How Jenkinson’s Boardwalk Modernized the Guest Experience with Semnox
Client
Located in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey, Jenkinson’s Boardwalk has been a destination for family entertainment since 1928. Featuring amusement rides, arcades, attractions, and oceanfront experiences, the boardwalk welcomes generations of guests each year and has become a staple of the Jersey Shore experience.
As the organization approaches its centennial anniversary, the team began evaluating ways to modernize operations, improve guest experiences, and prepare for future growth while preserving the traditions that make the venue special.
As guest expectations evolved, Jenkinson’s began looking for a technology platform that could unify operations across the property. The goal was to create a more seamless experience for guests while reducing friction between rides, arcades, and other attractions.
Challenge
Like many long-established attractions, Jenkinson’s was operating with a legacy card system that had served the business for years but was beginning to create friction throughout the guest experience.
One of the most visible challenges involved the property’s swipe card technology. Guests occasionally needed multiple attempts to activate rides, games, and attractions, creating small but frequent interruptions throughout their visit.
“The old system was a swipe,” explained Vincent Storino, Operations Manager for Jenkinson’s Boardwalk. “You’d be walking by and you’d see people trying to go back and forth to get the swipe to work. With the tap, that doesn’t happen.”
Beyond guest convenience, Jenkinson’s was evaluating how technology could support its long-term vision for the property. The organization wanted a solution capable of:
- Modernizing the guest experience
- Reducing lines and operational bottlenecks
- Supporting outdoor boardwalk operations
- Preserving existing guest card balances
- Improving staff efficiency
- Providing greater flexibility throughout the property
Because of the boardwalk’s long history and loyal guest base, preserving customer value was especially important. Any transition would need to protect existing card balances and guest information while minimizing disruption to daily operations.
As Jenkinson’s evaluated multiple providers, the team looked for a platform that could support both its current operational needs and future modernization goals.
“It definitely took research,” said Storino. “We were in between different systems, but once we looked at everything, Semnox was definitely the clear choice for us.”
Solution
After evaluating multiple providers, Jenkinson’s selected Semnox and implemented a cashless amusement park system built around RFID tap cards, outdoor self-service kiosks, mobile handheld devices, and a seamless migration strategy for existing guest accounts.
“It definitely took research,” said Storino. “We were in between different systems, but once we looked at everything, Semnox was definitely the clear choice for us.”
The implementation focused on improving guest convenience while maintaining continuity for longtime visitors.
Seamlessly Migrating from Legacy Cards
One of the biggest concerns operators face when replacing a legacy system is preserving guest value and loyalty.
Jenkinson’s addressed this challenge through Semnox’s migration capabilities, allowing guests to transfer balances from older cards directly onto new RFID tap cards within seconds.
“So here I have an old barcode card from our previous system,” explained Robert Forsyth, General Manager of the amusement park. “We simply scan it here, and within five seconds we’ll be getting a brand new Semnox tap card that can be used in the ride park, the arcades games.”
The streamlined process eliminated the need for manual intervention while allowing guests to continue using their stored value without disruption.
Expanding Reach of Theme Park Ticketing Systems
Replacing Swipe Technology with RFID Tap Cards
Moving from swipe technology to RFID tap cards created a more seamless experience throughout the property. Instead of repeatedly swiping cards and encountering read errors, guests can simply tap to access rides, games, and attractions.
The result is a faster, more intuitive experience that reduces friction and improves throughput during busy operating periods.
For attractions that serve thousands of guests during peak season, even small improvements in transaction speed can have a significant impact on guest satisfaction.
Reducing Lines Through Outdoor Self-Service Kiosks
Jenkinson’s also implemented outdoor self-service kiosks throughout the property.
The kiosks allow guests to purchase cards, reload balances, migrate legacy accounts, and manage their play experience without waiting in traditional service lines.
“I am very happy with our outdoor kiosks,” said Forsyth. “They’ve alleviated a lot of stress and lines.”
