Walt Disney World enforces strict property rules against third-party services, halting operations for small businesses that offer princess makeovers, family photography, custom baked goods, room decorations, and private chef experiences. Security teams have issued warnings and cease-and-desist letters to multiple vendors, demanding they cease activities on Disney grounds and strip all Disney references from their websites and social media.
Vendors face bans on using Disney characters, designs, or trademarks in promotions. The letters specify that on-site services could lead to trespassing charges, with potential law enforcement involvement for repeat offenses.
Disney’s Rationale
Disney explained the measures in a statement: “We’ve seen an increase in unauthorized third-party vendors at our resort hotels, and these activities can raise safety and operational concerns and impact the Guest experience, which is why they are not permitted under our long-standing property rules.”
Rise of Pandemic-Era Businesses
The enforcement hits hardest for ventures started by furloughed Disney staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. These entrepreneurs used their expertise to serve park visitors when official services were limited or booked solid. Families often turned to them for in-room options or when Disney’s princess makeovers and photography were unavailable.
Sheila Campion’s Story
Sheila Campion, owner of As You Wish Magical Experiences, left her job at the Magic Kingdom’s Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique during the pandemic to launch princess and pirate makeovers. Demand exploded post-reopening, leading her to hire over a dozen former Disney stylists. Even with the boutique back online, families sought her for convenience or unavailable slots.
In mid-February, a cease-and-desist letter forced Campion to cancel bookings. “The worst part of it was for the little ones that had no options,” she said. “They knew they couldn’t get into the boutique. I’ve had mothers crying when I called them.”
Campion now operates at nearby non-Disney hotels and Airbnbs, though Disney guests drove over half her prior revenue.
Ashlee Santmyers Adapts Her Bakery
Baker Ashlee Santmyers, formerly a Disney pastry cook, started Storybook Delights to deliver customizable breakfast boxes, cookies, cupcakes, and cakes to resort guests. A cease-and-desist halted her operations, prompting refunds for nearly 200 orders via a small business loan.
Orders dropped from daily to three to five weekly in the off-season. “It’s not the end of Storybook, but it is a new chapter, and I’m not ready to give up,” Santmyers stated. She shifts focus to off-site deliveries and shippable menu items.
Broad Enforcement and Partnerships
This follows 2023 actions against unofficial tour guides. Despite the crackdown, Disney collaborates with around 2,500 Florida businesses, from stroller rentals to the parks’ official coffee roaster, per fiscal year 2022 data.
