As I will discuss on this week's WDW Radio Show Disney Podcast, my recent trip to Walt Disney World was not only very enjoyable (aren't they all?), but provided me with some great information, both confirmed and otherwise, that I'll share on this week's show.

One thing that I did want to just teas a little bit are the changes that will be coming to both the turnstiles at the parks, and the FASTPASS system altogether.

If you have been to WDW recently, you will of course have noticed the changes to the FASTPASS tickets, as they are now longer than the original tickets, and also contain a new barcode, which to date, has not been utilized. This new addition has caused many people to question its significance, and possible future uses. Well fear not, because the bar codes are far less ominous than some people may have feared.  

In the very near future, WDW will be testing and implementing a new way to speed along the FASTPASS system. Instead of having a Cast Member manually look at and count the FASTPASSES (also ensuring that the dates and times are within the window that you were given), there will now be a bar code reader that will scan each FASTPASS to ensure its validity, and in the process, also speed along the queue.   

Now over at the turnstiles at the park entrance, another change will be taking place there as well. Instead of the finger readers (no, they don't scan your fingerprint and compare it with one "on file" - they simply look at some variables in the size and shape of your finger to compare it with an earlier measurement... but I once again digress), a new system will be installed and tested soon, beginning with the Magic Kingdom. 

New barcode readers will be installed to read the... wait... didn't you look at your recent Key to the World card and see the barcode at the bottom? Like the one here?

Were you wondering what it was for? Well, as I said, in the coming weeks (months?), Disney will be installing barcode readers at the turnstiles. Now, instead of scanning your finger, you will simply swipe your card and gain entry. No more choosing which hand or finger, waiting for people to get it "just right" - it will be a quick, automated process. I think this is a wonderful idea, as no longer will Guest interaction and familiarity with the process determine how long it takes to gain entry. As long as the card contains valid entry media on it, the Guest can gain access. Will this possibly allow people to use a card form someone else in their party? Probably. Is that a big deal? Not likely. 

One caveat to mention - I do understand that in addition to the barcode reader, the scanners (for now), will also have to read the magnetic strip on the back, as it contains additional information not included on the simple barcode (which is really just a graphical representation of a sequence of number, letters, etc.). 

I am not sure of the timetable for this changeover as yet, but it is something we will likely see over the next few months. It will be an interesting test (and yes, these will be tests initially to determine their success), to see if it speeds along entry into the park (which I believe it will), as well as on the FASTPASS queues.

What do you think? Let us know by posting in the forums .