Disney Tips Your Guide To A Great Disney Vacation
Last month, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill banning intentional balloon releases throughout the state, including at Walt Disney World Resort. The law took effect on July 1, meaning that any Disney Park guests aged seven or older who knowingly let go of balloons could face a $150 fine.
Wildlife protection organizations and activists praised Governor DeSantis’s rare pro-environment move. The ban protects sea turtles, marine birds, and other animals that have been injured or killed by balloon debris. It replaces a previous law that allowed biodegradable balloon releases, which still harm wildlife.
Credit: Ron DeSantis
Guests can still purchase balloons at Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney Springs (Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park bans the souvenirs to protect the animals). They can even bring their own balloons into the Disney parks. However, guests may not throw gender reveals or celebrations of life that involve releasing even one Mickey balloon.
An incident at Disneyland Resort recently reiterated the need for such balloon release bans. Redditor u/Rockcocky recently shared this photo of a bundle of deflated balloons tangled on Radiator Springs Racers at Disney California Adventure Park:
Stray balloons in Ornament Valley. 07/10/24 7:20pm pst
Stray balloons in Ornament Valley. 07/10/24 7:20pm pst
byu/Rockcocky inDisneyland
The balloons aren’t Disney-branded and appear to have been brought into the theme park by guests for a personal celebration. It’s unclear if they intentionally or accidentally released them.
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Unfortunately, the intention doesn’t matter when considering the impact. The balloons not only detract from the Cars Land atmosphere but also pose a health risk to feral cats, birds, and other wildlife that call Disneyland Resort home.
Credit: Ed Aguila, Inside the Magic
Other Disneyland Resort guests reported that the same bunch of balloons has sat on Radiator Springs Racers for weeks.
“They’ve been there a minute, my wife and I have spotted them since early June,” u/GuavaMyPickle commented. “Weird.”
Disney Parks fans were disgusted at the “littering.”
Credit: Disney
“[This was done by] either the people that like to release balloons in symbolism or got away from a party,” said u/feivelgoesbest. “These balloons are terrible for the environment.”
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s balloon release ban doesn’t apply to Disneyland Park, Downtown Disney, and Disney California Adventure Park, which are located in Southern California.
Should Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort continue selling balloons? Share your take on the subject with us in the comments.
