Try reading the article again. They didn’t buy a day pass. They brought a pass that allowed multiple visits, but required a reservation. That was my take on it.
I’ve lived in Florida for 35 years and never had to do reserve. Covid is every company excuse to manipulate the public.loved Disney, but its not like it used to be. I saw the change for the last 10 years you can’t leave your carrier rental like we used to with your merchandise in it and no one would steel it now they do. People fight and act crazy like never before. It was real family oriented, respectful and trusting
You have never been able to leave your merch unattended in any theme park at any point in history. You couldn’t even do this in the 1970’s, when I used to visit Disney World monthly. This is just revisionist nonsense.
Get rid of reservations. It’s becoming way too complicated to and expensive to even bother to go there.I used to be a Disney fanatic, but since good old Bob C . Is involved I will stay away from the parks.Sooo very sad.
Seems a simple solution would be for the system to automatically make the required reservation at the time of ticket purchase. It’s a Disney issue not the comsumer.
Problem is done want to purchase a ticket for someone else as a gift and then making a reservation at purchase wouldn’t be much for a surprise anymore if they want to give it at a later time like on a birthday. Otherwise, yea it would be nice if it would make you do a reservation right away and depending on how you buy a ticket on the website it can make you get the reservation for a certain date I’ve seen it before but i think most people go straight to purchase ticket instead of make a reservation and purchasing a ticket that way
They could have an option that. “No i will make a reservation later” to cover your gift scenario. The points as the process should be automatically linked.
The story is sad but there is a simple solution. My wife and I are Walt Disney World AP ticket holders. A few month ago we wanted to go to Disney and made dinner reservations but forgot to make a park reservation silly me well standing in line and the entrance and we could not enter a guy with his tablet came over and gave us a park reservation. No harm no foul.
I’m so lost. I lived in So Cal all my youth. We’d drive to the park (sometimes skip school on a sunny day) on a whim. Park, walk/hike to the gate/ticket booth, buy a ticket and go right in? Of course we moved away the last 15 yrs but when did it become so darn complicated to just go to the park? You’ve got to do everything online now? E-Tickets and then there’s a reservation an AP what ?and fast pass huh? Then give biometrics, finger prints, AND have a photo taken of you ‘for the ticket’ and what now? Blood and stool samples? Just wow…. Aside from it costing as much as a used car for the cost of a day to visit, this is making me less interested even more to ever return. Yikes!
You know what it may not be right. But come on they are 70, HOW MANY RIDES DO YOU THINK THEY WILL GET ON. Yes I under stand about covid and other things. Life’s to short to worry about such petty things. GET over it.
The system does automatically require you to make a reservation at the time of the ticket purchase. It also allows you to easily make a reservation and none of it requires you to be tech savvy, just being able to click boxes and read text.
Geez maybe they wanted to RIDE EVERYTHING .. except maybe stupid Splash Mountain where we got stuck for 45 minutes and our 3 little kids were screaming 😱 because the speakers 🔊 were making their ears bleed. Nancy Pelosi is 81 and kicking butt in Congress. The Queen of England can ride a horse you’d be afraid of .. yep 95.
You know what it may not be right. But come on they are 70, HOW MANY RIDES DO YOU THINK THEY WILL GET ON. Yes I under stand about covid and other things. Life’s to short to worry about such petty things. GET over it.
Pattijo it shouldn’t be about how old they are and how many rides they can get on!! It’s about being at Disney and enjoying walking around or riding around like myself because I am disabled and enjoying the food and all the people and not sitting home alone when you get to that age!! I think Disney is getting to big and cruel for it’s britches and I love my Disney time share!! I just think it’s a shame!!
The audacity of some young people these days. These older folks will pay full price yet not get to enjoy many rides due to age. So less in the line for you greedy young bucks. Also they will tire early and leave early…let them enjoy a special time in their life that barly toches you young rude entitled spoiled adult children
I hope you are being sarcastic…..karma is a b…h if you are my dear…they pay full price ..hardly ride any rides and leave early. And clean up after themselves…count yourself lucky
Hi I am a senior. Purchased several tickets. The agent started telling me about reservations. I said to her make them for me or give me my money back. She made them.
The tickets could have been a gift. Some seniors don’t use a computer. This could have been handled better. Disney has been disappointing so not surprised. Not professional.
Actually their entire ticket purchase and reservation system is a mess. One would think with the billions of dollars Disney makes they quite frankly, should set up a system that will let you purchase a ticket for a definite day and time without having to contact two different deptpartments.
I would add to your comment that I am 70, worked with a computer for over 30 years, and had a smart phone for close to 15. The
Is couple should have known when they bought their ticket that they needed the MDE app and a reservation. It is not difficult to make a reservation, and most weeks to get one. While I do think it was unmagical not to see if they could get a reservation (this week is spring break so it is crowded), it certainly is not « tragic » that they were turned away. The weather is gorgeous – go for a swim.
If they are going to keep their make a reservation option on their website, then they should consider making it easier for elderly persons to better understand. Make the process simpler as they can also purchase their tickets with it.
Or an actual person to get ahold of to help them …my experienced for the covid years is constant young people taking advantage of working from home and dropping calls left and right getting a paycheck to do as little as possible…grow up young bucks …cameras are a coming lol
I totally agree with Laura’s comments. Ukraine is a tragedy people not getting into Disneyland is not. This article makes great copy for the blog site but listen if they were let in then people would complain that they went around the rules.
There’s QUITE a difference between “we don’t like free speech” and “we don’t want to hear this here.” A guy can freely run into a movie theater and start shouting a bunch of BS, but nobody is going to want to hear it.
The internet is full of wonderful forums to comment on anything to your liking. The point of Mipooh’s reply was that this is an article about Disney, not the Ukraine situation. Get your head out of your hindquarters.
Kind of disappointed that they couldn’t come up with a solution to this elderly couples situation..It was probably on their bucket list … Some elderly are not tech savvy, but should still be allowed to see ‘the happiest place on Earth
Hi. I agree with you completely. This is sad and unfortunate that so many other commenters are throwing in stuff that doesn’t even relate to this situation as one commenter said leave politics out leave everything else out we’re talking about an elderly couple and Disneyland not the rest of the world. And imagine if this was your parents grandparentor loved ones they probably didn’t understand that or thought maybe buying the tickets was their reservation it’s easy to get confused Tech Savvy or not.
Ukraine has absolutely nothing to do with what’s being discussed here!!! There is absolutely NO reason anyone should have to make a “reservation” to go to an amusement park, anyway. Whoever came up with THAT idea, is pretty damn stupid.
I agree with you. I teach elderly people to use the new tech and it is hard for them to understand this new age technology. Maybe people need to have more empathy than to be so self centered on whether they were being treated differently. Put yourself in their place or if that was your parents.
By 70 they should know how to read and absorb information about whatever it is that they want to do in life and plan. These are not difficult constructs, if they can’t figure out how to make a reservation they should just stay home.
These same old people treat younger generations like they’re trash, so why should anyone be sympathetic to their incompetence?
So glad I sold off my Disney stock years ago. After reading countless horror stories about the parks and stratospheric prices, I never plan to visit again.
It would say a lot if Disneyland really made this up to this couple in some way. I hope so 🙏 or even come up with something exclusively for the Elderly to make this an easier process for them.
It sounds like the wording was a bit strong to use Tragedy, but I think most of us understand that this was probably extremely disappointing for them and they probably really innocently misunderstood somewhere or thought the tickets were considered having a reservation.
Two totally different situations. The Ukraine situation is horrible, but on the other side of the world, we have Disneyland drama. We should be grateful that we are not in the Ukraine.
I’m 69 and have had no problem with making reservations and buying tickets. I hope a Disney employee helped them with the reservation process which is easy and they obviously miss that step.Hope they had a happy ending.
70 isn’t that old. Old/older people just like to pretend they’re dumber than they really are because they know people will let them have their way. There’s nothing tragic about Disney enforcing their entrance policies.
Not all 70 year olds are tech savvy, I don’t think my Dad would know how to buy a ticket and make reservations online. Maybe this couple did not buy online and therefore did not know a reservation was required. Also if you do not use the internet for things like this how would you go about making a reservation? I think many younger people forget there are people still out there that do not regularly use the internet. My father in law almost never uses the internet.
My husband is completely computer illeterate & it amazes me how seniors do not use the internet or have a smart phone. The way Disney wants you to do everything on your smart phone theses people don’t have a chance getting in Disney the way it is right now.
My mom is 70 and doesn’t know how to use email. She’d buy tickets by calling AAA. She would not know how to make a reservation unless you could do it over the phone. There are still a lot of non-tech savvy seniors.
Interesting, my mom is 69 and is taking a rafting trip through the Grand Canyon this year. She used the internet to make reservations for the whole trip and has no issue with email. Just pointing out that there are people in that age range who can perform these tasks. Email has been in common use for 30 years so someone in their 70’s would have been middle aged when that technology became common,; no reason they shouldn’t know how to use it. 4.3% US government workers are over 65 and I’m sure they can use technology. I would understand if they were maybe 80’s or 90’s but a 70 should be able to use most digital technology.
Yes Amy! That is exactly right. People seem to forget how old the internet actually is. I can understand people in their 80’s and 90’s not having computers but anyone younger most likely has a smart phone by now and uses it regularly.
JEN, I’m 70, can maneuver a website, buy tickets, post comments or make a post on forums, work on a computer and have been emailing for 30 years and much more. It’s not that your Dad couldn’t do this. It’s that he CHOSE not to learn. 70 is not old.
Give them a break. I doubt he was that savvy to buy 2 tickets and plea the reservation process. And if he did……he’s going to hell. No one F’s with disneyland.
Computers can be very difficult for older adults, many have no one to help them navigate websites. People are unique individuals and elderly have many challenges. It’s a shame they didn’t let them in with a warning for future visits. Perhaps Disney should make an area on their website for people who have difficulties such as elderly or others with disabilities that need help . What a sad reflection that they had the opportunity to handle this better and didn’t.
We are 71 and 72. I have a smartphone but I’ll have to admit, there are times I want to scream and throw the dang phone against some concrete. With covid, a huge percentage of places now require reservations in advance. Many places don’t sell tickets at the door anymore. I try to adapt. But it isn’t easy. We went to Disney world in 2009. Reading about fast passes and lightening passes and apps, I don’t want to go to Disneyworld anymore. I think they should have let the old couple in the park. From all I read online about Disney world, I’m not sure it is the happiest place on earth anymore.
When you have to make park reservations and buy tickets months in advance, dinner reservations, bathroom reservations, parking reservation and a psychiatrist appointment to deal with all the app. crap no thank you for a Disney vacation. Been going since the mid 70s. it’s zero fun now.
Buying a god damn ticket is the god damn reservation. Why is Disney forcing people to go through more horse s*it just to go to their overpriced theme park. It’s supposed to be a vacation, not a process of aggravation to ruin your vacation. A long time ago, your ticket was your reservation. Jeez, Disney knock off the s*it.
Navigating through the app is not all that easy. Sometimes it takes a few tries to get your reservations in. Regardless, I think they could’ve made an exception for this couple. They are 70 years old, so probably not text savvy. They should’ve let them in!!
My husband & I are in our 70’s & have been to Disney Land & WDW many times. We might be old, but certainly not senile. We can read & understand what Disney requires. So, please don’t feel sympathy for this couple who failed to read the rules. Doesn’t have anything to do with age!
Absolutely! Last fall, there was this 40-something guy outside the Disneyland gates asking if people were selling reservations because he had a ticket, but no reservation. So it’s not just older folks who don’t understand that you need a ticket AND a reservation to get in these days.
It’s not just about being tech savvy or not reading the rules. When people get older their understanding of things gets a little foggy, sometimes it’s hard for them to grasp rules & regulations especially if Alzheimer’s is in the beginning stages. Let’s not judge, cast stones or criticize when we don’t know the whole story. Compassion should be our first response.
