Disney World Bans Third Party Businesses from Unauthorized On-Site Guest Services
Walt Disney World has sent cease & desist warnings to small businesses providing unauthorized guest services in the theme parks & resorts, threatening trespass notices for those who don’t comply. This is likely the most wide-ranging crackdown on the commercial activity ban at WDW in a long time, following a long list of more targeted enforcement actions.
There’s a long list of controversial commercial crackdowns from the last 6 or so years. The most recent of these is crackdown on commercial DVC point rental businesses, which Disney just redoubled with enforcement actions as part of a new use policy (as of March 31, 2026), strongly suggesting that DVC is adding teeth to enforce rules against ownership interests being used as business ventures.
Another notable recent rule change occurred at Fort Wilderness Campground, where Walt Disney World banned third party golf cart rents and now requires insurance of owners, while also limiting RV rental providers to its approved list. This fulfilled goals of limiting legal liability and increasing guest safety, while also oh-so-conveniently benefiting Disney’s list of partner vendors.
Then there was the controversial and headline-grabbing ban that occurred in late 2023 when Walt Disney World issued trespassing notices to dozens of third-party tour guides who had been operating in the parks. That contentious crackdown “escaped containment” and was reported on by the mainstream media, including this article in the Washington Post.
At the time, Walt Disney World indicated that that they are taking additional steps to enforce their existing rules that prohibit commercial activities because of a “significant increase in these rule violations.” Disney indicated that some operators have sold unauthorized services, including in-park offerings like Lightning Lane line-skipping services and access to the Disability Access Service.
“When this activity happens, it impacts the experience of other guests following the rules — including our guests with disabilities — and impedes our theme park operations,” a Walt Disney World spokesperson said at the time. “Just like Starbucks would not permit a third party to come into their stores to sell coffee to their customers, Disney does not permit unauthorized commercial activities in its theme parks.”
Fast-forward to 2026, and Walt Disney World is once again cracking down on commercial activity in the parks and at the resorts. This time, the enforcement action is not narrowly targeted to tour guides or t-shirt vendors or a distinct category of vendors that Disney wants to clamp down on for whatever reason.
According to multiple reports on social media and confirmed by admins of the Facebook group “Ear For Each Other,” over one-dozen businesses have received cease & desist letters from Walt Disney World Security and Legal. They’ve been advised to stop on-site commercial activity, or risk being trespassed from Walt Disney World.
The impacted “Ear for Each Other” businesses include:
- Photographers doing portrait sessions at Disney Resort hotels
- Massage therapists providing in-room services
- Chefs and catering companies setting up in DVC villas
- Stylists performing princess makeovers in hotel rooms
- Room decorators creating surprise experiences for celebrating guests
- Various other service providers connecting with guests through social media
Here’s the message about this crackdown posted in the “Ear for Each Other” community:
Good evening, Ear For Each Other community,
Many of you have seen the conversations online regarding where, or if, 3rd party vendors can still offer their services on property. While we have little information on these changes, we want to share what, in fact, we do know at this time.
Recently, a handful of our vendors (as well as vendors not in this group) have been provided written documentation from WDW Security Administration advising that their services were not permitted on property effective immediately.
This explains why some members received cancellations or adjustments to plans last minute.
Admins and vendors all agreed that it was important to share what we DO know by highlighting some key points:
- Affected vendors will be reaching out to their clients to make arrangements to go off property or they are unfortunately cancelling appointments
- We will respect Disney policy and procedures
- This did not impact all vendors in this group. Our group offers a wide range of services (many of which have nothing to do with parks/resorts) such as art, baked goods, wreaths, woodworking, stickers, stroller tags, handmade crafts, and clothing and therefore do not appear to be impacted at this time.
- Guests have inquired if the therapist, chefs, photographers, etc. can be put on their reservation as a way to keep their appointments. We are all committed to following the direction provided by Disney and therefore we cannot honor this request.
- What made us who we are, at our core, is that we were able to pivot when thrown a curve ball. There is no reason to believe that we won’t be able to pivot again!
- It is important to highlight that these businesses aren’t closing – they simply have to expand their network and seek out other opportunities to share their talent.
