Something needs to be done about Entry Ticket Images.

[DLRExpert]

It takes too long to get through the park entrance gates (especially around park opening) because CMs need to take pictures of any new ticketed guests. It is way worse if you have a CM that is not familiar with using mobile device technology.

When this first started, they had people walking the line to take pictures before the turnstile, but it did not last long.
Perhaps, take the pictures in advance for Disney Hotel Guests?

Just needed to vent.

 

[dieumeye]

I’m not disagreeing, but regarding hotel guests… the last thing we need is a reason for the check in lines to get any longer!

People always suggest having different lines for people who haven’t had their picture taken, and people who have had their picture taken, but that obviously is just going to create more confusion.

I always thought there should be a way to take your own picture in advance with your phone. It’s not like those Disney turnstile pictures are really special in some particular way. Wouldn’t eliminate the problem, but it could cut down on the number of people who need pictures and that would help.

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

Agree. It can be such a terrible holdup! I wish there were lines for those who did not need pictures taken (Magic Key lines would be nice!).

 

[gelatoni fan]

Agree. They could even have special lines for hotel guests + annual passholders like in Hong Kong.

Disney already created situations with multiple lines by doing 1PM park hopping and hard ticket events so I don't see a hotel guest or magic key line as any different.

The other thing they could implement is those turnstiles in Tokyo where guests scan their tickets themselves so you don't have a CM fumbling for several seconds trying to line up their device with a phone held by a guest with shaky hands. It doesn't solve the picture problem but at least makes the line move faster in a different way.

 

[Malcon10t]

Agree. It can be such a terrible holdup! I wish there were lines for those who did not need pictures taken (Magic Key lines would be nice!).

Anyone else remember when they tested having lines for Annual Passholders? "But I am a passholder, and they (ticket holders) are with me!" "I am a passholder but my 5yo nephew isn't and we need to stay together." Arguing at the entry point slowed down enough they stopped trying it (there are still gate signs hidden that say Annual Passholders.)

 

[Cal-Pie]

While I agree that it's a clunky, slow, stupid system, please be kind to those who have to get pictures taken. When my family of 5 makes our first entry, we inevitably end up with someone behind us, making snide comments, about to lose their shizz about not being first to rope drop. We are each ready, everyone holding their own ticket, and there is nothing we can do to speed the process. We want to get to rope drop too! Please just be nice

 

[BadPinkTink]

I don't mind getting my photo taken the first time I scan in, I go when Annual passes are blocked out, so theres very few making snide comments and rolling their eyes!

And if someone did make a comment behind me, they might not like my response, I'm not the most pleasant first thing in the morning when I havent had any coffee!!!

 

[mdmost]

I always hate that part of our first morning because it's always a white knuckle ride that you get a cast member who can do it quickly and easily. I agree that they should have a seperate line for it so you aren't holding up others behind you. I always hate that and it adds unneeded stress. I wish Disney would just allow you to upload your own photos and assign them to a ticket. I'd rather just do that in line myself than rely on a cast member to get it right.

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

Anyone else remember when they tested having lines for Annual Passholders? "But I am a passholder, and they (ticket holders) are with me!" "I am a passholder but my 5yo nephew isn't and we need to stay together." Arguing at the entry point slowed down enough they stopped trying it (there are still gate signs hidden that say Annual Passholders.)

Oh wow! I don’t think I was a passholder then. Pretty lame that people were doing that, ruined it for the rest of us!

 

[wowzadisney]

wait a sec... we need to take pictures ? lol

can we go the day before just to take pics but not go into the parks? or do we need to do it on a park day?

thanks

 

[BadPinkTink]

wait a sec... we need to take pictures ? lol

can we go the day before just to take pics but not go into the parks? or do we need to do it on a park day?

thanks

They take your photo the first time you use your ticket to scan into a park. The photo is then linked to the ticket and shows up when you scan back in. Years ago they used to do a hand stamp when you left and you had to show that to return to a park. Its to stop the resellers, people who would buy tickets from people who left the park early or had unused days on multiple day tickets and who would then sell them to people on the street outside Disney for a profit.

