Parkgoers at Walt Disney World Resort are urging parents to keep a close eye on their children, warning others not to leave young kids unattended under any circumstances.
Walt Disney World is known for its safety and family-friendly environment, but with large crowds and constant activity, unexpected situations can still happen—making it essential for guests to stay alert and take basic precautions.
Credit: Disney
Disney World Parkgoers Leaving Young Children Alone at Parks
The latest instance of a parent leaving their child unaccompanied at a Disney park was detailed by a guest on Reddit.
“To the dad in Hollywood Studios who left his young kid in Mickey’s of Hollywood, why?” they wrote. “Your little boy, who looked about five, was in the corner, on the floor curled up in a ball. Poor thing was sobbing and looked terrified.”
Credit: Disney
The guest questioned the child about his parents’ location an was told that “no, his dad knew he was there and that he left him there for a bit.” They proceeded to call over two management-level cast members who took control of the situation.
“Parents, and I say this as one myself, please keep your kiddos close in the park and teach them to look for help if you are separated,” the parkgoer concluded. “It’s a loud, busy, and unfamiliar place and they may get scared and lost quickly.”
When the young guest approached the entrance, the cast member asked her age. At first, the child refused to give up “private information” and insisted that Disney cast members weren’t allowed to ask invasive questions. Eventually, the girl admitted that she was eleven.
Credit: Disney
Walt Disney World Resort’s rules state that children under 14 must be accompanied by someone 14 years or older to enter Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The child was reminded on this rule, but responded, “My mom said it was fine, and I don’t think you want to mess with her.”
Similar incidents have also occurred on the West Coast, where guests and cast members alike have discovered young children – including newborns – left to fend for themselves while their parents ride the attractions.
Chloë is a theme park addict and self-proclaimed novelty hunter. She's obsessed with all things Star Wars, loves roller coasters (but hates Pixar Pal-A-Round), and lives for Disney's next Muppets project.
This is not uncommon.
I worked at Disneyworld in 1992 and there were multiple instances of children being left alone.
Apparently as it’s Disney, nothing can happen!,,
This is not uncommon.
I worked at Disneyworld in 1992 and there were multiple instances of children being left alone.
Apparently as it’s Disney, nothing can happen!,,
Errr…no one vets the public!