Disney to Trial iPod Touches at the Magic Kingdom Turnstiles

[Wendy]

Walt Disney World is currently in the middle of a test program to replace old fashioned turnstiles at the Magic Kingdom. This will mean that Guests will be greeted by Cast Members holding iPod Touches

The change is part of “MyMagic+,” which has the ultimate goal of making the company’s theme parks even more convenient and inviting for those who attend.

To accomplish this task, costumed Cast Member will have an iPod touch in a custom case which allows Guest passes to be scanned to grant admission to the Magic Kingdom.

For now 50 percent of the turnstiles have been replaced with this new trialsystem, while the remaining half continue to use the classic turnstiles.

A Disney representative said that because the program is in a trial stage, there's no guarantee that the company will ultimately adopt the iPod touch as a long-term catch-all connected solution.

For now, Cast Members are utilizing Apple's iOS device with a special accessory case and accompanying software that allow passes to be scanned and information to be quickly accessed if a Guest needs assistance.

[Lisa1976]

We had this a couple of times last month. As we had the old style paper passes we couldn't use the new turnstiles so we were sent through to people with iPods to scan them. Was very quick

[Wendy]

Thanks Lisa

[Tink]

Yes, that's what happened yesterday in the MK. We couldn't use the new globe shaped gizmos so we went past them and a CM used what looked like a credit card reader to scan our paper APs. The globe jobbies looked like they were working just fine for those who could use them.

I guess, if they adopt them that means a plastic AP is in our future...

[Wendy]

Yes, that's the idea Tink, they will replace the AP so that pass holders won't be at a disadvantage. I don't know if pass holders will be given the magic bands as well we might have to buy them.

[Tink]

They had a few of these at EPCOT too. We were wise to them by now though and went to the "old" line.