As of May 7, 2025, thousands of Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort vacations are facing potential cancellations or delays due to a significant change in U.S. travel regulations. Starting tomorrow, the U.S. government will begin enforcing the REAL ID Act, which has been delayed for years. The change impacts air travel for U.S. citizens, requiring a federally compliant ID to board flights.
The REAL ID Act Finally Takes Effect
First passed in 2005, the REAL ID Act was designed as part of an enhanced national security initiative following the 9/11 attacks. It set federal guidelines for state-issued identification cards, including driver’s licenses and state IDs, which must now have a star in the upper right corner to be considered compliant. However, many Americans have yet to acquire a REAL ID, despite the enforcement deadline being pushed back multiple times due to issues with some states and, more recently, the COVID-19 pandemic.
Regardless, the Department of Homeland Security is now enforcing the REAL ID Act. Starting May 7, 2025, travelers must present one of the following forms of identification when flying domestically:
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REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID (marked with a star)
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U.S. passport or passport card
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DHS Trusted Traveler card (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI)
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Military ID or other federally approved forms
The TSA will turn away those without a compliant ID. The agency has made it clear there will be no exceptions, and all adults must present an approved form of ID. Travelers under 18 are exempt from this requirement as long as they travel with an adult with a compliant ID.
How This Affects Disney World and Disneyland Visitors
With Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort drawing millions of guests each year, especially those traveling by air, this new ID requirement could have major implications for vacation plans. Many guests flying into Orlando International Airport (MCO), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), or other nearby airports could find themselves unable to board flights if they don’t have a compliant ID.
As TSA officials will not make exceptions, travelers who arrive without an acceptable form of ID will not be allowed to proceed through airport security. While this change could lead to serious disruptions in travel plans, it will not directly affect Disney Park access; it only applies to air travel.
If you’re heading to the Disney parks and still don’t have a compliant identification card, you’ll want to visit your local DMV and ensure your ID is updated in time for your flight. Don’t risk being turned away at the airport just because of an expired or non-compliant ID!
Does this government restriction impact your next Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort vacation? Let Disney Fanatic know in the comments!
This is nothing new. It began 2007. Don’t make it a thing like usual.