New Ticketing System

[MHG26]

I found the put 2 fingers in thing kind of annoying. I kept getting told to put my fingers in further, squeeze harder, or only 2 fingers inside. I'm thinking to myself, I can't push my hand in further, or squeeze harder, and I only have 2 fingers inside.... It's not my fault if the machines aren't working perfectly yet . The second park I went to with my pass it took me like 10 minutes to get inside. This elderly lady kept telling me these 3 things and I kept telling her there was nothing else I could do and that I was doing exactly what she was telling me as she could see. Eventually she had to check my I.D. and let me through. Well, for the rest of the day I couldn't use the FP machines! I would have to ask a CM to get me a FP out cus it kept giving me the message that I couldn't get another FP yet even though I had never gotten one. All the CM's were nice about it and would get me a FP out of the machine, but I felt bad about it and was hoping they didn't think I was trying to scam free FP's (actually this could be an effective scam) since there would be no renewal times on FP's. They all suggested that my ticket was de-magnatized and would need to visit the Guest Relations office before I left. I didn't want to do it throughout the day to slow my party down so I went as we left and the guy tells me that it was not de-magnatized and that he had no clue what the problem was cus my card was reading just fine on his computer. Well, anyhow, he gave me a new one and I didn't have the same problem again, but it was always a slow process for many people to get into the parks period. I can't imagine how slow those lines will be during busier times of the year.

 

[SyracuseWolvrine]

A few tips for the finger scan machines (you may have been doing this, but it may help someone else down the line)


1/2. Always use the same hand. If you use your right hand one time, and your left time the next, it won't recognize your fingers as being the same.
1. Make the peace sign, using your index and middle fingers
2. Slide the fingers in until the "bridge" of your fingers is touching the first knob
3. Squeeze GENTLY together, like a scissors, until both fingers are touching the back knob. It's not a contest to see who can squeeze the hardest.

Another thing if you're having problems, use your other hand, or position your body such that it blocks the sun from hitting the reader. Although it shouldn't cause problems, once in a while the sunlight can delay a scan.

If you have problems with the finger scan, there are 2 methods the CM can use to override the scan. One of them will "activate" your ticket, so it will work in the FP machines, the other won't. It sounds (at least to me) like your ticket didn't get "activated", not that it was demagnetized. (If it was a demagnetized ticket, it wouldn't read at all in the turnstyle, and wouldn't light up the "insert fingers" lights)

 

[hercamore]

Syracruse,

You helped me! I'll use the same hand from now on. Nowonder my I had trouble with my AP!

herc.

 

[seashoreCM]

When you think you have your fingers in the right position, hold still. It always takes a few seconds to register.

If you keep moving your fingers it will take longer to register.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[the kabuki]

I saw these at the parks last week, we still had the old tickets so we didn't have to do it, but one question, what are these and what is the purpose of them? They sure seemed to slow the lines down.

 

[Jasminesmommy]

I think the new system is just gross. I don't know where these people before me had there fingers. Will they be offeneded or mad if I bring a can or Lysol and spray the machine first??

 

[drumflower]

Do small kids have to do this too?

 

[tjkraz]

I think the new system is just gross. I don't know where these people before me had there fingers. Will they be offeneded or mad if I bring a can or Lysol and spray the machine first??

Do you disinfect handrails? Coins in your pocket? Doorknobs? Queue bars for WDW attractions? Your hotel room?

IMO, you'd be better off just washing your hands afterward if it bothers you.

Do small kids have to do this too?

No. Those using child admission passes do not have to use the biometric reader.

I saw these at the parks last week, we still had the old tickets so we didn't have to do it, but one question, what are these and what is the purpose of them? They sure seemed to slow the lines down.

It is a biometric hand reader. The first time someone uses a ticket, the scanner takes measurements of your index and middle finger. During every subsequent entry, the scan results are compared and the user is only admitted if there is a match.

