WDW Cracking Down on Third-Party Businesses

[DisneyHead123]

This would be like me setting up a lemonade stand, then someone showing up selling cookies at my stand. So now maybe instead of me selling two lemonades now I’m selling one and the third party grifter is selling that person a cookie. I’m the one who did all the work creating a business and then someone moves in and starts taking a slice. "But you don’t sell cookies so you should let that person do it!". But it’s my business on my property and maybe I do not want to sell cookies. If my lemonade stand rules state no third party vendors then I have a right to enforce.

Yes I feel bad for the cast that were furloughed (I was one of them) and I’m glad some found a new calling and were able to become their own bosses. However, eventually every single ft/pt cm was called back and offered employment, if they chose not to return that’s fine, but that doesn’t mean the mouse owes them anything further and also doesn’t mean they should be able to set up shop on private property.

My take is this - I don’t think anyone is confused on this point or saying cast members have a legal right to operate wherever they want. In fact this is the one area where fans tend to rally around Disney (which, while surprising, I guess is good - I’m all for people respecting the law.)

That said, as a consumer I 100% value that I get to voice my opinion with my wallet or even just my overall level of goodwill, however arbitrary or capricious that opinion may be. If I’m standing in a long line at a lemonade stand and order a brownie to be delivered, only to have the lemonade curator yell that no offsite brownies are allowed? If I have a dog walker and babysitter with me in line and they tell them to go pound sand because they’re considered offsite vendors on their property? If I have a fan delivered because it’s 100 degrees outside and they have no shade in their line, and they have security remove the person delivering the fan? I would probably get ticked off and leave.

As a citizen, I respect rule of law and support businesses right to enforce it. As a consumer, I want a compelling explanation. “I wanted to make more money, maybe, for services that maybe I’ll offer in the future but probably not” is not compelling to me. At the other end of the spectrum, “We heard whispers about predators trying to get in on these in-room services” is a “say no more” situation.

To my mind that is the difference up for debate here. Disney is entitled to protection under the law. They are not entitled to fan goodwill about how they choose to exercise their rights. (Even though, again, it seems like they have it for the most part in this case.)

 

[lazyboy97o]

This would be like me setting up a lemonade stand, then someone showing up selling cookies at my stand. So now maybe instead of me selling two lemonades now I’m selling one and the third party grifter is selling that person a cookie. I’m the one who did all the work creating a business and then someone moves in and starts taking a slice. "But you don’t sell cookies so you should let that person do it!".

You’ve pretty much described many of the towns that inspired Main Street, USA. Railroad sets up a stop and others move in to take advantage of people now being in the area. It’s how places become cities, because the presence of people creates opportunities.

 

[castlecake2.0]

My take is this - I don’t think anyone is confused on this point or saying cast members have a legal right to operate wherever they want. In fact this is the one area where fans tend to rally around Disney (which, while surprising, I guess is good - I’m all for people respecting the law.)

That said, as a consumer I 100% value that I get to voice my opinion with my wallet or even just my overall level of goodwill, however arbitrary or capricious that opinion may be. If I’m standing in a long line at a lemonade stand and order a brownie to be delivered, only to have the lemonade curator yell that no offsite brownies are allowed? If I have a dog walker and babysitter with me in line and they tell them to go pound sand because they’re considered offsite vendors on their property? If I have a fan delivered because it’s 100 degrees outside and they have no shade in their line, and they have security remove the person delivering the fan? I would probably get ticked off and leave.

As a citizen, I respect rule of law and support businesses right to enforce it. As a consumer, I want a compelling explanation. “I wanted to make more money, maybe, for services that maybe I’ll offer in the future but probably not” is not compelling to me. At the other end of the spectrum, “We heard whispers about predators trying to get in on these in-room services” is a “say no more” situation.

To my mind that is the difference up for debate here. Disney is entitled to protection under the law. They are not entitled to fan goodwill about how they choose to exercise their rights. (Even though, again, it seems like they have it for the most part in this case.)

