Disney World is Cracking Down on Third-Party Tour Guides
In a drastic change from previous park policy, Disney World has begun to trespass third-party tour guides.
“Unauthorized commercial activities are not permitted at Disney World as clearly stated in our property rules,” a Disney spokesperson told Insider in a statement.
Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom
Those who violate the order can face arrest according to local law. A spokesperson for the Orange County Sheriff’s Office noted that they have deputies assigned to work the parks every day.
What Third-Party Tour Guides Offer
Most third-party tour guides help Disney World visitors secure dining, design their itineraries, and navigate the parks.
As opposed to Disney, which charges between $450 and $900 per hour, third-party services are usually much cheaper.
Photo: USA Today
Disney tours can, however, take visitors to the front of the line and through backstage areas.
With several owners and tour guides now facing the extinction of their business, they are asking Disney for answers.
“None of us are attempting to portray Disney in a negative light, but are just desperate for answers,” Alayna Crutchfield, a third-party guide and owner of Elevate Amusement, told Insider.
Ramon Rodriguez, who runs Theme Park Concierges, argues that his third-party service is bringing Disney high-end customers.
“We provide a service to Disney itself by bringing clients, high-end clients,” Rodriguez said. “My clients aren’t eating hamburgers and hot dogs and popcorn. They go to Disney’s high-end restaurants. They stay at Disney’s luxury hotels.”
Helping Guests With Disabilities
One niche that third-party party tour guides say they fill is serving guests with disabilities.
Credit: Disney
Murray Krasnoff, who runs a third-party concierge and tour guide business called Suntastic Sevices, says that his company has been operating since 1996 and never had an issue with Disney.
Krasnoff, who says his company specializes in helping visitors with disabilities navigate Walt Disney World, received a trespass notice on October 11.
“I have four families in November and I have a party of 17 over Christmas week with three people with special needs,” Krasnoff told Insider. “I’ve been on the phone with them saying, ‘I’m sorry to tell you this.’ Now they’re all stressing about what can be done.”
Magic Kingdom
Disney World does offer specific services for visitors with disabilities, including the Disability Access Service and rental vehicles to help navigate the park.
“Why now, all of a sudden, is this happening?” Krasnoff asked.
Why the Change in Policy?
According to Disney, the company is serving trespass notices because the businesses are conducting unauthorized activity. Even if they are not getting paid within Disney World, the delivery of the service is taking place on Disney property.
Photo: Greg Angel/Spectrum News 13
A Disney spokesperson also said that there has been an uptick in abuses of the Disability Access Service which have impeded park operations.
With their livelihood now in danger, several business owners are hoping to find a solution with Disney.
“Why can’t we have an association for the many guides here? Let’s have an association. Let’s put together guidelines of what’s accepted, what’s not accepted, and work together as affiliates,” Krasnoff said.
No matter what happens, we are clearly in a new era at Disney World.
