the card swiper/scanner could possibly malfunction... like a lot of the other computer equipment there. there would still need to be an attendant there encase of those malfunctions... then the scanner would probably be a waste.
a 2-day pass is $47.99 and the gold pass is $99.99... for now. prices will go up in late-May. plus, on the second day you go to the park and decide that you do want to go more times with him, just go to the sales windows with your two day ticket and simply upgrade it to a pass. You just pay the difference.
although you are renewing it online, you still have to go get a new pass made. your best bet to get through quickly is to just take your 08 pass to the sales window and have it renewed there. you do not have to deal with processing whatsoever then. you will use your 08 pass again in 09.