Shanghai Disney to introduce new guest identity policy

In a bid to prevent “illegal commercial activities”, Shanghai Disney Resort is set to introduce a new real-name ticketing policy that, by the end of this year, will require guests to provide their government-issued identity when they book tickets and enter the resort.

Shanghai Disney Resort, which attracts 13 million visitors annually, will launch its new ‘real name ticketing policy’ which will require each guest to show a physical copy of the valid ID used at the time of ticket purchase.

The new policy will apply to all guests, including children, seniors and guests with disabilities along with those purchasing annual passes.

Currently, guests can buy a maximum of five tickets using just one ID, which can result in “illegal commercial activities” such as ticket scalping.

In a statement, Shanghai Disney Resort advised “the introduction of the new policy stays true to Shanghai Disney Resort’s commitment in further enhancing guest experience and is consistent with other destinations across China. It’s also part of the resort’s on-going efforts to work closely with relevant government authorities to crackdown on illegal commercial activities that bring significant damage to the resort’s reputation, business and normal operations.”

Chinese visitor attractions including the Palace Museum in Beijing’s Forbidden and Shanghai’s Astronomy Museum and Natural History Museum have been using ID access rules for many years.

Opened in 2016, Shanghai Disneyland is jointly operated by Shanghai Shendi Group and Disney. In December 2023, the attraction expanded with the opening of its new Zootopia land.

It introduced facial recognition for season pass holders in 2021.

Image: Shanghai Disneyland. Credit: Disney.