Walt would “fix the issue”…..about helping the elderly couple with their entrance to park for that day, about the problems occurring with making reservations on the website, about the entire tech, micro managed and dysfunctional set up that has become the norm, everywhere, with just about every computer interaction with businesses. Don’t diss the elderly. Just like everything else….the world is changing so fast that many (including young kids) can’t keep up. Seen that in the medical field most of my life
I sincerely hope those folks weren’t refused entry. Has no one figured out yet that 2 seniors did not affect the park in any way at all. What the he’ll happened to the customer is always right? I proposed in Cinderella’s castle next to the elevator with Cinderella as our witness 6 years ago. I’m 70 now and have never heard of Disney reservations. And frankly if I can’t just buy my tickets and go when I want we probably won’t be back again. My wife is a Florida native and has been to the park far more than my over 5 times we were even figuring on going on our 10th anniversary but not now. You’ve gotten too big for your britches Mickey! We’ll check out Universal and see if they’re doing the same kind of restrictive visit. It’s sad that Disney is so “woke” and can’t wake up!
They didn’t miss anything go to knots berry farm and other attractions in Southern California and not get ripped off
By the woke cancel culture Disney pc nuts
This couple may not knew when could come. Money wise or being sick. And may not understood need to reserve right then. Need to check oout some other attractions.
Have a heart. Not everyone knows how to use the internet, make payments on line, or even use all of the abilities in smartphones to do anything beyond calling their loved ones and making doctor appointments. Elderly people have differing tech abilities, just like everyone else. Sometimes you can’t even find a phone number on a website to ask for help, and if there is a number, you will have go through many “press 1 for” whatever before you reach a sentient being, if one is even available. I hope Disney staff were understanding with this couple and helped them that day. Some day, you too will be old and need assistance.
Reservations are required because they are not at 100% capacity yet. I prefer making Reservations so I’m getting in rather than flying from Washington state only to not get in. It clearly states Reservations required, Disney World because of all the different parks is trickier but making Disneyland ones is simply picking a date on the calendar.
Since this couple was observed by someone who did not verify their age, they may have been older than 70. The nasty comments posted by people berating them is disheartening. Only hope karma chooses to make those commenters’ old age difficult.
I am 70, I went to Disneyland in January. I will say that I am tech savvy and I had no problems with the Disneyland Website to get tickets and reservations. When you buy tickets it then takes you to the reservation page to make your reservations. It isn’t that hard.
Well if that’s the case, then they might as well have a system calendar to where once you brought your tickets for whichever day you plan on going, you are automatically “reserved” or “booked” your spot for that said date.
Do we know if the 70 yr old couple had the “ability” to make a reservation?
I know many, many 70 and 70+ yr olds that are unable to do much past the very basic tech stuff either by smart phone or computer. I have been an AP holder since October last year and am quite tech savvy and have yet attended The Disney park(s) in Anaheim because I have gotten very frustrated with the reservation system and gave up after hours of trying to secure the ability to go!! 😡
Perhaps the language is wrong. Some people still equate making a reservation as making a hotel booking which they thought they did not need as they had booked somewhere else
One, the reservation needs to be done away with. What’s the point when they are packing people in like it’s Christmas? The whole not running at pre-pandemic capacity is hogwash.
Be less than tech savvy myself (I hate Genie+) I feel for this couple. It seems to me if Disney had no reservations left, then they shouldn’t have been selling tickets. If they are selling tickets for teh same day, then it is obvious the purchaser doesn’t have a park reservation. Seems like an easy fix would be to ask the customer while they are making said purchase, which park would like to visit today? When it prints the ticket it makes the reservation at the same time. How hard can that be?
Since sadly, that does not seem to be the case, how hard it is to have a cast member with a tablet or laptop scan their tickets and make the park reservation for them right before they scan in.
Disney really needs to up their customer service. They used to be soooo good. Now they are barely mediocre. (btw…leaving in one week for WDW and actually considering canceling because of all the negative press I’ve been reading seeing all of the pics ofd gteh crowds…less capacity my Aunt Fanny)
DISNEY is getting worse & worse. My heart goes out to the elderly couple.
GET RID OF REGISTRATION!
The ticket prices are ridiculous. A family can’t afford going anymore if you have more than one kid!!!
I feel sad for the couple. They probably saved up for this and were looking forward to the day. I would like to Disney world again but it makes you think twice about it. No need to bring the couple down. We are all very saddened by the war in Ukraine.
I know that every company has had to make changes due to the pandemic. And this why I assume they need reservations. However, I’m only in my 40s, pretty solid on the computer, apps etc and it takes a minute to figure everything out. They should have been allowed entry. They paid for their tickets and thought they would just walk in, which is the way it should be. Technology is not always helpful and is a hindrance for alot of people.
Horrible title…using the word tragically, I thought someone was denied entrance and had died at the gate. Impact of words matter and this is just not a good use of it. Article was fine luckily, but I feel like you need to stick to blogging
I’m 65 and I too had problems making reservations for the parks (Oct 22, 2022) and I consider myself pretty tech savy. So I called for help and they helped me through it. They were VERY patient and pleasant making it painless.
THE FIX: Where ever tickets are sold and issued, an easy peel off sticker should be attached stating (IN CAPS) these tickets are not valid until you register for each individual park. Do this very soon to insure park availability on your planned days. This can be accomplished online at atxyz.com or by calling (123)456-7890. Some older folks never even get online and would not have a clue how to begin to do all this. I felt so bad for them. I would have cried my eyes out if it had been me. Disneyworld is where I go for therapy. It lifts my spirits and allows my inner child to come alive. I’m telling you…I would have seriously had a meltdown. I’m already packed and I don’t leave for another 7.5 months! I think considerations need to be made according to specific situations. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!!!
WDW, how horrible, to insist people have to make reservations to the parks AFTER they purchase tickets! You take away a lot of excitement, spontaneity, and joy by making it TOO EXHAUSTING TO TRY! I remember my husband and I hopping in the car on our anniversary once, and going to spend the day at MGM studios. We were very poor, but chose to spend OUR DAY at one of your parks. The elderly couple you turned away may have felt that way too – could they have been wanting to relive a memory in their younger years by coming to WDW? Who knows, but I’m sure you did your utmost to snuff out their excitement. Get rid of the reservation system, you act like a bloated socialist bureaucracy who’s only driven by profits!
After seeing and hearing all the changes that Disney has made and as much as I love going to Disney and have been there alot throughout my life I probably will never go back again.
It’s sad in today’s age we have created more expensive tickets, front of the line, merch prices….longer lines and now turning away a elderly couple at the happiest place on Earth due to not being “computer” savvy. I am not sure about you all but this is turning into a nightmare! What is Disney thinking?! We can not blame this all on the pandemic! Disney is becoming the Villian!
I think they should get rid of reservation system all together but somehow to prevent such recent crowds at #WDW. I don’t have that solution so maybe that’s why they didn’t ask me🙃
To the person that group led all elderly of complaining about the young so tough for them if they aren’t tech savory.
Shouldn’t everyone generation be getting smarter than the last due to more technology introduced to them earlier in life. Also please don’t group all seniors opinions as one. No one should be grouped as one. That is prejudice.
To the person that group all elderly of complaining about the young so tough for them if they aren’t tech savory.
Shouldn’t every generation be getting smarter than the last due to more technology introduced to them earlier in life. Also please don’t group all seniors opinions as one. No one should be grouped as one. That is prejudice.
This is Disney’s fault . When they were at the window buying tickets the cast member should have asked them are you wanting to use them today? And if so got them a reservation or let them know before they bought the ticket that they needed a reservation and none were available for the day . This is a customer service fail. But hey it was a good money grab so way to go Disney . Keep on ruining the magic
Disney sites make it clear that one purchasing a ticket must reserve a Park Pass, as well. This story reminds me of the tens of times I’ve been in a food queue listening to a Cast Member explain the point system for the Dining Plan. As for being not tech savvy, ever been on Facebook? Simply post that you’re looking for a Disney travel assistant. They’ll do all the work and they’re free.
First 70 is not an elderly couple. I resent that reference. We are 70 and not even close to the elderly reference. If u want to address this age, seniors would b great. And we used to go to Disney every other year, but they have become a place that is soooo expensive for less. And yes, this “elderly” couple can afford it.
I am 51 I work with technical support and I had an issue and had to call the Disney support line to help with with setting up reservation and no lie I was on hold for 2 and 1/2 hours before I got somebody but when I did they were awesome help me get it all taken care of quickly!
The problem sounds like starts with Disney. I haven’t been in a few years but we are making a trip this month. The problem is the process. You buy tickets then you make reservations. If the couple is there with tickets but no reservations, why doesn’t Disney make it one process. Build their program to reserve the park at the same time you purchase the tickets. In other words, you can’t get the tickets until you reserve your park. Then Disney wouldn’t have this issue and get bad news coverage.
What about somebody like me and my husband who the last time we’ve been down it was 14 years ago and at that time we bought never expiring passes. how are we supposed to know we have to make a reservation for a specific day to go in??? So since we’ve already got our passes the only reservations I would think of is for the hotel! there has to be an easier way because I’m sure we are not the only folks that have non-expiring passes! and yeah I know 14 years is a long time but life happens that prevents people from being able to go like they were hoping. yes the world has changed a ton but 14 years but even then we stood the chance especially at Christmas time that Magic Kingdom was packed because of the Christmas parades, so we went to animal Kingdom instead! So honestly even back then there was capacity limit what’s the difference between back then taking a chance or having a reservation. remember when kids were smarter than parents because we knew how to work a VHS recorder? same applies to nowadays with all these smartphones and fancy computers. So that’s reason number two why an elderly couple may not know how to get a reservation my husband has an Apple phone he’s always ready to throw it out the window because it’s so complicated to him compared to an Android and yes we’re old we’re only 62 old and I grew up around computers on my life due to my dad designing them so I have a little more smart than most elderly folks. I feel Disney also bears a responsibility to have a allowance to cover situations like this let’s say the capacity is only supposed to be 100 you might as 10% to cover the allowance therefore you have that Gap in case of unusual situations or circumstances that fit a certain parameter like an elderly couple or disabled couple. I know many of you feel that the elderly couple when I bought their tickets should have made the reservation but if they’re like us who’ve had their tickets passes whatever for less even 5 years they would not know about a reservation for Pacific day come on Disney I know you can do better than this and at the age of 70 what’s the chances of them being able to get back as we get older that gets less and less the next day is not promised for any of us so Disney I beg you to think of a way of handling set up parameters whatever for situations like this it had to be embarrassing for that elder couple on top of it all to be turned away they may have been celebrating an anniversary or a special occasion like one of them survived cancer any number of things, but there was a better way of handling this. And to the folks that feel the older folks were in the wrong like I said technology and elderly is not always a good combination so instead of criticizing this figure out some parameters and have a gap Disney to continue to make this the happiest place on earth.
Don’t be ridiculous. They are looking out for the safety of children and the elderly. Don’t want to wear a mask? Go somewhere else or better still, stay home.
That is what it’s about. Not the internet. The new rules and punishments and Indignities. Enjoy your brave new Orwellian boobytrapped world youngsters. Eventually all of you will run afoul of some new arbitrary requirement.
Sad but NOT TRAGIC. Rules requiring Reservations have been in place for a long time now. Just because they are 70 years old doesn’t mean they are “dottering”. I’m 70 and can read the rules.
Now, is the Disney website only places can buy tickets from? The reservation system was good during peak covid but needs to go. Especially if it needs to confirm ticket in hand before can book reservation. That doesn’t work and those usually get a voucher when buy tickets have to exchange there. If capacity limits in state are lifted, so should reservation system.
I have pretty bad ADHD and I think I messed this process up. Haven’t been to Disney since pandemic, bought tickets for late April, didn’t even realize to make reservations. I went to look at the website today and MK isn’t available on the day I was going to go. I didn’t even know where to look to view available times prior to making tickets (why the park reservation availability this isn’t on the SAME calendar as when you purchase the tickets is BEYOND me).
On the phone right now hoping to find a solution. I feel SUPER stupid and I know this is MY fault, but the process is weird and Disney’s website is not user friendly (I get that some of you can use it no problem, but that does not make it user friendly for all/most). I feel kind of like they want you to make reservations AFTER the ticket purchase on purpose (“oh, well, you can’t get in the park when you wanted, that sucks, but we already have your money, so doesn’t bother us a bit”). Otherwise, wouldn’t it be easier for EVERYONE to make it PRIOR TO? idk..
