Refuse to give Disney your Finger-print?

[bookgirl2632]

I would like to offer a different view on why I am unwilling to give my fingerprints. I am an Australian citizen and to my knowledge have never had my fingerprints taken. I used to work at Parliament House (White House equivalent for the Americans) and they never took my print to get a security pass. I have nothing to hide in my past to incriminate me, but as an Australian I don't want another country's government to have my prints. I know it is just Disney but I don't know where my prints are going to end up. I realise that I am going to be called paranoid by most people on the board, but if any Americans here wan't to go to another country are you happy with the idea of them having your prints?

After going through 9/11, I am more than happy to provide my fingerprints to the government if I am asked. I have nothing to hide either.

But this is beside the point. The point is that Disney is not the government. They are not taking these fingerprints for nefarious reasons. Heck, they are not even taking our fingerprints.

I don't know. I guess I agree with the OP, but for different reasons. I don't see what the big deal is.

 

[Davscotcar]

I'd be more concerned about anything you book onto your credit card with the lax way the US deals with credit card transactions there's none of the security checks which we have to do when ordering online in the UK. Fingerprints don't bother me as what exactly are disney going to do with them? Make them in to a wanted poster????

 

[Kdog]

I know I am going to sound paranoid, but I hate the finger scanner too. And it's not about privacy for me; its about germs. I get the heebie-jeebies every time I put my finger in the scanner. So many people from all over the world are at WDW, and they go to the parks whether they are sick or not. Think about how few scanners there are compared to how many people enter the park each day. I hit a bathroom to wash my hands as soon as I enter the park. I have asked to enter the park without the scanner, but I feel foolish doing this.

 

[marivaid]

I know I am going to sound paranoid, but I hate the finger scanner too. And it's not about privacy for me; its about germs. I get the heebie-jeebies every time I put my finger in the scanner.

The same people touch the handles on rides, the rails in the queue, kids wipe their nose then touch the merchandise... the scanner is not dirtier than any of those places.

 

[Milobaby]

One of my guide books said that they had a group of people and they all switched keys to see if they would be denied access-Nope- no problem at all so it is not specific to each individual. Maybe it's used for adults buying children's passes so it can tell the difference between adult and child. I could really care less if they scan my finger. I have more of a problem giving my credit card over the phone and more important things to worry about than Disney. It must be very stressful to worry about things like this.

 

[eliza61]

Personally with a love one serving in Iraq and worrying about whether or not my college bound kids will get shot in class, I've pretty much got bigger concerns than what disney does with my finger scan. They are just trying to curb park ticket abuse.

 

[fla4fun]

A previous poster told us about the correct use of the machine - that it scans the finger, selects certain points on the finger that are unique to you, and assigns a code to that, which becomes your identifier. It's not as individual as a fingerprint, but can greatly narrow down the possibility of sharing tickets between strangers. After all, people from the same family may share the same unique traits, therefore the system may allow one person in on another person's ticket if you accidentally get them mixed up.

What no one has mentioned is that the scanner is used by hundreds, if not thousands, of people every day. It's not wiped down in between. It would be next to impossible to get an absolutely clear fingerprint detail from the scanner unless you happen to be the first guest in the park for that day. Most of the time, it's a smudged up mess by the time I'm going in.

I've had to use the scanners for years as an AP holder, first the two finger scanner, then the one finger scanner. I prefer using the scanner because it takes much less time than having someone come over and verify ID and then let me in. I too have worked in fields where fingerprinting was mandatory, so my prints are on file, and I have nothing to hide (and nothing much for an identity thief to steal either, since Mickey gets all my money - and then some). I personally don't feel they are getting enough info off of me through the scanner to use in any way, other than to let me into the park.

Someone mentioned photos on the tickets. Disney used to do that with the AP's. It took a LOT of time to get a ticket. They also had to have cast members at every turnstile checking the photo on every ticket before it could be run through. I'm so glad those days are gone!

