News Round Up 2021

[hertamaniac]

Summary: Opens to public April 3, passholder previews TBA.

Summary #2: World's tallest, side-by-side, dueling racer slide.

 

[mrsap]

Harmonious Centerpiece Barge Arm Testing Continues at EPCOT

 

[only hope]

What is it you think they’re going to do with this face scan? Do you think there is more than a few moments where you aren’t on some security camera while walking around the park already? Next thing you know they’ll be installing cameras on attractions and taking pictures of you mid-ride!!

My face is not linked to my name and date of birth with the current security and attractions photos/rides. But this is getting too off topic.

 

[mrsap]

Swiss Family Treehouse Refurbishment Continues With Netting Replacements

 

[mrsap]

More jabots and swags arrive at Cinderella Castle as part of the 50th decor

 

[mrsap]

Flying to Disney World from the UK? We’ve Got Some News

 

[BorderTenny]

Summary: Opens to public April 3, passholder previews TBA.

Just got the passholder email. Previews April 1 & 2 4-7pm.

 

[mrsap]

‘The Rainbow Connection’ Honored by the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress

 

[Anthony Vito]

Which is where the ID check comes in. When Universal had their fingerprint scan off, they checked ID; after they turned them back on you could still choose to show ID instead of scanning your finger. I’m surprised Disney hasn’t been requesting ID with the scanner off. I don’t see the point in expensive, invasive face scanning tech when it takes two seconds to show an ID.

This would slow entry down IMMENSELY. It's not the taking out and showing the ID that takes long, it's the actual checking of the ID against the name on the ticket. They normally have one or two CMs per block of four scanners, so they would now need one CM for every scan. I also believe they wouldn't be able to use the current scanners since I don't think those show the guests names (when there's an issue, they have to use the tablets to scan). So they'd have to have a CM individually scanning every MB with a tablet and then checking the name against the ID, which is just so much slower - each scan would be slower multiplied by the reduction from 4 people scanning at once (theoretically) to only one guest scanning. They probably also intend to use the facial recognition for children as well (since children also previously had to use the fingerprint scan), and children are unlikely to have IDs.

Moreover, this could actually speed things up when it comes to kids, since our kids are often hit or miss on the fingerprint scans or take more than one try because they're not consistent with how they press their fingers or use the wrong finger, etc. Facial scan takes such guest behavior out of the equation.

Disney Parks at Capacity Next TWO WEEKS for Resort Guests, June Dates Filling Up

I find it kind of interesting that the Theme Park Tickets and Resort allocations are filling up before the Passholder ones. Last summer and fall it seemed to be more frequently the other way around.

I wonder if they've overcorrected the allocation between the three, if the limit of 3 park days is playing into it, or if due to expirations and potential non-renewals the number of passholders is decreasing.

 

[luv2cheer92]

Why can’t they just check id’s? No way am I ever letting a theme park scan my face. Fingerprint is bad enough.

Lol, you know it's not an actual fingerprint right?

 

[afan]

This would slow entry down IMMENSELY. It's not the taking out and showing the ID that takes long, it's the actual checking of the ID against the name on the ticket. They normally have one or two CMs per block of four scanners, so they would now need one CM for every scan. I also believe they wouldn't be able to use the current scanners since I don't think those show the guests names (when there's an issue, they have to use the tablets to scan). So they'd have to have a CM individually scanning every MB with a tablet and then checking the name against the ID, which is just so much slower - each scan would be slower multiplied by the reduction from 4 people scanning at once (theoretically) to only one guest scanning. They probably also intend to use the facial recognition for children as well (since children also previously had to use the fingerprint scan), and children are unlikely to have IDs.

Moreover, this could actually speed things up when it comes to kids, since our kids are often hit or miss on the fingerprint scans or take more than one try because they're not consistent with how they press their fingers or use the wrong finger, etc. Facial scan takes such guest behavior out of the equation.


I find it kind of interesting that the Theme Park Tickets and Resort allocations are filling up before the Passholder ones. Last summer and fall it seemed to be more frequently the other way around.

I wonder if they've overcorrected the allocation between the three, if the limit of 3 park days is playing into it, or if due to expirations and potential non-renewals the number of passholders is decreasing.

Your first day at dlr they take your photo and it's attached to the ticket. Every time you enter the parks the pic pops up and they verify it's you. It doesn't take any longer than a finger print except for the initial photo.

The problem with ids is not everyone has the same style and for some it's a passport. Id just isn't practical but I don't think it'd take any longer.

 

[Anthony Vito]

Your first day at dlr they take your photo and it's attached to the ticket. Every time you enter the parks the pic pops up and they verify it's you. It doesn't take any longer than a finger print except for the initial photo.

The problem with ids is not everyone has the same style and for some it's a passport. Id just isn't practical but I don't think it'd take any longer.

In WDW I'm pretty sure they'd have to put in new equipment to have something for that photo to show up on - which if they're going to do that, why not just put in the automated facial recognition equipment. Or they'd still have to have CMs scanning with the tablets. I'm not usually in favor of automation taking the place of a CM, but I think this is one instance CMs would prefer not having to check every scan against everyone's face and trying to decide whether to question someone because the photo looks a different and they're not sure (hair done differently, etc.).

I agree with the types of ID issue, but it would certainly take longer because with an ID, you're not just glancing at a photo to see if they are indeed a person with an ID that with a photo that matches the person in front of you. You have to check the name on the photo against the name that comes up when the MagicBand or ticket is scanned, make sure the name matches what's in the system. That is what's time consuming. Again, it requires a CM to check every individual coming in, as opposed to 1 CM being able to handle 2-4 scanners at once. That would at least double the number of CMs needed at park entrance, or reduce how many guests can scan at a time, which in addition to the slower process, cuts scanning capacity two-to-four-fold.

 

[Chris Ehlers]

‘The Rainbow Connection’ Honored by the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress

This is my fave version of this song!!!!

 

[mrsap]

This is my fave version of this song!!!!

I still get goosebumps when I hear that song. It brings me right back to my childhood. The Muppet Movie was my favorite movie!! Thanks for sharing that!!!!

 

[Chris Ehlers]

I still get goosebumps when I hear that song. It brings me right back to my childhood. The Muppet Movie was my favorite movie!! Thanks for sharing that!!!!

Jim and the guys in My Morning Jacket are great people and good friends

 

[tarak]

Magic Kingdom now testing facial recognition for theme park entrance in place of finger scanners

This should be interesting. Every time one of my friends on FB posts a photo with my 17-year-old daughter in it, I get the message that a photo of me has been shared (or something to that effect).

 

[Moliphino]

My face is not linked to my name and date of birth with the current security and attractions photos/rides. But this is getting too off topic.

On ride photos it kind of is, since they tie the picture to your magic band.

 

[mrsap]

Disneyland Legacy Passholders — Here’s How To Access Your Digital Discount

 

[CarolynFH]

I'm impressed the photo recognition works with a mask. Wish I could get my phone to do that. Does anyone's iPhone work when you're wearing a mask? If so, is there anything special I need to do to get this feature to work?

I’ve read that the coming iOS 14 will allow facial recognition with a mask, but you’ll have to have an Apple Watch too, to validate that it’s really you.

 

[Mr. lncredible]

My face is not linked to my name and date of birth with the current security and attractions photos/rides. But this is getting too off topic.

Except it kind of is because your magic band.