A recent rumor suggests that Walt Disney World might soon replace its current tapstile entrance gates with automated photo validation gates. These new gates would function similarly to the system already in place at Disneyland Resort, where guests scan a ticket and have a photo taken before the gates open. The rumor also proposes that plastic tickets and Key to World cards would be phased out in favor of wooden keys and loaner wristbands. Additionally, hotel room locks would update to support digital keys on Apple Wallet or similar apps. These changes align with Disney’s goal of eliminating single-use plastics by 2030, which may also impact the future of MagicBand sales. Disney has not officially confirmed any of these plans, and details regarding implementation timelines and guest opt-out options remain unknown.
Key Points:
- Disney may replace tapstile entrance gates with automated photo validation gates similar to those at Disneyland Resort.
- Guests would scan a ticket or MagicBand at the gate, have a photo taken, and the gates would open automatically.
- The rumor suggests phasing out plastic tickets and Key to the World cards in favor of wooden keys and loaner wristbands.
- Hotel room locks would update to support digital keys on Apple Wallet or similar apps, retiring Bluetooth room unlocking.
- These changes tie into Disney’s goal of ending single-use plastic by 2030.
- Disney has not confirmed any of these plans, and there is no announced timeline.
- It is unknown whether the gates would come to all four theme parks at the same time.