Getting banned from Disney World or Disneyland sounds like the ultimate punishment, right? You’d think a lifetime ban means you’ll never set foot in the Most Magical Place on Earth again. But according to some theme park fans, Disney might not be enforcing these bans as strictly as you’d expect.
We’re talking about guests who have been booted for fighting, sneaking into restricted areas, public intoxication, and even stealing prime fireworks-viewing spots. But while Disney security isn’t shy about kicking rule-breakers out, more and more people are claiming that getting banned isn’t exactly the end of the road.
Can Disney Really Keep You Out?
A recent discussion on Reddit exposed what some call a major loophole in Disney’s security system. “How does Disneyland actually track banned guests?” one user asked, pointing out that unlike Disney World, which uses fingerprint scanners, Disneyland only takes guest photos at the entrance. Could someone just buy a new ticket with a different name and walk right back in?
Others quickly chimed in with their own experiences. One person spilled, “From what I’ve heard, if you get a formal ban, they mostly leave you alone unless you cause trouble again. If you do, THEN they’ll trespass you and go after you legally.”
But some guests claim Disney barely enforces bans at all. One commenter dropped this bombshell: “My brother and his girlfriend got kicked out of DCA for being wasted. She was actually ARRESTED and fired from her cast member job. They were told they couldn’t return for a year. Guess what? They bought Magic Keys when sales opened and never had an issue.”
And if you think that’s bad, here’s another shocker: One guest admitted, “I was banned for life in 1972 and never had a problem getting back in. No facial recognition back then, but honestly, with how expensive tickets are now, I doubt they even care as long as I’m paying.”
So, Do Disney Bans Even Matter?
While Disney can absolutely ban guests and even take legal action if they try to return, these stories suggest that enforcement isn’t as tight as you’d expect. Sure, security might recognize repeat offenders or high-profile troublemakers, but for the average banned guest? Some claim Disney just isn’t keeping tabs on them.
BUT—before you start planning a sneaky return after getting banned, know this: if Disney does catch you, it’s considered trespassing. That means you could be slapped with a hefty fine, permanently flagged in their system, or even arrested. So while some folks may have slipped through the cracks, trying to beat the system isn’t worth the risk. Disney might not always catch banned guests—but when they do, the consequences aren’t magical.