As we have in the past, we can all help get the word out that these services are still available in the Orlando community.
We will leave commenting on if you want to leave a note of encouragement to our therapists, photographers, and chefs or offer any ideas of how they can pivot their services in the community.
Any comments below that do not meet our mission will be removed as the goal is to remain positive even in the face of adversity. As always, thank you for finding the silver lining, focusing on a solution, and keeping a positive outlook!
Thank you for being Ear For Each Other!
The EFEO Team
Before we dive deeper into the details, we wanted to follow-up with a few updates on this news a couple months after the cease & desists started. First, like the previous stories ‘broke containment’ with pieces in the Washington Post, so too did this one.
In response to the WaPo’s reporting, Walt Disney World shared the following statement: “We’ve seen an increase in unauthorized third‑party vendors at our resort hotels, and these activities can raise safety and operational concerns and impact the Guest experience, which is why they are not permitted under our long‑standing property rules.”
Citing a study that highlights the $40 billion in statewide economic impact, Walt Disney World further stated that it works with 2,500 Florida-based small businesses that are contracted to supply products and services to the resort. Those include Polite Pig, Joffrey’s Coffee, Popcorn Junkie, Gideon’s Bakehouse, Tervis, and more.
Additionally, the group formerly known as Ear for Each Other changed its name to Concierge 1901, with the rebrand reflecting the group’s pivot since the majority of its services are no longer permitted on Walt Disney World property. The Facebook group includes more than 100 vendors and nearly 300,000 members, and it estimated that about 30 will “need to significantly adapt their business” catering to tourists beyond the bubble.
For those who are unfamiliar with it, “Ear For Each Other” began in 2020 with a mission to provide a place where furloughed Walt Disney World Cast Members could showcase their side hustles. The group was able to connect guests with talented vendors, often offering a service that Walt Disney World wasn’t at the time (or hadn’t offered, period).
“Ear For Each Other” created a community that helped keep the lights on for Cast Members during a difficult time. That’s a mild understatement. COVID closures hit Central Florida’s economy hard, and was devastating for many families. It was also a time when the community pulled together (both the local one and fans) and helped those in need.
Long after the closures ended, “Ear for Each Other” has continued. While I can’t speak to the motivations of each individual that opted to start a solo or small shop instead of returning to Disney, the clear consensus from my conversations is that former Cast Members felt undervalued and taken for granted, while being their own bosses offered greater freedom, flexibility, higher pay, and more. Not difficult to see why so many made the decision they did to strike out on their own.
Separately, we’ve talked to Nate Root, one of our friends in the Orlando photography community. He shared that they received a courtesy call from the head of Disney Fairytale Weddings (as opposed to a cease & desist), who requested that they not do photoshoots at the Disney resort hotels unless there for a contracted event. Wedding days are unaffected since photographers who work with Disney Fairytale Weddings sign a waiver for those and have authorization for those events.
The word among photographers is that those who work with Walt Disney World closely got a call. Those who are known to shoot portrait sessions at resort hotels but don’t have an established working relationship got cease & desists.
Others still seem to have flown under the radar and haven’t heard anything. But there’s reason to believe the crackdown will apply to all photographers equally, at least to the extent of portrait sessions (again, weddings are a different story and outside of this).
I’m probably biased as a photographer (albeit not one of humans), but this one hits close to home for me. Part of that is in knowing the people impacted. But another is in knowing that so many of these photographers are consummate professionals (as evidenced by relationships with Disney Fairytale Weddings) who have unrivaled skills and expertise.
Sarah and I have often half-joked that we should get married again at Walt Disney World just so we could use Root Photography. And in fact, two of our closest friends (one of whom is also a photographer) actually had them shoot their wedding in California. (It was worth it–best wedding photos I’ve ever seen!)
Prior to this crackdown, Walt Disney World was directing guests to these third party photographers for portraiture sessions at the resorts, since there is no “competing” service offered directly. Resort managers had good working relationships with some of these photographers. That’s because these professional photographers were an asset to guests and Disney, not a liability.
Although Walt Disney World has not commented on the crackdown, we more or less know what they’d say based on the third party tour group ban a couple years ago. The implicit reason for this is pretty simple and straightforward; that Disney is simply enforcing rules that already exist.
