Disney Parks Just Got Stricter – And Some Guests Could Be Banned for Life
Guests at Disney parks are used to seeing signs that remind them of the rules: no line jumping, no outside food, no offensive behavior. But behind the cheerful tone and carefully staged magic, the company is quietly getting more serious about enforcement.
In recent years, Disney has added new language to its codes of conduct and guest messaging, urging civility and warning of consequences. At Disneyland and Walt Disney World, the company now explicitly states that guests may be removed for behavior that lacks “kindness and compassion.”
“Be the magic you want to see in the world,” reads the official line. “Those who can’t live up to this simple wish may be asked to leave Walt Disney World Resort.”
Now, one Disney resort is taking that sentiment even further—with permanent bans.
New Rules, New Consequences
In April, The Oriental Land Company, which operates Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, announced a sweeping new policy targeting “kasu-hara,” or customer harassment. The company says guests who harass, threaten, or abuse cast members may now be permanently banned from both parks.
“There have been instances in the past where our employees struggled to deal with difficult guests,” a spokesperson for OLC told The Asahi Shimbun. “This policy was created to ensure the safety and well-being of both staff and guests, as well as to enhance the overall customer experience.”
The policy outlines a wide range of misconduct, from offensive language and stalking to excessive phone calls and refusal to leave park property. The company may involve law enforcement or pursue legal action in cases of serious misconduct.
Like its American counterparts, Tokyo Disney Resort also enforces a dress code (no costumes for guests over 14) and bans outside food, alcohol, and other prohibited items. What’s new is the level of consequence—and the clarity with which it’s being communicated.
A Broader Shift in Tone at Tokyo Disney Resort
The update comes as Tokyo Disney Resort undergoes dramatic transformation. Fantasy Springs, a new expansion at Tokyo DisneySea, opened this year with lands inspired by Frozen, Tangled, and Peter Pan. Construction is also underway on a Wreck-It Ralph attraction and new Space Mountain at Tokyo Disneyland.
Concept art released in April hints at even bigger changes ahead—including the removal of classic attractions like Jungle Cruise and Swiss Family Treehouse in favor of what looks like Moana, Up, and The Incredibles-themed replacements.
While longtime fans have expressed concern that Disney is abandoning original concepts in favor of film-based IP, OLC’s position is clear: “Our plan is to provide moving experiences and surprises that cannot be found anywhere else in the world through development unique to Tokyo Disney Resort.”
The company is also keeping a close eye on guest behavior. As tourism booms post-pandemic and international visitors flood the parks, OLC appears intent on safeguarding both its employees and the park experience itself.
In Japan, where the customer has traditionally been treated as absolute, industries from transportation to retail have begun to draw firmer lines. For Disney, those lines now include the gates. Cross them—and you may not be welcomed back.
What do you think about this rule change?