Which is the consumers right. If you don’t agree with Disney’s rules on their private property then you can stop going to their property and giving them your money.

 

[castlecake2.0]

You’ve pretty much described many of the towns that inspired Main Street, USA. Railroad sets up a stop and others move in to take advantage of people now being in the area. It’s how places become cities, because the presence of people creates opportunities.

That better describes all the businesses that set up on the 192, they didn’t move into the train station.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

Good

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

If they truly want to crack down on this, they need to reopen the other 2 Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutiques. It’s really hard to get a reservation so having someone come to your hotel room to do a princess makeover is hugely popular.

First world problems…

Not to insult the first world

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

And providing advertising Disney doesn’t need to fund.

Which is the whole point. It’s a very lopsided “model” for sure

I’m torn on this one. I don’t like the argument, “their property, their rules.” Well obviously, but if it’s a stupid rule that will impact guest satisfaction, why do it? And if you don’t provide those services yourself, and there is demand for it, you are leaving opportunity on the table. But do I think these new rules are actually stupid and will impact guest satisfaction? I dunno…I guess I feel like there was a middle ground and they overshot a bit.

Because they have been fanatical about controlling all revenue in their domain for decades. It’s viewed as theirs to allow or disallow without exception.

I think I threw this out before as anecdotal but it goes to mentality:

When Fulton’s was being renovated 10 years ago…they had a meeting with the third party operator. It went something like this:

Slapped the plans for the renovations on the table and said “ok…this is what is gonna be done and it’s gonna cost you about $6,000,000 and the new lease will be shorter…you in or you out?”

No Q&A

Remember: the closest thing to an independent Kingdom in the entire US (save for Hawaiian tribal lands) is the Walt Disney world resort. They demand nothing less than complete control without explanation

Honestly that portion of vlogger stuff is so small in comparison to the general audience it's not even worth mentioning most of the time. You're trying to bait here over stuff that doesn't really matter in the big picture.

Disney doesn't care a bunch of lifestylers can live off their mouse content as long as it's still doing the mouse's work and serving their objectives.

Correct. It’s bad for everyone paying…but not the Rat

Just think of any of the gazillion hotels that are keycard access to guest hallways or elevators. Deliveries going to the lobby (vs to a room) are more the norm than the other way around.

It’s not about “security”…it’s about crossing the “borders” without permission

 

[natatomic]

I am going to go ahead and out myself as someone who has been affected by this crack down. Feel free to criticize me all you want. It probably won’t even be hard to figure out who I am based on my nickname.

Regardless, I gave 10 years of my life to Disney as a CM before my side gig. There was good and bad, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. It’s how I met my husband, it’s how I have my children… I can only be thankful for everything that has led me to this point.

Then Covid hit, and I had to pivot to provide for my family, because both my husband and I were both furloughed. So I promoted my side hustle, and my business developed from there. And yes, I pretty much owe Disney everything my business has become. I’m not denying that. I can only be thankful. On the other hand, I am 100% confident that my business only painted Disney in the most positive light. Not that Disney needs the advertisement, but every single post of mine showed Disney in the most beautiful and positive of ways.

And before people accuse me of breaking rules, I had talked to many managers ahead of time. I had a positive rapport with just about everyone. Only one manager was not receptive, and in that instance, I ceased operations in that specific location. I never wanted to break any rules or cause any disturbances, and I only wanted to work where I was welcome. Plus, the service I provided was not one that Disney provided, itself. There was no Disney service for me to compete with.

I am not looking for a workaround around to this crackdown, so I will respect the fact that Disney as a whole no longer welcomes me as a business.

I’ve spent the last week reeling….this has had a significant impact on my business. But as Disney says, there’s a great big beautiful tomorrow, shining at the end of every day. And I hope and pray that this is not the end of my story, but just the beginning of the next chapter.

 

[DisneyHead123]

I am going to go ahead and out myself as someone who has been affected by this crack down. Feel free to criticize me all you want. It probably won’t even be hard to figure out who I am based on my nickname.

