Unofficial Disneyland tour guides

[DarthMole]

Because the family who hired the illegal guide can be kicked out and banned right alongside the guide. If they ban you, they're not refunding you your ticket.

I bet the guides don't mention that.

IMO, Disney should just do this once or twice (ban an entire group, guides & clients). If they do this and draw publicity to it via media outlets, a larger percentage people will still stop hiring these guides if they themselves run the risk of getting kicked out.

I think it's inevitable anyway. At WDW, they are going to soon change GAC rules. They're going do away with regular FPs. At DLR, they're enforcing FP return times. Won't be surprised if they start cracking down on other stuff.

There's the "illegal" word again. I have still not seen anyone provide proof that paid guides are "illegal". If you're jumping to that conclusion based on the assumption that the guide is using an AP, I can see that, but at least say that and not some blanket statement as if all paid guides are against Disney's policies. According the the lawsuit referenced above, it sounds like Disney does not have a problem with paid tour guides. What they have a problem with is misuse of APs, improper use of GACs, trademark infringement, and impersonating a Disney employee.

As for the conclusion drawn that a family hiring an "illegal" guide could be kicked out of the park and banned along with the guide, that is pure speculation and quite far fetched. I guess anyone can be kicked out at any time for any reason, but you're really reaching with that one. As much as you dream of it happening, it will never happen.

What gets me are the true issues brought up to date are misuse of Disney instruments (APs, trademarks, GACs, FPs, & images), yet so many have jumped to the conclusion that all paid tour guides are "illegal" or banned from Disney property, yet it appears Disney's own testimony is contrary to that conclusion.

 

[DarthMole]

We'll have to agree to disagree. I think taking your money for unsanctioned business on Disney property is taking advantage.

Is it expressly unsanctioned, or simply because there's not a written policy about it at all, then it's taking advantage?

I do agree if they are using APs, then they are in violation. However, I'm playing devil's advocate here a bit because of all the wild statements being thrown around as if the idea of a paid guide is "illegal" or against the rules. I'm perfectly willing to accept that if someone knows of an official policy, but that does not seem to be the case.

 

[mafpi]

There's the "illegal" word again. I have still not seen anyone provide proof that paid guides are "illegal". If you're jumping to that conclusion based on the assumption that the guide is using an AP, I can see that, but at least say that and not some blanket statement as if all paid guides are against Disney's policies. According the the lawsuit referenced above, it sounds like Disney does not have a problem with paid tour guides. What they have a problem with is misuse of APs, improper use of GACs, trademark infringement, and impersonating a Disney employee.

As for the conclusion drawn that a family hiring an "illegal" guide could be kicked out of the park and banned along with the guide, that is pure speculation and quite far fetched. I guess anyone can be kicked out at any time for any reason, but you're really reaching with that one. As much as you dream of it happening, it will never happen.

What gets me are the true issues brought up to date are misuse of Disney instruments (APs, trademarks, GACs, FPs, & images), yet so many have jumped to the conclusion that all paid tour guides are "illegal" or banned from Disney property, yet it appears Disney's own testimony is contrary to that conclusion.

People are funny. They throw around illegal when there is a whole section of "illegal" stuff on this web site. Distributing any copyright items even for no profit is illegal. But no one seems to have a problem with them. I know I don't.

 

[bcla]

There's the "illegal" word again. I have still not seen anyone provide proof that paid guides are "illegal". If you're jumping to that conclusion based on the assumption that the guide is using an AP, I can see that, but at least say that and not some blanket statement as if all paid guides are against Disney's policies. According the the lawsuit referenced above, it sounds like Disney does not have a problem with paid tour guides. What they have a problem with is misuse of APs, improper use of GACs, trademark infringement, and impersonating a Disney employee.

As for the conclusion drawn that a family hiring an "illegal" guide could be kicked out of the park and banned along with the guide, that is pure speculation and quite far fetched. I guess anyone can be kicked out at any time for any reason, but you're really reaching with that one. As much as you dream of it happening, it will never happen.

What gets me are the true issues brought up to date are misuse of Disney instruments (APs, trademarks, GACs, FPs, & images), yet so many have jumped to the conclusion that all paid tour guides are "illegal" or banned from Disney property, yet it appears Disney's own testimony is contrary to that conclusion.

Again - it's pretty obvious to me that Disney does allow outside tour groups to use paid guides. I remember back when we came on Disneyland Grad Nite with our tour organizer. However, a large group of dozens to hundreds can probably afford to spring for group tickets including tickets for their guides. A family of 4-8 probably isn't going to buy a ticket for two people in addition to the price of their tour service. As the woman who sued Disney because her WDW AP was revoked noted, it was costing a lot for her to buy tickets and cutting into her bottom line.

 

[bcla]

People are funny. They throw around illegal when there is a whole section of "illegal" stuff on this web site. Distributing any copyright items even for no profit is illegal. But no one seems to have a problem with them. I know I don't.