I can understand that some people might not feel comfortable, for many reasons, using the scanner. However, I don't think the scanner is there to do anything other than deter people from selling their partially used tickets.

 

[PiperMickey]

I will agree with those who are not concerned with giving the finger scan, withou further editorial comment (in order to respond in a 'Disney' way).

My wife does make us all use Purell after each instance though, as she points out that "it's the nose-picking finger"

 

[inaminute]

Seems to have struck a nerve with the some folks. No idea why!

I think a lot of people have the same reaction I did. "Gee, if she's objecting, maybe there's a good reason. Something I haven't considered. Wonder what it is? I'll ask." Then we get nothing except "it makes me uncomfortable." Why does it make you uncomfortable? What haven't I thought of?

Personally, I think these "scans" are just for show anyway--just like their bag searches. It creates a false sense of security. I honestly don't believe those machines do anything, except cause the gate to open when your fingers are in just the right place. Too many people have stated they've gotten into the parks with tickets that belonged to another family member. Heck, even DH and I had each others tickets once and we both got in with no trouble.

I have to say that I find the bag searches more objectionable than any scan. I hate having strangers look through my personal belongings. Of course I don't ignore the policy. I do what is required by the policy, or I simply don't carry anything into the park.

 

[maxiesmom]

I could care less if Disney takes my finger scan. They already have my name and age in their computer system. I had a problem acessing the AP site, and they were able to get into it for me, and able to give me my AP number. Not to mention the fact that you are on camera almost every second you are at Disney World. Who cares if they know how big my finger is??

OP--I do not mean this against you personally, but what does bother me is that you can say no to the finger scan, and not show ID. What good does the finger scan do if you can refuse it?

But then Disney does have many rules (heelies, smoking areas) that they can't be bothered to enforce, so why should this be any different.

 

[goofyernmost]

I see that after I posted you deleted your entire post except for that one line, however my answer to your original post is below.



Not indignant at all. I would be however, if it were required which it is not.

But it is a finger scan. Much the same way you scan a sheet of paper on your computer scanner. Disney explained it to me as a scan that takes a "digital image" of your finger-print. So it is a scan, though not obviously the same as the police department would take.

That said, I am not willing to give anyone without just cause even a "digital image" of my finger-print.

Please don't be so indignant of my refusal to decline a non-mandatory finger-scan by Disney.

And have a Disney Day!

Ah, but they do have, in their opinion, a just cause and that is to prevent illegal use of someone else's tickets therefore depriving them of income needed to continue to run the parks. On many levels I disagree with this because I always feel that after I have paid them for the ticket it is my property and if I want someone else to use it, that is my business. That, however, is a completely different thread.

What it boils down to is entitlement. For some reason you feel above the rules and even though this isn't an attempt to catch you of committing fraud, you object to them making you do something that is below your status and dignity. Even though I object to their reason for doing the scan, I do understand why they do it and even though it is self serving for Disney, in a way it protects you as well. If it were common knowledge that this was OK, then your tickets would be prime targets for thieves and others that would profit from acquiring your tickets. As it is now, the threat of being caught at the gate is a pretty good deterrent.

I'm glad that you feel that you are above the rules that apply to the rest of us. Putting the CM in a position of deciding that the rules don't apply to you, risking their job because they have also been told to "let it go" instead of confronting an unreasonable guest, then why not do it.

Would someone speed on the highways because they don't agree with the posted limit? Take things from stores because they don't agree with the "no shoplifting" rule? Could they do those things and still maintain that they were just above that sort of thing? I don't think so, and I feel that this is pretty much the same thing.

Sorry but the "just cause I don't wanna" reason is not a good one, in my opinion.

 

[ElizabethB]

Thanks TheDisneyClan and WillCad. You've really given me something to think about. I really hate how Disney compiles personal information -- they do so because all of that info (kid's names, spending patterns, frequency of visits, etc.) is valuable information. The thought of my finger scan (whether it be a print or other info) being tied to all the rest of the personal info Disney has about me and my family, doesn't thrill me.

