Disney parks around the world continue to tighten policies aimed at improving guest behavior and enhancing overall experiences, with one park introducing a brand-new policy as of today.
In recent years, reports of disruptive conduct, from line-cutting to physical altercations, have highlighted the need for stricter rules. These challenges have prompted the implementation of new measures to ensure a safer and more enjoyable environment for visitors.
Rule Changes at Disney World and Disneyland
Following a surge of altercations at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, The Walt Disney Company introduced a courtesy notice in 2022, urging guests to uphold the spirit of respect and kindness. On Disneyland’s website, the message is clear: “We ask all who come to this happy place to treat others with respect, kindness, and compassion.”
Disney World’s guidelines take it a step further, explicitly outlining expectations. Guests are reminded to “show common courtesy to fellow Guests and our Cast Members” by avoiding profanity, disruptive behavior, and line-cutting.
The rules also emphasize safety, asking visitors to refrain from running outside designated areas. These measures reflect Disney’s commitment to preserving a welcoming and harmonious atmosphere across its parks.
New Rule Changes Hit Shanghai Disneyland
A more specific pressing issue impact Shanghai Disneyland lately is the overuse of electric wheelchairs by young guests. As per Yangtse Evening Post, an increasing number of these parkgoers have been using electric wheelchairs as a convenient way to skip the thousands of steps that come with a Disney day and using their wheelchairs as bumper cars or racing one another in the process.
The issue reportedly stemmed from the fact that businesses near the Disney park are providing electric wheelchair rental services and, in order to deal with the inspection when entering Shanghai Disneyland, they can provide an “inspection form” that will ensure they’re given access.
As of today (December 10), however, Shanghai Disneyland has cracked down on its entry rules.
Moving forward, only guests with disabilities, elderly visitors, or those with lower limb mobility issues or specific health conditions will be allowed to bring electric wheelchairs into the park. Visitors must register in advance through the Shanghai Disney Resort Reservation Center by 8 p.m. at least two days before their visit.
Once inside, wheelchair users are also required to maintain a walking pace, with a speed limit capped at 6 km/h.
Additional Disney Park Rule Changes on the Horizon
Shanghai Disneyland isn’t stopping with its mobility-related rule changes—major updates to its ticketing system are just around the corner. Known for standout attractions like TRON Lightcycle Power Run (also featured at Disney World), Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure, Fantasia Carousel, Roaring Rapids, and the newly launched Zootopia area, the park will introduce new ticketing rules starting December 23.
To combat the growing problem of ticket scalping, guests will now need to book tickets using an ID that matches their name, which must also be shown at entry. Each ID can be used to purchase only one ticket, tightening controls to ensure fair access.
Additionally, the Disney park is overhauling its child ticket policy by switching from a height-based system to one based solely on age. Under the new guidelines, children under three will still enjoy free admission, while those aged three to 11 will qualify for discounted child tickets, regardless of height. This change simplifies ticketing and provides a more consistent standard for families.
What other rules should Disney introduce to address inappropriate guest behavior?
