We know that Disney World keeps track of you while you’re at the resort, but just how intense are the methods they use?

In the age of technology, Disney World has used plenty of tools to get into the data collection game. From apps to video surveillance, there’s no question that Disney is tracking you when you’re at the resort — but how deep does the rabbit hole go? Does Disney use facial recognition tools in its effort to keep tabs on you? We have the answer!

It’s no secret that Disney collects data on your interests, activity, and whereabouts via technology like the My Disney Experience app and MagicBands. In fact, it doesn’t hide this fact, as the company claims it uses the data to improve the guest experience. However, regardless of how you feel about this data collection, you may not have to worry about facial recognition technology…at least not yet.

Currently, the company uses the technology listed above, as well as other devices like finger scanners, as its primary source of biometrics. Right now, Disney World does not use face scanners.

With that said, things could easily change. Disney World has explored facial recognition efforts in the past.

In fact, Magic Kingdom tested facial recognition from March 2021 to May 2021. Trying to go for a more touchless experience coming off 2020 and the pandemic, Disney said, “The technology we’re testing captures an image of a Guest’s face and converts it into a unique number, which is then associated with the form of admission being used for park entry.”

Disney’s tech centered around facial feature measurements and interestingly worked with face masks. It created a depth map of the face and was destined to become a permanent resort feature — but that never really materialized. When Disney was testing this, the flaws must’ve outweighed the known benefits, and more tinkering was required.

That doesn’t mean that Disney won’t have a picture of your face on file. PhotoPass pictures taken on and off attractions are linked to your account and MagicBand — albeit they get deleted after some time.

Over at Disneyland, the California theme park resort DOES take your picture and links it to your ticket. It then also scans your face each time you enter the gate to a theme park.

Additionally, Universal Orlando — and including the new Epic Universe theme park — uses facial scanning technology. It’s simply become a popular trend among the big theme park giants.

With all that in mind, it’s safe to say there’s at least a 50/50 shot that facial recognition comes over to Disney World at some point. Despite privacy concerns and a history of controversy surrounding data collection, the system is in full swing over in Anaheim. If the technology works, there is no reason for Disney to withhold bringing it over to Florida. Regardless of how you feel about these measures, Disney is likely to continue modifying the way it monitors and reacts to its guests.

We’re at the parks literally every day and, through research and our own experiences, we’ve learned how Disney is keeping track of us. We’ve also had plenty of experience now on the West Coast with Disney’s new facial recognition tech, so if it ever comes over to Florida, we’ll let you know what you should expect.

How do you feel about the prospect of facial recognition technology coming to Disney World? Let us know and continue to follow us here at DFB for all the latest Disney World coverage!

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The post Does Disney World Use Facial Scanning Technology? first appeared on the disney food blog.