Park Entrance Procedure

[KrazyKemp]

I've been curious about this for a while...

You know that "Biometric Measurement" thing that you put your hand into, and it either allows you in or not?

When did they start that, and how does it work?

Is it in all Disney Theme Parks now?

 

[peter11435]

It’s at all WDW theme parks.

They were installed about 10 years ago but were only used for Annual and Seasonal Passes until January 2005. Now (since January 2005) they are used for all ticket media. It essentially measures a number of aspects of your fingers, hence the name bio-metric. Unlike fingerprints it is entirely possible for two people to have the exact same measurements. In general though they are unique enough that it stops people from using someone else’s pass. The chance of you and the person trying to use your pass having the same measurements is very slim although its not entirely impossible.

 

[maelstrom]

Annual Passholders have had to use biometrics for some time. In my opinion, it is a waste. I liked the old AP's with our pictures on them. Anyway. What you have to do is stick your index and middle finger into the machine and it reads a number of things about your fingers, making it next to impossible for anyone else to use your pass. On busy days, the tolerance seems to be set so low that it doesn't even do anything, or you don't have to do the scan at all. It's at all theme parks, and yes it's even at the International Gateway entrance to Epcot (along with our beloved bag check).

 

[wdwfamilyinil]

I personally don't like this system, while I think it is a good idea it can be a major pain in the butt. I think I had to have mine reset everyday for our whole vacation.

 

[Horizons78]

I personally don't like this system, while I think it is a good idea it can be a major pain in the butt.

Have to agree with you there. My girlfriend and I are AP's so I guess we have the process down cold. It seems that for most everyone else, putting two fingers in the device is just a tad more difficult than putting the shuttle in low earth orbit. :lookaroun In all seriousness though, it does seem to create quite a bit more trouble at the gates than it would be worth.

 

[peter11435]

Have to agree with you there. My girlfriend and I are AP's so I guess we have the process down cold. It seems that for most everyone else, putting two fingers in the device is just a tad more difficult than putting the shuttle in low earth orbit. :lookaroun In all seriousness though, it does seem to create quite a bit more trouble at the gates than it would be worth.

Many have trouble with it. But in all honesty it doesn't create that big of a problem. I visit the parks almost daily and I have never waited more than 5 minutes to get in the park even at the busiest times on the busiest days including New Years Eve.

 

[Horizons78]

Many have trouble with it. But in all honesty it doesn't create that big of a problem. I visit the parks almost daily and I have never waited more than 5 minutes to get in the park even at the busiest times on the busiest days including New Years Eve.

Quite true - I have never seen it create anything close to a crisis by any means. At the same time, I can honestly say that almost eveytime I'm at a gate there is at least one person if not multiple people in line who have to be told several times verbally, and often have to repeatedly physically insert their fingers into the machine. It has not been uncommon to see a CM physically help a person align their hand in the device. It seems that most peoples problem is in not inserting their fingers fully into the scanner. If you figure that it takes roughly 20-25 seconds for someone who is confused or has trouble, over the course of the day that has to add up. Personally I just don't find the system very efficient but then again I don't get to see the data on such things and I have to imagine that after considering all options this must have been the most logical decision for disney.