Idea for height requirement rides

[KCMiller]

I know they tried a central measuring system a few years ago, but discontinued it because of parents trying to 'game' the system (they used those Tyvek wrist bands to indicate that the kids were tall enough to ride, and some parents would swap them around their children, giving the taller kids wristbands to the shorter kids). But now that everyone has a MagicBand, wouldn't it be pretty easy to have a central measuring system for kids? They could be measured at any Guest Services (or even at the resort when they check in), and their height could be indicated somehow in the software - that way, they could be scanned at the rides with height requirements, and there would be no need to remeasure for the whole trip! Instead of the CM at the entrance having a measuring stick, they could have a tablet the kids band could be scanned at.

Thoughts?

KC

 

[Allison]

I know they tried a central measuring system a few years ago, but discontinued it because of parents trying to 'game' the system (they used those Tyvek wrist bands to indicate that the kids were tall enough to ride, and some parents would swap them around their children, giving the taller kids wristbands to the shorter kids).

When was this? I have been going since 2004 and don't recall this happening. Maybe I missed it.

Anyway, a magic band could be swapped easier than a Tyvek band.

 

[mesaboy2]

Too easy to switch bands (far easier than Tyvek), and not going to change from current system anytime soon. What they do now is only way to be sure. Safety trumps guest's convenience and always will.

 

[Tink_83]

I'm not really sure they can get this enforced properly in their system. Without overthinking this they would need to start linking the height to the MDE account for that guest and then would probably need to implement the same finger print scanners that are used at the park entrance in order to enforce this. Or you would have the same issue with parents gaming the system (here Johnny use your brother's magic band). Anyway, the short answer is the implementation of that solution would be cost prohibitive and would not necessary be faster then a CM measuring a child that is close prior to getting on.

 

[BrianL]

Well, what's to stop someone from swapping Magic Bands? I'm sure people would try it. Really, this is a safety issue, and erring on the side of caution as Disney does is the proper way to handle it.

I would like to see them implement a system that is more consistent from ride to ride though as I have heard some measuring sticks are not quite accurate.

 

[bladiator]

They need to insert the chip inside the arm of the child.

I'm a genius.

 

[wilkeliza]

Measuring at the ride is not only for guest safety but also company liabilty. If a kid who is too short gets through and gets hurt then it is much easier to find fault with the whole company when the measuring isn't at the ride. If it happens when measuring at the load (the final and official measure) then they know which employees become responsible if a too short child gets in.

 

[Amanda999]

Its even easier to swap MBs than Tyveks, but I like the concept!

I'm not sure, but I think my son's photo shows up on the ride CM's computer when his MB is scanned for use of his DAS (you can't swap DAS MBs - I'm pretty sure a photo shows up - and they do look at a computer-ish thing after he scans (DAS holder has to scan first, then rest of party)).

So, maybe if a parent is willing to have their child's photo attached to their account the way it is for DAS people?

 

[AngiTN]

Well, what's to stop someone from swapping Magic Bands? I'm sure people would try it. Really, this is a safety issue, and erring on the side of caution as Disney does is the proper way to handle it.

I would like to see them implement a system that is more consistent from ride to ride though as I have heard some measuring sticks are not quite accurate.

I don't know why they can't just hand out the same darn stick to everyone. Is it really that hard to make enough to go around so they all use the same thing?

 

[wilkeliza]

I don't know why they can't just hand out the same darn stick to everyone. Is it really that hard to make enough to go around so they all use the same thing?

The stick is made when the ride is and measuring for accuracy is apart of quarterly reviews. They are replace when a descrepency is noted. I don't think the issue is as bad as people make it out to be.

 

[Tink_83]

Its even easier to swap MBs than Tyveks, but I like the concept

I'm not sure, but I think my son's photo shows up on the ride CM's computer when his MB is scanned for use of his DAS (you can't swap DAS MBs - I'm pretty sure a photo shows up - and they do look at a computer-ish thing after he scans (DAS holder has to scan first, then rest of party)).

So, maybe if a parent is willing to have their child's photo attached to their account the way it is for DAS people?

That could work; from an authentication stand point though similar looking siblings could still scam the system (think about brothers with the same hair cut, similar facial features, etc. they could be confused by a CM that is not paying attention). That's why facial recognition is only part of an authentication process (yes they may print it on your badge but its the key card and pin or key card and rental scan that is actually authenticating you when verifying that you should have access is important; in this case you would be worried about people willing sharing pins therefore biometrics would be best for authentication purposes).

