Photo Validation Express begins testing phase

Universal has been aware for a long time that Express Passes can be abused. Team Members working Express positions are not only in charge of scanning Express Passes, but also visually checking the valid dates as well as the photo for On-Site hotel guests. To cut down on Express abuse, Universal is going one step further and implementing a Photo Validation Technology system at The Cat in the Hat for a test phase.

Currently, the test is only happening at The Cat in the Hat and is only for On-Site guests with unlimited Express, but it could expand in the future. A sign out front of the attraction explains, “During this test, a facial image Will be stored and automatically validated by our system. This image may be viewed by Universal Team Members and third party suppliers.”

Guests who feel uncomfortable can opt-out by visiting Guest Services.

When we visited The Cat in the Hat on Wednesday, January 18 and asked Cat Team Members about the system, they were all very confused about the process and still unsure of a lot of the details surrounding the new system. If any current hotel guests would like to share their experience with his new system, please comment below!