Guests can experience a new, faster way to start their action-packed adventure! With Photo Validation, at Park Entry you just scan, smile, and go! It’s a seamless and simple way for you to begin your visit to Universal Islands of Adventure. Using Photo Validation is optional - you can let a Team Member know at the Park Entrance if you would like to opt out.
Universal Orlando Resort is now implementing Photo Validation - a new way for Guests to access select experiences throughout the Resort - beginning with Park Entry at Universal Islands of Adventure. While Photo Validation will be replacing the legacy finger biometric that exists today, the guest experience will not be dramatically changing. Guests will still be required to scan valid tickets, instead of validating with a finger biometric, a Photo Template will now be the validation method.
There is currently no pre-enrollment or additional steps required at this time. Photo Validation is optional and is not required for entry into the Universal Orlando Parks. Guests will be able to opt-out at Park Entry, if they desire. If a Guest chooses to opt-out of Photo Validations, they are required to show a valid Photo ID upon entry for validation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What data does Universal Orlando collect?
We take a photo the first time a Guest uses their entitlement. From that photo, the software builds a Photo Template. A Photo Template is a unique set of data points based on facial features. On subsequent entries to Universal Orlando Resort, the Photo Template created on entry will be compared to the stored templates to validate access and prevent fraud.
Will there be a separate entrance for Guests who opt out of Photo Validation?
No. Guests who opt out of Photo Validation will still be able to use the regular park entrance. Opting out simply tells our access control system to not prompt for Photo Validation when that Guest’s ticket is scanned. Guests who opt out of Photo Validation will be asked to present photo ID each time they use their entitlement.
Can a Guest opt back in to Photo Validation?
Yes, Guests who opt-out and want to opt back in can do so at the park entrance or Guest Services.
Does Photo Validation work in the dark?
Yes, the camera works in low-light and nighttime environments.
How long will the images be stored in your system?
Photo Templates will be stored for no longer than six months after the expiration of the associated ticket or other
entitlement. This is consistent with our finger scan biometric process.
Is Photo Validation accessible to Guests in wheelchairs?
Yes. Photo Validation was created with all Guests in mind. Our cameras were built with a field of view to be able to validate Guests whether tall, short, seated in a wheelchair, and more!
Is there anything different Guests need to do before they get to the gate?
No, they simply approach the park entrance with their park ticket ready - just like they would today.
If I opt out after using Photo Validation for the first time, is my information deleted?
Once a guest opts out of Photo Validation, any images or Photo Templates created / stored are deleted.
If I opt out of Photo Validation, what happens?
If a Guest decides to opt out of Photo Validation, they will continue to enter the park using the same lanes as guests who do use Photo Validation. The only difference that a Guest who has opted out will experience is that they will be required to present a valid Photo ID to validate their ticket.
