Universal Orlando Resort is using a new way for guests to enter its theme parks. If you have ever been to Universal Orlando at rope-drop, you know that getting into the parks was painfully slow.

Universal - Theme Park Entrance with facial recognition

Well, the facial recognition system isn’t much faster. On our visit, the system processed one person every 15 sections, on average, that’s about 4 people per minute.

Facial recognition at Universal Orlando Resort

With Photo Validation at Park Entry, you just scan your theme park ticket, look at the camera, and enter the park.

Photo recognition replaces the biometric finger scan at the turnstiles.

I don’t know about you, but the thought of placing my finger in the exact same spot as thousands of other people was unsettling, especially post-pandemic.

Photo Validation is optional and is not required for entry into the Universal Orlando Parks.

Guests will be able to opt-out directly at Park Entry if they desire.

If a Guest chooses to opt-out of Photo Validation, they are required to show a valid Photo ID upon entry to validate their entitlement.

Guests will not need to do anything separate like pre-enroll. The setup process is easy and done right at the turnstile when you enter the parks, starting today!

Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.

Universal Orlando has provided these Frequently Asked Questions about how to enter the Universal Orlando Theme Parks using facial recognition technology.

What data does Universal Orlando collect?

Universal Orlando takes a photo the first time a Guest uses their entitlement. From that photo, the software builds a Photo Template. A Photo Template is a unique set of data points based on facial features. On subsequent entries to Universal Orlando Resort, the Photo Template created on entry will be compared to the stored templates to validate access and prevent fraud.

Will there be a separate entrance for Guests who opt out of Photo Validation?

No. Guests who opt out of Photo Validation will still be able to use the regular park entrance. Opting out simply tells our access control system to not prompt for Photo Validation when that Guest’s ticket is scanned. Guests who opt out of Photo Validation will be asked to present photo ID each time they use their entitlement.

Can a Guest opt back in to Photo Validation?

Yes, Guests who opt-out and want to opt back in can do so at the park entrance or Guest Services.

Does Photo Validation work in the dark?

Yes, the camera works in low-light and nighttime environments.

How long will the images be stored in your system?

Photo Templates will be stored for no longer than six months after the expiration of the associated ticket or other entitlement. This is consistent with our finger scan biometric process.

Is Photo Validation accessible to Guests in wheelchairs?

Yes. Photo Validation was created with all Guests in mind. Our cameras were built with a field of view to be able to validate Guests whether tall, short, seated in a wheelchair, and more!

Is there anything different Guests need to do before they get to the gate?

No, they simply approach the park entrance with their park ticket ready - just like they would today.

If I opt out after using Photo Validation for the first time, is my information deleted?

Once a guest opts out of Photo Validation, any images or Photo Templates created / stored are deleted.

If I opt out of Photo Validation, what happens?

If a Guest decides to opt out of Photo Validation, they will continue to enter the park using the same lanes as guests who do use Photo Validation. The only difference that a Guest who has opted out will experience is that they will be required to present a valid Photo ID to validate their ticket.

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