Disney Fires Back at Passholder’s ‘Predatory Business Practice’ Lawsuit
Not Long ago we reported that a pair of Walt Disney World Annual Passholders were suing Disney for breach of contract. Initially the pair wanted to remain anonymous but a judge rules that the suit would be thrown out if they didn’t reveal their identities. They have since been identified as Palm Beach County resident Erica Kelly and Orange County resident Marilyn Paone.
Related: Judge Threatens to Dismiss Lawsuit if Plantiffs Remain Anonymous
This isn’t the first lawsuit Disney has faced over the new procedure. Disneyland Magic Keyholders have also filed similar suits. Disney isn’t takinf the suits lightly and recently decided to fight back, at least in regard to the Florida case. New devotion shows that Disney is seeking to dismiss the suit entirely.
They alleged in their suit that the reservation system violated the terms of the agreement they signed up for when they bought their Annual Pass. By purchasing a pass with no blackout dates, they claim, they are entitled to access to any of the four Disney World theme parks on any day they so choose. However, the Reservation System prevents this from being possible due to some days being totally booked up. They claim this is a predatory business practice.
In a recent court filing Disney had…a lot to say on the matter. “Changing the terms of their annual passes’ park access due to a pandemic, after expressly reserving the right to do so, is not plausible bad faith, injustice, or an unfair business practice,” Disney said in the motion.
Related: Recent Comments Reveal Park Pass Reservations Aren’t Going Away
Disney has stated that they have no intention of getting rid of park reservations any time soon, stating that they are vital to their operations. However, they have recently relaxed the reservation procedures for Passholders. Soon (though no date has been given yet), Passholders will be able to visit any park they like after 2:00 pm with no reservation (except Magic Kingdom on Saturday and Sunday).
Related: Surprise! Disney Has Good News for Annual Passholders
In the motion Disney also stated, “Kelly and Paone omitted from their complaint everything that Walt Disney Parks and Resorts did for annual passholders during the transition to the reservation system — including, most notably, giving every passholder the chance to opt-out and be refunded.” The matter will be reviewed by a judge who will then decide if Disney has presented enough evidence to throw the lawsuit out or if it deserves to go to trial.
Disney has declined to comment on the motion at this time. This is an ongoing story. Stay tuned right here at Disney Dining where we will bring you any updates as they happen.
