Disney Pairs RFID Chips, iPads for FastPass Update

Disney World employees have been given iPads to carry around the theme parks as part of a new FastPass system, which uses RFID technology to send visitor information to Apple's tablet. 9to5Mac reports that Disney World "Cast Members" began training on the new system on Tuesday. During the pilot program, guests who have signed up prior to their trip will help Disney test the new FastPass system. @DisneyProjects reports that, using the high-tech FastPass system, guests can book busy attractions for a particular time and date (they can book even before they've arrived in Florida) and then arrive at the attraction at that time to skip the lengthy queues. 

Currently, guests receive a paper ticket for each ride, but with the new system they will receive a card that works for all of the attractions they sign up for. The guest will simply need to wave the card in front of the RFID sensor outside the ride, which will send their reservation to a nearby Cast Member's waterproofed iPad. The Touring Plans blog reports that, once the FastPass is scanned, the iPad will display the guest's name, any special events the party may be celebrating such as a birthday or engagement, and if the guest has arrived at the attraction at the right time. 

There is already a significant relationship between Apple and the Walt Disney Company, what with Apple's late co-founder, Steve Jobs, being the head of Pixar, and member of Disney's board before he died in 2011. Disney CEO Bob Iger is also a board member at Apple.