Theme parks that take fingerprints and facial ID along with a ticket
With Covid-19 concerns easing a bit, a visit to a theme park may be in the summer plans. But as in years prior, biometric information is coming into the experience, with some parks actually requiring finger scans or testing facial recognition technology on guests.
This isn't just happening at some of the bigger names in the U.S., but at theme parks around the globe as well. While you may not be traveling internationally this summer, here are five theme parks that may ask you to hand over more than a credit card to get inside.
Universal Studios
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Universal Studios uses fingerprint scans on guests as they enter the park
Universal Studios, both in Hollywood, CA. and Orlando, FL. captures finger scans from guests as a way to "facilitate re-entry and prevent fraud" it says on its Privacy Information Center online. But those who do not want to submit to a scan can tell an employee and show their photo ID instead.
Finger scans may also be used at storage lockers which are free — but do turn a finger's image into a numerical configuration that's become a key for the locker.
Walt Disney World
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Disney World has been testing facial recognition technology on park guests
Disney World has been using biometric data as entry passes for some time, at least as early as 2016, when guests had the option of using Ticket Tag, which takes their finger image, and changes that picture into a numerical code, to identify visitors and link them to their particular ticket. Guests, then, could also opt out and choose to be identified by a photo ID. The land of Mickey Mouse actually did away with fingerprint scanners in 2020, in part because of Covid-19.
This spring, though, Disney World reportedly started testing how facial recognition technology could help guests use just their mug as a ticket. The tech turned their face's image into a series of numbers, which then allowed them entry into the park. The company has not yet stated whether this will become a standard feature or option for park guests.
▲Six Flags
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Six Flags guests can opt out of fingerprint scans and use a Photo ID if they request
Much like Universal Studios, Six Flags takes a biometric scan of a visitor's finger—but only those who have memberships to the park or are Season Ticket holders. If they opt out of the scan, park guests can have their photo taken and Six Flags will issue a Photo ID pass instead.
▲Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
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Guests can link their credit and debit card to their face ID
At this theme park, facial recognition technology is in play replacing a ticket to get people not just into the park, but serving as a payment card for shopping and even dining.
▲Legoland Dubai
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Legoland Dubai uses fingerprint scans to connect Annual Pass holders to their tickets
At Legoland Dubai, Annual Pass holders have biometric fingerprint scans take of them at the front gate when they enter the park. This is designed not to let anyone else use their pass to enter the park.
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