Disney Tips Your Guide To A Great Disney Vacation
Whether you’re meticulously planning your dream Disney vacation or you’re a die-hard Disney fan enchanted by Mickey Mouse and pixie dust, it’s important to remember that not all experiences around Disney are magical. Unfortunately, “Disney Villains” can lurk even in the real world, using scams to take advantage of unsuspecting Guests.
While Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort are among the safest destinations, there are scammers who target the excitement and eagerness of Disney visitors. From questionable merchandise to fake services, here’s how you can protect yourself and your loved ones during your Disney adventures.
1. Be Cautious with Personal Shoppers
When a must-have item hits the shelves at Disney Parks or shopDisney, it can be frustrating to miss out due to timing or distance. Enter personal shoppers. While many of these individuals are reputable, others may use your trust to scam you.
Some scammers claim they’re heading into the parks to grab merchandise, even sending photos of items to gain your trust. But after you send payment, the promised item never arrives. If you decide to use a personal shopper, thoroughly vet their reviews and references. Stick to established, reputable shoppers to ensure a magical transaction.
Credit: Disney
2. Watch Out for Resellers
The topic of resellers is a divisive one among Disney fans. These individuals buy up limited-edition items, often in bulk, and then resell them online at inflated prices. While Disney has implemented limits (e.g., two items per person per transaction), some resellers find ways around these restrictions.
If you’re considering purchasing from a reseller, confirm their credibility through reviews and customer feedback. That limited-edition Loungefly backpack or collectible pin is only worth the splurge if you’re confident you’re not being scammed.
3. Avoid Suspicious Pizza Flyers
After a long day at the parks, you might head back to your Disney Resort for some much-needed relaxation. You may notice a flyer slipped under your door advertising pizza or other food deliveries. While Disney Resorts do allow outside food delivery, scammers have been known to use fake brochures to lure unsuspecting Guests.
In these cases, scammers take your credit card information, but the pizza never arrives. To avoid this, order food from trusted vendors or use official delivery services. If in doubt, ask a Cast Member for recommendations.
4. Ignore Unsolicited Phone Calls
Staying at a Disney Resort? Beware of unsolicited calls asking for your credit card or personal information. Scammers sometimes pose as Disney Cast Members to trick you into sharing sensitive details.
Remember, Disney Cast Members will never call to ask for your credit card number. If you receive a call like this, hang up and contact Disney directly at their official customer service number to confirm the request.
5. Be Wary of Discounted Tickets
Disney tickets are an investment, and the allure of discounted prices on third-party sites can be tempting. However, if a deal seems too good to be true, it likely is. Purchasing tickets from unverified sources such as Craigslist or eBay can result in fake or invalid tickets.
To ensure a seamless visit, always purchase your park tickets directly from Disney or from authorized sellers like AAA or reputable travel agencies. Avoid heartache and scams by sticking to trusted sources.
Credit: Disney
6. Say No to Hiring “Handicap Guests”
One of the more disturbing scams involves individuals pretending to be handicapped and offering their services to groups seeking special accommodations. Scammers exploit Disney’s Disability Access Service (DAS) system to allow parties to return to attractions at a scheduled time rather than waiting in line.
Disney has strict policies in place to prevent abuse of this system. Keep in mind that just because a Guest uses a wheelchair doesn’t mean they can skip the line. Don’t engage with anyone offering such unethical services.
7. Avoid Non-Official Disney Merchandise
From counterfeit Loungefly bags to knock-off trading pins, fake Disney merchandise is a growing issue. Scammers often sell these items at online marketplaces or unofficial stores.
To ensure you’re getting authentic Disney products, stick to trusted retailers such as shopDisney, Disney Store locations, or reputable third-party vendors like Target. Be cautious with items that seem unusually discounted, as they may be counterfeit.
8. Protect Your Personal Information
Scammers often prey on distracted or overly enthusiastic park visitors. Always keep your personal information, such as credit card details and reservation confirmations, secure. If anything feels “off” or too good to be true, trust your instincts and walk away.
Credit: Disney
Additional Safety Tips
- Stay Updated on Disney Policies: Familiarize yourself with Disney’s policies on ticket purchases, merchandise limits, and disability services to avoid confusion.
- Leverage Disney’s Official Resources: Use the My Disney Experience app or Disney’s official website for park maps, dining reservations, and merchandise availability. This ensures you’re always accessing accurate, up-to-date information.
- Be Vigilant: Scammers thrive on creating urgency. Take your time to research any third-party offers before making a commitment.
Final Thoughts
Disney destinations are magical, but it’s essential to remain cautious to avoid falling victim to scams. By staying informed and vigilant, you can protect yourself and enjoy a truly enchanting vacation.
As Jiminy Cricket wisely said, “Let your conscience be your guide.” Trust your instincts, do your research, and always opt for reputable sources when it comes to your Disney experience. With these tips in mind, you can keep the magic alive and the “Disney Villains” at bay.
