Did Disney Just Cost Itself Millions of Dollars?

Back in October, rumors started swirling that Disney was suddenly taking a hard-line stance on unauthorized tour guides in its Florida theme parks. Then, in November, those rumors were confirmed when tour guides reported being banned from Walt Disney World theme parks. They were also allegedly threatened with being arrested if they tried to get back in.

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Now, it should be noted that Disney has never really allowed third-party tour guides to work in its theme parks. Disney offers its own private tour guides, but those can range in price from $450 to $900 per hour. Because of the high price, for years, Disney looked the other way as third-party tour guides led families through the parks.

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According to reports, Disney decided to put an end to the unauthorized guides in the parks because of an increase in rule-breaking from the guides and their groups. This mainly comes in the form of guides having guests lie about having a medical issue (like Irritable Bowel Syndrome) so they can get a Disability Pass. That will allow the entire group to skip waiting in the regular lines and get to the front of the line faster.

Unfortunately, there were many good tour guides who have operated their businesses for years and now find themselves wondering how they will pay their bills. One guide, Melinda, who spoke to Disney Fanatic, said that she operated her Walt Disney World Resort tour guide business for more than 15 years — with Disney’s approval.

I ran around for the family so they could enjoy time with their kids, get coffee, hold a sleeping baby… just be there to bring the magic Walt wanted. I made zero profit for years because I live 3 hrs away and had to rent a car to get there, my husband was an assistant pastor with no income. I spent time with families through 2 pregnancies, almost had my second baby at the park lol.. had to pump for 6 months on lunch break. Disney legal and security called me many times over the years and assured me, I’m welcome.. just don’t abuse the rules. I never did, as I promised them and we had a great relationship. I’ve personally only done 6 families all year and just go with my kids basically. I literally got trespassed with no explanation, the blood, sweat and tears I poured into  my favorite place in the world has been ignored and squashed. It’s my livelihood folks, and I asked disney over and over for 15 years if I’m ok doing this (I’m very moral and really felt they were being honest with me.. telling me it’s alright).

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Other guides said that they were shocked by Disney’s decision because they helped Disney make a lot of money. The guides said that they always encouraged their guests to eat at nice restaurants on property. They were also known for their great reputations and never lied to Disney cast members in order to break the DAS (disability) rules.

Guides were not the only ones who were disappointed by Disney’s sudden change of heart. When Disney Fanatic reported on the ban, many followers commented that they had used third-party tour guides, and they would not have experienced so much Disney magic without them. Some also said they wouldn’t be going back to the parks if they didn’t have the guides to help them.

So What Should Disney Do?

It was pointed out that, despite the price, Disney’s private tour guides are frequently all booked, so there aren’t always enough tour guides for people who want to use them.

Instead of banning them from the parks altogether, Disney could easily come to an agreement with the third-party guides. They could make a deal that would benefit both Disney and the guides.

Disney could maybe issue vendor licenses to the tour guide companies that have good reputations — ones that are known for their stellar service and their honesty. Those companies would be “Disney Certified” — just like certain travel companies. Those guides would be more affordable for people and would know the best places to bring people while in the parks.

It’s possible that Disney could even charge these tour companies a small yearly fee in order to keep their vendor license. There would also be a set of rules that the tour guides would have to follow while in the parks. But working with the guides would basically just be a win-win.

Disney has been struggling with its image lately — between its struggles at the box office, guests’ experiences while in the parks, and the high price tag that comes with a Disney vacation. Working with these guides would show that Disney does not want to keep the good guides out. It would also show that the company is supportive of businesses in the area. Especially businesses that want to help Disney’s bottom line.

So Disney, let’s listen to the guides and the guests and come to an agreement with third-party companies and guides that so many guests have come to love!

Would you love to see Disney certify third-party tour guides so they can work in the parks again? Let us know in the comments!