Woman dragged out of Disneyland park with children in cuffs after 'sneaking them in free'
The woman was escorted from California Adventure Park in Anaheim, Orange County, after reportedly failing to show ID to peace officers inside the park
A woman's arrest at the Disneyland Resort left onlookers in shock as she was led away by officers while theme park enthusiasts watched.
The scene unfolded at California Adventure Park in Anaheim, Orange County, where the woman was evicted after reportedly failing to present identification to officers. According to Anaheim Police Department, she was detained and issued a citation for obstructing an officer by refusing to show her ID.
Disney officials informed KTLA that the lady apparently tried to sneak her children into the park without proper tickets. Allegations from police suggest she resisted cooperation with park staff, which escalated to police intervention.
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Authorities are also investigating whether she previously attempted similar maneuvers in defiance of age and ticket requirements. Disneyland's policy allows kids under three to enter Disneyland or Disney California Adventure free of charge, provided they're joining someone who holds a valid park admission and reservation.
A viral video captured the moment of her expulsion, showing her leaving with two weeping children in towprompting sharp criticism online regarding the handling of the situation, especially since it caused the youngsters visible distress, reports the Mirror US.
One dismayed social media user commented: "The fact that no one's helping the girls and people just staring and recording these police don't care about children."
Another sorrowfully remarked: "Breaks my heart cause they're gonna have a bad memory from Disneyland pobres bebes they just went to have fun".
One supporter of Disney's move to get the police involved commented: "Everyone saying Disney is wrong for this... uhhh sorry but play stupid games win stupid prizes. That's on HER.. and it's not her first time trying to do this type of thing. So... MOM DO BETTER."
Another chipped in: "This mom is wrong for letting her girls stress out... she needed to get to their level and say it's ok we are going to talk .SHE IS THE DRAMA".
Disney intensified efforts last year to prevent guests from gaming ticket purchase rules. On Tuesday, the entertainment giant announced that those caught making dishonest claims to use Disability Access Services (DAS) at their parks would face a lifetime ban.
The company made it clear through a statement published on its website that they are serious about cracking down on any misuse of the DAS system. This service offers guests with disabilities an opportunity to experience attractions without enduring the typical wait times.
"If it is determined that any of the statements a Guest made in the process of obtaining DAS are not true, the Guest will be permanently barred from entering the Walt Disney World Resort and the Disneyland Resort," reads the firm declaration from Disney's official site.
In further detail, they warn that "any previously purchased Annual Passes, Magic Key passes, tickets and other park products and services" will be nullified and non-refundable for those found breaching their trust by fabricating disabilities.
DAS, a complimentary service for guests with disabilities and access needs, offers a return time for attractions to avoid waiting in standard lines. Previously, DAS was outlined as a program for "guests who have difficulty tolerating extended waits in a conventional queue environment due to a disability."
Initiatives such as this are crucial in ensuring that individuals with access requirements can equally enjoy amusement parks and tourist spots. However, current users of DAS will need to reapply to continue using the service under the updated guidelines.