So Disney tells you went you can go, when you can eat, what rides you can go on at a certain time all while you’re glued to your phone. They really sucked the fun out of that place. Lol. You gotta make reservations for every thing you do there. Thanks but no thanks. They’re way to strict. It’s like another country. I’ll forever be team Universal Studios!!
It’s not “tragic” that they couldn’t go in. Tragic is getting hit by a bus. They can make a res for another day. It’s not that complex. Get some perspective.
“Tragic”, “elderly”…really… I’m taking my mum to WDW for her 70th, if I called her elderly she’d not be a happy bunny.
I also would like to know how we know the couple are both 70.
Do people really ask these things when you see said couple in a “tragic” situation?
Maybe someone could have helped them look to see if there were any reservations available rather than making this story into something it isn’t.
What is tragic is that this article has been published!
I want to know what Disney is doing to make this right. Did they get a refund or anything. Disney is know for impeccable service but I have felt that slipping significantly in recent years. It’s more about money than magic.
If Disney does not get rid of mandatory reservations for admission, then they need to revamp their website and not allow prospective guests to complete the the ticket buying process until they make an actual reservation. The latter would save a lot of grief on both sides! This elderly couple, I am sure have memories of a Different Disneyland, when, I am sure, admission to the park was a given once you purchased the ticket at the gste, and not on a unsatisfsctory website. I am confident of this because I remember it also. I think all the trouble the couple went through to purchase their ticket online, and especially along with the amount of money they paid for their ticket, Disney should have admitted them to the park that day anyway. I refymuse to pay that kind of money for admission to any Disney parks because I see it as a total ripoff and totally unnecessary! I believe Walt Disney would be outraged on how the parks are being run and how much the corporation no longer even resembles the family park entertainment that he had envisioned that day when out with his family in California. The cost of admission now is way kut if reach fir most americans, thst they can no longer provide the sort of weenend entertainment that Walt Disney envisioned! I am outraged that so much money goes to corporate administrative salaries that I refuse to continue to support it and will not pay the outrageous admission rates the Disney Corporation asks people to pay! I also live in California, no more than 20 minutes from the Park!
Mr. Walt must be dying again and again in his casket to see how his company is managed now, being just a money maker that doesn’t care for any of the clients or guests.
Once you have paid the don’t care about any of your problems
Happiest place my *ss
This happened to me and my family last month except we had not purchased the tickets. We were prepared to purchased at the gate. Disneyland need to promote that there are no tickets purchased at the gate and must be purchased online along with reservations. We had honor role teenagers with us. We were rewarding them with a day at Disneyland to no avail. We ended up going to Knotts Berry Farm in which they welcomed us.
You would think that Disney, who can afford to hire decent programmers, could come up with a Ticket Purchase system that could perform both ticket sale and reservation as part of the same transaction if both are required, instead of forcing separate consumer actions.
Disney is a money grubbing corporation just like any other company.
They try to display “family friendly” but it doesn’t work, especially if you’ve been nickeled and dimed by them while staying there
Why in the world must you make a reservation after you have purchased tickets? Yes, the elderly couple should have read the instructions but all in all doesn’t Disneyworld make enough money on visitors? They shouldn’t be selling more tickets than they are able to accommodate! Come on Disney, get with it!
First shouldn’t have restrictions because of covid. 50,000 people cram in football games with no problem. So get rid of reservations. Folliw cdc. Says no indoor outdoor restrictions.
Aww, boo hoo! Did the same ‘poor’ couple show up to Musso and Frank Saturday night at 8 o’clock and get ‘denied dinner’? Did they show up at the airport for their ‘dream vacation’ to Maui and get turned away because there were no seats on the flight leaving in 20 minutes? Give me a break. Articles like this and the people that cry about them are everything that’s wrong with America today…
“They should’ve just let them in” Okay, and then the next time someone just shows up without reservations they would want to be let in. And then the next time. And then the next. And then there’s no point in even having the system. Y’all can whine about it all you want but personally I would much rather know that I’ll be able to get into the park I want to go to instead of going all the way to Disney and then all the way to the park and then find out it’s full.
When I planned my trip back in January, Disney reminded me at least a dozen times that I would need a reservation in addition to my ticket. There’s no excuse.
What a Rude Ripoff!! As an elderly couple they may not have been computer savvy. If the Powers That Be at the gate wouldn’t let them in…they should have refunded their money.
Went to Disneyland once as a kid…my parents took me…went to Disney World once as an adult, wasn’t really that happy. Now, based on their Woke hypocrisy I wouldn’t go to the “happiest place on earth” if they paid me.
Disney isn’t really what it’s all cracked up to be. And I don’t know about their rules either because I saw a whole lot of ass hanging out at Disney so clearly they don’t have a defined dress code because there were girls wearing super short skirts throughout the entire park. The attractions are mostly outdated, especially the stupid “it’s a small world after all” boat ride, which is more like an acid trip than anything else. It’s too expensive it’s too crowded and the lines are ridiculously long and if you purchase your lightning pass you can only use it with a reservation. I think this is really more of a waste of money and you’re better off going to universal studios. If I did have to pick a park I would rather go to animal kingdom and even then it’s a hard sell for me. They also need to add charging stations throughout they park. Nowadays people use their phones to take pictures and there aren’t very many readily available outlets.
A lot of elderly people are not tech savvy. Some don’t even have computers and use they cellular phones as phones. Pretty selfish of younger tech generation.
As a side, Disney doesn’t care. I wonder if they even refunded the couples money. Disney has strayed far from Walt’s dream.
Disneyland should drop having to make reservations altogether, we are returning to Holiday in California July 2022 from Ireland and this would be very confusing and stressful for our Family as we have only a time frame of 2 weeks to enjoy all the Parks at our leasure and days we decide to go.
very annoyed customer from Dublin, Ireland
I’m am not for the US but live and work in Denmark. However, I own an apartment in Florida and sometimes I go to Disney. Well first of all most restrictions world wide concerning COVID 19 is gone, so get rid of the restrictions as well. Beside that I wonder how an elderly couple can buy tickets to Disney without a reservation since that is a requirement. Shouldn’t the reservation be included in the ticket, or at least shouldn’t Disney check that people had a reservation before they could buy a ticket?
Nice to know this new caviat in Disney tickets and reservations. Had NO desire to visit Disney park. Definitely have NO desire in the near or distant future.
Absolutely ridiculous especially if out of town they should have made a reservation for them on the spot and let me in! So disappointed how they handled this!!!
The reservation system needs to go away. I loved when me & the kids could go to Disneyland at the last minute on a whim. Now with reservations, days are booked up in advanced & my kids play sports so now we can’t just drop in when free last minute. Can’t even use the passes we have. No point.
The elderly didn’t learn how to use the internet in school. How do you expect them to navigate a system they don’t know? There should be a phone number they can call to make reservations.
Unless Disney doesn’t want elderly people to visit. Just remember it’s the elderly that made it possible for Disney to survive all the early years.
People are counted as they enter. It should be like it used to be. When the park reaches it’s capacity, then no more are allowed till some leave. If you buy a ticket, you should be allowed entry PERIOD. Disney implemented this new system no doubt for their benefit, financial reasons in one form or another. I was a yearly pass holder 10 plus years an have given up buying them for many changes that have been made. I used to pay under 500 for what is now 1399? Disney’s gone to the Pitts I truly hate to say.
After spending decades dreaming about going to, then about taking my children to Disney, we finally were able to buy tickets, and our tech savvy middle aged brains ALSO had nothing but problems when trying to buy genie+ passes, which led to a call in, 12 hours of hold time, talking to 5 different representatives, which had each promised me something different, only to transfer me to the next rep who was to do what they had just promised and that rep tell me they have no idea why the cast member said thay, they cannot and will not do it, then promise me something else, transfer me, and deny again. The genie+ is ridiculous, disability access video appointment is a nightmare which requires calling in to understand that you can view the Chat window (that will inevitably error out 20 times while you wait on hold 2-3 hours) on the disney app, and then when the person arrives to the chat you can then revert back to the computer, log in AGAIN, and search BACK through disability access, click several links and finally end it back at the Chat. Disney DOES NOT value our time, nor their “cast members” apparently, they do NOT restore magic to completely lied to and disrespected customers, and I no longer dream about my trip, I’m dreading it, because all of the issues I had could have been resolved with the 2nd person I spoke to, had she been actually knowledgeable in the way things work, but instead told me I needed to get disney genie+ IN ADDITION to disability access service pass, and was prepared to sell them to me, which was the internet problem I had ORIGINALLY, system just kept resetting every time I’d get the passes in my cart, no info as to why. Apparently the system changed and made genie passes no longer available to single day park pass buyers (because those of us who only can afford one day In the park don’t need any help with long lines right?!), but nothing told us that anywhere, and my mother was able to buy hers, and bought her tickets just after we did. So the 2nd person was ready to let me buy these stupid passes, but then decided we had been through a bunch and wanted us to send an email to guest.services@waltdisneyworld, which I found out later on my own was NOT the correct email address, to let them fix this and “make the experience magical again”, and though I tried insisting on buying the passes and then doing the email so they were bought and done with, and she refused, promised me these people would make this right
…..which led to 4 more people, countless more hours of hold time, and NOTHING, NOT EVEN THE STUPID GENIE PASSES. And they refuse to refund me, so we have to go to the park or lose our money, but if they don’t make thus right we wil not spend a dime in their park. SO much for the magic and decades of dreams. Thanks disney, its so nice to know a multi billion dollar corporations employees have no training and have to “eavesdrop to learn the processes that run the jobs they specialize in” and disney would rather pay 5 employees 8 hours of salary to lie to me, instead of paying 1 employee 1 hour to actually provide some assistance!! Disney is a JOKE, their systems are a joke, and their training must be a joke too. Not one employee told the truth about a single thing, and not one was consistent with another. It’s far from easy. Check it out sometime. You’ll curb your urge to go…
Disney has no sympathy for folk who can’t navigate the system due to age. However it’s letting WOKE politics influence it’s business. Walt Disney is rolling over in his racist, anti-Semitic cryogenic grave
Elderly means epilepsy risky. Seizures and tech is bad. Too many LED THIS, LED THAT, LED WATCH, etc. bad business this online reservation. Make part time jobs and 24 hour call line availability.
Once they have collected the money, they don’t care for your or your situation. We had 2 unused tickets because a family member that had passed away, they didn’t care and they event never listened our request of use the $ as credit to be used in the stores or restaurants. They claim that those were politics and we had to go again and aslo buy tickets for the second person going as it couldn’t be a “downgrade” by spliting the 2 parks ticket for 2 different people.
It’s not the happiest place, they just care about collecting money, have a terrible client service team, and they never put on others shoes, just repeat over and over about that’s politics.
DISNEY new app is not user friendly. i was on hold with customer service for 1.3 hours. then the rep (who was very kind and helpful) walked me through the process for 2.5 hours showing me how to navigate through the Genie app. i took notes and still had issues after the help.
also the ‘new genie fast pass’ was very disappointing. I bought 8 passes for Hollywood studios. we were able to book ONE ride, as the app reflected ‘no times available’ on all the other rides. so big waste of money and waiting for each ride was 2-3 hours.
Disney is letting too many people into the parks, it’s long wait times for rides, time spent using the ‘genie fast app’ to look for open time slots for rides and long lines to get a bite to eat. we were truly disappointed with Hollywood Studios. and to get help, more long lines and wait times. very disappointed.
Walt Disney must be turning over in his grave…the amount of money to get in the parks is one thing, then extra money to buy fast pass (which i didn’t mind) if i could have used, but to spend time on the app and it reflect no time available!! that was upsetting and truly disappointing.
What if the situation was not then forgetting to make reservations for the day but yet rather had been gifted the tickets from a family member or friend because they wished to go (maybe even a bucket list event!). So for Disney to uphold their reputation, they should try to accommodate their visitors within park availability, instead of just denying access, what if they had traveled far for plans to go. It’s not like either Disney location is in everyone’s backyard or even within budget. I also heard they denied a 4yr old cancer pt from make a wish access d/t being unvaccinated (which that age was not eligible yet, AND the vaccine protects ONLY them and not others, plus what if his condition contraindicated the vaccine? So should he have been denied?? !! Only recently have I heard of some cold Stories… what is happening?
