RFID Entry Testing at Epcot Today

[Melanie]

I happened upon the first day of testing RFID entry at Epcot today.

We were let off the parking lot tram at the security tables on the far left side (if you are facing Spaceship Earth from the parking lot), which is normally not busy at all. There were tons of CMs stading there directing those who already had tickets to first get a Mickey sticker on their ticket (see pic), then get in line to get their ticket scanned (or something...not sure what this step was - someone enlighten me!).

Then after going through security, we were directed to the far left entrances and there was the setup you see in the pics. All you do is tap your ticket on the Mickey, place your finger to be scanned, and then Mickey turns green and you're good to go. Very, very simple and quick!

Now, the talk on Twitter was how they were going to prevent folks from just walking right through, which is a good question. Today, there were CMs and managers everywhere making sure everyone was doing what they were supposed to do. It can't be like that everyday.

Also, I'm hoping this won't go the way of the turnstile-less entry that was tested in March at Epcot in this same spot. I really liked that too, but same issue I would suppose. What would prevent folks from walking right through?

[Buttercup]

That looks neat!

Here are my thoughts:

I imagine because this was just being "tested", that the way they are set up isn't the way they would be in real life. I imagine there still would be turnstiles but instead of sliding it through the machine, you tap it on your way through the turnstile. If it doesn't register, the turnstile won't turn (so same as it is right now).
My question is, however, what is stopping people from buying a child pass instead of an adult one in order to get in for cheaper? Right now it says "Adult" or "Child" on the back side of the ticket machines at the turnstiles so the CM's know you're using the appropriate pass... and those little mickey ball scanners don't look like there's a screen on the backside for CM's to see what kind of pass you're scanning.

Maybe that will change when it's installed in real life though.

[Melanie]

I imagine because this was just being "tested", that the way they are set up isn't the way they would be in real life. I imagine there still would be turnstiles but instead of sliding it through the machine, you tap it on your way through the turnstile. If it doesn't register, the turnstile won't turn (so same as it is right now).

Which would actually be great, eliminating the need for the machines taking your ticket out of your hand. It is really fast!

But, I thought the idea of this setup was to make the entry for strollers, wheelchairs and scooters easier?

[BrerGnat]

Legoland in CA has an "employee-less" entrance system. They have scanners mounted up that you scan your ticket under (like the price check machines at many stores). Once the scan is accepted, a large gate (not a turnstile) unlocks and you walk through. The gates are large enough for strollers and wheelchairs so everyone can go through.

There is maybe one employee manning the entire entrance. It works there, although I also don't understand how they can make sure that people are using the correct ticket media, or that more than one person is not walking through the gate per scan.

Perhaps this is the point of the "first sticker scan" you encountered? Maybe that is the point where the ticket is "matched" to its owner, via the fingerscan thing. Since WDW seems to be using a combo of RFID and fingerscan, it would probably be difficult for people to scam the system regarding using the proper tickets.

If they will not be installing locked gates in lieu of turnstiles, then I assume this entrance will be staffed with enough CMs to prevent people from just walking through, or maybe they will only be using these entrances for AP holders?

[brownie]

Maybe they're just testing them without the turnstiles. I don't see why they couldn't swap out the current scanners with the RFID readers. Would they really remove all the turnstiles?

[Victor Kelly]

Will be interesting to see what people do that don't want their finger scanned.

It seems to be easier and more straight forward than the current system. Tap, place finger, walk into park. They may still use turnstiles, but I have a feeling it will stay open because of strollers, wheelchairs and ECVs which slow turnstile entry.

Now if they can just either speed up or get rid of the security check that accomplishes nothing, getting into a park will be a lot more efficient and a heck of a lot faster.

[Buttercup]

Not to get off topic, but I think the security check is just to give the illusion of safety to guests. It shows that they're doing "something" to put people's minds at ease. I can't see them doing away with the security bag checks ever because even though they're not a very thorough check through purses and backpacks, if they stopped doing it, *someone* would complain that they are taking a step backwards and becoming too lax.

Anyway, back on topic!

[ToraTory]

For the abbreviation impaired what is RFID?

Thanks -- tory

[MstngDrvnDsnyLvr]

For the abbreviation impaired what is RFID?

Thanks -- tory

Radio Frequency Identification

[Janmac]

Are the turnstiles just to slow folks down - declumping as it were - or do they have a counting feature?

Early morning mobs to get to Toy Story, etc, could sure mess up the system, seems like, without turnstiles.