Guests can also check balances, view prize inventories, and manage their accounts independently, creating a more convenient experience while reducing pressure on staff.
Empowering Staff with Mobile Handheld Technology
One of the most impactful additions was the implementation of mobile handheld devices.
Unlike traditional systems that require guests to visit fixed locations for assistance, Jenkinson’s employees can now resolve issues directly on the boardwalk. The devices allow employees to process refunds, reload cards, troubleshoot issues, and assist guests without sending them to another location.
“Handhelds were probably one of the deal breakers for everybody besides Semnox. No one else seemed to have them, ” said Jeremy Fischer, general manager, South Arcade at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk. “It’s great for the guest because they don’t get sent to a line or have to walk with you to an office somewhere. You can do it right then and there.”
The handhelds also support ride operations by allowing staff to validate guests before they reach permanent scanning stations, improving ride throughput during busy periods.
“When you do experience those busy times and you need to expedite the lines, we can have employees scan people before they even get to the brick-and-mortar scanner. We can make our ride cycles go much quicker with these handhelds,” concluded Fischer.
Outcome
Since implementing the Semnox platform, Jenkinson’s Boardwalk has successfully modernized key areas of its operation while preserving the guest experience that generations of visitors have come to expect.
The new system has helped create a more connected experience across rides, arcades, and attractions while giving guests greater flexibility through RFID tap cards, self-service kiosks, and mobile support tools.
The implementation has helped the organization:
- Create a more seamless guest experience across the property
- Reduce guest wait times and operational bottlenecks
- Eliminate swipe-card frustrations through RFID tap technology
- Simplify legacy card balance migration
- Improve ride throughput during peak periods
- Expand guest self-service capabilities
- Increase staff efficiency
- Support future modernization initiatives across the boardwalk
The transition itself was carefully managed to minimize disruption to both guests and staff.
“The transition was made very easy by the team,” said Jeremy Fischer. “The deadline was met. The training was excellent.”
One of the most significant improvements has come through increased efficiency. By implementing self-service kiosks, and mobile guest service capabilities, Jenkinson’s has been able to streamline staffing requirements in the arcade.
“We’ve reduced our staff by about six people,” Fischer said. “Being ticketless, having the redemption centers, having the kiosk on the floor, has made work a lot easier.”
The success of the deployment has also created opportunities for future expansion. With guests increasingly adopting self-service options, Jenkinson’s is already exploring ways to further enhance the experience.
“We’re actually thinking about taking out our change booth and putting in two new kiosks,” added Fischer.
As the boardwalk prepares for its next century of operation, the implementation has provided a scalable technology foundation that supports both current operations and future growth.
Lessons for Amusement Park Operators
How Do Amusement Parks Transition from Legacy Card Systems?
Modern migration tools allow operators to transfer guest balances, loyalty data, and stored value from legacy systems into new RFID-based platforms with minimal disruption. This helps preserve guest loyalty while reducing the risk typically associated with technology upgrades.
Why Are Attractions Replacing Swipe Cards with RFID Technology?
RFID tap cards provide faster transactions, fewer read failures, and a more seamless guest experience. They also support future enhancements such as cashless payments, loyalty programs, and integrated attraction access.
How Can Self-Service Kiosks Reduce Guest Wait Times?
Self-service kiosks allow guests to purchase, reload, and manage cards independently, reducing queues at service counters and allowing staff to focus on guest interactions rather than routine transactions.
What Are the Benefits of Mobile Handheld Devices?
Mobile handheld devices allow staff to resolve guest issues, process transactions, and validate admissions from anywhere in the venue. This improves guest satisfaction while helping operators manage crowds more efficiently.
What Should Operators Look for in a Cashless Amusement Park System?
Operators should look for a solution that combines guest convenience, operational flexibility, reliable hardware, self-service functionality, and long-term scalability. The right platform should not only improve today’s operations but also support future growth and modernization initiatives.
