Thursday, March 28, 2019

Disney Policy Changes

My Facebook feed blew up this morning after Disney announced changes to their park policies effective May 1st.


The smoking change makes sense, and the general consensus is that the ice ban is to make security checks easier and quicker.  I don't find the change in stroller size to be offensive as many, many strollers, even double ones, meet that requirement.  The new ban of stroller wagons though has proved to be extremely frustrating to many park goers.

There also appears to have been some controversy, drama and confusion over the stroller wagon ban.  One stroller rental company local to Orlando issued a press release Monday night, in advance of Disney's announcement, stating that a representative from Disney had assured them that the Keenz stroller wagon would still be allowed in the parks.  This made little sense because why would a specific brand by allowed but not others that are essentially the same?  Some answered that the Keenz has a 5 point harness seatbelt.  There are no other stroller wagons like these?  I also highly doubted cast members would be looking for brand names and deciding which stroller wagons should be allowed and which should not.

Disney has confirmed that all stroller wagons, including the Keenz will be prohibited from use in the parks.

Wagons have been prohibited from park use for years now so I was quite surprised last year to see these new stroller wagons all over the parks.  Truthfully though, this is what really shocked me:


The girls and I were discussing the stroller changes earlier today and they asked if the mini Cinderella carriages would also be prohibited from the parks.  I looked but could not find a definite answer on that.  During our conversation, one of the girls commented, "Those are excessive."  The only time I really had an issue with the carriage strollers is on the monorail.  They take up too much space.

I wonder how this will impact local stroller rental companies who have most likely stocked up on stroller wagons due to their increase in popularity.
  

New(ish) Credit Card Policy at Disney Resorts

At the end of February, a new credit card policy went into place at Disney resorts.  When you check in, Disney asks if you want to put a credit card on your account which gives you the ability to charge items to your room with your Magic Band.  Super convenient.  Now, when you check in and provide that credit card, Disney will place a hold on any balance due, plus $100.  Once you charge more than $100, they will place a hold on an additional $100.  So the most you will ever have on hold will be any amount due plus $100.  According to Disney, this new policy will "better align Disney's practices with standard hotel industry practices."

Guests do have the option of not giving a credit card upon check in, but this means you will not be able to charge items to your Magic Band.

2 comments:

JEN said...

I am really curious why Disney dislikes wagons.

Sarah said...

I can understand real wagons, like the Radio Flyers. They're cumbersome and not easy to pull around, they tip over easily. I've never pushed a stroller wagon but they seem to be like a regular strollers.