Senior Couple Denied Entry to Disney Over Reservation Issue

When Disneyland Resort opened after a historic 412-day closure, there were a lot of things that were different. Capacity was limited to 25%, everyone was required to wear masks, and Park reservations were required — on top of tickets — to enter both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure. While capacity has increased and masks are no longer required for vaccinated Guests, theme park reservations are still required. While many people are aware of this requirement, it seems that there are some people who are still used to just needing a ticket.

Credit: Disney

Twitter user Hastin (@hastin) recently visited Disneyland Resort — which is known as The Happiest Place on Earth. Unfortunately, for one older couple, the day was not so happy. Hastin tweeted that he saw the couple approach the ticket gate. If you have a Park ticket but no reservation, the scanner makes a certain noise. The scanner must have made that noise because the Cast Member told the couple they required a theme park reservation in addition to their ticket. The couple did not know that and were turned away, unable to enjoy their day.

Absolutely amazing to see a 70 year old couple get turned away the gate because they had bought *tickets* but did not a reservation for today. #Disneyland

Absolutely amazing to see a 70 year old couple get turned away the gate because they had bought *tickets* but did not a reservation for today. #Disneyland

— Hastin (@hastin) March 11, 2022

While some commented on how easy it was to make a reservation online, others commented that older people who don’t use a lot of technology may not be as adept. When you purchase a ticket online, both the Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort websites tell you to make a reservation. However, if you do not buy a ticket online and, say, purchase it in a store, you may not be aware that a reservation is also needed. It is unknown how this couple purchased their tickets.

Credit: Used With Permission of Inside the Magic

For months, Guests have said that Disney is losing the magic that they held so dear. While people were understanding of the numerous changes when the Disney Parks first reopened after their pandemic closures, they are becoming less and less understanding. Between the Park reservations, Park Hopper restrictions, and the issues Guests are having with Lightning Lane, and Disney Genie+, many believe that the magic is dimming (or gone completely).

Credit: Five Fires Twitter

Disneyland Magic Key Holders have been particularly upset when it comes to theme park reservations. Disneyland’s highest Magic Key — the Dream Key — is supposed to come with no blackout dates. However, since weekends are so popular, they are booked for weeks. That makes many Dream Key holders feel like they do have blackout dates. One woman even sued Disney for false advertising of its Passes on behalf of Key Holders.

While many Guests aren’t fans of the reservation system, it looks like they are here to stay. Disney has liked being able to have more control over the number of Guests in their parks. They have also said that we should plan on reservations being in place for at least the next couple of years at Disneyland and Walt Disney World.