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Apple Pay rolling out at Disney World this week

 
For in-person purchases, Apple Pay users hold their phones, which are protected by their Touch ID systems, near a touch-to-pay reader.
For in-person purchases, Apple Pay users hold their phones, which are protected by their Touch ID systems, near a touch-to-pay reader.
Published Dec. 23, 2014

ORLANDO — Apple Pay and other "contactless payment" services are being introduced at Walt Disney World this week.

A three-day rollout is scheduled to be complete by Wednesday, a Disney World spokeswoman said Monday. This initial phase will cover ticketing, merchandise areas and quick-service food and beverage outlets throughout the resort, she said.

Apple CEO Tim Cook announced the service in September, and it launched in late October. Consumers with the iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus can make digitized payments using a single tap with their devices, which are protected by their Touch ID systems. It will also be part of the upcoming Apple Watch product.

For in-person purchases, Apple Pay users hold their devices near a touch-to-pay reader. The equipment that Disney World has used for its MagicBands, part of the company's widespread MyMagic+ project, will be used for Apple Pay and other services as well.

This week's rollout includes Google Wallet, Softcard and other payment services tied to credit card companies.

The system eventually will be expanded to include table-service restaurants and business with Disney World's operating partners, the spokeswoman said. The parks-and-resorts division's global technology group is amid a reorganization that Disney recently said will allow it to reach more long-term goals, one year after two information-technology vice presidents were replaced.

Last week, the Orlando Magic became the first NBA team to start using Apple Pay.

Other businesses using Apple Pay include American Eagle, Bloomingdale's, Foot Locker, McDonald's, Macy's, Panera Bread, Subway, Texaco, Whole Foods Markets, Walgreens, Toys "R" Us, Sports Authority, Chevron and BJ's.