 

[gap2368]

Its even easier to swap MBs than Tyveks, but I like the concept!

I'm not sure, but I think my son's photo shows up on the ride CM's computer when his MB is scanned for use of his DAS (you can't swap DAS MBs - I'm pretty sure a photo shows up - and they do look at a computer-ish thing after he scans (DAS holder has to scan first, then rest of party)).

So, maybe if a parent is willing to have their child's photo attached to their account the way it is for DAS people?

I use the DAS too and the photo really only comes up about 50% of the time and some are not that good if you have two siblings close in age one tall enough to ride one not so tall enough to ride it really would be easy for some to just tread

 

[Sarcazm]

Well, what's to stop someone from swapping Magic Bands? I'm sure people would try it. Really, this is a safety issue, and erring on the side of caution as Disney does is the proper way to handle it.

I would like to see them implement a system that is more consistent from ride to ride though as I have heard some measuring sticks are not quite accurate.

Interesting. When I took my 4 year old in 2012, the first ride that required 40" (Soarin'), he did not reach the 40" mark. I was very disappointed because I had been measuring him almost everyday for over a month to see if he could ride 40" rides. He reached the 40" at home (without shoes), so I thought that he would be able to ride those rides. I made a TP reflecting that. So, after he was rejected from the very first ride he was measured at, I crossed out all the other 40" rides. Anyway, I plan on going to Disney next year, and my younger son will be 4 and a half years old. So, I'm hoping he will be well beyond the 40" requirement.

 

[Sarcazm]

I know they tried a central measuring system a few years ago, but discontinued it because of parents trying to 'game' the system (they used those Tyvek wrist bands to indicate that the kids were tall enough to ride, and some parents would swap them around their children, giving the taller kids wristbands to the shorter kids). But now that everyone has a MagicBand, wouldn't it be pretty easy to have a central measuring system for kids? They could be measured at any Guest Services (or even at the resort when they check in), and their height could be indicated somehow in the software - that way, they could be scanned at the rides with height requirements, and there would be no need to remeasure for the whole trip! Instead of the CM at the entrance having a measuring stick, they could have a tablet the kids band could be scanned at.

Thoughts?

KC

What's to prevent people from switching around the MBs? Parents could split up and go to different attractions, and switch their bands accordingly.

 

[Tink_83]

The stick is made when the ride is and measuring for accuracy is apart of quarterly reviews. They are replace when a descrepency is noted. I don't think the issue is as bad as people make it out to be.

Interesting, so they do a quarterly verification and I'm going to assume probably annual calibration on reference "sticks" (that would be the stick(s) used during the quarterly verification process). Really, the question becomes what tolerance are they accepting (i.e. 1/8 in, 1/16 in, etc.). People need to keep in mind that if they accept an 1/8 in tolerance (i.e. the stick an measure +/- an 1/8 of an in) then there could be a combined error between two measuring sticks by up to a 1/4 in (keep in mind the numbers I'm using are pulled out of thin air, I don't actually know what tolerance Disney accepts). My only point is that yes you may get measured at Splash mountain and get on but then later in the day go to BTRRM and of SM was measuring high and the stick at BTRRM is measuring a little low then your child may not get on...

And yes all sticks measuring EXACTLY the same for the type of daily use they are utilizing them for (think about it the CM grabs the stick, drops it to the ground next to your kid, measures the kid, then puts it back probably by dropping it again; over time that stick is going to slowly wear down) so I'm not surprised that there are slight variations for a child that is very close. Also, it's up to the CM who is reading the stick so on CM may look at a kid as being right over and another may decide the kid it right under... A lot of factors go into play here. A parent with a child that is very close to the height cut off should prepare them for being allowed on one ride but not another...

 

[mesaboy2]

Interesting, so they do a quarterly verification and I'm going to assume probably annual calibration on reference "sticks" (that would be the stick(s) used during the quarterly verification process). Really, the question becomes what tolerance are they accepting (i.e. 1/8 in, 1/16 in, etc.). People need to keep in mind that if they accept an 1/8 in tolerance (i.e. the stick an measure +/- an 1/8 of an in) then there could be a combined error between two measuring sticks by up to a 1/4 in (keep in mind the numbers I'm using are pulled out of thin air, I don't actually know what tolerance Disney accepts). My only point is that yes you may get measured at Splash mountain and get on but then later in the day go to BTRRM and of SM was measuring high and the stick at BTRRM is measuring a little low then your child may not get on...

