Next-Gen Arrives at Select Epcot QSR Restaurants

The time we have all been waiting for is finally here. Disney's Next-Generation program has officially started in some of Epcot's Quick Service Restaurants (QSR). This includes a brand-new way of making transactions using the "Key to the World" cards (given to Guests staying at any Disney Resort) and credit cards.

With this new system, Cast Members of select restaurants do not need to take the cards and swipe them. Guests can now do that themselves. They can now just wave their card above a Mickey Mouse icon, and when the card gets accepted (after no more than one and a half seconds), the Mickey head starts glowing, and the transaction is considered complete. When the amount that a Guest has to pay exceeds $50.00, then they will have to enter a pin, which is first entered as soon as Guests check in the hotel they will be staying at.

What are the benefits of this change, you might ask. Well, for one thing transactions may be completed more efficiently and in a quicker manner. In addition to that, Guests will have control on their cards, and will do all by themselves. Also, it is going to be rather nice to see the Mickey icon glowing. It's cool, believe us!

Some of the restaurants that should have started using this system starting today (December 9, 2012) are:

• Sunshine Seasons;
• The Electric Umbrella;
• Fountainview Ice Cream Parlor.

Please, be aware that the system is still testing, so this may not be available every day for now. Also, we have still not noticed any other restaurant using this system at Epcot, but we will continue to keep you up-to-date. All the other locations should start using this new system before the end of January 2013.