Seamless Park Experience: Universal Studios Florida Widens Facial Recognition Use

"Face biometrics for access control are increasingly being implemented in theme parks around the world. Universal Orlando Resort is incorporating facial recognition systems in its parks to streamline entry, and now also at individual rides and attractions.

The biometric security system is designed to identify individuals and prevent unauthorized access. In 2023, Mark Woodbury, CEO of Universal Destinations and Experiences, announced that adopting facial recognition was a strategic priority for the theme parks.

This implementation will be introduced across Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay, including the new Epic Universal theme park scheduled to open in mid-2025. According to ParkStop, the patented system erases the biometric data when the guest leaves the park.

Park entry with face biometrics was launched for a trial at Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida in late-2023, Click Orlando reports. Comcast CEO Brian Roberts mentioned plans to implement facial recognition for park entry at the Epic Universal theme park, with potential expansion into “line navigation, food purchases, communication,” and retail shopping, as reported by Florida Politics.

According to a tweet by Ethan Hershaft, the express line for Revenge of the Mummy at the theme park was equipped with a facial recognition scanner, although it is not currently in use. The use of this biometric access control is intended to provide a quicker entry process into the parks and is completely voluntary, Inside the Magic reports.

Facial recognition has also undergone testing at Disney California Adventure. Earlier in March 2021, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida conducted a similar trial, although it was not permanently implemented.

Universal Orlando Resort is a subsidiary of NBCUniversal, a division of Comcast Corporation. NBCUniversal is a leading media, entertainment, and cable company that creates and distributes content across a variety of platforms.

Information 

Universal Orlando Resort is a popular theme park destination in Florida, attracting millions of visitors each year. The resort features two theme parks, Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure, as well as a shopping and entertainment district.

Comcast Corporation is a global media and technology company that owns a diverse range of businesses, including NBCUniversal, Sky, and Comcast Cable. The company is committed to using technology to improve the customer experience and drive innovation.

Tags  facial recognition, biometrics, access control, theme parks, Universal Orlando Resort

"Q: What is facial recognition technology?

A: Facial recognition technology is a type of biometric identification that uses facial features to identify individuals.

Q: How does facial recognition work in theme parks?

A: Facial recognition technology is used to identify individuals and prevent unauthorized access to theme parks and individual rides and attractions.

Q: Is facial recognition mandatory for theme park visitors?

A: No, facial recognition is completely voluntary and visitors can choose to opt-out of using the technology.

Q: How does Universal Orlando Resort protect guest biometric data?

A: According to ParkStop, the patented system erases the biometric data when the guest leaves the park.

Q: What other theme parks have tested facial recognition technology?

A: Disney California Adventure and Walt Disney World Resort in Florida have both conducted trials of facial recognition technology."