• Home
  • Latest
  • Fortune 500
  • Finance
  • Tech
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia

Trendingnow

1

'The golden years are not golden': Boomers are hoarding most of America's wealth and power because they're terrified of outliving their money

2

AI CEOs from OpenAI, Anthropic, and Microsoft set aside their rivalry to warn Congress AI is making it too easy to design and create bioweapons

3

The Strait of Hormuz is more open than previously thought as the U.S. shoots down Iranian drones threatening ships and provides 'naval overwatch'

1

'The golden years are not golden': Boomers are hoarding most of America's wealth and power because they're terrified of outliving their money

2

AI CEOs from OpenAI, Anthropic, and Microsoft set aside their rivalry to warn Congress AI is making it too easy to design and create bioweapons

3

The Strait of Hormuz is more open than previously thought as the U.S. shoots down Iranian drones threatening ships and provides 'naval overwatch'
CybersecurityDisney

Disneyland implements facial recognition to keep the lines moving, but guests say they didn’t know it was optional

Catherina Gioino
By
Catherina Gioino
Catherina Gioino
News Editor
Down Arrow Button Icon
Catherina Gioino
By
Catherina Gioino
Catherina Gioino
News Editor
Down Arrow Button Icon
April 28, 2026, 5:38 PM ET
Photo of a Disneyland sign
Disneyland is now unveiling facial recognition at the parks.Mario Tama/Getty Images

If you want to visit the “Happiest Place on Earth,” you’ll go through a new gatekeeper first: facial recognition.

Recommended Video

The Anaheim resort has expanded facial-recognition technology at entrances to Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure after months of limited testing, reads Disney’s privacy notice, in which the company states the intention is to make reentry easier and to prevent fraud.

Disney says the system is optional: Guests who do not want to use it can enter through non-facial-recognition lanes, where a cast member manually validates their ticket. However, those guests may still have their photos taken, even as Disney says biometric technology is not used on those images.

According to Disney’s privacy notice, the system compares a camera image taken at the entrance with the image saved when a guest first used a ticket or pass, converting the images into unique numerical values to look for a match. Disney says it deletes the numbers within 30 days, unless they must be kept for legal or fraud-prevention purposes. And for kids under 18, they can use the system only with parent or guardian consent.

“The security, integrity, and confidentiality of your information are extremely important to us,” reads the company’s privacy notice announcing the technology. “We have implemented technical, administrative, and physical security measures that are designed to protect Guest information from unauthorized access, disclosure, use and modification.”

It continued: “From time to time, we review our security procedures to consider new technology and methods, as appropriate. Please be aware that, despite our best efforts, no security measures are perfect or impenetrable.”

By Friday, the tech was being used in most entrance lines at the two parks, with the Los Angeles Times finding only four lines were spared. Signs near the gates tell visitors that use of the technology is optional, but some guests told the publication they did not realize they could avoid it before entering the lines. One visitor told the LA Times the system is “a little scary” because its use was not clear, while a mother said she felt uneasy when it was used for her young children.

In a statement to Fortune, Disneyland Resort officials said the tech was being used to ameliorate guests’ arrival experience, including reentry into the park. The officials said there is signage available in the park telling guests which gates have the facial recognition technology.

A user on X with the handle “DisneyScoopGuy” posted a photo of the sign, which read, “Facial Recognition at Park Entry.”

“Disneyland Resort park entries use facial recognition technology. Use of these lanes is optional,” the sign continued. “If you do not wish to participate, please enter the line lane with the following overhead signage,” before showing a silhouette of a person with a line crossed through the middle.

Prior to the change, visitors to the park would upload a photo to a portal tied to their ticket, and when they arrived and scanned their pass, a cast member would confirm the person swiping the pass matched the photo uploaded to the portal. This skips the cast member—now, it’s the computer that does the matching.

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) guidance has defined biometric information processed to identify a consumer as sensitive personal information, meaning California consumers have the right to limit the use and disclosure of sensitive personal information.

More than 27 million people visit Disneyland Resort each year: In 2024, Disneyland Park saw 17.35 million visitors, while Disney California Adventure had 10.05 million, according to AECOM/TEA-based estimates. Though Disney does not disclose revenue by park, its broader Experiences segment, which includes parks, cruise line, and consumer products business, generated $36.2 billion in revenue in FY2025.

