facial recognition Archives

Universal Begins Installing Lighting for Locker Facial Recognition Cameras at Epic Universe

May 11, 2025

Locker photo validation screen with instructions to smile for Epic Universe locker facial recognition cameras and a QR code for privacy info.

After weeks of previews, Universal has begun installing ring lights around the facial recognition cameras at the lockers for Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. The locker facilities are dim and gloomy, much like the rest of Frankenstein Manor. Guests have been encountering issues with the locker system, which primarily utilizes facial recognition technology to operate … Read more

Last Section of Old Disney California Adventure Turnstiles Now Under Refurbishment

April 13, 2025

Entrance to a theme park with turquoise structures, turnstiles, and shaded area from nearby trees. A few people are seen in the distance.

The process of transforming Disney California Adventure’s old turnstiles is nearly complete, and the last remaining section is now under construction. Disney California Adventure Turnstiles The new turnstiles with MagicBand+ functionality and new cameras were first installed at the entrance to Disney California Adventure in March of 2024. After a testing period, Disney has been … Read more

Disneyland Resort Testing Facial Recognition Entry System

March 27, 2024March 27, 2024

Disneyland Resort facial recognition "too many faces" screen

Disneyland Resort is testing a new facial recognition entry system and we were able to participate in a test on Wednesday. Disneyland Resort Facial Recognition Test New gates were installed at Disney California Adventure a few weeks ago. They’re on the far right end of the park’s entrance area. At least during testing, guests can’t … Read more

Photo Validation Now in Technical Rehearsal at Universal Studios Florida

November 12, 2023

As predicted, Photo Validation has come to Universal Studios Florida. Universal Orlando Resort has been using a new photo validation system for guests entering the theme parks. The new system debuted over at Islands of Adventure last month, with cameras added to the entrance scanners. Now, facial recognition cameras have been added to the entry … Read more

More Photo Validation Cameras Added to Islands of Adventure Entrance as Technical Rehearsals Continue

November 5, 2023

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 … Read more

PHOTOS: Photo Validation Facial Recognition Scanners Being Tested at Universal’s Islands of Adventure

October 11, 2023

Photo Validation facial recognition scanners have entered a testing phase at Universal’s Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando Resort. The scanners are only in use at select turnstiles at the park’s entrance and remain in a testing phase, meaning that they’re only available on a limited and unscheduled basis. Photo Validation Scanners Tested at Universal’s … Read more

Epic Universe to Use Facial Recognition, Will Be ‘Most Technologically Advanced’ Universal Theme Park

September 14, 2023

Super Nintendo World Universal Studios Hollywood

Epic Universe will be Universal’s “most technologically advanced park,” Universal Destinations & Experiences CEO Mark Woodbury said on Thursday (via The Hollywood Reporter). Woodbury spoke about the new Universal Orlando Resort theme park at the Bank of America Media, Communications and Entertainment Conference. Epic Universe will use “facial recognition, photo validation technology” that will allow … Read more

PHOTOS: Facial Recognition Park Entry Test Ends at Walt Disney World

May 3, 2021

Walt Disney World spent over a month testing the use of facial recognition for park entry at Magic Kingdom, even extending the test through yesterday. The equipment is now gone, and according to Cast Members, data is being analyzed. Facial recognition might come back as a more permanent park entry option, or Disney may even … Read more

WDWNT Daily Recap (4/22/21): Skyliner Gondolas Crash Again, Cast Members Blocked from Entering Parks in May, ‘Haunted Mansion’ Movie In the Works, “Zip a Dee Doo Dah” Removed from King Arthur Carrousel at Disneyland, and More

April 22, 2021

We bring you a lot of stories every single day. Sometimes it’s hard to keep up. So in case you missed anything from our feed, we have rounded up all our stories in one place to get the news at a glance. Here is your Daily Recap for Thursday, April 22, 2021. Walt Disney World … Read more

PHOTOS: Walt Disney World Surveying Guests About Facial Recognition Entry Process

April 6, 2021

Last month, Walt Disney World began testing facial recognition as a form of park entry. We participated in an optional test ourselves, and have now received a survey regarding the system. Check out our screenshots from the survey below. After checking that we did participate in the facial recognition test and how many times we … Read more

PHOTO REPORT: Magic Kingdom & EPCOT 3/23/21 (Facial Recognition Park Entry Testing, “101 Dalmatians” Dress Shop Items, Third “Harmonious” Barge Installed, and More)

March 25, 2021

Hello friends, and welcome to a beautiful day here at Walt Disney World! While the parks are still busy with vacationers, the majority of the local Spring Break crowds have gone home, which has left us a tiny bit more breathing room as we walk from attraction to attraction. We found some exciting things today, … Read more

WDWNT Daily Recap (3/24/21): Walt Disney World Park Passes Fully Booked Through April 8 for Theme Park Tickets & Resort Guests, Coconut Pineapple Dole Whip Swirl Now at Aloha Isle, S’mores Brownie Returns to EPCOT, and More

March 24, 2021

We bring you a lot of stories every single day. Sometimes it’s hard to keep up. So in case you missed anything from our feed, we have rounded up all our stories in one place to get the news at a glance. Here is your Daily Recap for Wednesday, March 24, 2021. Walt Disney World … Read more

WDWNT Daily Recap (3/23/21): New Facial Recognition Park Entry Procedure at Walt Disney World, Brightline High-Speed Rail Not Scheduled to Connect to Walt Disney World Until At Least 2026, Design Revealed for First Walt Disney World Resort License Plate, and More

March 23, 2021

We bring you a lot of stories every single day. Sometimes it’s hard to keep up. So in case you missed anything from our feed, we have rounded up all our stories in one place to get the news at a glance. Here is your Daily Recap for Tuesday, March 23, 2021. Walt Disney World … Read more

BREAKING: Walt Disney World Now Testing Facial Recognition Technology for Theme Park Entry

March 23, 2021March 23, 2021

Facial recognition technology was tested this morning at the entrance to Magic Kingdom. Walt Disney World has shifted in recent months to utilizing more touchless technology, and the newest addition could be touchless entry to the theme parks through facial recognition. The test was optional this morning, and testing will continue sporadically. The test was … Read more