Is facial recognition mandatory at Disneyland?

No, Disneyland states the facial recognition system is optional. Guests who prefer not to use it can enter through lanes where a cast member manually validates their ticket.

How does Disneyland's facial recognition system work?

The system compares a camera image taken at the entrance with an image saved when a guest first used a ticket or pass, converting them into numerical values to find a match.

What happens to the facial data collected at Disneyland?

Disney says it deletes the numerical data within 30 days, unless it must be kept for legal or fraud-prevention purposes. Parental consent is required for minors.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Disneyland's New Face at the Gates

Disneyland's New Face at the Gates

29 Apr

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Summary

Facial recognition tech now at park entrances.
System is optional, with manual lanes available.
Data is deleted within 30 days, with exceptions.

Disneyland Resort in Anaheim has expanded the use of facial recognition technology at the entrances of Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure. This new system aims to streamline guest reentry and combat fraud, replacing the previous method of cast members manually verifying uploaded photos against tickets. The technology converts images into unique numerical identifiers to match entry scans with initial ticket usage.

While Disney states the facial recognition system is optional, with guests able to use lanes staffed by cast members for manual ticket validation, some visitors have reported not realizing this option was available until they were already in lines. The company's privacy notice indicates that biometric data is deleted within 30 days, unless retained for legal or fraud-prevention reasons. Consent from a parent or guardian is mandatory for individuals under 18 years old to utilize the system.