Gwen Stefani sighting at DL

[MamaBelle4]

If they reported me to Disney for violating their space/making them uncomfortable, would I likewise be kicked out of the park?

My guess would be no because they likely aren't VIP (read: wealthy) guests.

 

[cmwade77]

That seems exceedingly harsh to me. Until now, I didn’t even know that there was a rule against asking. While I always respect people’s space — celebrities or otherwise — I can see how just about anyone would ask for an autograph/photo, which is reasonable and, indeed, an innocent request. If a guest is disrespectful or difficult, then by all means warn them.

If I see a guest that appears to be confused as he/she reads a map, I’ll often approach and offer to help. About half accept my help, two-thirds of the remainder don’t but thank me and the last fraction can be jerks and dismiss me rudely. If they reported me to Disney for violating their space/making them uncomfortable, would I likewise be kicked out of the park?

The problem isn't that they are being jerks, but rather that once one person asks, it tends to escalate very quickly and it ends up with people hounding them for autographs to the point where it causes problems. This is one of the reasons most celebrities have plaids with them at all times. There are few that are able to be inconspicuous enough that they can go around the parks unescorted. Oddly enough, Johnny Depp is one of said people because you would literally never know it is him when he is in the parks.

So the difference is you stopping to offer help would in no way end up with a mob of people, but even a single person asking for an autograph could indeed do so (unintentionally of course), as I said before though what they get you on would be a technicality, as it would be disturbing the guest's experience technically. Now stopping to offer help could be seen as the same technicality, but you are also not likely to incite a crowd in the process, so it would normally be ignored. Also, I am sure there are situations where asking for an autograph wouldn't get you kicked out, for example if you are the only two people anywhere close by, but again it is about keeping the park operating properly.

Which also sometimes is an issue for the celebrity, for example I have heard of an instance where they actually had to take a celebrity back stage at a shop because people kept coming in blocking aisles to take pictures to an extent where they couldn't stop everyone and that is exactly why they don't want people asking for autographs.

 

[Christin82]

I could see kicking someone out if he/she made a scene that drew excessive attention to the celebrity, but I can’t imagine how simply speaking to the person calmly, possibly asking for a photo or an autograph, and moving on with your day accordingly would result in getting kicked out. Celebrities who don’t want to be recognized and asked for photos/autographs disguise their appearance and/or travel with an entourage to keep their distance from other guests. Those who walk around in plain sight are bound to be recognized, and they’re fully aware of that. As long as people are polite, I don’t see any reason to punish them for approaching and greeting any other guest, regardless of whether the guest happens to be a celebrity or not.

Last December, we saw Cruz Pedregon, a famous NHRA driver in line for the Jungle Cruise, and my husband struck up a conversation with him. He was very gracious and friendly. We didn’t ask for a photo because it was dark, but if we had, he likely would have obliged. I’d have been shocked if a cast member would have kicked us out for asking, and I don’t think he would have wanted that to happen to us. Most people approach celebrities because they respect and admire them. There is no malice intended, and many celebrities understand that. Before they were famous, I’m sure there were people they admired and would have approached if they saw them at Disneyland just like we did.

 

[darph nader]

Would Dave,Jane or Justin count?

 

[WonkaKid]

The problem isn't that they are being jerks, but rather that once one person asks, it tends to escalate very quickly...

That makes sense, of course, and I understand. But like many other posters have said, I didn't realize that it was against park rules to ask for an autograph. To be kicked out for it is what seems harsh to me. It's not unlike if there were a rule against paying for things in the park using more than thirty pennies. It's not reasonable to kick out someone for a rule that isn't widely known. I've been to DL 160+ times and this is the first I've heard of it.

 

[*tinker*bell*]

I saw Criss Angel in the park when I was there last week. Him and his wife were with a Plaid waiting to get on Incredicoaster while I was in the single rider line. Later saw them entering Disneyland with their baby as my friend and I were leaving to go to WOC. Was cool to see him but wouldn't ever ask someone for an autograph or photo, just don't care enough. Had I had my phone on hand I probably would've taken a from afar photo while in line but I had left my phone in my bag with my friend who didn't want to ride.

