Disney testing RFID entry to EPCOT

[wickesy]

Just seen on various websites that Disney have been testing RFID entry to EPCOT today.

Testing began today on an RFID based system that requires no turnstiles to enter the theme park. Guests instead simply place a chip-equipped ticket up to a Mickey Mouse-themed device and after a quick finger scan, a green light lets them know they can proceed into the park.

Guests visiting Epcot today have the option of having their tickets scanned and then equipped with a Mickey Mouse sticker with an embedded RFID chip, presumably encoded with the same information found on the ticket’s magnetic strip, normally used for entering the park. The sticker itself is a bit thicker than a standard paper ticket due to the chip inside, but not thick enough to be intrusive. If the test goes well, future tickets presumably will have RFID chips embedded inside them.

Upon approaching the new RFID scanners, guests are instructed to simply hold their chip-equipped tickets up to the Mickey Mouse head shape, then place a finger onto the biometric scanner, and wait for the green light to pass through. Reports suggest it is a faster process than going through traditional turnstiles, taking only a few seconds.

There's the expected comments about the dangers of the information being hacked but on the whole I think it's a good idea - I seemed to have trouble getting my ticket in the slot this year It does look as though people could slip in without a ticket in the crowds though.

More information and photos at Inside The Magic and here.

 

[Disneymad]

Oyster Card for WDW? Yes please!

Hope it trials well, sometimes I wish I could Fastpass the turnstiles - I always pick the wrong line which ends up with the party of 10 from hell in front of me anything that helps with that can only be a good thing.

 

[Disneymad]

Just found a little video of the process that someone linked on TPAS - looks very fast and easy. The finger scan bit looks to be much better molded to guide people correctly too which should help with ones who can't ever seem to remember whether to use their thumb or their finger each time!

 

[Netty]

what if you lose the ticket? will they replace it? Hope its a lot easier!
I had an annual ticket this yr, and every time I used it the biometrics didnt work on it, resulting in me having to show I.D and then go to customer services to get it re -newed- had it changed for a new annual 3 times!