I’m getting old too. Just because you’re old doesn’t mean the rules don’t apply to you. I’m assuming they’re not Karens and just made a mistake. So sad too bad. Follow the rules like everyone else. If this couple were allowed to skirt policy, 100’s a day would try it.
I’ve been going to Disney since I was an infant. My husband and two boys and just got back from a weeks visit. We had an awful time trying to figure out if we had park reservations. Even with help of the ticket office. I’m sure 70 year Olds had trouble. Disney has truly lost its magic. Especially with Genie +. Itisusuallyour favorite vacation but we really did not have much fun. It’s all so complicated now.
Maybe those tickets were a gift and the giver had no idea when they would visit the park, so they skipped the reservations altogether. Disney should honor the tickets as they were bought and paid for and reservations be damned. This might have been the only chance these people had to see the park and now that moment is gone. Shame of on the person who turned them away!
It’s still a shame for the elderly couple not being able to get into Disneyland. They should still improve the reservation site to be even more user friendly. The same with Disney world. We’re going down there to Florida in May 2022 to Disney hopefully. We’re going to start reservation process tomorrow. He still calls for reservations to park and chef Mickey’s, but has to wait on the phone for over 1 hour to talk to someone. That needs to improve as well. So I guess we’ll see if we can get in both things at Disney world.
Reservations was, and is, the way they came up to make the parks LESS CROWDED. Everyone cried and whined the parks were too crowded so they try to make it better using the covid break as the start and now everyone is crying about that! Pretty funny.
And about Oldies using the computer and smart phones: I’m an Oldie (69) (I hope you can get this far, too!) and the best way to Pi$$ me off is to tell me you don’t like/use the computer. I have zero tolerance for that and I hear it often from my neighbors. It’s not hard, and if one doesn’t move with the times, they’re done! We’d be biting on wooden sticks in the operation room if we didn’t move along. (Etc.)
OK, I feel better now. I think I’ll make reservations for the parks… Smiles!
I must agree that the reservation system needs a little work. Sometimes you want to go on a whim only to find out that you can’t get in. How about a system that allows you to purchase a ticket for a specific date and then locks out the reservation for you. That way the attendance at the park can be predicted and better managed. This may not be the answer but I am sure the collective minds in charge of this can work something out
I cannot help but think about “robotics.” Living automata. How robotics existed before mechanics. Simply, corpo problem solving and organization, just as it’s purpose or mission bemoans, is not of a single body. It is many motivated by inertia of revenue and personal profit. By it’s nature alone, it begets sociopsy. We see here at this place in the web, that sociopsy as well, the inherent gain from exhuming opinion on an incident, of human interaction and a guage of our own humanness. We lack it. All the organization and efficiency our smart tech and web 3.0 formats can allow for, and we do not have a check box for humanness. We don’t have a miscellaneous box any more to check, so a worker can put themselves in another person’s shoes, and find solution within their service model. We simply solve problems we have the answers to. Strikes me funny, that nothing has changed since the inception of Disneyland. If Spanish flu had come back in the 50s or COVID-19 had been covid-79, I believe that those generations would have been able to be as diligent or more with the knowledge they had at the time to fight pandemics. I believe when parks reopened, that they would have provided due diligence in protocols up to a higher standard than we can conceptualize today or rather would find “redundant.” And I know, that if the public was given the clear, back then, no employee would act like a robot, and be unable to find the stipulation in protocols to make proper exceptions.No one would have been afraid to call their manager. No one would even had to. There would have been enough managers on top of actual diligence and actual duty, to see a 70 yo couple their fair share of what they had purchased. Empathy doesn’t kill people. A lack of humanness does. It starts these things. And it waits, to end them. Our algorithms mean nothing to our society if they can not reproduce human empathy. And if we have to give up empathy, in order to more fundamentally exact logics, then we are as lost as that elderly couple, in Disney’s website. It was all too easy to buy the tickets online but apparently it was not as easy to point and click on the reservation. A format, since the park has been reopened, which has been rediculed for being elitist oriented and valueless to safety, in parks still otherwise over populated as compared to what was purported when making the reservation. Back in the 80s, someone would have gotten a binder out and flipped tabs, til they could find the proper way to bypass reservation status. Today, our tech doesn’t allow for human intervention. Laughable that any of us even read this story. Peering in only enough, like a child’s ego, to see humanness, and contort how little, it’s remaining meaning is.
I suppose no one there is empowered anymore to Make Magical Memories and deliver Excellent Guest Service!? And to that heartless guy who said the comment about reading and it’s plastered all over the website, someone should plaster You! Shame on you! You have no respect. I hope people don’t treat you so heartless when you are 70 and you can barely see or hear but you still crave happiness as you’re painfully feeling your mortality. Shame on ALL of you who wouldn’t just let them visit the Happiest Place on Earth! 😡🤩✨
I’ve lived in Florida for 35 years and never had to do reserve. Covid is every company excuse to manipulate the public.loved Disney, but its not like it used to be. I saw the change for the last 10 years you can’t leave your carrier rental like we used to with your merchandise in it and no one would steel it now they do. People fight and act crazy like never before. It was real family oriented, respectful and trusting
Not sure why Disney can’t connect the two if it’s that important. When you buy a ticket the transaction shouldn’t be completed unless you also make a reservation. Then, give the ability for the customer to go in and change the reservation as needed according to preset guidelines.
We forgot to reserve a park….
Too busy getting dog sitter, packing, having airline change your flight because not enough passengers or not enough pilots.
Get luggage yourself (okay, at least it arrived, ripped, but we have what we need).
Didn’t prebook transportation since MAGIC EXPRESS is no more. Arrive at DISNEY RESORT, THE MOST MAGICAL PLACE on EARTH”. This is where it should stop. Who reserved the park, who knows how to reset where we are going to eat!
This has become very complicated ………
If it is mandatory to make a reservation. Why isn’t this part of the “buying” of the tickets? Don’t issue the tickets unless the reservation has been made. It’s pretty simple to fix the issue if Disney actually cares.
If you actually believe Disney cares about allowing 2 extra people over the 1 million person limit, than you are as stupid as the clowns who believe the reservation system is still needed!
Everyone’s saying how easy it is to make reservations but maybe the tickets were a gift or they didn’t have a computer, we don’t know the situation, but in regards to criticizing the elderly couple as I’ve read many have, I hope Disneyland made it right by the couple because this may have been the last time they were able to go to the Happiest Place on Earth, if not shame on you Disneyland management there are always exceptions to every rule. JMO
Not everyone has a computer, nor are they computer savvy. I am Walt Disney (the man) would have never let this happen. I do hope they get to visit ASAP. Know they saved money just to come there and then they were treated badly..
I am 68 with little computer experience. We were not grown up using them. I always thought we always took care of our elderly with respect, at least that was the way of our last generation. Now it’s all about me! I’d hate to see what would happen to me, 68 plus Parkinson’s Disease! Crying shame 🙏 👨🦳🧑🦳
It’s sad what Disney has become. It’s no longer about families or children or happy memories. It’s all about money and so many rules now it’s crazy. As far as social distancing here in Fl that no longer exists as they literally CRAM you shoulder to shoulder on ferries, monorails, and waiting areas for shows. And I’m sorry but this whole reservation thing is a JOKE and it’s sad a 70 yr old couple was turned away. I mean like the park couldn’t hold two more people? Not sure I’m renewing all our passes next year. Universal and bush gardens might get my money
Comments for Elderly Couple Tragically Denied Entrance To Disney Park
Jarvis
How dare the elderly show up to a theme park and just buy a ticket to enter. Who do they think they are?
AND, if they had the nerve to pay in cash, or looked up from their apple 13 phone for a minute, the Police should be called.
A line must be drawn.
ChasUGC
Try reading the article again. They didn’t buy a day pass. They brought a pass that allowed multiple visits, but required a reservation. That was my take on it.
Matrix
Ok but for real though do we really need the reservations anymore. I understand they were used for Covid but we’re kinda past that point now!
Sandra
Well I am 70 years old and all you guys have convinced me that I need not got to Disney World. I think I will just go to a car show instead.😊
Hooch12758Turk27
Disney
is
pedo
City
Mari
I’ve lived in Florida for 35 years and never had to do reserve. Covid is every company excuse to manipulate the public.loved Disney, but its not like it used to be. I saw the change for the last 10 years you can’t leave your carrier rental like we used to with your merchandise in it and no one would steel it now they do. People fight and act crazy like never before. It was real family oriented, respectful and trusting
Digital Jedi
You have never been able to leave your merch unattended in any theme park at any point in history. You couldn’t even do this in the 1970’s, when I used to visit Disney World monthly. This is just revisionist nonsense.
Joan
Get rid of reservations. It’s becoming way too complicated to and expensive to even bother to go there.I used to be a Disney fanatic, but since good old Bob C . Is involved I will stay away from the parks.Sooo very sad.
Raychell
Seems a simple solution would be for the system to automatically make the required reservation at the time of ticket purchase. It’s a Disney issue not the comsumer.
Corinne
Yess!! This is the exact thing I came here to say. Thank you.
Rose
Problem is done want to purchase a ticket for someone else as a gift and then making a reservation at purchase wouldn’t be much for a surprise anymore if they want to give it at a later time like on a birthday. Otherwise, yea it would be nice if it would make you do a reservation right away and depending on how you buy a ticket on the website it can make you get the reservation for a certain date I’ve seen it before but i think most people go straight to purchase ticket instead of make a reservation and purchasing a ticket that way
Thomas Peterson
They could have an option that. “No i will make a reservation later” to cover your gift scenario. The points as the process should be automatically linked.
George
The story is sad but there is a simple solution. My wife and I are Walt Disney World AP ticket holders. A few month ago we wanted to go to Disney and made dinner reservations but forgot to make a park reservation silly me well standing in line and the entrance and we could not enter a guy with his tablet came over and gave us a park reservation. No harm no foul.
Heather
I’m so lost. I lived in So Cal all my youth. We’d drive to the park (sometimes skip school on a sunny day) on a whim. Park, walk/hike to the gate/ticket booth, buy a ticket and go right in? Of course we moved away the last 15 yrs but when did it become so darn complicated to just go to the park? You’ve got to do everything online now? E-Tickets and then there’s a reservation an AP what ?and fast pass huh? Then give biometrics, finger prints, AND have a photo taken of you ‘for the ticket’ and what now? Blood and stool samples? Just wow…. Aside from it costing as much as a used car for the cost of a day to visit, this is making me less interested even more to ever return. Yikes!
Pattijo
You know what it may not be right. But come on they are 70, HOW MANY RIDES DO YOU THINK THEY WILL GET ON. Yes I under stand about covid and other things. Life’s to short to worry about such petty things. GET over it.
Erin
Yeah .. really they should be done away with. Oxygen breathers.
Ting Ming
70 is not that old any more.
Tommy
Yes but that’s because you went on a day that wasn’t sold out. It’s spring break right now, the park is probably sold out all month.
Julian H
Raychell someone at last with common sense – Thank you.
This reservation nonsense needs to go ASAP.
Marcus the Reserved
Why have reservations at all? It’s a silly system.
JennyD
The system does automatically require you to make a reservation at the time of the ticket purchase. It also allows you to easily make a reservation and none of it requires you to be tech savvy, just being able to click boxes and read text.
Gary
Agreed!!
G
Absolutely
Soinds like a Disney problem!
AG
If they sell you a ticket for a specific day, why would you think you can just walk right in?
Kimberly Johnson
Wouldn’t that seem like reservation enough.
Mz
Rules are rules, I’m a senior and rules are for everyone young or old.
Judy
The person selling them the tickets should have made it clear that they couldn’t use them right then BEFORE they purchased them.
Erin
😂 🙄
Cole
I’m pretty sure Jarvis is being sarcastic here.
Erin
Geez maybe they wanted to RIDE EVERYTHING .. except maybe stupid Splash Mountain where we got stuck for 45 minutes and our 3 little kids were screaming 😱 because the speakers 🔊 were making their ears bleed. Nancy Pelosi is 81 and kicking butt in Congress. The Queen of England can ride a horse you’d be afraid of .. yep 95.