 

[beachdreamr1229]

I saw whichever of the Mowry sisters was pregnant a couple of years back.

I also saw some rapper who got mad that I was standing where he was walking and assumed I was trying to sneak into his party. I was not amused.

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

I’ve seen a few celebrities in the parks, but not ever in a place where I could ask for a photo-autograph. But I also didn’t know it was a rule not to ask.

I find it curious though the amount of selfies I see posted to social media with celebrities if it’s truly against the rules. I really think it depends on the level of appropriateness in the asking.

I was talking to another family while waiting for a parade a few years ago who said they ate at Plaza Inn the same time as a Disney star (I forget who), who gladly sat and took pics and signed autographs while she ate. Are Disney stars held to different rules since they represent the company.

Oh that does remind me - we ran into Nathan Arenas (Jorge on Bunk’d) and he gladly took a picture when my then tween asked him. He was actually pleasantly surprised he was recognized.

 

[Skyegirl1999]

Tim Burton is here right now. Just did a photo in the prop Dumbo - we’re in line and our group of kids were the ones in there right before him. Large security detail.

 

[Skyegirl1999]

That makes sense, of course, and I understand. But like many other posters have said, I didn't realize that it was against park rules to ask for an autograph. To be kicked out for it is what seems harsh to me. It's not unlike if there were a rule against paying for things in the park using more than thirty pennies. It's not reasonable to kick out someone for a rule that isn't widely known. I've been to DL 160+ times and this is the first I've heard of it.

I’m with you - that would be rather unfair and not something the average guest could be expected to know.

I honestly do not believe that someone got kicked out with no refund for an innocent autograph request. If such a thing appeared to occur, there must have been more to the story, like repeated attempts made earlier.

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

Tim Burton is here right now. Just did a photo in the prop Dumbo - we’re in line and our group of kids were the ones in there right before him. Large security detail.

Oh wow!

 

[ashley0139]

Yeah, no, it's not against the rules to ask a celebrity for an autograph or picture. People do it all the time. That's ridiculous. If that were a rule they'd call it out specifically.

 

[Castillo Mom]

I’ve never seen this rule posted by Disney anywhere. However, I would never bother or take photographs of a celebrity while they’re trying to enjoy time with their family. My DIL is a CM and they’re strictly forbidden to ask for autographs or pictures.

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

I’ve never seen this rule posted by Disney anywhere. However, I would never bother or take photographs of a celebrity while they’re trying to enjoy time with their family. My DIL is a CM and they’re strictly forbidden to ask for autographs or pictures.

I wonder if this is the disconnect in this thread. CMs are forbidden from asking which makes total sense - and the previous poster mistakingly thought that applied to other guests as well.

The one time my daughter asked, it was in a very low key situation when the Olaf Snow area was open in DCA. They were all playing in the snow and I was actually sitting on the side talking with his mom. But I agree with you that in 99% of the cases, I wouldn’t bother the celebrity to ask.

 

[DLgal]

Most celebrities play up their Disney park visits on their own social media. Letting fans get selfies just provides more tags and opportunities for views on their official pages. Which they seek out, usually.

 

[Castillo Mom]

Most celebrities play up their Disney park visits on their own social media. Letting fans get selfies just provides more tags and opportunities for views on their official pages. Which they seek out, usually.

Yes, I've noticed that some do that.

I can see Disney intervening if a fan is insistent/bugging or a group of guests start to gather around the celebrity and the attention is unwanted.

 

[seesclubhouse]

I met Kevin smith and Nicholas Cage at disneyland, they were really nice although I didn't pester them, just said I enjoyed their work in passing

 

[avalon451]

Saw Kris Jenner in Club 33 when DH and I were having my birthday lunch there in Sept 2016. I didn't know who she was though I thought she looked familiar. She was having lunch with a couple other women. DH took a picture of me and she's in the background... I figured out who she was later.

 

[Skyegirl1999]

Oh wow!

I made it into the Disney Blog post about it, ha!