Disney will soon ban kids under the age of 14 from visiting Disney parks all by themselves.
A company spokesperson revealed the news on Saturday. The ban will go into effect for all Walt Disney World and Disneyland parks and resorts across the United States on March 23.
Employees will determine if any visitors are in violation of the new rule. If the individual or individuals attempting to gain access to the park is under the age of 14, then the staff will contact their parents.
“If a cast member who is working at the front gates sees a guest who appears to be younger than 14 without someone who appears to be older than that, they will engage in a conversation with the guest,” spokeswoman Suzi Brown explained.
Disney decided to ban kids under the age of 14 from resorts and parks after conducting a survey with some of its guests . The company also discussed the matter with folks from a number of child welfare associations.
Brown also stated that 14 is the recommended minimum age for babysitters by the American Red Cross.
Disney parks and resorts previously didn’t have an age restriction for its guests. The company stressed that no particular incident prompted the new regulation.
“We regularly review all of our policies, and we identified an opportunity to provide a consistent age of admission and address a question we occasionally get from parents. The question is just if we have a minimum age,” Brown added.
News of the age restriction comes just days after a 13-year-old boy drowned in a Disney resort swimming pool in Orlando, Florida.
Anthony Johnson was reportedly swimming at the Pop Century Resort when the accident occurred. A cousin spotted the teenager at the bottom of the pool after his parents lost sight of him. He was rushed to an area hospital for treatment.
“Our concern is for the young man and his family We’ve reached out to the family to offer our assistance and support,” the company said in a prepared statement.
What do you think about the Disney ban that prevents kids under 14 from entering parks and resorts by themselves?