Disney World is a magical place, that much is for sure. However, as much as we love to think that the outside world can’t touch us in the parks, sometimes we learn the hard way that that’s not true.
Sometimes we get hurt in the parks and have to see first aid, or we get sick on our vacation and have to miss some days in the parks — whatever the case, things happen, and the Disney bubble sometimes isn’t enough to protect us. We asked our readers if they’ve ever been scammed in Disney World, and unfortunately, the answer was YES. These are some scams that you’ll want to look out for when you’re on your trip.
Had Your Card Compromised
We had multiple readers of ours share with us that unfortunately, they had their card compromised while dining in Disney World. One reader, Juli, shared:
“We ate breakfast at the Pepper Market restaurant at Coronado Springs. It was the only place I used this particular card. When we got home the next day, we saw a transaction to buy $2K plane tickets to the Philippines.“
But that’s not the only occurrence, by a long shot! Another reader replied to Juli and shared:
“same thing happened to my Dad at O’hana. He bought breakfast for everyone. It was the only time he’d used that card the entire trip.
They had emptied his checking and was into his savings before my mom caught it. The $53 charge to McDonald’s is what tipped them off.
While my parents were at the bank canceling the card, charges were still being made!”
To avoid this, we recommend using the tap feature on your card, rather than swiping or inserting your card, or having it on your phone and tapping that, as that makes your information harder to steal.
Incorrect Gift Card Amounts
We also had a few readers of ours share that they’ve also run into issues when using gift cards. What do we mean by this? Well, just read Sue’s comment below:
“At Disney Springs, bought ice cream, $30 left on card, card “swiped” told was empty. When questioned, cashier said we’d have to wait @ 1/2 hr for manager. Gave up as time was limited.”
And, again, this isn’t the only case of this! Cindy, another AllEars reader, replied to Sue’s comment and said:
“similar thing happened to a person in our party. $50 gift card used once bought popcorn and told the card was empty. Unfortunately I wasn’t with the young person at the time so she didn’t know what to do and just said ok knowing it was wrong.😡”
So what can you do to avoid this? While it’s tedious, we recommend keeping receipts of everything you’ve bought on the card. This way, if it comes up empty, you can show what’s been purchased. However, be sure to remember if you’ve attached it to your My Disney Experience account and see if you’ve been charging items on there, instead of another card you have on file! You can always triple check what card is being charged and switch it to another, if needed, when buying something through My Disney Experience.
Stolen Strollers
Now, it’s important to know that Cast Members will sometimes have to move your stroller or scooter if you’re on an attraction while a pathway needs to be cleared for fireworks, a parade, etc. However, Cast Members are not taking your stroller or wheelchair/ECV to a place it cannot be found! Ask nearby Cast Members where it was moved to and you’ll be able to get assistance.
HOWEVER, one reader had a very important story to share with us that we found wild, but it can happen!
“It’s not a scam, per se, but someone took our stroller while we were there. Thankfully, we had nothing on there of value.
A little later in the day, we saw a family with an older child using our stroller. We knew it was ours based on the stickers we put on it. We followed the family from a distance to see where they were headed. As soon as they parked the stroller a few minutes later, we got our stroller back. I would have loved to see their faces when they realized the stroller was taken back!”
Like our reader said, it’s not necessarily a scam, but it is scam adjacent (even if it was an accident) and something you need to look out for. First of all, we recommend doing exactly what was mentioned here and having stickers or something similar on your stroller that makes it clearly yours. Be sure you also take a photo of your stroller at the beginning of the day, so in case it does get stolen or you can’t find it, you can show Cast Members a photo and they can help you out!
We’re always here to help you prepare for your next vacation by sharing all the latest tips, tricks, and more, so stay tuned to AllEars!
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Do you have a scam you’ve experienced in Disney World? Tell us in the comments!
We have not had our card compromised at Disney or anywhere as we have our card set up to get email alerts when there is any charge made over $5. We are notified instantly
Nothing surprises me anymore. We had a card compromised at Disney Springs years ago. Same thing as one reader I used it it one store. Another time we had our diaper bag stolen off our stroller on Christmas Day. So yes, like I said, nothing surprises me much anymore.