Here’s Walt Disney World’s official list of prohibited activities from their official park rules website website:
- The sale of goods or services, or the display of goods or services, unless prior written approval has been obtained.
- Engaging with other Guests or impeding operations while posing as or portraying any character in costume.
- Engaging in any unsafe act or other act that may impede the operation of the Walt Disney World Resort or any part thereof.
- Unauthorized events, speeches, or use of any flag, banner, sign or other material for commercial purposes, or as part of a demonstration.
- Photography, videotaping or recording of any kind, or otherwise engaging in any activity, for unapproved commercial purposes.
- Obstructing sidewalks, entrances, driveways, patios, vestibules, stairways, corridors, halls or landings.
- Hanging any clothing, towels, bedding or other similar items over or on balconies at a Disney Resort hotel or from fire suppression sprinklers.
By these standards, every one of the businesses receiving cease and desist warnings is in violation.
I’m conflicted about this. From the perspective of the stated rules and legally, Walt Disney World is clearly in the right. It’s private property, and the businesses receiving cease & desist letters are violating the rules. Even in the absence of legitimate liability, safety and economic concerns, Disney is free to make and enforce its rules as the company sees fit.
Nevertheless, my stomach sank when reading the “Ear for Each Other” news and hearing from photographers. This was all happening out in the open; it wasn’t some secret black market. Walt Disney World has turned a blind eye to it for years (that’s how they knew where to send the C&Ds), letting people build livelihoods as they’ve worked hard to create their small shops.
The people getting hurt aren’t faceless corporations. They’re small businesses dedicated to guest service, and trying to make a living by serving Walt Disney World guests. Many of them are former Cast Members that the company itself laid off. A lot of these small shops only exist in the first place because Disney furloughed so many Cast Members during COVID!
Maybe it’s one of those “you had to be there” types of things, but that’s my perspective as someone who lived through COVID in Central Florida. It was bleak. And I know that was the case everywhere, but with tourism grounded to a halt, few places were as decimated as Orlando–only Las Vegas comes to mind.
We saw firsthand what many of these people went through, why “Ear for Each Other” came to fruition, and how it was a rare ray of sunshine. The rational side of me fully understands why this is happening, but it’s nevertheless discomforting. It feels like there has to be a better solution than sending out blanket cease and desist letter; that strikes me as a measure of last resort, not first resort.
In fairness, Disney’s motivations go beyond simply enforcing the rules for the sake of enforcing the rules. Those rules exist for a reason, whether to protect Walt Disney World’s business interests, ensure guest safety, reduce potential legal liability, or create the desired upscale environment at the parks and resorts.
If something goes wrong during a third-party service on-property, Disney could face legal exposure even though they didn’t authorize or approve the provider. The argument could be made that Walt Disney World had constructive notice of the activity or purposefully turned a blind eye to said commercial activity.
As the party with the deeper pocket, it might behoove an impacted guest to name Disney in a legal complaint addition to a small shop. This isn’t to say the plaintiff would prevail in court–they probably would not–but that’s not always the aim of litigation. (Nuance that’s often missed when discussing lawsuits is that filing is not the same as prevailing.)
Walt Disney World works with approved vendors who carry proper insurance, licensing, and bonding. Small businesses operating through Facebook groups may or may not have appropriate coverage. Not only that, but vetting isn’t easy.
There are a lot of legitimate concerns that are mostly downstream of this, and relate to a lack of control. Disney can’t guarantee the quality of services they don’t authorize, but nevertheless occur at Walt Disney World. And if Disney doesn’t provide authorization, they also have little recourse for knowing which small shops doing business on property are legitimate and which aren’t. Or which are scams. Etc.
The cynics out there will likely argue that Walt Disney World is doing this to boost its own revenue. And that certainly makes sense in some instances. But in many of the aforementioned examples, Disney doesn’t even offer “competing” services.
Walt Disney World does not offer in-room massages, or personal chef dinners in DVC villas. They mostly do not offer professional photography at the resort hotels. Shutting down these services without providing alternatives just means guests lose options.
