The Universal Orlando Resort recently began testing new photo validation scanners at the entrance to Islands of Adventure. These new photo validation scanners would replace the previous system where you used a finger scan to enter the park. When we first spotted the new photo validation scanners, there were only 3 of them in use and guests could still choose an entry point without facial recognition scanners and use their finger to enter instead. Photo validation is still in technical rehearsals, but now photo validation facial recognition cameras have been added to all the entrance and exit scanners at Islands of Adventure.

Facial recognition will be used at Epic Universe, and Universal Destinations and Experiences has already started to test it at Islands of Adventure. Instead of scanning your park ticket and using a finger scan to enter, guests will scan their ticket and look at the camera. The photo will be compared with a recent one on file, or a new one will be created. Universal has released a full list of FAQs on the new system.

What is Photo Validation?
Photo Validation is a new, faster, and more seamless way to begin your visit to Universal Islands of Adventure – you just scan, smile, and go!

How is Photo Validation being used at Universal Islands of Adventure?
Photo Validation is used to to access select experiences – including verifying tickets and ticket holders at Universal Islands of Adventure Park Entry. Photo Validation is currently in Technical Rehearsal and will be available on a limited and unscheduled basis. Guests may continue to use their finger scan at lanes without Photo Validation during Technical Rehearsal.

Are Guests required to use Photo Validation?
Using Photo Validation is optional. You may opt out at Park Entry, or at Guest Services. If you decide to opt out of Photo Validation, you will continue to enter the park using the same lanes as guests who do use Photo Validation. Adults who decide to opt-out will be required to present a Photo ID to validate their ticket.

What data does Photo Validation collect?
We take a photo the first time you use your ticket. From that photo, the software builds a Photo Template. A Photo Template is a unique set of data points based on facial features. On subsequent entries to Universal Islands of Adventure, a new Photo Template is created and will be compared to the stored template to validate your ticket or other entitlement.

How long will Photo Validation data be stored in your system?
Photo Templates and images will be stored for no longer than six months after the expiration of the associated ticket or other entitlement. This is consistent with our entrance finger scan process.

Last October, the new themed ticket scanners were installed at Islands of Adventure with the goal being to eventually add the facial recognition cameras to them. The scanners at Universal Studios Florida were also updated and have a spot for photo validation cameras to be installed. Guests can still opt out of this process and show a photo ID to validate their ticket instead.

The scanners have even been added to the scanners at the exit of the park. Sometimes, these are used as additional entry points on busy days or for entry during events.

The photo validation system is designed to create a faster and more seamless experience for the guests. It is still in technical rehearsals and, at this time, still only at Islands of Adventure. We do anticipate these will be added to the new entry points at Universal Studios Florida sometimes soon, too. What do you think of the new photo validation process at the Universal Orlando Resort?

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