Everybody knows that guests behaving badly risk arrest at Disney parks, but one seemingly less serious rule can also lead to legal consequences.Disney parks are known for their magic, but there are plenty of behind-the-scenes rules that most visitors don’t realize. Some are about keeping the illusion intact, while others are in place for safety or efficiency. These rules aren’t always obvious, so first-time guests often stumble across them by surprise.Credit: DisneyOne example is the costume policy. With the exception of certain events like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, adults generally aren’t allowed to wear full costumes to avoid confusion with cast members. Disney encourages “DisneyBounding” instead, where guests use everyday fashion to mimic a character’s look, like red shorts and a yellow top for Mickey Mouse.Children, however, can dress up freely, while adults are also permitted more freedom at Tokyo Disney Resort during the Halloween season.Other rules are more about what you can or can’t bring into the parks. Selfie sticks, wagons, and large coolers are all banned, as are more unexpected items such as whistles. Disney’s Animal Kingdom goes even further, prohibiting balloons (which can go in balloon daycare if you do bring them to the park by mistake) and plastic straws to protect its wildlife.Credit: DisneyOne rule that’s encountered less often by the average guest relates to professional photography in the parks. At Walt Disney World Resort, for example, “photography, videotaping or recording of any kind, or otherwise engaging in any activity, for unapproved commercial purposes” is listed as a prohibited activity.Guests or vloggers arriving with professional gear, such as an abundance of lenses, or clearly conducting an OTT photoshoot on property for anything but personal photos without Disney’s approval, may soon find themselves in trouble with the Mouse.Disney Guests Arrested Amid Reports of Commercial PhotographyThe same is true at Hong Kong Disneyland, where the rules clearly state that “photography services of any kind” are not allowed on the property.Disney can and does crack down on those violating these rules. Local news outlets report that eight individuals, including photographers and makeup artists, were arrested by the Hong Kong Immigration Department at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and the Central Ferry Piers between late August and early September.Credit: Hong Kong DisneylandTwo Hong Kong residents were arrested on suspicion of assisting breaches of stay conditions, allegedly by offering paid photography services in theme parks and public parks, as well as makeup services for weddings and events.Commercial photography inside the parks violates their terms of use. If the photographer is not a Hong Kong resident, it may also amount to illegal employment. Authorities cautioned that clients could face penalties, too, urging residents not to hire such services under any circumstances.Credit: Hong Kong Disneyland//The Hong Kong Immigration Department arrested a total of eight individuals, including photographers and makeup artists from mainland China, at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and the Central Ferry Piers between late August and early September. Two Hong Kong residents were also arrested on suspicion of assisting and abetting breaches of stay conditions. They were providing accompanying photography services in theme parks or parks, or applying makeup to participants in weddings or events.//Providing commercial photography services within the park constitutes a violation of the park’s terms of use. Additionally, if the provider of photography services is not a resident of Hong Kong, it may also constitute illegal employment. The hiring party may also be in violation of the law, so please do not use such services under any circumstances.#HKDL_info #HKDL//香港入国管理局は8月末から9月初めにかけて、香港ディズニーランドリゾートおよび中環フェリーターミナル、中国本土出身のカメラマンおよびメイクアーティスト計8人を逮捕した。滞在条件違反の容疑で、香港人2人も滞在条件違反の協助および教唆の容疑で逮捕されている。彼らはテーマパークや公園で随… https://t.co/qWP4Cha0g7— Emporium HKDL情報 (@hk_emporium) September 5, 2025Earlier this year, there were also reports that some Hong Kong Disneyland annual passholders were conducting commercial photography services within the parks, violating the terms and conditions of their passes.Some passholders were also accused of lending out their passes both at the park gates and at cash registers, where others could take advantage of passholder discounts.Credit: Ed Aguila, Inside the MagicDespite these rules and restrictions around commercial photography on Disney property, there have been examples of filmmakers illicitly capturing footage inside the parks. The most notorious case is Escape from Tomorrow (2013), a surreal horror film shot guerrilla-style at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland without permission. Cast and crew used handheld cameras and disguised scripts on smartphones to avoid detection.Another notable example is The Florida Project (2017), which filmed key scenes at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom without authorization. Director Sean Baker used an iPhone 6S Plus and a minimal crew to discreetly capture the final sequence, blending his actors with the crowds of real guests.Photography Rules at Other Theme ParksDisney isn’t the only theme park company taking action to restrict unapproved commercial photography.Credit: UniversalAccording to the Chinese media outlet Chinese Daily, many influencers and photographers on the Chinese platform Xiaohongshu (similar to Instagram) noted in 2023 that Universal Studios Beijing had begun barring entry to those known to be freelance photographers.Six Flags theme parks also boast strict rules on photography.According to Six Flags, “Guests may take photos and video while enjoying the park, but Six Flags requests that such photos or videos be used for their personal use and enjoyment only. No commercial photography of any kind is permitted without the written consent of Six Flags … All Six Flags rides, shows and attractions are protected by copyright. Guests must have written permission from an authorized representative of Six Flags to use photographs and/or videos of Six Flags images for commercial broadcasting, advertising, marketing or publishing in any medium.”Have you noticed guests conducting commercial photography within Disney parks?The post Multiple Disney Guests Arrested After Breaking Random Theme Park Rule appeared first on Inside the Magic.