It's mostly a semantic issue. House rules aren't the same laws or government regulations. However, if something is illegal depends on local laws. Disney has actually been powerful enough to get laws passed. Florida has a law that the resale/rental of previously used multi-day attractions tickets is a violation of Florida law with penalties including jail time. It's been around since the late 80s, and at the time WDW was probably the only attraction in Florida with such tickets. California doesn't have such a law, but I wouldn't be surprised if eventually there is such a law.

Counting cards playing blackjack isn't illegal anywhere in the US where gambling is legal. However, casinos can and do eject people for doing so. It's so well known it might as well be illegal since once someone is found out they'll probably blacklist someone and share names/photos with other casinos. And I wouldn't be surprised if casinos weren't using facial recognition software these days rather than relying on some security camera operator remembering faces from a book of hundreds of people.

 

[Nonsuch]

I am considering using the "official" Disney VIP tour...

In case you missed it, MousePlanet wrote an article on VIP tours:
Get the VIP treatment at Disneyland

 

[Malcon10t]

As for the conclusion drawn that a family hiring an "illegal" guide could be kicked out of the park and banned along with the guide, that is pure speculation and quite far fetched. I guess anyone can be kicked out at any time for any reason, but you're really reaching with that one. As much as you dream of it happening, it will never happen.

I was there for an incident where people were paying people to hold spots for Fantasmic! when the dragon was debuting. I watched as a Fire Marshal, Fantasmic! crew, and security (who covered their uniforms with a Bumblebee jacket) worked together and when the swap of the took place, the person who had been holding the spot and the family of 4 were stopped, the blanket picked up, and everyone escorted out of NOS. Whether the family was escorted out of the park, I don't know. But they were escorted out of the area with 2 Anaheim PD, and several security guys, along with the person who was holding the spot. It was my impression this was an on-going problem, and it was a "sting-like" operation.

 

[Dot2Vegas]

I was there for an incident where people were paying people to hold spots for Fantasmic! when the dragon was debuting. I watched as a Fire Marshal, Fantasmic! crew, and security (who covered their uniforms with a Bumblebee jacket) worked together and when the swap of the took place, the person who had been holding the spot and the family of 4 were stopped, the blanket picked up, and everyone escorted out of NOS. Whether the family was escorted out of the park, I don't know. But they were escorted out of the area with 2 Anaheim PD, and several security guys, along with the person who was holding the spot. It was my impression this was an on-going problem, and it was a "sting-like" operation.

Good for Disney!! Its private property and if they don't want this happening then good for them for stopping it. I feel bad for the family if they didn't realize what they were doing was wrong, and I am sure there are lots of people who think its OK. But whatever happened to just following along like everyone else in the park? If I want a seat for something bad enough then I will wait for it myself. If I want a tour I will go through Disney. I go to the park expecting crowds, excepting to wait in lines and knowing that I'll have to plan accordingly. I wish people had more respect for Disney's policies. If I'm in their "house" I will follow their rules. If I don't like it then I'll go elsewhere!

 

[Malcon10t]

But If someone tells me I am taking advantage of someone when they are paying for a service and are happy with that service and feel that it was worth that price, in there eyes it was a good deal not not being taken advantage of. you, me or anyone else cannot say otherwise. Everything has a value, to you tour guides are not, to others they are.

OK, but now you have a printing business. You do great work. You have a great product. Now, someone comes in and sits at one of the computers you rent really cheap to encourage people to design stuff for you to print. This person brings their own printer and tells your customers as they come through the doors they can do the same job as you, but cheaper. They sit in your business and take your customers. Now, some of these customers may never have purchased your product, but some of the might have. How many customers are they allowed to steal before you trespass them?

 

[mafpi]

The argument here that I am having is the taking advantage of. Your scenario is not the same as to my discussion. While that person is stealing. He is not taking advantage of the customer. The customer walks away happy and pleased and not taken advantage of. If disney policy is being broken then that's different. It seems to me the only policy being broken is the Ap policy. If someone has paid for a regular admission ticket and charging to tour them no policy is being broken that I am aware of. But my point is you guys are accusing the tour guides if taking advantage of people when they are not. If you would like to further a discussion on that point then I'm all ears but your scenario has nothing to do with what I am talking about.

 

[nugov2]

We hired an outside VIP tour when we were in WDW...I know a different park, but just wanted to point out we were let in the park through the tour guides entrance(it was marked) earlier than anyone else much before RD. We were in the park where a Photopass photog met us(yes he knew our guide) and took tons of pics of us in the MK while virtually nobody was on the streets.....also during one of the dance parties at the castle he had it arranged for chip to come over and dance with the kids(it was set up and he let us in on the surprise earlier in the day)....not to mention the bazillion people who said hi to our guide all day as we got on rides. We rode everything and never waited(no we didn't get preferential treatment aka GAC abuse), but he knew his stuff. It was amazing and we will hire him everytime we go. My kids thought he was fun and the fact that so many people knew him gave us a lot of special treatment, but nothing that couldn't just be considered a little extra pixie dust from the CM's!! He was worth his weight in gold. So based on what I saw(basically the CM's treating him like a VIP as well as us) I would say that Disney does not frown on this type of tour. We were going to do the official WDW tour (split between 3 families) but we had a couple of 2 yr olds with us and they bumped us over the limit and would have needed a second guide. It wasn't worth it to double the amount per hour so we went with this choice.

