Hands-on with the new RFID 'Touch to Pay' payment system at Disney's Contemporary Resort

Aug 06, 2012 in "Disney's Contemporary Resort"

Posted: Monday August 6, 2012 4:57pm EDT by WDWMAGIC Staff
We reported last week that RFID payment terminals are now in place at Disney's Contemporary Resort, and today we have a little more information on the specifics of how it works.

During this 'Touch to Pay' test, random guests are being selected at check-in to use the system, and are equipped with a special 'Key to the World' resort card.  The card is equipped with the RFID system to interface with the payment terminals, as well as to operate the room locks.  A PIN number is also assigned at check-in to provide an additional layer of security for any payments over $50, or whenever gratuity can be added to the system. 

Each register is equipped with a Mickey head logo RFID reader (photo below), along with a regular magnetic card swipe reader to read regular credit cards.  When paying for an item, the guest just touches the RFID Key to the World card to the sensor, and the payment is instantly taken.  If the value is over $50 or includes gratuity, the pre-assigned PIN number must be entered.  The charge then appears on the guest's resort bill, in the same way that previous rooom charges would be listed.

The Contemporary Resort currently has these readers installed at Contempo Cafe, the pool bars and the gift shops.  The test is currently limited to the Contemporary, and the special Key to the World cards cannot be used to make RFID payments elsewhere.

It is expected that ultimately these readers will be installed at every register on property.

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