Disneyland: Debate erupts as theme park cracks down on wild guest behaviour with new ‘resort rules’

Disneyland has introduced new “resort rules” at its Anaheim theme park in California in a bid to crack down on unruly guest behaviour.

The updated guest code of conduct, introduced in April, outlines stricter expectations for visitors and adds new technology‑driven measures at Disney parks.

Among the most notable changes is the rollout of facial recognition verification, now operating at select gates.

The system compares guests’ faces to the images captured when their tickets or annual passes were first activated.

Through the use of a biometric template, the technology uses a string of numerical data rather than a stored photograph to cross reference a visitor’s profile with the image.

The rollout is part of a wider tightening of park rules as Disneyland works to address disruptive behaviour and maintain a safe, orderly environment for all guests.

The reviewed code of conduct also looks to tackle the recent rise in ride shutdowns that have been linked to visitor behaviour, according to Disney blog, Mickey Visit.

Disneyland’s director of attractions engineering services, Natalie Katzka, told attendees guest actions were responsible for 13 per cent of attraction stoppages in fiscal year 2025, an increase from the park’s long‑term average of 10 per cent.

Another significant change is a new phone policy informally dubbed ‘Stow It, Don’t Show It.’

Cast members will conduct visual checks before dispatching ride vehicles on Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway ride, and any visible phone can halt the launch.

Ms Katzka said handheld filming is no longer allowed on high‑motion attractions and devices must be fully secured in a pocket or bag before boarding rides.

The tightened policy also covers additional loose belongings, including large insulated drink containers, which Disneyland says can contribute to ride disruptions.

Disney officials told Fox News the company regularly reviews its policies, and the recent overhaul is designed to improve the arrival experience for guests, reduce fraud and protect staff.

But the decision has sparked debate between guests.

“Their entire ecosystem … requires you to use your phone for everything. This is laughable,” a Reddit user said about the phone ban.

Another said: “Disney makes everything as app-based as possible … then complains about people being glued to their phones.”

“I do not want to spend time on my phone when I am at ‘The Most Magical Place on Earth.’ I want to be in my happy place,” a third wrote.

“As someone who generally puts their phone away on the rides, I’m good with just experiencing it,” another said.

The move comes hot on the heels of an incident at Disney World in Florida last month which landed a guest in hot water and with a life-time ban.

Diego Rodriguez was hit with the ban after he was arrested for allegedly assaulting a staff member after he became impatient while waiting in line to meet one of the characters on April 21.

The 42-year-old entered a not guilty plea and requested a trial by jury.

He currently faces a first degree misdemeanour battery charge.