And yes all sticks measuring EXACTLY the same for the type of daily use they are utilizing them for (think about it the CM grabs the stick, drops it to the ground next to your kid, measures the kid, then puts it back probably by dropping it again; over time that stick is going to slowly wear down) so I'm not surprised that there are slight variations for a child that is very close. Also, it's up to the CM who is reading the stick so on CM may look at a kid as being right over and another may decide the kid it right under... A lot of factors go into play here. A parent with a child that is very close to the height cut off should prepare them for being allowed on one ride but not another...

And everyone's height changes slightly during the course of the day.

 

[wilkeliza]

And everyone's height changes slightly during the course of the day.

This is what I think people forget. On any given day I go between 5'5.5" and 5'6". Our spines compress and we slouch so it is very possible if you are with in a half inch to not be good. May be the stick may be the kid may be the CM. Official rules is the stick is it (most now aren't droped on the ground they are concreted in by entrance and loading) and if even a piece of paper can go between the top of your kids head and the stick then it is a no go.

 

[Tink_83]

This is what I think people forget. On any given day I go between 5'5.5" and 5'6". Our spines compress and we slouch so it is very possible if you are with in a half inch to not be good. May be the stick may be the kid may be the CM. Official rules is the stick is it (most now aren't droped on the ground they are concreted in by entrance and loading) and if even a piece of paper can go between the top of your kids head and the stick then it is a no go.

Ok I was thinking of the amusement park near us (kings dominion), DD has yet to be measured at Disney because last time we went I assumed she wasn't tall enough then I got us season passes to KD and measured her only to find that I could have taken her on SM last year, go figure... Anyway, then yes if what they use to measure the child isn't moving there is a far reduced risk to wear on the "stick"; compression in spine throughout the day, shoes, and CM opinion of if the child is tall enough (i.e. the slightly over/under question) will all have more of a factor on the measurement. Also, for those measuring at home if you use an old tape measure it could be that your tape measure is slightly off to begin with, or it could be that Disney says 40 but the stick is set to measure 40 and 1/8 in just to be on the safe side (I can imagine some attorney arguing that it is better to always measure over then under; for liability issues)... I'd still say if your kid is really close to that 40 inch cut off (or whatever it is for the ride they want to go on) you should warn them that there is a chance they may not get on this time around. That way they are prepared instead of surprised by the disappointment.

 

[bumbershoot]

Interesting. When I took my 4 year old in 2012, the first ride that required 40" (Soarin'), he did not reach the 40" mark. I was very disappointed because I had been measuring him almost everyday for over a month to see if he could ride 40" rides. He reached the 40" at home (without shoes), so I thought that he would be able to ride those rides. I made a TP reflecting that. So, after he was rejected from the very first ride he was measured at, I crossed out all the other 40" rides. Anyway, I plan on going to Disney next year, and my younger son will be 4 and a half years old. So, I'm hoping he will be well beyond the 40" requirement.

Not hitting one mark one time doesn't actually mean the. Hold wouldn't have hit it the next day. Especially if you were measuring at home without shoes. Your child was likely tired and droopy at that moment. I'm sorry you didn't try the next day with rest, hydration, and encouragement to stand Steiger and tall.

And yes all sticks measuring EXACTLY the same for the type of daily use they are utilizing them for (think about it the CM grabs the stick, drops it to the ground next to your kid, measures the kid, then puts it back probably by dropping it again; over time that stick is going to slowly wear down)

I've never seen a handheld stick for measuring at Disney.

I'd still say if your kid is really close to that 40 inch cut off (or whatever it is for the ride they want to go on) you should warn them that there is a chance they may not get on this time around. That way they are prepared instead of surprised by the disappointment.

Absolutely. Especially for rerides, especially for the rides with bigger forces.

And make sure the young ones know to stand straight and tall and *that they WANT to hit the measuring stick*!!! Kids will shy away from it and will purposely shrink a bit to not hit their heads. But they have to touch the bar with their heads or they won't be let on.

 

[tobikaye]

I use the DAS too and the photo really only comes up about 50% of the time and some are not that good if you have two siblings close in age one tall enough to ride one not so tall enough to ride it really would be easy for some to just tread

This was my thought as well. When I was a kid there were two brothers that basically looked like identical twins even though they were 1 or 2 years apart. It did not help that the older one was ever only about 1 inch taller than the younger brother. So, unless they were standing right up next to each other, you would not catch the height difference.