The purpose is to eliminate all of the folks who have spent years violating the "non-transferrable" clause on all Disney admission passes. The intent has always been one ticket for one person. Instead, people would buy a 7-day park hopper, use 5 days, and then sell the unused days on eBay or to a roadside vendor.

Disney now has implemented a method of validating the ownership of every adult ticket. It is clearly intended to raise revenues by forcing each theme park guest to buy his/her own pass direct from Disney (or an authorized reseller.) Personally, I prefer these types of enforcement programs to an across-the-board price increase that impacts ALL WDW guests.

This program began less than 2 weeks ago, so there will certainly be a learning curve for many. Eventually the impact will subside. We are AP holders and have used this system ourselves. I honestly can think of only one entry that proved troublesome on my ticket--and that includes probably 25+ walks through the turnstiles.

 

[rwodonnell]

The purpose is to eliminate all of the folks who have spent years violating the "non-transferrable" clause on all Disney admission passes. The intent has always been one ticket for one person. Instead, people would buy a 7-day park hopper, use 5 days, and then sell the unused days on eBay or to a roadside vendor.

The vast majority shared within their circle of family and friends, if they shared at all. A typical ebay search on used park hoppers gets about 150 results, or a little over 1 percent of the average daily attendance of WDW, if estimates are to be believed.

I find the ebay thing to be an irritating red herring Disney themselves even pointed to in making their case. It's clearly a move to stop family/friends sharing, which is in their right, I just find it a bit disingenuous to keep bringing up a small fraction of the real population of offenders for (likely) political reasons.

 

[peter11435]

The vast majority shared within their circle of family and friends, if they shared at all. A typical ebay search on used park hoppers gets about 150 results, or a little over 1 percent of the average daily attendance of WDW, if estimates are to be believed.

I find the ebay thing to be an irritating red herring Disney themselves even pointed to in making their case. It's clearly a move to stop family/friends sharing, which is in their right, I just find it a bit disingenuous to keep bringing up a small fraction of the real population of offenders for (likely) political reasons.

The main problem with the ebay sales is not their quantity, but that often the tickets are not even valid. Buying used tickets scams many people. Also Ebay is not the only method for this. Used tickets are often sold in flea markets and other such places in the area.

As for the percentage, it is actually far less than 1 percent. That would make the average daily attendance for WDW fewer than 15000. Even on a slow day each of the four parks has more than 15000. Mk alone averages about 45000 a day. Now obviously some days are far more than others, but still 15000 x 365 days a year is only a bit over 5 million. Animal Kingdom alone gets almost 8 million a year. And AK has the lowest attendance of the four.

 

[tjkraz]

The vast majority shared within their circle of family and friends, if they shared at all.

...a practice which is and was technically illegal under Florida State law and the guidelines under which the pass was sold.

We could spend all day arguing the validity of such terms, but the reality is that passes have always been sold as "non-transferrable", meaning one owner, one ticket. And, after 33 years Disney has devised a means of enforcing this clause. Bravo Disney.

A typical ebay search on used park hoppers gets about 150 results, or a little over 1 percent of the average daily attendance of WDW, if estimates are to be believed.

Your estimate is probably low. Selling used passes has always been illegal in the State of Florida, thus many eBay sellers will not use the word "Used" in their auction. They will simply list a "One Day Park Hopper" pass, which is an animal that does not exist.

With a search on "Disney Hopper", I get over 200 responses. 200 auctions closing over 7 days means about 28 ticket auctions closing per day. That's over 10,000 passes per year. Does that represent "significant" lost revenue in Disney's eyes? Apparently it does.

You are also omitting the secondary market that exists (or perhaps existED) in Florida. Two months ago it didn't take much effort to find someone willing to buy or sell used tickets. Those folks will soon be out of business.

I find the ebay thing to be an irritating red herring Disney themselves even pointed to in making their case. It's clearly a move to stop family/friends sharing, which is in their right, I just find it a bit disingenuous to keep bringing up a small fraction of the real population of offenders for (likely) political reasons.