John Calitri
This is rediculus!
Dk
No, it’s RIDICULOUS
Pattijo
You know what it may not be right. But come on they are 70, HOW MANY RIDES DO YOU THINK THEY WILL GET ON. Yes I under stand about covid and other things. Life’s to short to worry about such petty things. GET over it.
Dawn
Pattijo it shouldn’t be about how old they are and how many rides they can get on!! It’s about being at Disney and enjoying walking around or riding around like myself because I am disabled and enjoying the food and all the people and not sitting home alone when you get to that age!! I think Disney is getting to big and cruel for it’s britches and I love my Disney time share!! I just think it’s a shame!!
EB
The audacity of some young people these days. These older folks will pay full price yet not get to enjoy many rides due to age. So less in the line for you greedy young bucks. Also they will tire early and leave early…let them enjoy a special time in their life that barly toches you young rude entitled spoiled adult children
Erin
Chill wow.
EB
I hope you are being sarcastic…..karma is a b…h if you are my dear…they pay full price ..hardly ride any rides and leave early. And clean up after themselves…count yourself lucky
Lucille
Hi I am a senior. Purchased several tickets. The agent started telling me about reservations. I said to her make them for me or give me my money back. She made them.
T
The tickets could have been a gift. Some seniors don’t use a computer. This could have been handled better. Disney has been disappointing so not surprised. Not professional.
Sleepy joe
U r a azzhole
1 day u will be old…if someone doesn’t kill you
Ting Ming
Do you buy a ticket for a concert, show up any day you want to and sit anywhere you want to?
Denise
Actually their entire ticket purchase and reservation system is a mess. One would think with the billions of dollars Disney makes they quite frankly, should set up a system that will let you purchase a ticket for a definite day and time without having to contact two different deptpartments.
Abbe
I would add to your comment that I am 70, worked with a computer for over 30 years, and had a smart phone for close to 15. The
Is couple should have known when they bought their ticket that they needed the MDE app and a reservation. It is not difficult to make a reservation, and most weeks to get one. While I do think it was unmagical not to see if they could get a reservation (this week is spring break so it is crowded), it certainly is not « tragic » that they were turned away. The weather is gorgeous – go for a swim.
Diane
MDE app ??
Laura
Ukraine is a tragedy, being denied entrance into Disney world will never be a tragedy.
Max
Absolutely agree!
Kate
At 70, it is quite possible they thought buying tickets meant they had a reservation.
Patty
I agree
Ting Ming
70 year old people are not idiots. I’m not too far from there and have a 145 IQ. I can read and probably so can they.
Noel
This. 100%.
Let’s get our priorities straight, people !
Connie
If they are going to keep their make a reservation option on their website, then they should consider making it easier for elderly persons to better understand. Make the process simpler as they can also purchase their tickets with it.
EB
Or an actual person to get ahold of to help them …my experienced for the covid years is constant young people taking advantage of working from home and dropping calls left and right getting a paycheck to do as little as possible…grow up young bucks …cameras are a coming lol
Nicholas Reale
I totally agree with Laura’s comments. Ukraine is a tragedy people not getting into Disneyland is not. This article makes great copy for the blog site but listen if they were let in then people would complain that they went around the rules.
JoeDidThat
Our demented unelected POTUS and Cackles VP are tragedy.
Mipooh
Take your politics somewhere else it is not needed here
Mike
Don’t like free speech move to Russia.
Alicia
There’s QUITE a difference between “we don’t like free speech” and “we don’t want to hear this here.” A guy can freely run into a movie theater and start shouting a bunch of BS, but nobody is going to want to hear it.
Chris Kinney
The internet is full of wonderful forums to comment on anything to your liking. The point of Mipooh’s reply was that this is an article about Disney, not the Ukraine situation. Get your head out of your hindquarters.
Maso
Or China
Laurence
Elder abuse at the Corp level
Shauna
Kind of disappointed that they couldn’t come up with a solution to this elderly couples situation..It was probably on their bucket list … Some elderly are not tech savvy, but should still be allowed to see ‘the happiest place on Earth
Youmayter
Hi. I agree with you completely. This is sad and unfortunate that so many other commenters are throwing in stuff that doesn’t even relate to this situation as one commenter said leave politics out leave everything else out we’re talking about an elderly couple and Disneyland not the rest of the world. And imagine if this was your parents grandparentor loved ones they probably didn’t understand that or thought maybe buying the tickets was their reservation it’s easy to get confused Tech Savvy or not.
Suzanne
Ukraine has absolutely nothing to do with what’s being discussed here!!! There is absolutely NO reason anyone should have to make a “reservation” to go to an amusement park, anyway. Whoever came up with THAT idea, is pretty damn stupid.
Suzan Miles
Amen!
RICH W
The reservation system is asinine and should be scrapped once and for all.
Tammy
I agree with you. I teach elderly people to use the new tech and it is hard for them to understand this new age technology. Maybe people need to have more empathy than to be so self centered on whether they were being treated differently. Put yourself in their place or if that was your parents.
passholder
By 70 they should know how to read and absorb information about whatever it is that they want to do in life and plan. These are not difficult constructs, if they can’t figure out how to make a reservation they should just stay home.
These same old people treat younger generations like they’re trash, so why should anyone be sympathetic to their incompetence?
Corinne
Yeaaassss!! Suzanne wins the day!
Charlie
Tragic Kingdom
C4
They could have let them in. How many rides were they going on,etc and probably eoild nit gave bern there all day
Abee
So glad I sold off my Disney stock years ago. After reading countless horror stories about the parks and stratospheric prices, I never plan to visit again.
Youmatter
It would say a lot if Disneyland really made this up to this couple in some way. I hope so 🙏 or even come up with something exclusively for the Elderly to make this an easier process for them.
JJ
Sorry what’s so tragic about this again? I’m sure Disney PR took care of them. Being denied at the gate is not a tragedy!
Youmatter
It sounds like the wording was a bit strong to use Tragedy, but I think most of us understand that this was probably extremely disappointing for them and they probably really innocently misunderstood somewhere or thought the tickets were considered having a reservation.
Vdog
THANK YOU, Laura!
Barbara
Do away with the reservation system!
ChasUGC
Two totally different situations. The Ukraine situation is horrible, but on the other side of the world, we have Disneyland drama. We should be grateful that we are not in the Ukraine.
Ccc
Do away with reservations. It is not that easy for everyone to navigate the system.
Pam
I’m 69 and have had no problem with making reservations and buying tickets. I hope a Disney employee helped them with the reservation process which is easy and they obviously miss that step.Hope they had a happy ending.
Jack
Your interest in reporting on Disney positively has vanished, why do you even go?
Getta Grip
70 isn’t that old. Old/older people just like to pretend they’re dumber than they really are because they know people will let them have their way. There’s nothing tragic about Disney enforcing their entrance policies.
Jen
Not all 70 year olds are tech savvy, I don’t think my Dad would know how to buy a ticket and make reservations online. Maybe this couple did not buy online and therefore did not know a reservation was required. Also if you do not use the internet for things like this how would you go about making a reservation? I think many younger people forget there are people still out there that do not regularly use the internet. My father in law almost never uses the internet.
Mipooh
My husband is completely computer illeterate & it amazes me how seniors do not use the internet or have a smart phone. The way Disney wants you to do everything on your smart phone theses people don’t have a chance getting in Disney the way it is right now.
ChasUGC
I agree. 70 year olds didn’t have computers and video games as children. They may not have caught on to this technological wave.
Kay
My mom is 70 and doesn’t know how to use email. She’d buy tickets by calling AAA. She would not know how to make a reservation unless you could do it over the phone. There are still a lot of non-tech savvy seniors.
Amy
Interesting, my mom is 69 and is taking a rafting trip through the Grand Canyon this year. She used the internet to make reservations for the whole trip and has no issue with email. Just pointing out that there are people in that age range who can perform these tasks. Email has been in common use for 30 years so someone in their 70’s would have been middle aged when that technology became common,; no reason they shouldn’t know how to use it. 4.3% US government workers are over 65 and I’m sure they can use technology. I would understand if they were maybe 80’s or 90’s but a 70 should be able to use most digital technology.
Maya
Yes Amy! That is exactly right. People seem to forget how old the internet actually is. I can understand people in their 80’s and 90’s not having computers but anyone younger most likely has a smart phone by now and uses it regularly.
DK
JEN, I’m 70, can maneuver a website, buy tickets, post comments or make a post on forums, work on a computer and have been emailing for 30 years and much more. It’s not that your Dad couldn’t do this. It’s that he CHOSE not to learn. 70 is not old.
Keith
Give them a break. I doubt he was that savvy to buy 2 tickets and plea the reservation process. And if he did……he’s going to hell. No one F’s with disneyland.
Lorrie
Computers can be very difficult for older adults, many have no one to help them navigate websites. People are unique individuals and elderly have many challenges. It’s a shame they didn’t let them in with a warning for future visits. Perhaps Disney should make an area on their website for people who have difficulties such as elderly or others with disabilities that need help . What a sad reflection that they had the opportunity to handle this better and didn’t.
Corinne
Lorrie, I wish I could like your comment!
Kristen Campbell
We are 71 and 72. I have a smartphone but I’ll have to admit, there are times I want to scream and throw the dang phone against some concrete. With covid, a huge percentage of places now require reservations in advance. Many places don’t sell tickets at the door anymore. I try to adapt. But it isn’t easy. We went to Disney world in 2009. Reading about fast passes and lightening passes and apps, I don’t want to go to Disneyworld anymore. I think they should have let the old couple in the park. From all I read online about Disney world, I’m not sure it is the happiest place on earth anymore.
Keith
When you have to make park reservations and buy tickets months in advance, dinner reservations, bathroom reservations, parking reservation and a psychiatrist appointment to deal with all the app. crap no thank you for a Disney vacation. Been going since the mid 70s. it’s zero fun now.
Byebye
Agree 💯
Randy Hodo
Buying a god damn ticket is the god damn reservation. Why is Disney forcing people to go through more horse s*it just to go to their overpriced theme park. It’s supposed to be a vacation, not a process of aggravation to ruin your vacation. A long time ago, your ticket was your reservation. Jeez, Disney knock off the s*it.
Carol
Navigating through the app is not all that easy. Sometimes it takes a few tries to get your reservations in. Regardless, I think they could’ve made an exception for this couple. They are 70 years old, so probably not text savvy. They should’ve let them in!!
Lori C.
My husband & I are in our 70’s & have been to Disney Land & WDW many times. We might be old, but certainly not senile. We can read & understand what Disney requires. So, please don’t feel sympathy for this couple who failed to read the rules. Doesn’t have anything to do with age!
Deedub
Absolutely! Last fall, there was this 40-something guy outside the Disneyland gates asking if people were selling reservations because he had a ticket, but no reservation. So it’s not just older folks who don’t understand that you need a ticket AND a reservation to get in these days.
Kat
Disney has turned into a money grubbing,greedy horrible place..I went to Disney world the first week it opened, it was magical, now it’s not..
Lola
It’s not just about being tech savvy or not reading the rules. When people get older their understanding of things gets a little foggy, sometimes it’s hard for them to grasp rules & regulations especially if Alzheimer’s is in the beginning stages. Let’s not judge, cast stones or criticize when we don’t know the whole story. Compassion should be our first response.
Janis A England
Walt would “fix the issue”…..about helping the elderly couple with their entrance to park for that day, about the problems occurring with making reservations on the website, about the entire tech, micro managed and dysfunctional set up that has become the norm, everywhere, with just about every computer interaction with businesses. Don’t diss the elderly. Just like everything else….the world is changing so fast that many (including young kids) can’t keep up. Seen that in the medical field most of my life
Dave
I sincerely hope those folks weren’t refused entry. Has no one figured out yet that 2 seniors did not affect the park in any way at all. What the he’ll happened to the customer is always right? I proposed in Cinderella’s castle next to the elevator with Cinderella as our witness 6 years ago. I’m 70 now and have never heard of Disney reservations. And frankly if I can’t just buy my tickets and go when I want we probably won’t be back again. My wife is a Florida native and has been to the park far more than my over 5 times we were even figuring on going on our 10th anniversary but not now. You’ve gotten too big for your britches Mickey! We’ll check out Universal and see if they’re doing the same kind of restrictive visit. It’s sad that Disney is so “woke” and can’t wake up!
