Earlier this week, Disney World announced that they began testing a new facial recognition technology for park entry.
Cinderella Castle
It’s just another way the Disney park experience seems to be going hands-free, in the wake of the new MagicMobile service, and My Disney Experience updates that enable Mobile Order, digital merchandise check out, and more. But this tech-y new feature seems like a BIG step into the future…and a big change overall.
Right now, Disney’s just testing the facial recognition technology in Magic Kingdom until April 23rd. Participation is entirely optional: you can join the line to try it for yourself or opt to use any of the other tapstiles the normal way. No pressure!
Facial Recognition Test Sign
Basically, the software will capture an image of your face (even with your mask on), convert it into your own personal number, and associate that number with your park admission. You’ll have to bring your normal park admission (like your physical ticket) the first time around, so the technology can make that pairing.
Scan Away!
If you’re on the fence about whether or not you want to participate in the facial recognition testing, we went through the process to show you exactly what it’s like! But we wanted some MORE insight into this new process, we decided to ask you, our DFB readers, exactly what you thought. Are YOU comfortable with Disney World using facial recognition technology?!
Let’s Get Scanning!
Ultimately, the results of our Instagram poll were kinda even! 58% of you said you’d be comfortable with the facial recognition technology, and 42% decided they’d prefer to opt-out!
Here’s what YOU said!
A few of you volunteered some info on WHY you were comfortable with the new tech. According to one reader, “Passes used to have your photo on them anyway, so to me it’s just the next phase of it, technology wise.” Not to mention, guests used to have to scan their fingers to get into the parks, so Disney already has that info. Those seem like the old days now!
Magic Kingdom Entrance
Another reader said that “My phone and computers already have it too at this point 
.” And ANOTHER reader piggy-backed off that, adding, “Most people’s phones have face recognition too. If you use current technology, your info is all over the place. It’s just the world we live in.” Sounds like pretty solid logic to us!
Here’s what the scanning device looks like!
Still, 42% of our readers shared that they weren’t comfortable with the new facial recognition. And that’s completely okay! Disney has emphasized that this testing is ENTIRELY optional. If you don’t wanna use it, you don’t have to! But, if it goes well, it could be sticking around for much longer. Who knows.
Let us know your thoughts on this new technology! And stay tuned to DFB for more Disney news and updates — and to our Instagram for more polls. 
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Are YOU comfortable with facial recognition in Disney World? Let us know in the comments!
The post Fans Are SPLIT on Disney World’s New Face Scan Entrance Technology first appeared on the disney food blog.
