Disney's NextGen Initiative

[Sideshow Mike]

It's starting. Epcot is now testing a RFID based turnstile system. From @DisKingdom:

Looks like we were right on the new RFID Turnstile! Wasn't sure when they were going to debut though.

 

[TSSD]

It's starting. Epcot is now testing a RFID based turnstile system. From @DisKingdom:

Here's an article about that from Inside The Magic:

Given its emphasis on future technology, it’s no surprise that Walt Disney World has chosen its Epcot theme park as the location to use a new ticket entry system. Testing began today on an RFID based system that requires no turnstiles to enter the theme park. Guests instead simply place a chip-equipped ticket up to a Mickey Mouse-themed device and after a quick finger scan, a green light lets them know they can proceed into the park.

RFID stands for radio-frequency identification, which allows tiny electronic chips to be scanned without the use of lasers or barcodes. Information can be stored on these chips to, in this case, give Disney’s guests quicker entry into theme parks.

@DisKingdom took part in the new test at Epcot, sharing information and a couple of photos with us of the new scanners that have replaced some of the park’s turnstiles. A full report with more photos can be found on their Disney Projects web site.

Guests visiting Epcot today have the option of having their tickets scanned and then equipped with a Mickey Mouse sticker with an embedded RFID chip, presumably encoded with the same information found on the ticket’s magnetic strip, normally used for entering the park. The sticker itself is a bit thicker than a standard paper ticket due to the chip inside, but not thick enough to be intrusive. If the test goes well, future tickets presumably will have RFID chips embedded inside them.

Upon approaching the new RFID scanners, guests are instructed to simply hold their chip-equipped tickets up to the Mickey Mouse head shape, then place a finger onto the biometric scanner, and wait for the green light to pass through. Reports suggest it is a faster process than going through traditional turnstiles, taking only a few seconds.


(Photo courtesy: Disney Projects)

During the test, many of Disney’s cast members are monitoring guests’ flow through, offering instructions on how to use the new system. While lines can and will still form leading up to these new scanners, the goal is to reduce the amount of time each guest spends in using a ticket to enter the park, ultimately reducing the wait time to get in.

Rumors of Disney using RFID throughout their theme parks have been around for a while, indicating that not only could guests enter the park using this technology, but also to purchase items within the park (like many credit card companies’ existing scan-and-pay options), as well as in interactive and personalized experiences throughout theme park attractions and shows. So it’s possible this Epcot test is far more than just an enhancement to entering the park, but the beginning of the future in how Disney guests enjoy the theme park experience.

Security concerns are always raised when RFID technology is used, as the ability to have quick scans has the potential of being abused or hacked. Some may be concerned about the use of finger scans, thinking Disney is fingerprinting its guests, but these biometric scans have been in use for select passes for several years, scanning only finger dimensions and not the fingerprint. Disney has also likely taken all necessary security measures to prevent abuse of the RFID chips, though given how the technology works, it’s easy to imagine that someone with enough equipment and knowhow could potentially find a way “into” the new setup, even possibly cloning and duplicating someone else’s annual pass. And depending on just how much personal information is stored (or accessible) on the RFID chips, now or in the future, the potential for identity theft is another issue Disney surely will be considering as the test continues. Fortunately, extreme close proximity to a ticket would be required to “read” it, so it’d be rather obvious if someone was trying to access it without permission. In other words, keeping an RFID-equipped ticket (or credit card) safely tucked away is the best way to avoid this issue.

This is the second time Disney has tested a turnstile-free entry into Epcot. The first occurred in March, featuring rows of barcode scanners. At the time, Disney commented, “Our teams are always trying out new ideas – stay tuned to see if this makes it into the parks.” And the same statement likely holds true for the new RFID test that began today. It’s another way in which Disney will learn valuable information in an effort to continue to improve the overall guest experience, with the ultimate goal of reducing lines and waits, enhancing the magic of visiting a Disney theme park.

 

[Andy]

Video,

http://yfrog.com/13hxvz

 

[TheDecemberists]

As long as a photo ID is still required I don't see how anyone could copy a season pass, regardless of there being an RFID chip.

Although . . . they're wanting to put this in wristbands, right? If that happens, I imagine a photo ID could be stored on the chip. If the goal is to make it faster and easier to buy things (sort of like your card on a cruise ship) they definitely don't want guests to have to whip out a drivers license.

This is really smart. It's safer than carrying around a debit card, and it will definitely result in even more splurge spending . . . and some parents freaking out when they get the bill.

 

[jtsalien]

As long as a photo ID is still required I don't see how anyone could copy a season pass, regardless of there being an RFID chip.

Although . . . they're wanting to put this in wristbands, right? If that happens, I imagine a photo ID could be stored on the chip. If the goal is to make it faster and easier to buy things (sort of like your card on a cruise ship) they definitely don't want guests to have to whip out a drivers license.

This is really smart. It's safer than carrying around a debit card, and it will definitely result in even more splurge spending . . . and some parents freaking out when they get the bill.

Well they use RFID in security cards at my office, and security sees a photo of the intended user every time a card is swiped. So it should be pretty easy to have a picture come up on a screen so CMs can verify it's the same person.

 

[Jymmymack]

Well they use RFID in security cards at my office, and security sees a photo of the intended user every time a card is swiped. So it should be pretty easy to have a picture come up on a screen so CMs can verify it's the same person.

Yeah, I don't know what season passes are like at WDW, but here in Disneyland, there is no photo on them. When you get your season pass, you take it a CM with a camera anywhere in the park and they take a pic of you. When they slide your card at the turnstile, a picture of you comes up on the screen. I'm assuming this can be altered and used in combination with this chip.

