No ID, No Entry: Disney Park’s New Policy Kicks Off Next Month

All guests entering one Disney park will need to present ID as of December 23.

Disney parks worldwide have long struggled with ticket scalping, a practice where tickets are resold at inflated prices for profit. Events like Oogie Boogie Bash and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort are frequent targets, with limited tickets being resold for hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Meanwhile, Shanghai Disneyland has long battled scalpers who previously sold free FastPasses for $270+ apiece and often gather outside the park gates to shill tickets to guests looking to enter last minute.

Now, the park is taking a stand with strict new ID rules aimed at curbing ticket scalping.

New Disney Park Ticket Verification Policy

Starting December 23, 2024, Shanghai Disneyland will enforce an ID-based ticketing system to eliminate unauthorized resales. Guests will need to provide a government-issued ID when purchasing tickets and present the same ID at the park entrance. This marks a significant change from the previous policy, which allowed up to five tickets per person.

For children without government-issued IDs, alternative identification methods will be accepted, such as certificates with both an ID number and a photo. International guests can use passports or other recognized ID forms. Guests must ensure the accuracy of their ID details at purchase, as changes will not be allowed post-sale.

Addressing a Growing Scalping Problem

Shanghai Disneyland’s new policy comes after rising reports of ticket scalpers selling park tickets at inflated prices, sometimes even outside park gates. The resort stated the rules align with its commitment to enhancing the guest experience and match ticketing practices at other destinations in China.

The Disney park, home to iconic attractions like TRON Lightcycle Power Run and Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure, has also restricted annual passholders from buying one-day tickets on days that their pass is valid. These efforts aim to reduce illegal activities that harm the park’s reputation and operations.

Additional ID Restrictions

Shanghai Disneyland isn’t alone in tightening its ID rules. Earlier this year, Disney Cruise Line updated ID requirements for boarding, while Disneyland Paris mandates international guests carry passports at all times.

Shanghai Disneyland emphasizes that these changes are part of an ongoing collaboration with local authorities to combat illegal commercial practices. The resort aims to provide a seamless, fair experience for all visitors while safeguarding its reputation as a premier destination.

Do you think more theme parks should require ID?