In 2001, Fortune first convened the smartest people we know, bringing together CEOs and founders, builders and investors, thinkers and doers. Since then, Fortune Brainstorm Tech has been the place where bold ideas collide. From June 8–10, we will return to Aspen—where it all began—to mark 25 years of Brainstorm. Register now.
About the Author
Catherina Gioino
By Catherina GioinoNews Editor
Instagram iconLinkedIn iconTwitter icon

Catherina covers markets, the economy, energy, tech, and AI.

See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon

Latest in Cybersecurity

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025

Most Popular

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Fortune Secondary Logo
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • World's Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
  • Lists Calendar
Sections
  • Finance
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Features
  • Leadership
  • Health
  • Commentary
  • Success
  • Retail
  • Mpw
  • Tech
  • Lifestyle
  • CEO Initiative
  • Asia
  • Politics
  • Conferences
  • Europe
  • Newsletters
  • Personal Finance
  • Environment
  • Magazine
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
  • Group Subscriptions
About Us
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • Facebook icon
  • Twitter icon
  • LinkedIn icon
  • Instagram icon
  • Pinterest icon

Latest in Cybersecurity

Businesses are declaring war on AI slop. They are fighting a losing battle
Europelegislation
Businesses are declaring war on AI slop. They are fighting a losing battle
By Sam BirchallJune 5, 2026
3 days ago
IBM, AT&T accused by whistleblower of covering up foreign hacks
CybersecurityIBM
IBM, AT&T accused by whistleblower of covering up foreign hacks
By Jake Bleiberg, Mark Anderson and BloombergJune 4, 2026
3 days ago
Google CEO Sundar Pichai
AIGoogle
World’s largest sovereign wealth fund backs push for Google oversight on government use of its AI and cloud technology
By Beatrice NolanJune 4, 2026
3 days ago
What Suno’s $5.4 billion valuation says about the future of AI and music—and what remains uncertain
NewslettersEye on AI
What Suno’s $5.4 billion valuation says about the future of AI and music—and what remains uncertain
By Sharon GoldmanJune 4, 2026
3 days ago
Europe wants more control over global AI services. America is warning them to take care—and history is on their side
EuropeLetter from London
Europe wants more control over global AI services. America is warning them to take care—and history is on their side
By Kamal AhmedJune 4, 2026
3 days ago
A new AI-powered computer worm could prove to be the stuff of cybersecurity nightmares
Cybersecuritycyber
A new AI-powered computer worm could prove to be the stuff of cybersecurity nightmares
By Sharon GoldmanJune 3, 2026
4 days ago

Most Popular

'The golden years are not golden': Boomers are hoarding most of America's wealth and power because they're terrified of outliving their money
Economy
'The golden years are not golden': Boomers are hoarding most of America's wealth and power because they're terrified of outliving their money
By Nick LichtenbergJune 7, 2026
12 hours ago
AI CEOs from OpenAI, Anthropic, and Microsoft set aside their rivalry to warn Congress AI is making it too easy to design and create bioweapons
AI
AI CEOs from OpenAI, Anthropic, and Microsoft set aside their rivalry to warn Congress AI is making it too easy to design and create bioweapons
By Marco Quiroz-GutierrezJune 5, 2026
3 days ago
The Strait of Hormuz is more open than previously thought as the U.S. shoots down Iranian drones threatening ships and provides 'naval overwatch'
Energy
The Strait of Hormuz is more open than previously thought as the U.S. shoots down Iranian drones threatening ships and provides 'naval overwatch'
By Jason MaJune 6, 2026
21 hours ago
I've sold property on California's Central Coast for decades. The buyers chasing ranch and winery estates are after more than a lifestyle
Commentary
I've sold property on California's Central Coast for decades. The buyers chasing ranch and winery estates are after more than a lifestyle
By Lindsey HarnJune 6, 2026
1 day ago
Billionaires Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg used mortgages to buy multimillion-dollar mansions. Here’s why that’s a savvy financial decision
Real Estate
Billionaires Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg used mortgages to buy multimillion-dollar mansions. Here’s why that’s a savvy financial decision
By Sydney LakeJune 6, 2026
2 days ago
Here's where U.S. debt may become unsustainable with interest payments triggering a default crisis that even steep tax hikes can't fix
Economy
Here's where U.S. debt may become unsustainable with interest payments triggering a default crisis that even steep tax hikes can't fix
By Jason MaJune 6, 2026
1 day ago

© 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.