 

[mafpi]

We hired an outside VIP tour when we were in WDW...I know a different park, but just wanted to point out we were let in the park through the tour guides entrance(it was marked) earlier than anyone else much before RD. We were in the park where a Photopass photog met us(yes he knew our guide) and took tons of pics of us in the MK while virtually nobody was on the streets.....also during one of the dance parties at the castle he had it arranged for chip to come over and dance with the kids(it was set up and he let us in on the surprise earlier in the day)....not to mention the bazillion people who said hi to our guide all day as we got on rides. We rode everything and never waited(no we didn't get preferential treatment aka GAC abuse), but he knew his stuff. It was amazing and we will hire him everytime we go. My kids thought he was fun and the fact that so many people knew him gave us a lot of special treatment, but nothing that couldn't just be considered a little extra pixie dust from the CM's!! He was worth his weight in gold. So based on what I saw(basically the CM's treating him like a VIP as well as us) I would say that Disney does not frown on this type of tour. We were going to do the official WDW tour (split between 3 families) but we had a couple of 2 yr olds with us and they bumped us over the limit and would have needed a second guide. It wasn't worth it to double the amount per hour so we went with this choice.

So did you feel taken advantage of?

 

[nugov2]

So did you feel taken advantage of?

Totally violated...my whole family is still curled up in the fetal position.

 

[mafpi]

OK, but now you have a printing business. You do great work. You have a great product. Now, someone comes in and sits at one of the computers you rent really cheap to encourage people to design stuff for you to print. This person brings their own printer and tells your customers as they come through the doors they can do the same job as you, but cheaper. They sit in your business and take your customers. Now, some of these customers may never have purchased your product, but some of the might have. How many customers are they allowed to steal before you trespass them?

Since we are throwing out "what Ifs"
What if your niece lived in Anaheim and had an AP.You went to visit them and wanted an adult day. So you pay your niece to take your kids to Disneyland. Is that right or wrong? You are paying her to show your kids around Disneyland. So acording to you she is doing something illegal and taking advantage of you. So what do you think?

 

[mafpi]

Totally violated...my whole family is still curled up in the fetal position.

Its a shame he showed you such a good time.

 

[nugov2]

Another perk of our guide, he snagged us seats when we grabbed CS lunch...even wiped down our table and chairs for us with wipes. Oh, he carried our stroller on and off the train and pushed the stroller for us from time to time. We would hop on a ride and he would come back and have our FP or whatever and wisk us along to the next ride. It was a real hassle free experience. He also took really great pictures of us as a family on the rides.

 

[ericf70]

I don't have a problem with outside tour guides that show you around and get you fast passes, but I really don't think that paying someone to hold a spot for you at a show should be allowed.

 

[lana772]

I don't have a problem with outside tour guides that show you around and get you fast passes, but I really don't think that paying someone to hold a spot for you at a show should be allowed.

I agree with this. Paying someone for guidance or help (I know a family that takes a nurse on vacation with them) should be allowed within DL "rules", but abuse of APs, GACs or causing unnecessary inconveniences for other guest should not be allowed. The holding of places at shows is really just rude. Pay the few extra Disney dollars and get the dessert seats.

 

[DisneyBiskit]

Once again another thread has totally been manipulated into one of arguments, finger pointing, and people thinking their opinion is the correct one. There are a few on here that love to . Here is the OP's post again.

We will be coming to Disneyland over the Thanksgiving period. I know it will be crowded.

I wanted to have an unofficial tour guide help us navigate the park to get fast passes, help us find the shorter lines, and help us with seating for shows (firework, fantasmic, WOC).

I reach out to mouse expeditions (great reviews), but they were booked. Some on disboards have said that they were just as good as the "official" Disney VIP tours. The only other ones I have found online are Stone VIPS and Magical VIP guides.

Any experience with them?
Any other you recommend?

I have heard many good things about Mouse Expeditions (thats probably why they are booked). To be honest, I have never heard of Stone VIPS. I have heard of Magical VIP guides, but have not heard any reviews from guests. I hope are able to find what you are looking for. Regardless, I'm sure you and your family will have a great trip!

 

[lilpooh108]

They have an official policy that coolers brought into the parks must be no bigger than can accommodate a six pack, and that larger coolers brought inside security should be placed in the lockers. That they specifically allow coolers sort of flies in the face of their official policy that outside food and drink isn't allowed except for special dietary reasons.

I was shocked when I saw the cooler because I know the rule. It was pretty ridiculous and I'd wondered how they got it in.

yet it appears Disney's own testimony is contrary to that conclusion.

If you have a depo transcript, PDF court filing or trial transcript, please feel free to post it here to back up your assertion that Disney is OK with illegal guides.

I think that would put a pretty good end to this debate.

Until then, I disagree with you.