ORLANDO, Fla. – Concerns about large crowds have prompted an Orlando amusement park to institute a chaperone policy ahead of what’s expected to be a busy July 4 holiday week.
Fun Spot America first announced the policy on its Facebook page Tuesday, saying it would be implemented starting Saturday, yet a news release issued Wednesday states the policy is effective immediately.
“All guests under 21 must be accompanied by an adult 21 years or older,” the park said.
The policy, currently only for the Fun Spot park in Orlando, will be in place until further notice, News 6 has confirmed. When we asked a Fun Spot spokesperson if the policy was going to expand to other parks, we were told that it was under consideration.
A chaperone can be responsible for up to two guests under 21, though the latest release states exceptions would be made for pre-registered groups and large families. The park will also be closing the south parking lot and entrance, according to the release.
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Our top priority is the safety and well-being of our guests and team members, ensuring they receive the “Golden Rule” experience. To ensure this, we will have additional security measures, such as increased staffing and management on-site, off-duty police officer on duty, as well as constant surveillance of our security cameras.
Fun Spot America press statement June 26, 2024 (excerpt)
A Fun Spot spokesperson told News 6 over the phone that managers caught wind of some sort of event on social media and when they reached out to the group involved, they were blocked from communicating. The spokesperson said they could not elaborate on the name of the group involved or where they saw this.
News 6′s Ezzy Castro spoke to former Orlando police chief and law enforcement expert, Orlando Rolón, about past incidents stemmed by social media trends.
“These trends basically being promoted through social media, it’s something that’s been ongoing. I mean, think about it, the City of Orlando had to put curfews in place and nighttime curfews on the weekends for juveniles that were gathering because they are not necessarily being part of the patrons that businesses want to draw. They are just gathering,” Rolón said.
Rolón explained he’s not surprised Fun Spot America issued a chaperone policy.
“Being that they are so customer-driven, I think what they are doing is in the best interest of everyone who comes and enjoys their parks,” Rolón said.
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