We have plenty of precedent for companies agreeing to turn all this information over to the gov't when asked (why shouldn't they -- what's in it for a company to refuse, it's not their info!). And, we have precedent for the gov't using information in ways not permitted by law and/or losing it. I live in NYC and lived through 9/11 (my office was a block from the site), so I don't fall for the "I'd do anything the gov't wants post 9-11" argument.

I'm seriously considering refusing the finger scan on our next visit. However, I have an annual pass and have done the finger scanner numerous times over several years, so it's probably an empty gesture at this point.

 

[marivaid]

Would someone speed on the highways because they don't agree with the posted limit? Take things from stores because they don't agree with the "no shoplifting" rule? Could they do those things and still maintain that they were just above that sort of thing? I don't think so, and I feel that this is pretty much the same thing.

Sorry but you're pushing it a bit. How is that the same thing ? She's not stealing, and she's not putting anyone's life in danger. She has the option of showing her ID instead of doing the finger scan. Disney seems to be fine with it and I don't see how it's going to cost anyone their job unless they DON'T ask for an ID like they are supposed to.

Did you really need to be so judgemental?

 

[Boomer1]

I think most people are bothered by the last statement that the OP gets into the Park ahead of the rest of use who are blindly following the WDW rules. Nobody like someone who isn't following the same rules as the rest of us to get ahead. I agree with your right to refuse the finger scan. It would seem that the fact that they still let you into the Park that it is not a security measure. I'm wondering if you refused the bag search if they would allow you in the Park? My bet is on no. I'm an AP holder so I've always followed this procedure hoping it would protect me from someone stealing my very expensive ticket. Perhaps I'm also more willing to let them take my fingerprint because as a nursing student I'm required to have a criminal records check done every year. I also had to have one done for my summer job working in a nursing home this year.

 

[wendylovesdisney]

I read the OP because it raised interest in me.

I have only gotten half way through and already can't help but say that people are being very rude to the original poster who asked the question. And then people are objecting to others sticking up in his/her defense. This poster was polite and his original post was well-worded and to comment other then saying are you crazy, are you a convict, are you a weirdo is soooo wrong. Please either state your opinion or don't be rude.

I don't object to the scan but have never given it a second thought, either.

However, I fully support anyone who is uncomfortable doing it to refuse.

 

[rgf207]

I have not read through this entire post but for pete's sake. What do you think they are going to do with your fingerprint?

If you are that worried, better take latex gloves with you where every you go because pretty much everything you touch leaves your fingerprint behind.

 

[wendylovesdisney]

First off, for all you posters who keep saying the OP hasn't explained why his family refuses the finger scan must have a hard time hearing an opinion that does not match yours.

Thank you.

Please, again... because I have read more posts in this thread having something to say about how they think the OP is weird, convinced he/she wants to get in faster (which I believe was just said in a an attempt to be lighthearted), a convict, paranoid.... whatever... then any answers to their question - let's try to play fair.

 

[Boomer1]

Thank you.

, convinced he/she wants to get in faster (which I believe was just said in a an attempt to be lighthearted),
I stated that I thought that statement might be what is actually upseting people. I also support the right of the OP, or anyone else for that matter, to refuse the finger scan.

 

[wendylovesdisney]

I think it strikes a nerve because if your going to take issue with something, your expected to have reasons why, and if you can't give reasons, your looked at as just someone causing a fuss for no reason.

Yes, and this may be true... but that does not entitle some of the people whose posts I've read to be rude.

 

[xyzabc33]

Yes, and this may be true... but that does not entitle some of the people whose posts I've read to be rude.

Sorry for laughing but if you think those posts were rude, you haven't read some of the other controversial threads on these boards. Actually the ppl on here were rather nice compared to what I've seen.