John Novak
They didn’t miss anything go to knots berry farm and other attractions in Southern California and not get ripped off
By the woke cancel culture Disney pc nuts
Rich W
Agreed 100%
Jason Laird
Totally 100% agree.
Pamela
How very sad…they should have let them in. Not all people have gotten into the computer age.
Heidi
This couple may not knew when could come. Money wise or being sick. And may not understood need to reserve right then. Need to check oout some other attractions.
Grami
Have a heart. Not everyone knows how to use the internet, make payments on line, or even use all of the abilities in smartphones to do anything beyond calling their loved ones and making doctor appointments. Elderly people have differing tech abilities, just like everyone else. Sometimes you can’t even find a phone number on a website to ask for help, and if there is a number, you will have go through many “press 1 for” whatever before you reach a sentient being, if one is even available. I hope Disney staff were understanding with this couple and helped them that day. Some day, you too will be old and need assistance.
Byebye
I really hope they got in. At their age, this could be their LAST chance to go.
Val H
Reservations are required because they are not at 100% capacity yet. I prefer making Reservations so I’m getting in rather than flying from Washington state only to not get in. It clearly states Reservations required, Disney World because of all the different parks is trickier but making Disneyland ones is simply picking a date on the calendar.
Abee
Since this couple was observed by someone who did not verify their age, they may have been older than 70. The nasty comments posted by people berating them is disheartening. Only hope karma chooses to make those commenters’ old age difficult.
Shelley
I am 70, I went to Disneyland in January. I will say that I am tech savvy and I had no problems with the Disneyland Website to get tickets and reservations. When you buy tickets it then takes you to the reservation page to make your reservations. It isn’t that hard.
Ambu12
Well if that’s the case, then they might as well have a system calendar to where once you brought your tickets for whichever day you plan on going, you are automatically “reserved” or “booked” your spot for that said date.
Mark
Disney needs to fix the system so elder people not computer efficient don’t have these issues
Mike
For me to even consider this moneypit they would have to make reservations with me.
Ms. Ellie Larez-Brault
Do we know if the 70 yr old couple had the “ability” to make a reservation?
I know many, many 70 and 70+ yr olds that are unable to do much past the very basic tech stuff either by smart phone or computer. I have been an AP holder since October last year and am quite tech savvy and have yet attended The Disney park(s) in Anaheim because I have gotten very frustrated with the reservation system and gave up after hours of trying to secure the ability to go!! 😡
Dave
Perhaps the language is wrong. Some people still equate making a reservation as making a hotel booking which they thought they did not need as they had booked somewhere else
OldGoat86
One, the reservation needs to be done away with. What’s the point when they are packing people in like it’s Christmas? The whole not running at pre-pandemic capacity is hogwash.
Be less than tech savvy myself (I hate Genie+) I feel for this couple. It seems to me if Disney had no reservations left, then they shouldn’t have been selling tickets. If they are selling tickets for teh same day, then it is obvious the purchaser doesn’t have a park reservation. Seems like an easy fix would be to ask the customer while they are making said purchase, which park would like to visit today? When it prints the ticket it makes the reservation at the same time. How hard can that be?
Since sadly, that does not seem to be the case, how hard it is to have a cast member with a tablet or laptop scan their tickets and make the park reservation for them right before they scan in.
Disney really needs to up their customer service. They used to be soooo good. Now they are barely mediocre. (btw…leaving in one week for WDW and actually considering canceling because of all the negative press I’ve been reading seeing all of the pics ofd gteh crowds…less capacity my Aunt Fanny)
RK
DISNEY is getting worse & worse. My heart goes out to the elderly couple.
GET RID OF REGISTRATION!
The ticket prices are ridiculous. A family can’t afford going anymore if you have more than one kid!!!
Tish parrillo
I feel sad for the couple. They probably saved up for this and were looking forward to the day. I would like to Disney world again but it makes you think twice about it. No need to bring the couple down. We are all very saddened by the war in Ukraine.
Sherri
I know that every company has had to make changes due to the pandemic. And this why I assume they need reservations. However, I’m only in my 40s, pretty solid on the computer, apps etc and it takes a minute to figure everything out. They should have been allowed entry. They paid for their tickets and thought they would just walk in, which is the way it should be. Technology is not always helpful and is a hindrance for alot of people.
Chipper
Horrible title…using the word tragically, I thought someone was denied entrance and had died at the gate. Impact of words matter and this is just not a good use of it. Article was fine luckily, but I feel like you need to stick to blogging
Dee
I’m 65 and I too had problems making reservations for the parks (Oct 22, 2022) and I consider myself pretty tech savy. So I called for help and they helped me through it. They were VERY patient and pleasant making it painless.
THE FIX: Where ever tickets are sold and issued, an easy peel off sticker should be attached stating (IN CAPS) these tickets are not valid until you register for each individual park. Do this very soon to insure park availability on your planned days. This can be accomplished online at atxyz.com or by calling (123)456-7890. Some older folks never even get online and would not have a clue how to begin to do all this. I felt so bad for them. I would have cried my eyes out if it had been me. Disneyworld is where I go for therapy. It lifts my spirits and allows my inner child to come alive. I’m telling you…I would have seriously had a meltdown. I’m already packed and I don’t leave for another 7.5 months! I think considerations need to be made according to specific situations. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!!!
Happy hiking
You made my day
former Cast member
WDW, how horrible, to insist people have to make reservations to the parks AFTER they purchase tickets! You take away a lot of excitement, spontaneity, and joy by making it TOO EXHAUSTING TO TRY! I remember my husband and I hopping in the car on our anniversary once, and going to spend the day at MGM studios. We were very poor, but chose to spend OUR DAY at one of your parks. The elderly couple you turned away may have felt that way too – could they have been wanting to relive a memory in their younger years by coming to WDW? Who knows, but I’m sure you did your utmost to snuff out their excitement. Get rid of the reservation system, you act like a bloated socialist bureaucracy who’s only driven by profits!
Rich
After seeing and hearing all the changes that Disney has made and as much as I love going to Disney and have been there alot throughout my life I probably will never go back again.
Deb
They will be devastated to hear it.
Lesia Lambert Conant
It’s sad in today’s age we have created more expensive tickets, front of the line, merch prices….longer lines and now turning away a elderly couple at the happiest place on Earth due to not being “computer” savvy. I am not sure about you all but this is turning into a nightmare! What is Disney thinking?! We can not blame this all on the pandemic! Disney is becoming the Villian!
Kat
Why do people continue to go to Disney. I keep reading stories about incidents there.
Kimberley Taulbee
I think they should get rid of reservation system all together but somehow to prevent such recent crowds at #WDW. I don’t have that solution so maybe that’s why they didn’t ask me🙃
Diane
To the person that group led all elderly of complaining about the young so tough for them if they aren’t tech savory.
Shouldn’t everyone generation be getting smarter than the last due to more technology introduced to them earlier in life. Also please don’t group all seniors opinions as one. No one should be grouped as one. That is prejudice.
Diane
To the person that group all elderly of complaining about the young so tough for them if they aren’t tech savory.
Shouldn’t every generation be getting smarter than the last due to more technology introduced to them earlier in life. Also please don’t group all seniors opinions as one. No one should be grouped as one. That is prejudice.
Walt
Just one more reason to not visit a Disney Park. Sorry they have removed the spontenaity, joy and magic through all their bull$%^& rules.
Deb
Yeah, safety is unfair. Stay home and everyone else will be happy.
Michael
Just get rid of the whole reservation system mainly because it’s really a broken system that has issues like these elderly people had
Hogan
We spend our money elsewhere Disney parks are waaay over price
Kim Henshilwood
This is Disney’s fault . When they were at the window buying tickets the cast member should have asked them are you wanting to use them today? And if so got them a reservation or let them know before they bought the ticket that they needed a reservation and none were available for the day . This is a customer service fail. But hey it was a good money grab so way to go Disney . Keep on ruining the magic
Paula Ferguson
Disney sites make it clear that one purchasing a ticket must reserve a Park Pass, as well. This story reminds me of the tens of times I’ve been in a food queue listening to a Cast Member explain the point system for the Dining Plan. As for being not tech savvy, ever been on Facebook? Simply post that you’re looking for a Disney travel assistant. They’ll do all the work and they’re free.
Lakegirl
First 70 is not an elderly couple. I resent that reference. We are 70 and not even close to the elderly reference. If u want to address this age, seniors would b great. And we used to go to Disney every other year, but they have become a place that is soooo expensive for less. And yes, this “elderly” couple can afford it.
Chris
I am 51 I work with technical support and I had an issue and had to call the Disney support line to help with with setting up reservation and no lie I was on hold for 2 and 1/2 hours before I got somebody but when I did they were awesome help me get it all taken care of quickly!
Debbie byram
The problem sounds like starts with Disney. I haven’t been in a few years but we are making a trip this month. The problem is the process. You buy tickets then you make reservations. If the couple is there with tickets but no reservations, why doesn’t Disney make it one process. Build their program to reserve the park at the same time you purchase the tickets. In other words, you can’t get the tickets until you reserve your park. Then Disney wouldn’t have this issue and get bad news coverage.
Nancy Adkins
What about somebody like me and my husband who the last time we’ve been down it was 14 years ago and at that time we bought never expiring passes. how are we supposed to know we have to make a reservation for a specific day to go in??? So since we’ve already got our passes the only reservations I would think of is for the hotel! there has to be an easier way because I’m sure we are not the only folks that have non-expiring passes! and yeah I know 14 years is a long time but life happens that prevents people from being able to go like they were hoping. yes the world has changed a ton but 14 years but even then we stood the chance especially at Christmas time that Magic Kingdom was packed because of the Christmas parades, so we went to animal Kingdom instead! So honestly even back then there was capacity limit what’s the difference between back then taking a chance or having a reservation. remember when kids were smarter than parents because we knew how to work a VHS recorder? same applies to nowadays with all these smartphones and fancy computers. So that’s reason number two why an elderly couple may not know how to get a reservation my husband has an Apple phone he’s always ready to throw it out the window because it’s so complicated to him compared to an Android and yes we’re old we’re only 62 old and I grew up around computers on my life due to my dad designing them so I have a little more smart than most elderly folks. I feel Disney also bears a responsibility to have a allowance to cover situations like this let’s say the capacity is only supposed to be 100 you might as 10% to cover the allowance therefore you have that Gap in case of unusual situations or circumstances that fit a certain parameter like an elderly couple or disabled couple. I know many of you feel that the elderly couple when I bought their tickets should have made the reservation but if they’re like us who’ve had their tickets passes whatever for less even 5 years they would not know about a reservation for Pacific day come on Disney I know you can do better than this and at the age of 70 what’s the chances of them being able to get back as we get older that gets less and less the next day is not promised for any of us so Disney I beg you to think of a way of handling set up parameters whatever for situations like this it had to be embarrassing for that elder couple on top of it all to be turned away they may have been celebrating an anniversary or a special occasion like one of them survived cancer any number of things, but there was a better way of handling this. And to the folks that feel the older folks were in the wrong like I said technology and elderly is not always a good combination so instead of criticizing this figure out some parameters and have a gap Disney to continue to make this the happiest place on earth.
Just a number
Not very woke of Disney, eh? A reservation on top of paying? Lmao- what a joke.
Susan Mills
ALL of these outrageous “new” rules since COVID need to end!!! — This is NOT how Walt Disney would have run HIS parks!!! SO SAD! #EnoughAlreadyDISNEY
Deb
Don’t be ridiculous. They are looking out for the safety of children and the elderly. Don’t want to wear a mask? Go somewhere else or better still, stay home.
Jim Ash
That is what it’s about. Not the internet. The new rules and punishments and Indignities. Enjoy your brave new Orwellian boobytrapped world youngsters. Eventually all of you will run afoul of some new arbitrary requirement.
Aja
Disney ‘s reputation is slowly but surely going down the toilet
Barbara Wadkins
Sad but NOT TRAGIC. Rules requiring Reservations have been in place for a long time now. Just because they are 70 years old doesn’t mean they are “dottering”. I’m 70 and can read the rules.