 

[ChristopherSE]

Video,

http://yfrog.com/13hxvz

That looks awesome :ears:

 

[JungleSkip]

Video,

http://yfrog.com/13hxvz

So basically what Universal has had...forever.

Glad to see that 1.5 billion is being spent in worthwhile ways.:inquisitive:

 

[UNIrd]

If only they put half the effort into creating or updating some attractions that they do into tech like this...

 

[ChristopherSE]

If only they put half the effort into creating or updating some attractions that they do into tech like this...

But this tech is going to update the overall experience (including queues and ride SFX). And Star Tours 2.0, New Fantasyland, Circusland, Avatar, are just a few updates and new lands. Disney is getting back into the swing of things, IMO, and they seem - from my viewpoint - to be putting in a lot of effort. But to each their own, I guess.

Oh! And it wasn't shown in the video: If it's "turnstile-free", what's keeping guests from walking through? I mean, there's obviously something.

 

[UNIrd]

But this tech is going to update the overall experience (including queues and ride SFX). And Star Tours 2.0, New Fantasyland, Circusland, Avatar, are just a few updates and new lands. Disney is getting back into the swing of things, IMO, and they seem - from my viewpoint - to be putting in a lot of effort. But to each their own, I guess.

I know that Disney is doing something and I appreciate it and can't wait for it all, but I honestly shudder at the thought of how many attractions need a 2.0.

 

[Scarletwebslingr]

I know that Disney is doing something and I appreciate it and can't wait for it all, but I honestly shudder at the thought of how many attractions need a 2.0.

Space Mountain, Star Tours, Pirates, and Haunted Mansion have all received upgrades within the past few years. Everest needs the Yeti back but, that aside, what other rides are that desperately in need of change? I would rather Disney put money toward a new parade, light show, or fireworks display. They really could use a new parade, and I don't mean borrowed or brought back from the grave, I mean brand spankin' new. I'm so tired of those floats.

 

[JungleSkip]

Space Mountain, Star Tours, Pirates, and Haunted Mansion have all received upgrades within the past few years. Everest needs the Yeti back but, that aside, what other rides are that desperately in need of change? I would rather Disney put money toward a new parade, light show, or fireworks display. They really could use a new parade, and I don't mean borrowed or brought back from the grave, I mean brand spankin' new. I'm so tired of those floats.

I'll give you Star Tours and Mansion, but Pirates (aside from the Depp AAs and the Davy Jones waterfall) and Space are still in deplorable condition.

And they definitely need new parades and firework shows. But there are still so many rides that really, really need updating.

 

[Scarletwebslingr]

I'll give you Star Tours and Mansion, but Pirates (aside from the Depp AAs and the Davy Jones waterfall) and Space are still in deplorable condition.

And they definitely need new parades and firework shows. But there are still so many rides that really, really need updating.

Didn't they only upgraded Space like two years ago? I was on it last week and all was well.

 

[ChristopherSE]

I don't think Pirates counts (that doesn't need an upgrade, anyway), but Space definitely counts. Entire new queue, signage, station, track, sound FX, post queue, on-ride photos, and trains, I believe. That's not 2.0 to you?

But I completely agree that some rides *cough*peterpan*cough* need an overhaul, but Disney has done so much recently (and is currently doing so much) that I don't think those few rides are a huge issue. There's no doubt their an issue, but not completely pressing.

 

[JungleSkip]

Didn't they only upgraded Space like two years ago? I was on it last week and all was well.

Space is still rough as all hell. There was no upgrading done outside of the queue/post show.

I don't think Pirates counts (that doesn't need an upgrade, anyway), but Space definitely counts. Entire new queue, signage, station, track, sound FX, post queue, on-ride photos, and trains, I believe. That's not 2.0 to you?

Nothing was done to the track, and the cars were just re-skinned, The sound was an afterthought that adds absolutely nothing for the most part. Space Mountain got an upgrade to everything except what counts: The actual attraction.

And Pirates is in desperate need for upgrades left and right. Upgrades it was supposed to get in 2006 that were cut.

 

[ChristopherSE]

Space is still rough as all hell. There was no upgrading done outside of the queue/post show.Nothing was done to the track.

Oh no, it's absolutely rough as hell, but it's better than it was. When you have a coaster from the 70's doing 40 mph on wild mouse turns, it's not exactly a B&M Hyper, no matter how many track pieces you replace (and yes, they did replace track pieces, unless I read several months of reports and updates wrong). But that's not what this thread is about.

So . . . Does anyway know what keeps guests from running through the new "turnstile-free" entrances?

 

[JungleSkip]

Oh no, it's absolutely rough as hell, but it's better than it was.

No, it's not. There's virtually no difference.

When you have a coaster from the 70's doing 40 mph on wild mouse turns, it's not exactly a B&M Hyper, no matter how many track pieces you replace (and yes, they did replace track pieces, unless I read several months of reports and updates wrong).

Not really. Look at Disneyland's. It's smooth as silk now after a complete rebuild (which was planned and scrapped for WDW).

 

[Jymmymack]

No, it's not. There's virtually no difference.



Not really. Look at Disneyland's. It's smooth as silk now after a complete rebuild (which was planned and scrapped for WDW).

This is very true. Our "new" SM is smooth and ferocious.

 

[Disneyhead]

OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! That is SOOOOOOOO COOOOOOLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!

(Deep Breath, Deep Breath)

OMG!!!!! SQWEEEELLLLLL!

Disney is AAAMMMAAAZZZZIIINNNGGGGG!!!!!!!!

First NextGen gave us SmartCups! Now this. Whoot!!!!

TAKE THAT POTTER!!!!!!!!