Experimental Entry Configuration at Epcot

[brownie]

I saw this on the Disney Parks Blog and I couldn't see that it's been reported anywhere else. Epcot has been testing "an experimental entry configuration" where guests scan their tickets. There's a picture of this in the blog post.

Disney Parks 'Quick Hits' - March 16, 2011

[Figment!]

Thanks, Steve.

[badkitty]

Interesting configuration. I seem to remember that DLR scans their tickets. They accept e-tickets right at the main gate.

[BrerGnat]

Yes, Disneyland scans the tickets, but a CM still does it. The guests don't do it. They utilize handheld scanners like those found at retail stores. Every ticket has a barcode on it.

Legoland has a self scan system at their park in Carlsbad, CA. It's sort of a huge issue there, because it's all a "trust based" system. For example, there is no way to ensure that adults are not entering on "child" tickets, or that people using special discount tickets are entitled to be doing so. Also, people really are just not that smart, it seems. It's such an EASY system, but inevitably, 80% of patrons just freeze up and look at the scanner like they have never seen such a thing. Then, the ONE employee manning the entrance has to come over to help. It makes the entry lines REALLY long! Also, the stroller/wheelchair gates open without having to scan a ticket, so theoretically, an entire family can enter with a stroller or wheelchair WITHOUT scanning even one ticket. It's sort of annoying.

It would be cool if Disney had this at a couple of their entry points, so guests could choose to do it. However, I'm not sure how they'd control and ensure that guests are using the proper type of tickets for entry, or not sharing tickets, etc.

[Joannelet]

I'm sure disney would work out the kinks so that no one was able to cheat the system and if they cannot, you can bet it won't last.
But I hope if it does stick that it won't turn into the fastpass dummy line. Nothing bothers me more than someone who pushes their way to the fastpass kiosk and then stands there staring at it not having a clue how to use it. Then by the time they do get it the fast passes are sold out for the day. Lol That's all I will need sorry the guy in front of you was the person that filled the park to capacity. Lol

[Melanie]

I made a point of seeking this out last weekend and going through it. Pics below.

It was a V shaped setup, with 4 or maybe 5kiosks on each side. Seemed a little chaotic. Universal Orlando uses these scanners as well, but there is an employee helping.

[BrerGnat]

That is a weird setup...

[shadowden]

Personally, I think things are getting a little too automated...

[caryrae]

Why not just have fast passes to get in to the parks?

[WDWfanatic742]

Why not just have fast passes to get in to the parks?

They are doing fastpasses for Characters. It's only a matter of time before we need fastpasses to get into Walt Disney World itself faster...

[Itchy]

Why not give everyone something like the sun pass on the toll road. They would simply pass under or by scanners and log you in.

If your pass was not valid it would call in the pass police and off you go to jail.... just kidding.

I think the current system works fine. If its not broke dont fix it.

[teambricker04]

Why not give everyone something like the sun pass on the toll road. They would simply pass under or by scanners and log you in.

If your pass was not valid it would call in the pass police and off you go to jail.... just kidding.

I think the current system works fine. If its not broke dont fix it.

Lol! Stick it to your forehead!

I was surprised when I became a passholder that the passes were paper. If the provided a different type of card, it would be easier to scan. On buses, if you get a monthly pass(here in Chicago) you just brush it up on a little pad and your on. Something like that for passholders could break up the line somewhat. Cost? Put it with the price of the ticket.

I like the idea... It just feels like Disney could push the envelope with it and have great results.

[shadowden]

If its not broke dont fix it.

I only wish more people would adopt this philosophy...

[pigletpie]

My DH and I were actually there one of the days they tested this out at EPCOT. In theory, it works well; in practice, the people don't pay attention to filling all available spaces and instead focus on one or two spots and a queue forms behind those couple of people. Maybe the CMs who were working that day were not doing a good enough job directing guests to the next available scanner - or maybe they needed to have a couple CMs out in front of the "V" to guide guests with it? As Annual Passholders for over 10 years, this would be easy for us to use, but I think harder on the first time visitor. Also, from visits at Sea World & Universal who use a similar set up but not in a "V" configuration, it does not save time. WDW's regular gates are faster than those scanners (unless you get stuck behind a family who doesn't know what they're doing/takes up 2-3 gates trying to find their tickets).

[DonnaT103]

do you still have to do the finger scan or just the ticket?

[PopPhan]

do you still have to do the finger scan or just the ticket?

Looking at the photos above, you still need the finger scans. Otherwise, anyone could use your ticket....

[Melanie]

Yes, it still included the finger scan.

Just FYI, this test is gone. Lasted maybe a few weeks.

[princessgirls]

Really...The AP tickets are paper...

I mean some people go a lot and fastpassing and all, does it hold up???

I would have thought they would have issued a credit card type AP pass...paper??????

Julie

[Melanie]

Really...The AP tickets are paper...

I mean some people go a lot and fastpassing and all, does it hold up???

I would have thought they would have issued a credit card type AP pass...paper??????

Julie

Yep, they are paper. And we end up getting ours re-issued a couple of times every year due to wear, de-magnatizing, etc.

In comparison to Disneyland's annual pass, which is the credit card type and has your picture on it.

[disneymom15]

In comparison to Disneyland's annual pass, which is the credit card type and has your picture on it.

Do you think that WDW will eventually go to this type of AP?