Disney Scans Kids' Fingers To Prevent Ticket Fraud, Prices For Passes Jump

Walt Disney World theme parks are planning to scan the fingers of children between the ages of three and nine-years-old in an effort to combat fraud and stop the use of shared or stolen tickets, the Associated Press reported Tuesday. Tickets belonging to younger children in that age group were more easily transferrable because they had no finger images attached to them.

Starting more than a decade ago, older children and adults visiting the theme parks were required to have their fingers scanned as part of the ticketing process, the Orlando Sentinel reported. Disney used “finger geometry,” or pictures that reveal several points on people’s fingers to identify print matches to patrons. A parent can be scanned instead if there is any unease with exposing a child to the scanning process.

A Disney spokesperson said the new policy "ensures a seamless entry experience for our guests, helps protect guests from someone else using their ticket and reduces ticket fraud."

The prices for annual passes to the amusement parks jumped Wednesday by as much as 13-percent. A regular pass, which is normally $234.99, climbed up to $259.99. The annual passes that allow for year-round access grew from $309.99 to $349.99.

A recent piece from Thrillist suggested that September was the best time for adults to visit the Walt Disney World theme park. Why? Fewer children will be running the park because of school, the outlet reported. Not only are there fewer children on the grounds, the theme park hosts its Food and Wine Festival this month, featuring wine-tasting and food stands, including 30 from various countries around the world. The event also hosts bands like Wang Chung and Sugar Ray.