Walt Disney World testing Facial Recognition technology at Magic Kingdom
Walt Disney World is conducting a limited, 30-day test of Facial Recognition Technology for park entry at Magic Kingdom, in an effort to explore convenient and touchless ways for guests to enjoy the parks in a post-COVID-19 world.
The technology being tested at Magic Kingdom, now through April 23, captures an image of a guest’s face and converts it to a unique number that is then associated with the form of admission they’re using for park entry.
Taking part in this test is optional, and those interested in volunteering to participate are asked to arrive with valid theme park admission and a Disney Park Pass reservation. Children under the age of 18 who want to volunteer are able to do so with the consent and in the presence of a parent or guardian.
Here’s how it works:
- Enter the Facial Recognition Technology Test Lane — When you’re ready to enter the park, just enter the lane designated for the test program.
- Remove Accessories, but Keep Your Face Covering in Place — Take off any hats, visors or sunglasses before approaching the facial recognition test zone, but keep your mask on!
- Face the Camera — Once in the facial recognition test zone, stand facing the camera and then position your valid park admission or MagicBand close to the scanner to activate the technology. After doing so, the technology will capture an image and convert it to a unique number that will be associated with your ticket.
If you plan on visiting Magic Kingdom more than once during the 30-day test, Disney asks that you consider entering using the same designated entry points to help them better understand how the technology works with returning guests.
Images captured during the test will not be shared with third parties, nor will the unique numbers. Both will be discarded within 30 days after the test ends.
According to the designated page on the official Walt Disney World website, Disney has “implemented technical, administrative, and physical security measures that are designed to protect guest information from unauthorized access, disclosure, use and modification,” but advises that “despite our best efforts, no security measures are perfect or impenetrable.”
What do you think of this new technology? Would you prefer to enter the Disney Parks hands-free with a Face ID of sorts? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Buh bye Disney!!!! You have pushed your agenda over the top!!! My information will remain as safe as I can keep it. You will not keep my information in a facial recognition data base… nor will I ever come in your parks again…the fact that you are doing this with masks on let’s me know what your plan is. The science…OUTSIDE??? You are only doing this to be able to pack your park to capacity again, has nothing to do with protecting us. You Nickle and dimed us to death years ago and you are still doing it….I hope you are sued for the injuries you will be causing by requiring facial coverings especially in the Fla heat AND humidity… oh really sterile environment behind those masks that people will be wearing all day. Anyone who falls for this , well I guess its your choice
Sorry Disney but if this gets implemented/required I will no longer waste my hard earned money at your park. Its a huge invasion of privacy and its a step in a frightening direction.