It would make sense from a business perspective if this were narrowly targeted at protecting Disney’s own services at a time when spending is slowing, but that’s not what’s happening here. At least, not the only thing happening. Accordingly, we do not believe Disney has profit motives for this crackdown.
If anything, the argument could be made that some of these curated and high-end personalized offerings are bringing business to Disney. That could be in the form of filling a service void that is common to competing luxury resorts; for example, Four Seasons Orlando and Conrado Orlando actually do offer some services that WDW does not. It could also be via attracting guests to Walt Disney World in the first place; we know a few couples who have flown down to Florida specifically for engagement shoots at Walt Disney World.
Nevertheless, it’s not surprising that Disney Legal and Security would want control over commercial activity on Walt Disney World property due to the aforementioned guest safety and legal liability concerns. If anything, it’s more surprising to me that the “Ear for Each Other” group hasn’t had more issues over the last few years.
In all likelihood, most small businesses will comply with the cease & desists. We’re already seeing this with some in the “Ear for Each Other” group reportedly pivoting to Universal Orlando or off-site.
Non-compliance means risking trespassing charges, and as evidenced by the aforementioned small shop that found itself in federal court, litigation risk and legal fees. Even if they reach a favorable settlement, there’s still considerable time, expense, and stress in taking on Disney in court. Most don’t have the resources for that, and they’re not going to win.
Eventually, the current scrutiny will subside…and new vendors will emerge (or reemerge). We’ve seen this same cycle play out with the Etsy small shops. This isn’t like ECV or RV drop-offs; there’s less visibility when many of these services are rendered.
What I hope happens is that Walt Disney World creates an approved vendor or preferred partner program, which is what should’ve happened in the first place, before C&Ds. This would establish a legitimate marketplace and official avenue for working with these small businesses.
It would be win-win-win, too. The small businesses would receive increased exposure courtesy of Walt Disney World, which would bring more attention to these services among casual visitors and first-timers (I’m guessing many of you had never heard of the “Ear for Each Other” group, and we’re diehard fans here!).
Meanwhile, Walt Disney World wins because these ‘authorized’ vendors would pay fees, meet standards, and carry the appropriate licensing, insurance, etc. to satisfy safety and legal concerns. Guests would win because they’d continue to have access to specialized services that Walt Disney World doesn’t offer directly.
As an added bonus, this could be a PR win for Disney. My best guess is that this news is going to garner a mixed reaction among fans. Most will understand that it’s Walt Disney World property, so they set the rules. That there are obvious and legitimate reasons for the crackdown.
But at the same time, I’d expect a sense of unease or discomfort (or at least sympathy?) that the corporate behemoth is cracking down on the little guy, especially when so many of these small shops are former Cast Members.
By contrast, Walt Disney World creating a program to partner with local Florida businesses is an unequivocally positive, feel-good story. It’s similar to Gideon’s Bakehouse opening at Disney Springs, when Orlando bands perform at EPCOT, etc.
As we saw during COVID, Central Florida’s economy revolves around Walt Disney World; almost every business is somehow in ‘orbit’ of the parks and resorts. Walt Disney World has done tremendous things for the community, to be sure. At the same time, there’s an implicit responsibility that comes with being the dominant force in that community.
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YOUR THOUGHTS
Thoughts on Walt Disney World cracking down on third parties doing business on-property? Does this news leave you feeling conflicted, or do you think Disney is clearly in the right or wrong? Have you used “Ear for Each Other” or any small businesses at or around WDW in the past? Agree or disagree with our perspective? Please share your comments, just be sure to err on the side of kindness and empathy and don’t engage in personal attacks, antagonism, or trolling.
Liability has become somewhat of a copout in my opinion. There is no way to avoid all frivolous lawsuits, but legal exposure can very well be minimized. Going on Wild Africa Trek, they make you sign waivers, despite being roped in like you’re going through Kumbu Icefall. Honey-moon pictures and a princess make-over in a hotel room should be somewhat comparable in terms of it’s inherent risk to life and limb.