Wonder what the distance is for the RFID. Would the technology at some point not need the ticket tapped on the Mickey?

There were tons of CMs standing there directing those who already had tickets to first get a Mickey sticker on their ticket (see pic), then get in line to get their ticket scanned (or something...not sure what this step was - someone enlighten me!).

Wondering if the scanning of the Mickey sticker was activating the RFID?

I'm all for whatever gets us in the parks the easiest. With this in mind I load up my pockets instead of a bag of some sort, to by-pass the "security" tables. I agree, Buttercup.

Jan

[PopPhan]

Wonder what the distance is for the RFID. Would the technology at some point not need the ticket tapped on the Mickey?

I don't think the distance will matter as you still need to do the finger scan. This is just something to make it quicker and easier than putting a ticket through the machine prior to the finger scan.

Wondering if the scanning of the Mickey sticker was activating the RFID?

The sticker IS the RFID 'chip' - Look at the square 'sticker' on a lot of packaging -- the one that looks like a computer board wiring...THAT is the RFID 'chip'. It would be very easy to design that into (onto?) a circular (oval?) sticker for the MYW tickets...

[MstngDrvnDsnyLvr]

The sticker IS the RFID 'chip' - Look at the square 'sticker' on a lot of packaging -- the one that looks like a computer board wiring...THAT is the RFID 'chip'. It would be very easy to design that into (onto?) a circular (oval?) sticker for the MYW tickets...

RFID can be placed into Wrist Bands, MYW Cards, Paper tickets, ANYTHING. It had a million possibilities and sounds like if it works, this might alleviate the issues with those that just cannot navigate the turnstile ticket takers.

[diz_girl]

I was there the Wednesday after Melanie and I did the RFID sticker too. What you can't see from the photo of the sticker is that there is a tiny raised bump on the sticker, which is where the RFID chip is located. The bump would basically cover something the size of a poppy seed, it's that tiny. So I can see how RFID could easily be used on paper drinking cups at the resorts, in addition to the refillable mugs.

[Ian]

We took part in an RFID entry trial at Epcot about two weeks ago and I didn't really see much benefit from it.

You don't need to send your pass through the reader, but you still have to hol d it up against the sensor and do the biometric scan. I don't see it speeding up entry very much at all.

[LilBugsMa]

I'd agree with Ian - that I'd doubt that it will speed things up too much if you still need to do a finger scan...

BUT...can see lots of potential for benefit to Disney to this. Agreeing to carry something (for park entry) that has the potential to let them know exactly what you did all day? Marketer's dream

I hope, that if they are going RF, they also start some kind of "ticketless fastpass" system. I love the idea of an admission arm band - I'm always worried I'm going to misplace tickets, in my fastpass excitement

[Crow]

I read this test was coming. a prelude to the bracelets. Have to see the pros and cons

[Melanie]

I'd agree with Ian - that I'd doubt that it will speed things up too much if you still need to do a finger scan...

Finger scan itself is hardly ever an issue for me. Tickets going through that darn feeder definitely gives us issues. Tapping the ticket on this new reader felt much quicker to me.

I guess only time will tell.

[Polynesian Dweller]

We took part in an RFID entry trial at Epcot about two weeks ago and I didn't really see much benefit from it.

You don't need to send your pass through the reader, but you still have to hol d it up against the sensor and do the biometric scan. I don't see it speeding up entry very much at all.

Yeah, but the idea is about the fact that they can process 8 people in the time it took to do four. There are 8 machines now where there were about 4 turnstiles.

So, the time savings isn't about your 20 seconds at the machine it's about not waiting for the others who would otherwise have been in the long lines in front of you. Twice the scanners in the same space the line moves twice as fast. Got to look at a bigger perspective to get it.

[DizneyRox]

Yeah, but the idea is about the fact that they can process 8 people in the time it took to do four. There are 8 machines now where there were about 4 turnstiles.

So, the time savings isn't about your 20 seconds at the machine it's about not waiting for the others who would otherwise have been in the long lines in front of you. Twice the scanners in the same space the line moves twice as fast. Got to look at a bigger perspective to get it.

Don't forget about less staff, so the savings actually does eventually hit to bottom line.

[MN_Rose]

Also, to the point above, there is a reasonable distance that RFID can transmit. They could potentially follow your progress around the park, at attractions, restaurants, and at the exit without any action on your part. The readers would just grab the info of anyone who passes close enough to the scanners.