WDWNT Reporter Adam Roth has been all over the Disney Parks this weekend. Here are some assorted photos (that don’t include his 400 from New Fantasyland) he took at the Magic Kingdom and Epcot:
Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom shirts available at Sir Mickey’s
Work continues on the restrooms going in at the old Skyway site
Yankee Trader still behind tarps
Weird…
Rock-work appearing
FastPass Plus still installed at Haunted Mansion
The Magic Kingdom is getting ready for RFID park entry
We believe that the purpose of the steel truss at the park entrance is a test for a new possible exit
Cast members have been routing guests leaving the park through wider gates in the center and counting off the guests exiting
A weird test, but they want to see if it allows better guest flow
The Grand Floridian DVC wing off in the distance
The Magic Kingdom parking entrance has been completely repainted
Looks nice, but the letters are still missing
Moving to Epcot, FastPass Plus installed at Turtle Talk with Crush
FastPass Plus installed for Seas with Nemo and Friends ride
Hops and Barley got a sign to help guests find it
It’s hidden in the back of the American Adventure
Disney Parks wine is celebrating 1 year
Work continues on Test Track
Neat…
We can start to make out changes in the facade
A circular shape is starting to jut out from the existing facade
COOL WASH!
Looks like new banners are about to be hung up on the canopy
Here’s what is left of the Epcot 30th anniversary merchandise
Some work going on in Innoventions central
I don’t think they are taking down the canopy
It doesn’t reach The Electric Umbrella
Kim Possible was here…
Habit Heroes is still closed
FastPass Plus installed at Spaceship Earth
Seems like overkill for a merge point
We end with the friendliest buildings on earth… they share a door…
Just a theory, but I wonder if the structure at the main entrance is a test of a new security system. At the SuperBowl, they set up cameras to scan faces as people enter and flag any potential threats: http://www.wired.com/politics/law/news/2001/02/41….
If they don't already have something like this in place at the Disney parks, it makes sense for them to add it considering the number of visitors, both domestic and international, who visit the parks every year.
My guess is it is more for people counting than security. The white rectangular box on the left side is whats called a precision stereo camera and is dedicated to people counting. The second device in from the left is an Axis Dome camera, third device in is an outdoor laser measurement device from SICK AG, another Axis Dome camera and then another box style camera.
The two dome cameras are likely used for verifying the data from the precision stereo camera and the laser management device. The box style camera could possibly be used to test people counting analytic's in a Video Management System.
After reading some reports on other sites, I think you're right about this just being a people counting measure. If they switch to an all RFID ticket system, they will be able to remove the traditional turnstile system and use this new method instead. It will also be a nice way to open the floodgates in the evening when large groups try to exit after a parade (and typically would back up the turnstiles).