MATTHEW
Now, is the Disney website only places can buy tickets from? The reservation system was good during peak covid but needs to go. Especially if it needs to confirm ticket in hand before can book reservation. That doesn’t work and those usually get a voucher when buy tickets have to exchange there. If capacity limits in state are lifted, so should reservation system.
Ken
Walt is rolling over in his grave.
ms marie
I have pretty bad ADHD and I think I messed this process up. Haven’t been to Disney since pandemic, bought tickets for late April, didn’t even realize to make reservations. I went to look at the website today and MK isn’t available on the day I was going to go. I didn’t even know where to look to view available times prior to making tickets (why the park reservation availability this isn’t on the SAME calendar as when you purchase the tickets is BEYOND me).
On the phone right now hoping to find a solution. I feel SUPER stupid and I know this is MY fault, but the process is weird and Disney’s website is not user friendly (I get that some of you can use it no problem, but that does not make it user friendly for all/most). I feel kind of like they want you to make reservations AFTER the ticket purchase on purpose (“oh, well, you can’t get in the park when you wanted, that sucks, but we already have your money, so doesn’t bother us a bit”). Otherwise, wouldn’t it be easier for EVERYONE to make it PRIOR TO? idk..
James G
So Disney tells you went you can go, when you can eat, what rides you can go on at a certain time all while you’re glued to your phone. They really sucked the fun out of that place. Lol. You gotta make reservations for every thing you do there. Thanks but no thanks. They’re way to strict. It’s like another country. I’ll forever be team Universal Studios!!
sneakertinker
AND they upcharged every single step of that process…It’s totally insane when you actually think about it..,
Deb
It’s not “tragic” that they couldn’t go in. Tragic is getting hit by a bus. They can make a res for another day. It’s not that complex. Get some perspective.
Tommy
Please do not overuse “tragic” — what happened here was not tragic. Tragic is what’s happening elsewhere in the world right now.
Lorraine
“Tragic”, “elderly”…really… I’m taking my mum to WDW for her 70th, if I called her elderly she’d not be a happy bunny.
I also would like to know how we know the couple are both 70.
Do people really ask these things when you see said couple in a “tragic” situation?
Maybe someone could have helped them look to see if there were any reservations available rather than making this story into something it isn’t.
What is tragic is that this article has been published!
Tlaw
Screw the old people! They don’t carry the cell phone with them at the park, don’t upgrade to Genie + or LL, don’t eat that much or buy our junk.
They also require more assistance from our workers so I need to hire more staff.
We can make so much more $$$ on the younger woke crowd, so pi$$ off old people!
Take the hint. We made park visits so complicated to discourage you old people from coming here.
Bobi Chepak
Jeni
I want to know what Disney is doing to make this right. Did they get a refund or anything. Disney is know for impeccable service but I have felt that slipping significantly in recent years. It’s more about money than magic.
Babs
If Disney does not get rid of mandatory reservations for admission, then they need to revamp their website and not allow prospective guests to complete the the ticket buying process until they make an actual reservation. The latter would save a lot of grief on both sides! This elderly couple, I am sure have memories of a Different Disneyland, when, I am sure, admission to the park was a given once you purchased the ticket at the gste, and not on a unsatisfsctory website. I am confident of this because I remember it also. I think all the trouble the couple went through to purchase their ticket online, and especially along with the amount of money they paid for their ticket, Disney should have admitted them to the park that day anyway. I refymuse to pay that kind of money for admission to any Disney parks because I see it as a total ripoff and totally unnecessary! I believe Walt Disney would be outraged on how the parks are being run and how much the corporation no longer even resembles the family park entertainment that he had envisioned that day when out with his family in California. The cost of admission now is way kut if reach fir most americans, thst they can no longer provide the sort of weenend entertainment that Walt Disney envisioned! I am outraged that so much money goes to corporate administrative salaries that I refuse to continue to support it and will not pay the outrageous admission rates the Disney Corporation asks people to pay! I also live in California, no more than 20 minutes from the Park!
Lois
I totally agree! You need to take out a mortgage to spend more than one day at Disney. They have become a money hungry woke corporation. For shame!
Caro
Mr. Walt must be dying again and again in his casket to see how his company is managed now, being just a money maker that doesn’t care for any of the clients or guests.
Once you have paid the don’t care about any of your problems
Happiest place my *ss
demetra
This happened to me and my family last month except we had not purchased the tickets. We were prepared to purchased at the gate. Disneyland need to promote that there are no tickets purchased at the gate and must be purchased online along with reservations. We had honor role teenagers with us. We were rewarding them with a day at Disneyland to no avail. We ended up going to Knotts Berry Farm in which they welcomed us.
everyone
I share no empathy.
Linda
I wantt to comment on disney couple that is so mean at any age they should clarify that reservation need to be made as well 👎☹
Sharla
Tragic really? No sad, messed up , yes . Stupid Americans stop over inflating everything
David
You would think that Disney, who can afford to hire decent programmers, could come up with a Ticket Purchase system that could perform both ticket sale and reservation as part of the same transaction if both are required, instead of forcing separate consumer actions.
George
Disney is a money grubbing corporation just like any other company.
They try to display “family friendly” but it doesn’t work, especially if you’ve been nickeled and dimed by them while staying there
Lindsay Wright
Why in the world must you make a reservation after you have purchased tickets? Yes, the elderly couple should have read the instructions but all in all doesn’t Disneyworld make enough money on visitors? They shouldn’t be selling more tickets than they are able to accommodate! Come on Disney, get with it!
Cindy
Could haave been possible the couple didn’t see the reservation sign?Did anyone ask?Lousy of them.
Duane
First shouldn’t have restrictions because of covid. 50,000 people cram in football games with no problem. So get rid of reservations. Folliw cdc. Says no indoor outdoor restrictions.
Ben Reason
Aww, boo hoo! Did the same ‘poor’ couple show up to Musso and Frank Saturday night at 8 o’clock and get ‘denied dinner’? Did they show up at the airport for their ‘dream vacation’ to Maui and get turned away because there were no seats on the flight leaving in 20 minutes? Give me a break. Articles like this and the people that cry about them are everything that’s wrong with America today…
Mary
Reservation system should be a thing of the past. So annoying as a pass holder I miss the days of hopping in the car and spending the day at Disney.
Fives
“They should’ve just let them in” Okay, and then the next time someone just shows up without reservations they would want to be let in. And then the next time. And then the next. And then there’s no point in even having the system. Y’all can whine about it all you want but personally I would much rather know that I’ll be able to get into the park I want to go to instead of going all the way to Disney and then all the way to the park and then find out it’s full.
When I planned my trip back in January, Disney reminded me at least a dozen times that I would need a reservation in addition to my ticket. There’s no excuse.
SkwyrleyG
What a Rude Ripoff!! As an elderly couple they may not have been computer savvy. If the Powers That Be at the gate wouldn’t let them in…they should have refunded their money.
Went to Disneyland once as a kid…my parents took me…went to Disney World once as an adult, wasn’t really that happy. Now, based on their Woke hypocrisy I wouldn’t go to the “happiest place on earth” if they paid me.
El Jefe
Disney isn’t really what it’s all cracked up to be. And I don’t know about their rules either because I saw a whole lot of ass hanging out at Disney so clearly they don’t have a defined dress code because there were girls wearing super short skirts throughout the entire park. The attractions are mostly outdated, especially the stupid “it’s a small world after all” boat ride, which is more like an acid trip than anything else. It’s too expensive it’s too crowded and the lines are ridiculously long and if you purchase your lightning pass you can only use it with a reservation. I think this is really more of a waste of money and you’re better off going to universal studios. If I did have to pick a park I would rather go to animal kingdom and even then it’s a hard sell for me. They also need to add charging stations throughout they park. Nowadays people use their phones to take pictures and there aren’t very many readily available outlets.
sneakertinker
Go ahead and tell ‘‘em how you feel 😂…
Mark
A lot of elderly people are not tech savvy. Some don’t even have computers and use they cellular phones as phones. Pretty selfish of younger tech generation.
As a side, Disney doesn’t care. I wonder if they even refunded the couples money. Disney has strayed far from Walt’s dream.
Jim Stob
I’m guessing they were white.
Patricia Larkin
Disneyland should drop having to make reservations altogether, we are returning to Holiday in California July 2022 from Ireland and this would be very confusing and stressful for our Family as we have only a time frame of 2 weeks to enjoy all the Parks at our leasure and days we decide to go.
very annoyed customer from Dublin, Ireland
David Hyldkrog
I’m am not for the US but live and work in Denmark. However, I own an apartment in Florida and sometimes I go to Disney. Well first of all most restrictions world wide concerning COVID 19 is gone, so get rid of the restrictions as well. Beside that I wonder how an elderly couple can buy tickets to Disney without a reservation since that is a requirement. Shouldn’t the reservation be included in the ticket, or at least shouldn’t Disney check that people had a reservation before they could buy a ticket?
Michael
Nice to know this new caviat in Disney tickets and reservations. Had NO desire to visit Disney park. Definitely have NO desire in the near or distant future.
Day
Absolutely ridiculous especially if out of town they should have made a reservation for them on the spot and let me in! So disappointed how they handled this!!!
Lauren
The reservation system needs to go away. I loved when me & the kids could go to Disneyland at the last minute on a whim. Now with reservations, days are booked up in advanced & my kids play sports so now we can’t just drop in when free last minute. Can’t even use the passes we have. No point.
Becky
The elderly didn’t learn how to use the internet in school. How do you expect them to navigate a system they don’t know? There should be a phone number they can call to make reservations.
Unless Disney doesn’t want elderly people to visit. Just remember it’s the elderly that made it possible for Disney to survive all the early years.
Patrick
People are counted as they enter. It should be like it used to be. When the park reaches it’s capacity, then no more are allowed till some leave. If you buy a ticket, you should be allowed entry PERIOD. Disney implemented this new system no doubt for their benefit, financial reasons in one form or another. I was a yearly pass holder 10 plus years an have given up buying them for many changes that have been made. I used to pay under 500 for what is now 1399? Disney’s gone to the Pitts I truly hate to say.
Sylvia
Not everyone knows how to use the internet. So I feel for the elders
sam
Iam 78 years old and have absolutely nomptoblem uderstandingbthe system or the need for both a ticket AND a reservation. Follow the rules!
Amanda Cunningham
After spending decades dreaming about going to, then about taking my children to Disney, we finally were able to buy tickets, and our tech savvy middle aged brains ALSO had nothing but problems when trying to buy genie+ passes, which led to a call in, 12 hours of hold time, talking to 5 different representatives, which had each promised me something different, only to transfer me to the next rep who was to do what they had just promised and that rep tell me they have no idea why the cast member said thay, they cannot and will not do it, then promise me something else, transfer me, and deny again. The genie+ is ridiculous, disability access video appointment is a nightmare which requires calling in to understand that you can view the Chat window (that will inevitably error out 20 times while you wait on hold 2-3 hours) on the disney app, and then when the person arrives to the chat you can then revert back to the computer, log in AGAIN, and search BACK through disability access, click several links and finally end it back at the Chat. Disney DOES NOT value our time, nor their “cast members” apparently, they do NOT restore magic to completely lied to and disrespected customers, and I no longer dream about my trip, I’m dreading it, because all of the issues I had could have been resolved with the 2nd person I spoke to, had she been actually knowledgeable in the way things work, but instead told me I needed to get disney genie+ IN ADDITION to disability access service pass, and was prepared to sell them to me, which was the internet problem I had ORIGINALLY, system just kept resetting every time I’d get the passes in my cart, no info as to why. Apparently the system changed and made genie passes no longer available to single day park pass buyers (because those of us who only can afford one day In the park don’t need any help with long lines right?!), but nothing told us that anywhere, and my mother was able to buy hers, and bought her tickets just after we did. So the 2nd person was ready to let me buy these stupid passes, but then decided we had been through a bunch and wanted us to send an email to guest.services@waltdisneyworld, which I found out later on my own was NOT the correct email address, to let them fix this and “make the experience magical again”, and though I tried insisting on buying the passes and then doing the email so they were bought and done with, and she refused, promised me these people would make this right
…..which led to 4 more people, countless more hours of hold time, and NOTHING, NOT EVEN THE STUPID GENIE PASSES. And they refuse to refund me, so we have to go to the park or lose our money, but if they don’t make thus right we wil not spend a dime in their park. SO much for the magic and decades of dreams. Thanks disney, its so nice to know a multi billion dollar corporations employees have no training and have to “eavesdrop to learn the processes that run the jobs they specialize in” and disney would rather pay 5 employees 8 hours of salary to lie to me, instead of paying 1 employee 1 hour to actually provide some assistance!! Disney is a JOKE, their systems are a joke, and their training must be a joke too. Not one employee told the truth about a single thing, and not one was consistent with another. It’s far from easy. Check it out sometime. You’ll curb your urge to go…
NoT Todd
Disney is a hedge fund money grubbing greedy corp
X
Disney has no sympathy for folk who can’t navigate the system due to age. However it’s letting WOKE politics influence it’s business. Walt Disney is rolling over in his racist, anti-Semitic cryogenic grave
Buffy
Are you nuts or just stupid? Every old person does not have epilepsy, and many younger people can. Did you get past 3rd grade?
