Welcome, Jason!
Thanks for asking this insightful question about the process to enter
Magic Kingdom Park for the special ticketed event,
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. I understand the misconception about using fingerprints to enter a theme park, and I’m happy to explain more about the technology used for entry, what is (and isn’t) collected, and alternatives to entry for your comfort.
Privacy of your personal information and associated data during your vacation remains top-of-mind at Disney Parks, and while these great digital tools are used to enhance your experience, they also continue to protect you.
Yes, the digital tapstyles at the entrance to every theme park remain the primary means to entry and will also be used for entry for special events such as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Upon arrival, Guests scan a finger and their
MagicBand, MagicBand+, Disney MagicMobile Pass, or physical key card. This service is called a “Ticket Tag” and is designed to ensure that another Guest isn’t using your valuable tickets, as well as to streamline entry on your subsequent theme park visit. Please know that while your finger is being scanned, no biometric data is being saved by Disney. The technology takes an image of your finger, converts the image into a unique extensive numerical value, and deletes the image immediately. After the first scan, the system will read that coded numerical value matched to your finger rather than any fingerprint data. Please see these details outlined in
Disney’s Frequently Asked Questions about privacy during your vacation.
If you do not wish to use this feature and have your finger scanned the first time you enter a theme park, you may carry and show a photo identification that matches the name identified with your ticket (or, matching the adult with a ticket for any children without photo identification). Please stop by
Guest Relations for support in this process prior to approaching the tapstyles at the entrance to Magic Kingdom Park.
You’re going to
have such a wonderful time at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Jason! My family adored this special event, and it will truly immerse you in the spirit of the holidays – it's a feast for all five senses! Don’t miss Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, my favorite parade in ANY theme park, for a spectacular sight of your favorite Disney characters, holiday fragrances, and unique to the season songs and cheer. The map you receive upon entry will guide you to the treat stations where you’ll find specialty holiday cookies and beverage pairings (all included in the price of your ticket). Be sure to collect your commemorative holiday ornament to hang on your tree at home and always remember this special time together!
I hope this brings clarity to your concerns about the finger scanning process and gives you peace of mind with an alternative for your comfort. Please let us know what other questions you have as you finalize the details of this amazing trip!
Wishing you a magical holiday visit,
Amy