Last week at Disney California Adventure Park, an unexpected incident unfolded that has sparked a whirlwind of conversation among Disney fans. A Disneyland Resort guest, known on TikTok as Lysa (@lysalicious), shared her experience of being “trampled” by an electric wheelchair while trying to film a TikTok video. As she showcased her outfit in front of San Fransokyo Bridge, she walked backwards and collided with another guest in an electric wheelchair. The awkward encounter, loudly accentuated by the wheelchair user’s cries of “Stop it!”, quickly amassed over a million views on TikTok and ignited quite the debate.
The video, which captures the odd mishap, shows Lysa being taken by surprise. Despite her immediate apology, the aftermath has divided opinions. Some viewers criticized Lysa for not being aware of her surroundings, while others defended her saying that the electric wheelchair user should have been more cautious. The debate touches on a broader issue facing Disney parks today: the growing clash between traditional park-goers and social media content creators.
The Walt Disney Company has been aware of this growing tension. Recently, Disney implemented stricter filming policies. For instance, in May, Cast Members at Disneyland’s Mickey’s Toontown explicitly told guests to refrain from filming on attractions. This move came on the heels of Disney releasing its own full-ride POV video for the soon-to-open Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom, arguably to undercut the rush from vloggers to capture first-look content.
Despite the recent fallout and heated online discussions, no one was hurt in the TikTok incident. It does, however, highlight the broader question of how social media should be balanced with on-the-grounds experiences. Disney parks have always been places where guests create and share memories, but with the rise of influencers and content creation, it raises an important debate: Should there be stricter guidelines for filming in parks to ensure safety and enjoyment for all?
We would love to hear your thoughts on this matter! Do TikTok and other social media platforms have a place at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort? Did Disney overstep with their recent filming guidelines, or are they justified? Share your opinions in the comments below and join the conversation.
Source: Inside the Magic
