Shanghai Court Jails Duo for Fake Disney VIP Pass Scam

A Shanghai court has sentenced two fraudsters who cheated tourists by selling bogus "VIP" packages promising skip-the-line access and premium experiences at Shanghai Disney Resort.

The Pudong New Area People's Court handed down prison terms to Yao and Wu, whose elaborate scam swindled victims out of more than 78,000 yuan ($10,959) in total.

The scheme, which ran from July to August 2024, used social media platforms to lure visitors with offers of "Disney no-wait guides" and "exclusive entry tricks." Posing as travel specialists, Yao's team promoted VIP packages priced between 799 and 4,880 yuan per person, featuring "early park admission," "private guided tours," and "fast-track entry to over 10 rides," the court said.

Once tourists showed interest, they were directed to off-platform agents who pressed them to sign agreements and complete payments.

However, the operation was entirely unauthorized. Investigators confirmed that Yao and his group had no affiliation with Shanghai Disney Resort.

After payments were collected, Wu coordinated unlicensed guides who provided substandard or nonexistent services. The "private tours" often turned into haphazardly assembled groups, with some guides disappearing during visits or offering only remote instructions via WeChat.

In many cases, the promised "Disney FastPass" entries were never secured. Funds meant for ride access were instead split between Yao, Wu, and their unlicensed guides, the court found.

Complaints and refund requests from cheated visitors were systematically ignored or delayed.

The court, after hearing the case, determined that the defendants' actions constituted contract fraud. Yao was sentenced to one year and two months in prison, while Wu received a 10-month sentence. Both were also given corresponding fines.

Yao initially filed an appeal but later dropped it, making the sentence final.