Buffy
Disney is one of the 13 “illuminati” bloodline families. He’d be excited about any kind of satanic oppression.
David Hartigan
Close the park.
Jaime
Elderly means epilepsy risky. Seizures and tech is bad. Too many LED THIS, LED THAT, LED WATCH, etc. bad business this online reservation. Make part time jobs and 24 hour call line availability.
Carolina
Once they have collected the money, they don’t care for your or your situation. We had 2 unused tickets because a family member that had passed away, they didn’t care and they event never listened our request of use the $ as credit to be used in the stores or restaurants. They claim that those were politics and we had to go again and aslo buy tickets for the second person going as it couldn’t be a “downgrade” by spliting the 2 parks ticket for 2 different people.
It’s not the happiest place, they just care about collecting money, have a terrible client service team, and they never put on others shoes, just repeat over and over about that’s politics.
RITA
DISNEY new app is not user friendly. i was on hold with customer service for 1.3 hours. then the rep (who was very kind and helpful) walked me through the process for 2.5 hours showing me how to navigate through the Genie app. i took notes and still had issues after the help.
also the ‘new genie fast pass’ was very disappointing. I bought 8 passes for Hollywood studios. we were able to book ONE ride, as the app reflected ‘no times available’ on all the other rides. so big waste of money and waiting for each ride was 2-3 hours.
Disney is letting too many people into the parks, it’s long wait times for rides, time spent using the ‘genie fast app’ to look for open time slots for rides and long lines to get a bite to eat. we were truly disappointed with Hollywood Studios. and to get help, more long lines and wait times. very disappointed.
Walt Disney must be turning over in his grave…the amount of money to get in the parks is one thing, then extra money to buy fast pass (which i didn’t mind) if i could have used, but to spend time on the app and it reflect no time available!! that was upsetting and truly disappointing.
Chris Nielson
They need to get rid of the asinine reservation system
Susan
“Tragically” denied access?
Buffy
Screw Disney! It’s a satanic playground. You’d think people in their 70’s would know that by now.
Quinn
Another reason Disney World FL is better I mean honestly the only people who go to Disney Land are people who only want half the disney experience 😂😂😂
Owen
I’d rather go to Harry Potter land in universal studios in FL than go to the half version of Disney in California lmao
Ashley
What if the situation was not then forgetting to make reservations for the day but yet rather had been gifted the tickets from a family member or friend because they wished to go (maybe even a bucket list event!). So for Disney to uphold their reputation, they should try to accommodate their visitors within park availability, instead of just denying access, what if they had traveled far for plans to go. It’s not like either Disney location is in everyone’s backyard or even within budget. I also heard they denied a 4yr old cancer pt from make a wish access d/t being unvaccinated (which that age was not eligible yet, AND the vaccine protects ONLY them and not others, plus what if his condition contraindicated the vaccine? So should he have been denied?? !! Only recently have I heard of some cold Stories… what is happening?
Ting Ming
I heard from my 3rd cousin’s friend’s wife’s sister that Disney makes hot dogs out of sawdust. 2nd hand hearsay is irrelevant.
Kori
🤬
Ting Ming
I’m getting old too. Just because you’re old doesn’t mean the rules don’t apply to you. I’m assuming they’re not Karens and just made a mistake. So sad too bad. Follow the rules like everyone else. If this couple were allowed to skirt policy, 100’s a day would try it.
Kori
😡
Keysha Mc
I’ve been going to Disney since I was an infant. My husband and two boys and just got back from a weeks visit. We had an awful time trying to figure out if we had park reservations. Even with help of the ticket office. I’m sure 70 year Olds had trouble. Disney has truly lost its magic. Especially with Genie +. Itisusuallyour favorite vacation but we really did not have much fun. It’s all so complicated now.
Sarah
Maybe those tickets were a gift and the giver had no idea when they would visit the park, so they skipped the reservations altogether. Disney should honor the tickets as they were bought and paid for and reservations be damned. This might have been the only chance these people had to see the park and now that moment is gone. Shame of on the person who turned them away!
Kori
Agree Sarah!!!
Main Gate Mess Up😡!!!
Barbara D
It’s still a shame for the elderly couple not being able to get into Disneyland. They should still improve the reservation site to be even more user friendly. The same with Disney world. We’re going down there to Florida in May 2022 to Disney hopefully. We’re going to start reservation process tomorrow. He still calls for reservations to park and chef Mickey’s, but has to wait on the phone for over 1 hour to talk to someone. That needs to improve as well. So I guess we’ll see if we can get in both things at Disney world.
Barb
Reservations was, and is, the way they came up to make the parks LESS CROWDED. Everyone cried and whined the parks were too crowded so they try to make it better using the covid break as the start and now everyone is crying about that! Pretty funny.
And about Oldies using the computer and smart phones: I’m an Oldie (69) (I hope you can get this far, too!) and the best way to Pi$$ me off is to tell me you don’t like/use the computer. I have zero tolerance for that and I hear it often from my neighbors. It’s not hard, and if one doesn’t move with the times, they’re done! We’d be biting on wooden sticks in the operation room if we didn’t move along. (Etc.)
OK, I feel better now. I think I’ll make reservations for the parks… Smiles!
Charles Keller
I must agree that the reservation system needs a little work. Sometimes you want to go on a whim only to find out that you can’t get in. How about a system that allows you to purchase a ticket for a specific date and then locks out the reservation for you. That way the attendance at the park can be predicted and better managed. This may not be the answer but I am sure the collective minds in charge of this can work something out
Danu LeWighn
I cannot help but think about “robotics.” Living automata. How robotics existed before mechanics. Simply, corpo problem solving and organization, just as it’s purpose or mission bemoans, is not of a single body. It is many motivated by inertia of revenue and personal profit. By it’s nature alone, it begets sociopsy. We see here at this place in the web, that sociopsy as well, the inherent gain from exhuming opinion on an incident, of human interaction and a guage of our own humanness. We lack it. All the organization and efficiency our smart tech and web 3.0 formats can allow for, and we do not have a check box for humanness. We don’t have a miscellaneous box any more to check, so a worker can put themselves in another person’s shoes, and find solution within their service model. We simply solve problems we have the answers to. Strikes me funny, that nothing has changed since the inception of Disneyland. If Spanish flu had come back in the 50s or COVID-19 had been covid-79, I believe that those generations would have been able to be as diligent or more with the knowledge they had at the time to fight pandemics. I believe when parks reopened, that they would have provided due diligence in protocols up to a higher standard than we can conceptualize today or rather would find “redundant.” And I know, that if the public was given the clear, back then, no employee would act like a robot, and be unable to find the stipulation in protocols to make proper exceptions.No one would have been afraid to call their manager. No one would even had to. There would have been enough managers on top of actual diligence and actual duty, to see a 70 yo couple their fair share of what they had purchased. Empathy doesn’t kill people. A lack of humanness does. It starts these things. And it waits, to end them. Our algorithms mean nothing to our society if they can not reproduce human empathy. And if we have to give up empathy, in order to more fundamentally exact logics, then we are as lost as that elderly couple, in Disney’s website. It was all too easy to buy the tickets online but apparently it was not as easy to point and click on the reservation. A format, since the park has been reopened, which has been rediculed for being elitist oriented and valueless to safety, in parks still otherwise over populated as compared to what was purported when making the reservation. Back in the 80s, someone would have gotten a binder out and flipped tabs, til they could find the proper way to bypass reservation status. Today, our tech doesn’t allow for human intervention. Laughable that any of us even read this story. Peering in only enough, like a child’s ego, to see humanness, and contort how little, it’s remaining meaning is.
Kori
I suppose no one there is empowered anymore to Make Magical Memories and deliver Excellent Guest Service!? And to that heartless guy who said the comment about reading and it’s plastered all over the website, someone should plaster You! Shame on you! You have no respect. I hope people don’t treat you so heartless when you are 70 and you can barely see or hear but you still crave happiness as you’re painfully feeling your mortality. Shame on ALL of you who wouldn’t just let them visit the Happiest Place on Earth! 😡🤩✨
Kimber
I think it’s stupid. Buying tickets should be enough. The ticket should be the reservation!
Mari
I’ve lived in Florida for 35 years and never had to do reserve. Covid is every company excuse to manipulate the public.loved Disney, but its not like it used to be. I saw the change for the last 10 years you can’t leave your carrier rental like we used to with your merchandise in it and no one would steel it now they do. People fight and act crazy like never before. It was real family oriented, respectful and trusting
Lea
Not sure why Disney can’t connect the two if it’s that important. When you buy a ticket the transaction shouldn’t be completed unless you also make a reservation. Then, give the ability for the customer to go in and change the reservation as needed according to preset guidelines.
JudyB
We forgot to reserve a park….
Too busy getting dog sitter, packing, having airline change your flight because not enough passengers or not enough pilots.
Get luggage yourself (okay, at least it arrived, ripped, but we have what we need).
Didn’t prebook transportation since MAGIC EXPRESS is no more. Arrive at DISNEY RESORT, THE MOST MAGICAL PLACE on EARTH”. This is where it should stop. Who reserved the park, who knows how to reset where we are going to eat!
This has become very complicated ………
Tammy
it does
Stacey
If it is mandatory to make a reservation. Why isn’t this part of the “buying” of the tickets? Don’t issue the tickets unless the reservation has been made. It’s pretty simple to fix the issue if Disney actually cares.
Alex R
If you actually believe Disney cares about allowing 2 extra people over the 1 million person limit, than you are as stupid as the clowns who believe the reservation system is still needed!
Ramona
Everyone’s saying how easy it is to make reservations but maybe the tickets were a gift or they didn’t have a computer, we don’t know the situation, but in regards to criticizing the elderly couple as I’ve read many have, I hope Disneyland made it right by the couple because this may have been the last time they were able to go to the Happiest Place on Earth, if not shame on you Disneyland management there are always exceptions to every rule. JMO
John L Bowman
You can go in with Chapek when there are no other guests in the park.
Kat
Get rid of reservations iam a retired cast member and I can not figure it out
Cindi
It is time for the reservations to go!!!
Nancy N.
Not everyone has a computer, nor are they computer savvy. I am Walt Disney (the man) would have never let this happen. I do hope they get to visit ASAP. Know they saved money just to come there and then they were treated badly..
Diane St Martin
I am 68 with little computer experience. We were not grown up using them. I always thought we always took care of our elderly with respect, at least that was the way of our last generation. Now it’s all about me! I’d hate to see what would happen to me, 68 plus Parkinson’s Disease! Crying shame 🙏 👨🦳🧑🦳
Sarina
It’s sad what Disney has become. It’s no longer about families or children or happy memories. It’s all about money and so many rules now it’s crazy. As far as social distancing here in Fl that no longer exists as they literally CRAM you shoulder to shoulder on ferries, monorails, and waiting areas for shows. And I’m sorry but this whole reservation thing is a JOKE and it’s sad a 70 yr old couple was turned away. I mean like the park couldn’t hold two more people? Not sure I’m renewing all our passes next year. Universal and bush gardens might get my money
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