Disney Revises Ticketing Policy Amid Reports of Fraud: Guests Face Cancellations

in Shanghai Disneyland

Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in colorful festive attire pose in front of a large, ornate castle at Disneyland. The sky is clear, and the surroundings are beautifully landscaped with trees and bushes, creating a magical atmosphere.

Credit: Shanghai Disney

The worst thing anyone can go through when it comes to vacation is having to cancel all plans after obtaining things like Disney theme park tickets illegally, leaving you and your loved ones without a plan. Now, Disney is enacting a brand-new ticketing policy.

Image of the entrance to a Disneyland park with a large floral display of Mickey Mouse's face in front of the entrance gate, which features a clock tower. Colorful flowers and well-manicured gardens surround the display, and the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle is visible in the background at this Disney Resort.
Credit: Shanghai Disneyland

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Disney Vacationers Forced To Cancel Trips Amid Growing Illegal Activity

Disney Resorts worldwide continues to grapple with illegal ticket sales, ticket scalping, and third-party sellers scamming thousands of guests annually.

Despite efforts to combat the issue, unauthorized resale and fraudulent ticketing practices persist, impacting guest experiences and damaging Disney’s reputation for delivering high-quality service. Ticket scalping, where third-party vendors sell park tickets at inflated prices, is a significant problem.

Unsuspecting guests often purchase these tickets, only to be denied entry upon arrival when Disney’s systems flag the tickets as invalid. Additionally, some vendors offer discounted multi-day tickets, only for guests to discover the tickets were partially used by previous buyers, rendering them useless.

Disney has implemented various strategies to address these concerns, including digital ticketing systems, photo identification, and biometric scans to link tickets directly to individuals.

These measures have proven effective but are not foolproof. Scammers exploit unsuspecting visitors through online platforms, third-party websites, and social media marketplaces. Disney has repeatedly warned guests to avoid purchasing tickets from unofficial sources, urging them to buy directly from the company’s official website or authorized sellers.

Mickey meets two guests at a restaurant
Credit: Shanghai Disneyland

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The New Rules for Those Wanting a Theme Park Ticket to This Resort

However, third-party scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making it difficult for guests to identify fraudulent deals. Disney also works closely with law enforcement and legal teams to crack down on ticket resellers. Individuals involved in illegal ticket sales often face significant fines and legal consequences, yet the demand for discounted tickets keeps the market alive.

Despite these challenges, Disney remains committed to protecting guests and ensuring the integrity of its ticketing system while enhancing security measures across all resorts worldwide.

Shanghai Disney Resort is taking significant steps this year to combat the growing issue of ticket scalping and illegal ticket sales. As part of its ongoing efforts, the resort is rolling out a new real-name ticketing policy to curtail unauthorized resale, a practice that has long plagued Disney parks worldwide.

This policy comes as Disney Resorts globally deals with ticketing scams and fraud, which frustrate thousands of guests each year. The new measures ensure guests have a fair chance to enjoy the park without falling victim to third-party sellers or inflated prices.

Currently, Shanghai Disney Resort allows guests to purchase up to five tickets using a single ID card, leaving room for scalpers to take advantage of the system.

Topiary sculptures of Disney characters, shaped as a green bear with a purple flower on its head holding a ring, and another green bear wearing a blue scarf, are displayed in front of a Disney castle surrounded by gardens and vibrant yellow flowers.
Credit: Shanghai Disneyland

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However, under the updated policy, which aligns with recent government efforts to crack down on illegal commercial activities, guests must use their official ID card to buy tickets.

This change ensures that every ticket is tied directly to the individual purchaser, making it more difficult for scalpers to profit. Guests will be limited to purchasing one ticket per day, whether online or in person, to reduce the potential for ticket resales further.

Moreover, when entering Shanghai Disneyland, guests must present the same ID card used to purchase their ticket, adding another layer of security. This policy applies to all ticket types, including unique and promotional tickets, often targeted by scalpers looking to exploit higher demand.

In addition to ticketing changes, Shanghai Disney Resort is revising its child ticket policy by removing the height requirement and switching to an age-based system.

Children under 3 will continue to receive free admission, while children aged 3 to 11 will need a child ticket. This change aims to simplify the ticketing process for families while ensuring fairness across the board. Shanghai Disney Resort, located in Pudong, Shanghai, has been famous since its opening in June 2016.

A lively parade scene at a theme park features performers dressed in elaborate white and gold costumes, dancing joyfully. In the background, a float carries characters resembling Belle and the Beast from "Beauty and the Beast," surrounded by enthusiastic dancers at this Disney Resort
Credit: Shanghai Disneyland

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It is the sixth Disney Resort worldwide and features attractions such as Shanghai Disneyland, Disneytown entertainment district, Shanghai Disneyland Hotel, and the Toy Story Hotel. The park’s first major expansion, Zootopia Land, opened in December 2023, drawing even more visitors.

With the rise in demand, the resort has also adjusted ticket prices, highlighting the need for stricter policies to prevent scalping. Each Disney park at this Disney Resort will adhere to the rules and regulations put forth by The Walt Disney Company to ensure these illegal activities do not happen again.

These Disney theme parks will hopefully bounce back from this situation to provide an optimal Disney experience for all of their guests.

Disney Resorts globally, including Shanghai Disney, continuously seeks new ways to protect guests from fraudulent ticket sellers. By adopting these real-name ticketing policies, Disney aims to maintain its parks’ integrity and offer visitors a more secure and enjoyable experience.

in Shanghai Disneyland

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