Where they lose me is by going after businesses that clearly fill a gap that Disney is not providing at all. It’s quite bold to be touting “Deluxe Resorts” where massages are outlawed. “We said you could have a balcony, THAT’S IT!” And the list of niche-fillers is fairly long. While technically in competition, if there are no appointments available at Bibbidi Bobbidi, I think it would help the “Magic” and creating future fans if they can get an off brand make-over in the room. (If Mama messes up the curls herself, there’s still an improper princess toddler in the parks.) Vet them and legal disclaimer the hell out of it. Just like any other outside vendor coming onsite. This just leaves the impression that Disney only wants a handful of ‘official’ little princesses that got a proper makeover. Sorry kids, if your parents paid enough and wanted it enough, this could be you – hope you learned a lesson about how Disney works! Sure, Disney has every right to decide on business on their property. But what’s ultimately best for the business is a more complex topic than legal reasons. And I’m honestly never sure what is driving decisions these days.
Maybe this is a sign they’re ready to reopen the other BBBs, at least the one at GF. It can be tricky to secure an appointment, even for those staying on Disney property, hence the popularity of third-party options.
You forgot the social media crackdown that happened in 2024(?) where Disney contacted those with “Disney” or Disney character names in their IG username and made them change them. It mostly hit an exclusive theme park group I was in at the time. You know, I always wondered how third-party photographers got away with doing these portrait sessions in the parks. I looked into it once, when I wanted to start my own business as a side hustle, and the rules explicitly say that it was illegal and I could be trespassed so I chose not to risk it. I can understand the legality of it all. I’ve seen the brides and bridesmaids in the parks many times. Not only do they disrupt traffic flow, their dresses touch the ground which a big dress code no-no.
Maybe I’m in a minority here, but I wish they’d crack down in third party Lightning Lane services. It’s ridiculous that a human in the park has to battle against computers booking Lightning Lanes. I find myself grateful that Disney IT is so slow–if not for slow refresh times I’d never luck into the gap between computers trying to book. Maybe Disney thinks on balance this makes more people buy LLMP (since the initiated buy LLMP and a service, and the uninitiated think it’s normal that it’s impossible to book Slinky Dog Dash). I dunno, just don’t get why they’re letting third parties basically enhance their own LLMP product to the detriment of other customers.
You are definitely in the minority…I wouldn’t do Disney without Standby Skipper or Wait Magic. My surprise is Disney hasn’t started selling some service like this themselves. Let us book your Lightning Lanes for you for only $10 more per person or something like that.
Kenny, I doubt you are in the minority here. I certainly agree, and don’t mention or recommend those services for a reason. I’ve also been advised–more than once!–by people at Disney that they’ve been working to take them offline. That has happened a couple of times…but then they’re back a month or two later.
Disney does sell its own version of the service: Lightning Lane Premier Pass.
I had no idea 3rd party apps like this were a thing, Ken. I haven’t used LL since the switch from FP+, so haven’t experienced it myself. But my wife buys concert tickets and knows the frustration of competing against bots, so I’d imagine that same frustration applies here.
It’s grossly unfair and they need to go.
And Tom, I really respect that you don’t mention or recommend these services. I’m sure there would be some good money in affiliate work for them.
so will they allow non- disney strollers? disney strollers are NOT COMFORTABLE and difficult for a 3 he old to nap if you’re lucky enough for that to happen, plus ad a fan. I’m confused on this one.
A lot of my “Disney” merchandise is from fan artists on Redbubble or Etsy. Where else am I supposed to get Iago earrings? And fans know better what other fans want in merchandise design, rather than some perhaps soulless marketing executive.
If I had to guess….I would guess a case of one bad apple spoiled it for others. In what context? I have no idea. But I can imagine all kinds of possible liability in guest rooms from property crime to assault. And both guests and suppliers of services are at risk of being victimized.
I’m sorry for both the service providers and the guests.
I had the same thought. I remember when Disney Cruise Line lowered the age of the kids club due to an alleged assault involving two children of different ages. No disney personnel were involved, just the two children but disney still got sued because it happened “on their watch” and they did not detect it. I suspect a similar incident occurred with one of these business and Disney determined it was simply not worth the risk of allowing third party businesses to come meet customers in their hotel rooms on property. I can imagine to a child predator, posing as a photographer, hairstylist, or room decorator with a fake website with pirated or AI generated content and reviews to make a website look legit is all too easy.
