Technology

KeyLime Cove to be cashless

Jan 10, 2008

GURNEE, Ill. (Jan. 07, 2008) - America's Most Exciting Indoor Water Resort is America's most cutting-edge water resort, as well.

On Feb. 29, 2008, KEYLIME COVE - the brainchild of Dave Anderson, founder of the Famous Dave's Legendary Pit Bar-B-Que and Rainforest Cafe restaurant chains - will make its big splash when the resort officially opens its doors to the public and welcomes guests to a one-of-a-kind tropical "cruise-ship-on-land" experience.

But that's not the only completely unique experience that KeyLime Cove will soon be offering.

In addition to a 65,000-square-foot waterpark and luxurious 414-room hotel, KeyLime Cove will also be the nation's first waterpark - indoor or outdoor - to become completely cashless by utilizing state-of-the-art Smart Band RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) wristband technology.

"KeyLime Cove is putting a new twist on the way Americans vacation," Andrew Bateman, KeyLime Cove Water Resort Managing Director, said about the 30-acre resort located off Interstate Highway 94 just north of the Grand Avenue exit. "And true to KeyLime Cove's carefree atmosphere, with Precision Dynamics' Smart Band® RFID system, our guests won't have to worry about carrying room keys or worry about keeping track of their money.

"Parents will be able to pre-fund their children?s wristbands, so they can monitor purchases."

Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID), the same technology that's used in the Illinois Tollway I-PASS collection system, works by using radio waves to transmit a unique ID number that can be picked up on a nearby receiver.

Inside KeyLime Cove, "Smart Kiosks" designed by Precision Dynamics will feature touch-screen monitors that allow parents to deposit money into their children?s RFID accounts through cash, credit cards or existing room credit. Every guest will be given his or her own unique wristband through which they can then buy items at resort shops and restaurants, access their hotel room or locker without keys and even play arcade games through RFID-enabled token machines.

All of it, quite literally, can be done with the wave of a wrist.

Additionally, guests who board some of KeyLime Cove's "splash-tastic" water rides will receive a unique and exciting opportunity to capture a memory. While on the ride, the wristband will be scanned by an RFID reader to link the guest with a digital photograph taken of them. Guests can then view their photographs on monitors at the ride's exit.

While a handful of other waterparks in the U.S. utilize RFID technology, KeyLime Cove is the very first to become totally cashless. To achieve that milestone, Precision Dynamics worked with seven third-party software and hardware partners to install RFID applications throughout KeyLime Cove that allow guests to pay even for vending without any cash.

"KeyLime Cove's installation of Precision Dynamics' Smart Band ® RFID wristband system will give our guests an incomparable level of ease and convenience," Bateman said. "KeyLime Cove is all about the guests, and we're just thrilled to be offering such a cutting-edge technology to America's newest and most exciting indoor water resort."

Having broken ground in January 2007, KeyLime Cove Water Resort touts family-friendly resort-style suites and staterooms and destination restaurants, such as The Crazy Toucan Margarita Grill and D.W. Anderson's Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor and Eatery. In addition to its sprawling indoor waterpark that's short on lines and long on fun, guests can explore an ocean of videogame action inside the massive RipTide Reef Arcade, located inside the Midwest's ultimate family vacation destination. Finally, for those who truly want tropical pampering, KeyLime Cove features Paradise Mist Spa, an island-inspired haven offering everything from a Margarita Manicure to the one-of-a-kind Hot Lava Shell Full Body Massage that will float your troubles away.

KeyLime Cove's own cast of charismatic characters, such as Toukie the Toucan and Marty the Chameleon, also help the resort crew spread the "fun-shine" through story-telling and performances.

Families interested in making reservations at KeyLime Cove in order to ensure a tropical escape this winter can do so by visiting www.keylimecove.com or by calling toll free at 877-360-0403.

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