Coverage of the recent opening of Disney's Art of Animation Resort indicates that all Walt Disney World resorts will soon be retrofitted with a radio frequency identification (RFID) entry system.
RFID technology allows guests to merely tap their key card on a panel to unlock the hotel room or villa without having to physically swipe the card through a magnetic card reader. In addition to being a moderately simpler entry system for guests to utilize, a recent Orlando Sentinel story claims that the RFID door locks are more durable and less succeptible to moisture, dust and other contaminants which cause the current card readers to fail.
RFID entry systems are already being utilized on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy cruise ships, as well as the $350 million Art of Animation Resort which opens this week. The technology is also a cornerstone of Disney's so-called "Next Gen" enhancements planned throughout its Florida theme parks. Disney is in the process of testing modifications to its park entry turnstiles, FASTPASS ride reservation system and other park additions which will utilize the RFID technology.
According ot the Sentinel, Disney will begin to install the RFID entry system at existing resorts this month starting with Disney's Contemporary Resort. Retrofits for all 26,000 Disney resort rooms will run into 2013.
For details on the grand opening of Disney's Art of Animation Resort visit Allears.net.
