ANAHEIM, Calif., March 19 (UPI) -- No longer is height the only qualification to ride the rides at Disneyland in California -- now children must have supervision to enter the amusement park.
Disneyland changed a policy that for years saw children living near the park visit during school breaks or summer vacation without parental supervision. The Los Angeles Times said parents would use Disneyland as a sort of childcare service, dropping off children clutching season passes on their way to work and picking them up at the end of the day.
No more will Mickey and Minnie serve as babysitters, though. Park officials said children will not be admitted unless they're with a visitor at least 14 years old.
"It's just the changing of society and the world we live in," said Dennis Speigel, president of International Theme Park Services Inc., an industry consultant. "Today, people are more safety conscious."
The good news for parents seeking another alternative for their children this summer: They might actually save some cash. The cost of a season pass to Disneyland is $649 per child.
