Woman Encounters the ‘Final Boss of Capitalism’ at Dollywood, but Viewers Allege Someone Else Scammed the System: ‘He Stole Your Scan’
A quick soda refill turns into an online mystery
A Dollywood visitor’s attempt to fill up a drink turned into an online debate after she encountered a QR-code-activated soda machine and a stranger who appeared to use her scan to access the dispenser. Lanisha_Porter (@lanisha_porter) shared her experience at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, in a TikTok post that spread online after she described the park’s drink system as the “final boss of capitalism.”
In the TikTok video, Porter showed viewers a cup with a QR code and explained that guests must scan it before the machine will dispense a beverage. “This is like ‘final boss,'” she said. But after she scanned the code, the video showed another person’s hand near the machine as Porter waited. Some viewers focused less on the technology and more on the interaction that followed.
“He was waiting for you to scan your code to get ice. That was so rude,” one commenter wrote. Another viewer questioned whether the person used Porter’s activation: “Did he just wait for you to scan so he could use your access? Cus his cup doesn’t have a code???” In the comments, Porter responded, “Hmmm. Didn’t think of that.”
“Scan. Fill. Go!’ systems get mixed reviews
The system, known as “Scan. Fill. Go!” according to reports about the machines, uses QR codes printed on cups to activate certain beverage stations, as Porter describes. After scanning, guests receive a limited window to fill their cups before the machine stops dispensing.
Nonetheless, Porter did not accuse the other guest of intentionally bypassing the system. In her video, she described the unusual moment while trying to understand how the machine worked. “That is crazy to me.”
The system has prompted mixed reactions from visitors. A comment on her post noted, “Mind you, the carbonated water, corn syrup and food coloring that make up a soda costs .07 cents but you’re paying $7.00.” Someone else added, “amusement park near me does the same and you have to scan the QR code for water too. him using it probably stopped yours!”
Reports about the system indicate that the technology is not unique to Dollywood. Other theme parks, including Universal Orlando Resort and LEGOLAND Florida Resort, use Coca-Cola Freestyle cups with electronic chips that verify whether a guest has purchased an active refill plan before dispensing beverages. Unlike the QR-code process shown in Porter’s video, those systems rely on RFID or chip-based technology rather than on scanning a code printed on the cup.
Dollywood has not publicly commented on Porter’s specific video. The park’s guest information confirms that it operates food and beverage locations throughout the property and provides complimentary cups of water at fountain drink locations.
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