Walt Disney World will soon begin scanning the fingers of children as young as 3 years old. Previously, adults and children older than 9 years were subjected to the finger scanning procedure.
Disney is making this move in an effort to prevent fraudulent practices. Tickets issued for children from 3 to 9 years old could be shared easily as there were no finger images attached earlier. On the other hand, stolen tickets issued for the above group could also be used effortlessly.
Disney introduced the scanning procedure about a decade ago. The scanners don't scan the visitor's entire finger but several points (finger geometry) on it. Parents who don't want their children's finger to be scanned are free to scan their own instead. And those who are not interested in the procedure altogether can report to the guest relations office located in the park.
The image of the visitor's finger scanned by the device is discarded as soon as it is converted into a unique numerical code. Therefore the fingerprints obtained from the visitors are not saved on the park's database. However, when the visitor tries to re-enter the park using the ticket, the reference number is recalled.
The new policy aims to "ensure seamless entry for guests while also protecting guests from someone else using their tickets," said a Disney spokesperson.
A one-day ticket to Magic Kingdom for Florida residents aged 10 and above is priced at $105. Annual passes for all Florida residents above 3 years old start at $259 for select weekdays and cost up to $729 for platinum passes.
Universal Orlando's annual pass prices were hiked recently and the price of basic pass with blockout dates increased from $234.99 to $259.99. The summer blockout dates are now applicable to both the parks. Christmastime and spring break block outs excluding summer are priced at $319.99.
An annual pass that enables entry throughout the year is hiked from $309.99 to $349.99. A premium pass with loaded benefits are priced at $489.99, about $50 higher than before. Disney has also introduced two other exclusive passes that allow visitors to enter the park before it is opened to other people. A 50 percent parking discount will be given to people who wish to renew the existing passes.
Meanwhile, people showed mixed reaction for Disney's recent move.
"Disney to scan fingers of 3 year olds to prevent fraud // lol !" posted one user on Twitter.
"Disney is scanning children as young as 3 finger prints welcome to prison planet," tweeted another user.
Photo: Anthony Quintano | Flickr