 

[Cal-Pie]

can we go the day before just to take pics but not go into the parks? or do we need to do it on a park day?

Unfortunately, no. It has to be done on your first park day.

 

[DLRExpert]

That idea of taking your photo early via the app could work.
I cannot think how that would be a bad thing.

 

[kristensideaoffun]

They take your photo the first time you use your ticket to scan into a park. The photo is then linked to the ticket and shows up when you scan back in. Years ago they used to do a hand stamp when you left and you had to show that to return to a park. Its to stop the resellers, people who would buy tickets from people who left the park early or had unused days on multiple day tickets and who would then sell them to people on the street outside Disney for a profit.

I’m pretty sure they don’t take pictures until your first re-entry. At least that’s what happened with us. We rope-dropped at DL on Monday with new tickets, but our picture wasn’t taken until we hopped over to DCA. Honestly, I didn’t find the process of entering DL to take long at all. We got in line at 7:45 and were in the park by 7:53am. And this was on a busy spring break Monday.

 

[FeistyDisneyMom]

I’m pretty sure they don’t take pictures until your first re-entry. At least that’s what happened with us. We rope-dropped at DL on Monday with new tickets, but our picture wasn’t taken until we hopped over to DCA. Honestly, I didn’t find the process of entering DL to take long at all. We got in line at 7:45 and were in the park by 7:53am. And this was on a busy spring break Monday.

My experience has always been on first entry. Sounds like they might have messed up for you in not doing the pictures first thing but glad it worked out at rope drop!

 

[kristensideaoffun]

My experience has always been on first entry. Sounds like they might have messed up for you in not doing the pictures first thing but glad it worked out at rope drop!

We had this happen twice last year, too. I think I remember it being discussed here. It’s something they do on crowded days to keep the line moving.

 

[DLgal]

Agree. It can be such a terrible holdup! I wish there were lines for those who did not need pictures taken (Magic Key lines would be nice!).

There are SO many darn gates, they can absolutely dedicate a few to MK holders. I suggest the little section closest to the picnic area side. They could put large enough signage there so people wouldn't be confused.

 

[DLgal]

I don't mind getting my photo taken the first time I scan in, I go when Annual passes are blocked out, so theres very few making snide comments and rolling their eyes!

And if someone did make a comment behind me, they might not like my response, I'm not the most pleasant first thing in the morning when I havent had any coffee!!!

Dream Keys are never blocked out. There will ALWAYS be passholders in line with you.

 

[DonnerB]

Monday it wasn't photo taking, it was 2 of the 3 groups ahead of us "not having reservations." Don't know what the final resolution was as we hopped into a third line it was taking so long to figure out. In Florida I seem to more often see additional CMs (the ones with the iPads) who can step in and help these groups on the side while the lines keep moving. My memory is fuzzy on if this has ever been a thing out here and I know with current staffing issues it probably isn't a viable solution to either of these problems

 

[DLgal]

Monday it wasn't photo taking, it was 2 of the 3 groups ahead of us "not having reservations." Don't know what the final resolution was as we hopped into a third line it was taking so long to figure out. In Florida I seem to more often see additional CMs (the ones with the iPads) who can step in and help these groups on the side while the lines keep moving. My memory is fuzzy on if this has ever been a thing out here and I know with current staffing issues it probably isn't a viable solution to either of these problems

Yes, that is a thing here, but it happens SO often that usually the few CMs dedicated to dealing with it are always helping other people at any given time. When that happens the gate CM has to deal with it (and by that I mean, stand there and repeat the same thing over and over again "You don't have a park reservation, this is only a ticket, you need a park reservation to enter," and then the guest either argues or acts all confused or doesn't speak English...) until the CM can come over and take them aside to explain the situation better.