Disney World Considers Banning Third-Party Tour Guides

Walt Disney World in Orlando, a sprawling theme park, is considering a ban on third-party tour guides, who are independent of Disney and often hired to assist guests, particularly those with disabilities. These guides are employed to help navigate the park, and they frequently accompany disabled guests, providing them with expedited access to rides and attractions, allowing them to avoid long wait times, along with their entire party.

However, Disney World is tightening its regulations due to reported abuses of this practice by certain tour guides. Some third-party guides have received trespass notices from Disney World and have been banned from the park. According to the law, Disney officials must wait until the group physically enters the park before taking action, which can result in customers not only losing their money for the park tickets but also the fees paid to the guides.

Disney World is categorizing this practice as “unauthorized commercial activity” because these tour guides are external entities profiting while on Disney property, which is typically prohibited unless you are a Disney employee. As a response, Disney World intends to rely on its own staff to provide assistance to disabled guests.

Tour guides found in violation of the rules could face a lifetime ban from Disney World. They may appeal the ban, but only after a full year has passed.

It’s worth noting that Disney is facing its financial challenges, though it’s not directly related to this situation.