As always, appreciate your nuanced and balanced views on this. I have to wonder if this will incentivize even more visitors to stay off-site – if you know you can have your make-up artist, flower braid designer, private chef, and room decor/gift baskets delivered and handled off-site with ease, it’s yet another reason to consider venturing out of the Disney bubble. As noted by other commentors, many of the small businesses being targeted offer services that Disney does not offer (or they actually do it better than Disney does!) so it leaves travelers with some choices to make. I would love either a preferred vendor program or a relatively straightforward/simple way for small businesses to be permitted for certain services.
Mixed feelings. On the one hand, this seems to border on authoritarian. If I paid for a resort room and I want to have a gift basket delivered or my room decorated, I feel like that’s my business and Disney needs to slow their roll. I’m not talking about legal rights here, I’m talking about whether or not that’s off putting as a customer. I would say it falls in the off putting category.
On the other hand, I do sympathize that we live in a litigious society and if that’s the primary reason for the change, I can’t really fault Disney. It would be irresponsible of them to leave a giant liability unaddressed.
Regarding sellers outside the parks, like Etsy sellers… first of all that seems like a losing battle as there are so many, and second my guess is that Disney gains quite a bit from the presence of these sellers. Advertising, a fan base that can go full throttle on their fandom and buy all the fun stuff to support it (thus increasing their engagement with the parks), and even the association with Etsy – Disney being an “Etsy worthy” sort of place.
Wonder if bloggers/bloggers aren’t next. Under the no commercial photography rule. Seems like photos taken in the parks as a basis for ppl making their livlihood as bloggers could qualify. Mostly Disney sees this as positive PR but…. Who knows.
This does happen, because by Disney’s rules, they are okay with bloggers and vloggers taking photos and shooting videos in their parks as long as they aren’t monetizing their sites. Although, I think Disney does turn a blind-eye to certain sites, because I’ve seen some hit by Disney while others continue to “escape notice.”
if your hotel room is your home legally speaking, then who you hire is your business. I’ve never considered a chef or catering in a dvc but see the appeal especially with a large group to coming back to a catered meal. If you’re allowed to cook in your dvc, it shouldn’t matter who does the cooking.
As someone who had a Disney wedding and have taken my family and engagement photos at Disney over the years, I’ve also (sadly) seen how the rules against external photographers changed over the years. First, third-party photographers were not allowed in the parks, then they were unofficially not allowed at the deluxe resorts, and now it seems like they are not allowed at any Disney resorts. In the parks, they now have Capture the Magic, etc. sessions available, and my guess is that they are rolling this out to resorts as well.
The problem is that the offerings Disney provides are, at times, subpar to hiring someone externally. There are some excellent Disney Fine Art Photographers, and there are some who are less experienced. (I also think photography is subjective, so you’ll want a photographer who matches the style of photos you like). Even if you have a Disney wedding, you have to pay an extra fee to use an external photographer of your choice. If you are having a Disney wedding INSIDE a park, I don’t believe you are permitted to use your own photographer; you have to use a Disney Fine Art photographer, and you cannot pick which one (a tough spot for a wedding day!!!). The same applies to portraits in the park (a pricey upcharge they offer to Disney-wedded couples). This feels unnecessarily forced for folks who are spending ~$50,000-$150,000+ for a Disney wedding.
I definitely like your idea of having a list of approved vendors – that’s actually what they do for DisneyLAND weddings, but all of the approved vendors have exorbitantly high rates compared to photographers you could hire in Los Angeles for a non-Disney wedding. Presumably, those higher rates are because Disney probably takes a cut of those profits as well.
“The problem is that the offerings Disney provides are, at times, subpar to hiring someone externally.” This is what I don’t like either. They don’t currently have a Resort photo option and even if they did, I am not a huge fan of the quality of the Capture the Magic photos. I have gotten some great photos in those sessions and others that are just technically not even worth presenting. I should note that I’m also a photographer so I realize my standards are higher than the average guest. But still – this bothers me. I loved having family photos taken at the resorts and am sad this will end. I also don’t relish the possibility of getting stopped using my own professional camera taking photos of my family. I don’t anticipate that being a huge problem, but if they’re cracking down, who knows?
