Disney Theme Parks have implemented a new policy that affects children under 14 years of age entering theme parks at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida and Disneyland in Anaheim, California.
According to today’s USA Today report, Disney’s new policy will ban kids under the age of 14 from entering the park by themselves. The ban will become effective March 23, 2013.
During an interview with NBC4, Disney spokeswoman Suzi Brown explained the new procedures: “If a cast member who is working at the front gate sees a guest who appears to be younger than 14 without someone who appears to be older than that, they will engage in a conversation with the guest.”
If confirmation is made that the guest is underage, a parent or guardian of the child will be contacted. That parent or guardian must accompany the underage guest into the park upon arrival.
Brown also explained that the implementation of the new policy change was not in response to an incident, but rather to address concerns for younger kids that attended the park without company. Several surveys conducted identified a concern by several child welfare groups and parents. Their input also helped determine the minimum age of 14 for the new policy.
Prior to this new policy, there were no set age limits at either of the domestic Disney Parks. Each park determined age limits if the need arose; and varied depending on the park.
Articles cited:
Disney bans solo kids under 14 at U.S. parks – USA Today
Disney bans kids under 14 from entering parks alone – NBCNews.com
Related articles:
Disney Bans Kids Under 14 From Entering Parks Unaccompanied – Parents.com
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