I don't know that I've ever seen Disney point fingers directly at eBay. But I do agree with your logic, albeit not in the devious manner that you seem to portray. Show me the company that would stand up in front of its customers and shareholders and say "we're tweaking our product [the ticket] and changing our pricing structure because we want to encourage you to spend more money otherwise."

In one sense, Disney has done us all a favor. Gone are the days in which one was forced to buy a 5-day Plus pass in order to get park hopping AND access to a water park. Now, if you desire, you can purchase a 3-day pass with plusses, and even save money by omitting the unilimted expiration date feature if the pass will be used in one trip.

The pricing has clearly been structured to encourage either longer stays or return visits. But rare is the company that doesn't offer volume discounts for purchasing their products.

 

[Jasminesmommy]

Do you disinfect handrails? Coins in your pocket? Doorknobs? Queue bars for WDW attractions? Your hotel room?

IMO, you'd be better off just washing your hands afterward if it bothers you.



No. Those using child admission passes do not have to use the biometric reader.



It is a biometric hand reader. The first time someone uses a ticket, the scanner takes measurements of your index and middle finger. During every subsequent entry, the scan results are compared and the user is only admitted if there is a match.

The purpose is to eliminate all of the folks who have spent years violating the "non-transferrable" clause on all Disney admission passes. The intent has always been one ticket for one person. Instead, people would buy a 7-day park hopper, use 5 days, and then sell the unused days on eBay or to a roadside vendor.

Disney now has implemented a method of validating the ownership of every adult ticket. It is clearly intended to raise revenues by forcing each theme park guest to buy his/her own pass direct from Disney (or an authorized reseller.) Personally, I prefer these types of enforcement programs to an across-the-board price increase that impacts ALL WDW guests.

This program began less than 2 weeks ago, so there will certainly be a learning curve for many. Eventually the impact will subside. We are AP holders and have used this system ourselves. I honestly can think of only one entry that proved troublesome on my ticket--and that includes probably 25+ walks through the turnstiles.

I do not hold handrails at all. I do clean the doorknob, I hate the smell of coins therefore I do wash my hands right after or use a diaper wipe if I am not near water. While in line I keep my hands to myself and I do clean off the phone in hopes the mousekeeping cleans the rest.

 

[NotUrsula]

If I'm not misinterpreting it, the statute that makes selling partially-used tickets a crime does not criminalize the act of giving away a ticket; only selling is against Florida law. Certainly, parks can define "non-transferable" any way they like, and refuse to honor admission media so-defined, but it is my understanding that it was never a violation of Florida law to *give* an unused ticket to someone else, as long as there was not a commercial transaction involved. (An example of illegal giving would be a hotel offering it free if you stayed there, b/c paying for the room is a commercial transaction.)

Here's the statute: http://www.flsenate.gov/Statutes/in..._Statute&Search_String=&URL=CH0817/Sec361.HTM

So, if I'm right, while restricting transfer within families would be a *policy* enforcement change on Disney's part, it has nothing to do with enforcing Florida law.

 

[mochabean]

The purpose is to eliminate all of the folks who have spent years violating the "non-transferrable" clause on all Disney admission passes.

I don't think Disney wants to eliminate those people, just the transferring of their passes!

I don't think the ebay market for used passes is anywhere near the size of the local Kissimmee market. You used to be able to find someone willing to buy your partially used tickets at practically every gas station on 192.

 

[tjkraz]

So, if I'm right, while restricting transfer within families would be a *policy* enforcement change on Disney's part, it has nothing to do with enforcing Florida law.

So be it. Florida law...Disney law...same result: one pass per guest.

 

[SyracuseWolvrine]

Will they be offeneded or mad if I bring a can or Lysol and spray the machine first??

Yes. Spraying liquid into electronic equipment, especially electronic equipment that doesn't belong to you, is never a good idea. Much better alternative would be to wash your hands after entering a park, or showing a photo ID every time you enter a park, instead of doing the finger scan.

 

[rwodonnell]

So be it. Florida law...Disney law...same result: one pass per guest.

