's a matter of which is faster, showing your hand stamp or whipping out your AP. I find it easiest to just show my hand stamp.

It's not a choice though. When re-entering the parks, you are required to both show your hand stamp and present your ticket.

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

It's a matter of which is faster, showing your hand stamp or whipping out your AP. I find it easiest to just show my hand stamp.

How do you get back in without showing a ticket? Either way you have to show your AP.

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

What is you visit with family and people really look alike. I think it's completely reasonable to require hand stamps fro anyone for reentry and I'm not sure why AP holders wouldn't or shohldy be included in that. Oh, and the picture system seems to go down, a lot, so the hand stamps can be handy. A previous poster mentioned folks staying onsite shouldn't need a stamp and I'm curious as to why this would be true.

I don't know why AP holders aren't included in that, but I've always been told I didn't need one when I asked.

 

[LongTimeFan]

Handstamps usually hold up well under swimming, showering, and handwashing. This has been going on for YEARS. What is "new" is hand sanitizer, that gets rid of handstamps fast. They should warn people about that.

We are fanatical users of hand sanitizer, especially in places where there are a lot of kids/colds. I guess now we'll just have to put it on one hand.

 

[SultanPprShkr]

It's a matter of which is faster, showing your hand stamp or whipping out your AP. I find it easiest to just show my hand stamp.

and then us APers are stuck behind you as you show your hand stamp and the CM asks for your tickets and you dig through your purse for it, and we're wondering why we always get the slow lines, LOL.

ticket first, hand later.. should be the way going forward until a new system is in place. until then, ticket scalpers and sellers looking to make quick money off of unsuspecting guests will have their way with you.

 

[Gisele]

I don't recall having to show tickets or ap with handstamp. I guess I'm loosing my memory. Lol