Regardless, I gave 10 years of my life to Disney as a CM before my side gig. There was good and bad, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. It’s how I met my husband, it’s how I have my children… I can only be thankful for everything that has led me to this point.

Then Covid hit, and I had to pivot to provide for my family, because both my husband and I were both furloughed. So I promoted my side hustle, and my business developed from there. And yes, I pretty much owe Disney everything my business has become. I’m not denying that. I can only be thankful. On the other hand, I am 100% confident that my business only painted Disney in the most positive light. Not that Disney needs the advertisement, but every single post of mine showed Disney in the most beautiful and positive of ways.

And before people accuse me of breaking rules, I had talked to many managers ahead of time. I had a positive rapport with just about everyone. Only one manager was not receptive, and in that instance, I ceased operations in that specific location. I never wanted to break any rules or cause any disturbances, and I only wanted to work where I was welcome. Plus, the service I provided was not one that Disney provided, itself. There was no Disney service for me to compete with.

I am not looking for a workaround around to this crackdown, so I will respect the fact that Disney as a whole no longer welcomes me as a business.

I’ve spent the last week reeling….this has had a significant impact on my business. But as Disney says, there’s a great big beautiful tomorrow, shining at the end of every day. And I hope and pray that this is not the end of my story, but just the beginning of the next chapter.

I really hope things work out for you. Best case scenario, maybe if you can hold on for a couple of years with offsite services, Disney will eventually establish a list of approved vendors that you could apply for. Some hotels do this for offsite wedding vendors and while a wedding is different in some ways, a Disney vacation has become such a production that there are a few similarities there. Some families are going to want all the bells and whistles and Disney doesn’t currently provide most of the services that people were bringing in.

I gather you are a photographer? Hopefully there are other niches that you may be able to explore. Not to be all up in your business but my first thought would be to make a website (second thought, just my two cents, put your Facebook stuff to friends only, it’s a bit political if you’re looking for new business.) If you work with special needs children or are able to learn about it, put that on your website so it comes up in a search. You can try calling hospitals about newborn shoots or daycares about picture day photos. Mini shoots with a fun theme seem to be a big hit. You can also volunteer for some events, like fundraisers or for animal shelters, to get your name out there. Hope it works out!

 

[Calmdownnow]

Except that family booking “Disney worlds private chef” is doing that instead of all going to Ohana for dinner.

The bigger issue is people making their entire business model based on the access and ability to be at Disney. There’s a difference between a photographer who occasionally does shoots at a resort and a photographer who gets their business because they primarily do shoots at Disney and brand themselves that way.

So... say I'm a family of 6 booking a 2-bed DVC (which sleeps 8 or 9). I add my chef and their assistant to my reservation. They have resort privileges via the booking, are not planning to sleep over, but they do cook in the full kitchen I have reserved for the family for 1, 2, 3 ,4 or more nights, are we breaking Disney rules?

Who would invent/support this sort of nonsense? This is somebody's fever dream of "I can get promoted by shutting down a {non-existent) abuse." Interns and AI nodules shouldn't be allowed to make rules for the rest of us without grown-ups in the room saying "what?"

(PS: Does anyone who has already had their say and supported this nonsense , admit to wanting to change their opinion?)

 

[larryz]

If you don’t agree with Disney’s rules on their private property then you can stop going to their property and giving them your money.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

So... say I'm a family of 6 booking a 2-bed DVC (which sleeps 8 or 9). I add my chef and their assistant to my reservation. They have resort privileges via the booking, are not planning to sleep over, but they do cook in the full kitchen I have reserved for the family for 1, 2, 3 ,4 or more nights, are we breaking Disney rules?

Who would invent/support this sort of nonsense? This is somebody's fever dream of "I can get promoted by shutting down a {non-existent) abuse." Interns and AI nodules shouldn't be allowed to make rules for the rest of us without grown-ups in the room saying "what?"

(PS: Does anyone who has already had their say and supported this nonsense , admit to wanting to change their opinion?)

Why in the hell would anyone go through such an elaborate scheme?

