Credit: Becky BurkettIf you plan on visiting the Walt Disney World Resort parks anytime soon, you might want to keep reading. This article will tell you how to avoid a potential scam that could return money to your wallet or purse.
Disney World Scam? This Isn’t the First One or First Time
Walt Disney World Resort or its guests are not new to scams that third-party distributors, airports, or ride-sharing platforms have tried over the years. With the rise in Artificial Intelligence devices and programs, scams have been through the roof in 2024. According to multiple news sources, AI scams have been targeting people, including Disney World guests.
Booking.com has warned about a sharp rise in travel scams driven by artificial intelligence (AI). According to Marnie Wilking, the company’s head of internet safety, there has been a substantial increase in such scams, with reports indicating a surge of “anywhere from 500 to 900%” over the past 18 months. A significant contributor to this spike is phishing attacks, where victims are tricked into disclosing sensitive financial information.
This increase has been closely linked to the advent of generative AI tools like ChatGPT. “Phishing has been around since the early days of email, but the surge in incidents began shortly after ChatGPT was introduced,” Wilking noted. “Attackers are now using AI to create phishing emails far more convincing than anything we’ve seen before.”
Some of the most prominent scam attacks happen during one of the busiest times of the year: spring break, which usually occurs between March and April of each year. Travelers heading to Disney World during Spring Break should stay alert to potential scams aimed at tourists.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a warning in March for those traveling during that time, emphasizing the need for caution when planning trips, whether a last-minute getaway or a well-planned vacation.
In February, The Walt Disney Company filed a patent application for a system described as “Systems and Methods to Produce a Physical Article that Provides Admission Authorization to an Event Which Correlates to a Digital Asset from a Temporary Wallet.” This patent proposes a technological approach that utilizes secure blockchain technology to improve ticketing procedures.
The proposed system aims to create a secure digital ledger for each ticket transaction, covering all stages from sale to use and any intermediary processes.
This technology is expected to address issues related to fraudulent activities, such as the resale of previously used tickets and unauthorized use of discounts, including military and resident-based discounts. By implementing this blockchain-based solution, Disney intends to enhance the security and integrity of its ticketing system.
Another scam continues to impact thousands of Disney World guests who fly into Orlando International Airport and are looking for a rental car to get to their resort and around the area, including Disney World.
Navigating toll roads between Orlando International Airport and Disney World can be challenging, particularly for those unfamiliar with the tolling system. Unlike traditional toll plazas that accept cash, most toll roads in the Orlando area now use transponders or a “pay by plate” system for billing.
Rental car companies often provide toll devices for a daily fee ranging from $10 to $20. However, Florida’s Visitor Toll Pass program offers travelers a more economical option. This program allows users to pay only for the tolls incurred without additional fees and is especially beneficial for those traveling to Disney World.
To acquire the pass, travelers can download the Visitor Toll Pass app and reserve their pass before arriving at Orlando International Airport. Upon arrival, they can scan the app’s barcode at designated vending machines in Terminals A, B, or C to obtain a tag for their rental car’s rearview mirror.
The pass facilitates automatic electronic toll payments using the traveler’s bank or credit card information, negating the need for rental car toll devices and associated charges.