Well NotUrsula beat me to the punch - the only thing worse than overstating the impact of the ebay sales is stating that it is illegal to share the old parkhoppers. I'm not trying to make a big deal about the whole thing, but I am feeling a bit out of sorts, mostly due to so many embracing the new system that I think stinks. I don't like the biometrics aspect, I don't like what will undoubtedly be slower entry, I don't like that I have to find each person's individual pass in my party, and I don't like that the "once-in-a-lifetime" guest (which tend to be the type of people my family takes to WDW) will end up paying about 40% more per day than they would before (unless they stay a lot longer).

I agree that Disney can do whatever they want in this matter. I wonder how many others feel or will feel more negatively toward them though, as I do, and what the cost of that will be in the future as more and more people get annoyed by some aspect of this program.

One thing I think that this guarantees is that a lot more days get paid for and never used, either expiring after 14 days because of a sickness (or what have you) or expiring along with the tagged owner. That seems so un-Disney to me.

 

[goofy4tink]

We've had no problems with the bio-scans. Even my dd, 11, had no issues. WE have the APs and so far only dh has had a problem but come to find out he kept trying to use different fingers (boy brains is what we call it!!) I always carry our passes..always have, no matter what type they are. I just gave out the appropriate AP, and it was returned to me. It slowed us up by about 9 seconds!!

As far as passes expiring, I would suggest paying the extra small amount and have then non-expiring. Everyone seems to be getting ticked off with the new system but it really is a good one. You pay for what you need. We used to pay for something we didn't need, believe it or not. It has taken me since '01 to get close to using all of my 6 day park hopper plus passes and I still have one plus visit on them!!! I finally gave them to my dad and step-mom in Nov so that they could join us for a day in Epcot. Yes, they should not have been transferred to them, but they are Fl residents and could have gotten in cheaply and I was never going to use them since we have APs at this point. I have always hated that there were people out there that were spending good amounts of money for 'used' phs and finding they were all used up or only had a day or two on them.

Nope, I have no problem with the new ticketing system. People will get used to the scans. And the CMs will be able to just activate your pass and off you'll go. Takes about 10 seconds longer.

 

[SnackyStacky]

If I'm not misinterpreting it, the statute that makes selling partially-used tickets a crime does not criminalize the act of giving away a ticket; only selling is against Florida law. Certainly, parks can define "non-transferable" any way they like, and refuse to honor admission media so-defined, but it is my understanding that it was never a violation of Florida law to *give* an unused ticket to someone else, as long as there was not a commercial transaction involved. (An example of illegal giving would be a hotel offering it free if you stayed there, b/c paying for the room is a commercial transaction.)

Here's the statute: http://www.flsenate.gov/Statutes/in..._Statute&Search_String=&URL=CH0817/Sec361.HTM

So, if I'm right, while restricting transfer within families would be a *policy* enforcement change on Disney's part, it has nothing to do with enforcing Florida law.

That's the state law, however - Disney has put a contractual clause onto their tickets (simply - "non-transferrable").

When you purchase the admission to Disney, you're entering into a contract, and the terms of that contract are on the back of your ticket.

The only exception to that clause is if you're going to gift the ticket. That's the only acceptable transfer of a ticket by Disney's contract.

So while you're correct about the Florida law (it was designed to protect ALL of the theme parks, as well as the consumers), Disney's contractual clause is more enveloping the state law.

I still don't see why this is throwing people for such a loop. Nevermind whether or not the International Drive black market and/or Ebay market justify the enforcement of the rule. Disney is no longer FORCING you to buy options, as well as days that you don't need. There's no need to have days left over now.

 

[mochabean]

I don't like that I have to find each person's individual pass in my party

According to what has been said in other threads, people traveling together who buy their tickets together (i.e., people on packages, which ends up being the majority of non-AP/non-FL resident guests) will have the biometrics for each ticket linked, so that you can use your hubby's ticket and vice versa. This will virtually eliminate the problem you mention. In addition, it makes it also technically possible to still do some limited "sharing".