Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Disney Fingerprint Technology

After just browsing around on articles about Disney, I came across one that was very curious to me.  It was about the 10-day tickets or any multi-day pass at Disney Theme Parks and how they keep from the person reselling the ticket.   (The original article can be seen here)  I found out that it is done from scanning a person's finger.  Disney  does this to ensure the same ticket holder is using the reduced price ticket. 



However is this infringing of their rights?  I think most people would probably say yes, because that was my original feeling.  But after learning more about the system,  I found that it was not really taking a fingerprint but more matching points of the finger to a number to ensure the same person was using the ticket and also the data would be disposed of after 30 days when the ticket expires.  Understanding this shows that Disney is just making sure that people are not cheating the system by reselling their tickets.  Now, though Disney is not taking a fingerprint they do have technology of this recognition software that the government is interested in for homeland security. I think that it is crazy that a company that makes kids toys and entertainment has this kind of technology.  So I ask you, do you think Disney should be able to use this advanced technology in their themeparks?  Or do you think this technology should even be allowed to be used anywhere?

Imagineering: What is it?

     Since I am looking at the science and engineering behind Disney, I might as well just use the word Imagineering, which is a portmanteau of imagination and engineering.  From a child I always thought that Disney had coined the word Imagineering but it turns out it actually was first used by Alcoa in the 1940s and Disney did not adopt the word until 1952.  I realize that Disney did not come up with the concept but they have perfected the phrase with their actions of Imagineering stuff.  I mean look at Disneyland and see all of the Imagineering that has been done to keep the park up to date even though it is what first opened in 1955.  From 1955 when it opened with 18 attractions, it now has upwards of 55 attractions and each one being better and more technology advanced than the last one.  (For a full timeline of Disneyland attractions go here)
    I first heard of Imagineering as a kid on The Disney Channel and from then on I thought it would be the coolest job.  That is most of the reason behind setting up a blog and I know I have not done a good job at explaining what and who Imagineers at Disney are but watch this video below and you can find out!