Disney Dream Key Settlement is the latest example of how careful you should be when advertising. A class action settlement has been reached with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc. (WDPR) concerning the Dream Key pass, part of Disneyland’s Magic Key program. The settlement, totaling $9.5 million, addresses allegations that Disney misled customers about the availability of reservations for Dream Key holders, despite promises of “no blockout dates.”
Disneyland is set to compensate around 100,000 individuals due to a class action settlement concerning its Dream Key passes. Are you one of them? Here is everything you need to know about the Disney Dream Key Settlement.
Disney Dream Key Settlement: Lawsuit details
The lawsuit was initiated by California resident Jenale Nielsen in 2021. Nielsen and other plaintiffs alleged that Disney breached contractual promises and violated the California Consumer Legal Remedies Act (Cal. Civ. Code § 1750, et seq.). They argued that Disney’s failure to provide unrestricted reservation availability as advertised constituted deceptive practices.
Nielsen’s complaint highlighted that although Disney marketed the Dream Key pass as offering unrestricted access to reservations, she and others faced difficulties securing reservations on desired dates in November 2021. This contradiction between the marketing and the actual reservation experience led to the legal action.
Disney denied any wrongdoing or liability. Despite this, both parties opted to settle the lawsuit to avoid the uncertainties and costs associated with a trial. This decision reflects a common legal strategy where a settlement is reached without admission of fault to mitigate potential legal and financial risks.
Eligibility for the Disney Dream Key Settlement
The Disney Dream Key Settlement applies to all individuals who purchased a Dream Key pass between August 25, 2021, and October 25, 2021. About 103,435 people fall into this category. These individuals will receive a payment as part of the settlement.
How much is it per person?
The total settlement amount is $9.5 million. After deducting attorney fees and other legal expenses, each eligible passholder will receive approximately $65. This distribution ensures that all affected passholders receive compensation for the alleged breach of promises.
Disney Dream Key Settlement: How to claim it?
The Disney Dream Key Settlement administrator is responsible for disbursing the payments. Checks will be sent automatically to the last known mailing addresses of eligible passholders unless they opted for electronic payments.
The deadline to select electronic payment was in January. For those who chose this option, electronic payment links will be emailed on June 14. Passholders must claim their funds by September 12.
What does this mean for Disneyland pass holders?
The Dream Key pass has been discontinued and replaced by the Inspire Key. The Inspire Key, while still offering substantial benefits, does include some blockout dates, unlike the Dream Key’s original promise.
The Dream Key settlement shows how important it is for companies to be clear and accurate with their promises to consumers. If you qualify for compensation, ensure your contact information is current to receive your payment quickly.
All images are generated by Eray Eliaçık/Bing