Get the Tonga toast and chicken fingers

 

[Disstevefan1]

Seeing various FB posts and other stories about how third party businesses providing various services on Disney property (photographers, chefs, decorators) are getting cease and desist letters from WDW.

I have various thoughts on this, but can this be extended to live-streamers who do Superchats and solicit money online while streaming in the parks?

 

[Calmdownnow]

Why in the hell would anyone go through such an elaborate scheme?

Get the Tonga toast and chicken figures

Chicken figures? Is this a reference to a New Orleans Voodoo ritual? Are avian bones involved. Do Haitian mystics and shamans appear pretending to be people from the South Pacific?

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

Chicken figures? Is this a reference to a New Orleans Voodoo ritual? Are avian bones involved. Do Haitian mystics and shamans appear pretending to be people from the South Pacific?

Over active iPhone

 

[SamusAranX]

It doesn't matter how small your business is; you still have to follow the law. Disney legally can tell businesses they can't operate on their property.

Disney also does partner with some businesses. The one I can think of off the top of my head is Buena Vista Scooters. While Scooterbug is the official provider, Buena Vista had permission to enter Disney parks if you have an issue with your rental. They can also enter Universal's parks.

But you can't expect to conduct business on another business's property without their permission and expect that they won't take issue with it.

Again I am not saying that legally, Disney is doing something “wrong”. I even agree some of the business models were a lawsuit in waiting. But I’m not going to sit here and pretend that it’s all peachy that they’re attacking small businesses providing a service not offered by Disney with low liability concerns.

Reminds me of back in the day when Disney went after daycares for paintings of Mickey and friends. Sure legally they had the right, but really just made Disney look like a bully

 

[EeyoreFan#24]

It’s just basic risk management…..liability exists (even if extremely low), it’s within their control to eliminate it (Private property rights), small impact - minimal/no impact to bottom line (cancelled bookings).

I don’t see why they wouldn’t, I don’t see any real upshot here to consider not eliminating this. I’m sure it stinks for the people involved, but that’s about the only impact for Disney.

 

[DisneyHead123]

I don’t see why they wouldn’t, I don’t see any real upshot here to consider not eliminating this. I’m sure it stinks for the people involved, but that’s about the only impact for Disney.

Presumably the downside for Disney is guests going to book services for their Perfect Dream Vacation and hearing “Oooo… you’re at a Disney Resort. Sorry, no can do. If you’re doing a split stay at Universal I could stop by there.”

On the one hand I’m not sure how many guests book various in room services. On the other, I say never underestimate the power of a family looking for their Insta-Perfect vacation to lose their ever loving minds when Jaxleigh and Aeimxee (pronounced Amy) can’t have their in room makeover and organic gluten free sugar free keto breakfast box.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

Again I am not saying that legally, Disney is doing something “wrong”. I even agree some of the business models were a lawsuit in waiting. But I’m not going to sit here and pretend that it’s all peachy that they’re attacking small businesses providing a service not offered by Disney with low liability concerns.

Reminds me of back in the day when Disney went after daycares for paintings of Mickey and friends. Sure legally they had the right, but really just made Disney look like a bully

If you’re “providing a service not offered” and doing it within their property boundaries…they view it as profiting of the infrastructure they pay for with “no financial compensation to them”…doesn’t matter what it is…the fact there is a “market” at all is because they paid to create the physical environment

 

[WondersOfLife]

I’m torn on this one. I don’t like the argument, “their property, their rules.” Well obviously, but if it’s a stupid rule that will impact guest satisfaction, why do it?

liability.

And if you don’t provide those services yourself, and there is demand for it, you are leaving opportunity on the table.

thats their choice.

But do I think these new rules are actually stupid and will impact guest satisfaction? I dunno…I guess I feel like there was a middle ground and they overshot a bit.

I dont think so... One doesnt walk into a restaurant that doesnt sell desserts and says "im going to bring my own desserts to sell here since they dont offer them." If thats not what the business wants to do, they are not obligated to sell desserts.