Well there goes the Tom Bricker Park Photography 101 Class I was wishing for.
I am hoping this will not expand to 3rd party stroller rentals for the next few years lol. I have always wondered why this doesn’t fall under the regulations being that it competes directly with Disney.
My guess is that they don’t have anywhere near enough strollers to meet demand, and families would show up with pitchforks if they couldn’t get a stroller for their vacation. Also Disney strollers are hard so that they can be sanitized easily, but not comfortable. Scooterbug works with Disney and provides traditional strollers, but again, doubt they’re big enough to meet demand for all guests visiting the parks.
Enforcing these rules is smart policy for Disney. You are correct that liability and safety are probably the top concerns for Disney. Could you imagine what would happen if a guest got assaulted by someone who gives in-room massages? If Disney knew about the vendor and did nothing to stop it, a lawsuit is foreseeable.
I hope Disney makes an effort to crackdown on the commercial vendors that essentially operate at the parks, but do so over the internet. Standby Skipper and services like that impair the guest experience, except for those willing to pay for their bots. Disney should put an end to that to make LL and dining reservations more fair and accessible.
I really feel for especially the photographers impacted by this as it was a massive chunk of their business. A lot of stuff when it comes to Disney World is when it’s small and under the radar it’s fine but when it starts to become too big and too hard to ignore, then they don’t ignore it any longer. If there’s one or two people taking photos at a resort here and there, it’s just not an issue, but my guess is they have a constant influx of professional photographers, taking pictures and using the private property as a background. I will say I think Disney legal is going through some stuff right now and just redoing a bunch of things because they’re also addressing allergy policies right now. Due to the lawsuits going on there and the servers union voting we’ve noticed a lot of the allergy stuff changing as well. I just wonder if they’re tightening up legal stuff all the way around? It’s really a bummer that they don’t offer some of these services and like you said you approved vendors maybe it’s a small amount .. so as not to impact the other guest’s experience. For example, the artist who do the really cool colorful braids with flowers and make up and come to your room Disney just does not offer that on property. Also, they never reopened the other two Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo locations so most guests just can’t get an appointment for that anyway. It would be nice to see them offer family resort sessions with approved, photographers, and reopen the other makeover locations. The private chef thing I get.. I mean they want you to eat at their restaurants.
This seems fair on Disney’s part, although the optics aren’t great. It wouldn’t be hard to setup a preferred vendor program. From what I’ve seen of the quality of products that are officially licensed Disney merchandise, they don’t have a very high bar to get over, just want people to pay and let them know how they are going to do business on property and if it’s legal/insured.
Tom, thanks for an excellent piece…as always!
Do you think this could lead to Disney eventually not allowing grocery delivery from Walmart, Publix, Garden Grocer and etc? I am also wondering about Owners Locker?
Any speculation from you would be much appreciated!
Really thoughtful piece, Tom, and I appreciate both your Disney take and your lawyer take (in our house, your blog is known as the Disney/photographer/lawyer blog). I see both sides, though my heart breaks for those small businesses who have invested in these activities because for five years they were accepted or even welcomed. I truly hope that the win-win-win situation you suggest comes to fruition. As a consumer, I like to spend my dollars (as much as possible) on local/small businesses, but I also like to have a nod of approval from another entity so I know I am not being scammed.
I’m not surprised by this but I was sorry to see it when I saw the notice a few days ago. We have used several Ear for Each Other vendors every trip since they first started. We are 30+ years DVC members and absolutely love the opportunity to pixie dust the guests we bring. Breakfast boxes, charcuterie boxes, door decorations, in room meals, gift baskets, etc all contribute magically (and affordably) to our visits and fill voids that Disney doesn’t (and would cost a fortune if they did). I understand liability but would prefer a partnership approach rather than elimination approach.
I totally agree. I would add that employees at some point were given rules regarding employment. If these rules were stated, the employees expanding their ventures on Disney property knew they would be violating them. Disney knows this will limit their (Disney) liability and any business owner should pay heed. Just because Disney has now decided to enforce or tighten rules, doesn’t means it’s been ok in the past. Unfortunate, sure but knowledge is king (cash too!) and it’s a risk everyone of these vendors took. Now we know.