Credit: Hong Kong DisneylandDisney is a popular destination for solo travelers, but those hoping to visit one Disney park should consider a new warning before planning their visit.
Thanks to the magic of the “Disney Bubble,” few destinations are quite as safe for solo travelers as Disney. With the ability to stay on property, travel using Disney transportation, and enjoy the security of thousands of cast members (including the security cast members you don’t even see), it’s no surprise that everywhere from Walt Disney World Resort to Shanghai Disneyland attracts a devoted community of independent adventurers.
For solo travelers, there are plenty of perks to visiting the parks alone. For one thing, there’s no need to consider everyone else’s Disney trip priorities. You take everything at your own pace and do what you want, when you want.
Want to go to EPCOT and snack your way through the Food & Wine Festival or check a few table service restaurants off your bucket list? Done. Prefer to take advantage of single rider lines or prioritize thrill rides such as Big Thunder Mountain Railroad or Expedition Everest? No need to cater to the whims of the roller coaster-averse at your party.
There are, however, some downsides to going solo at Disney. On your first visit, it’s easy to feel self-conscious (although we can guarantee that nobody’s paying attention to solo adult travelers at the Happiest Place on Earth). Hotel rooms will cost more when not splitting with a group, and travelers have also reported paying a premium when booking flights for one person instead of a larger party. It’s also hard to take your own pictures without the help of a trusty companion.
That’s what draws some solo guests to Hong Kong Disneyland to hire third-party services for their visit. However, those hoping to do so have been issued a warning in recent weeks.
Guests Warned Over The Use of Photography Services at Disney Park
A report by ETtoday has cautioned solo travelers against utilizing photographers at the theme park, which is home to unique attractions such as Mystic Manor, Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars, Ant-Man and The Wasp: Nano Battle!, and World of Frozen’s notoriously short roller coaster, Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs.
This follows reports that the Hong Kong Immigration Department arrested eight illegal mainland workers who were suspected of providing photography and makeup services in Hong Kong in September, charging between HK$300 and HK$2,000 for services at the theme parks. Seven of them were charged with violating their conditions of stay, and five have been sentenced to two months in prison.
A reader revealed to ETtoday that many Taiwanese tourists have been searching for photographers on Xiaohongshu to shoot at Hong Kong Disneyland, and then promoting the photographers on Instagram and Threads.
However, this reader also pointed out that many people accidentally hire mainland photographers who came to Hong Kong on tourist visas, which risks violating Hong Kong laws. In addition, the theme park also has regulations on filming within the park, so one must be careful when choosing a photographer to avoid breaking the law.
The Hong Kong Immigration Department has stressed that no tourist is permitted to engage in employment – whether that’s paid or unpaid – in Hong Kong without approval.
This responsibility also partially lies on solo travelers themselves, with Qin Xudong, Deputy Commander of the Hong Kong Immigration Department’s Task Force, warning, “If non-local residents are employed, not only could the service provider be held criminally liable, but both the employer and the consumer could be exposed to legal action.”
ETtoday found numerous posts on Xiaohongshu promoting photography services at Hong Kong Disneyland – which is currently in the midst of its Halloween celebrations – offered by both individuals and agencies. Prices range widely, with some charging by the day or hour. Many claim professional credentials, highlight photo spots inside the park, or advertise posing guidance.
Hong Kong Highlights Labor Concerns
The trend has raised concerns over illegal labor, prompting tourists to ask how to verify whether a photographer is operating legally. In response, legitimate Hong Kong photographers often stress their permanent resident status and valid IDs.
Under Hong Kong’s Immigration Ordinance, employing someone who is not legally eligible to work is a criminal offense. Penalties can reach HK$500,000 and 10 years in prison for cases involving illegal immigrants, overstayers, or those under deportation orders.
Disneyland’s official rules further prohibit unauthorized tours or photography services, as well as filming or recording not intended for personal use.
Under the section of activities that are not allowed at the park, the Hong Kong Disneyland park rules explicitly prohibit “the sale or exchange of goods or services, or the display of goods or services for sale or exchange, or solicitation for sale or exchange of goods or services, whereby goods include but not limited to Disney-branded merchandise, and services include but not limited to tour services or photography services of any kind, without our authorization.”
Visitors who want professional photos of their trip are encouraged to use Disney PhotoPass. Photographers are stationed throughout the park, and while individual prints cost extra, the Disney PhotoPass+ package offers unlimited digital downloads for one day at HK$398 (about USD $50).
Have you ever visited Disney solo?