diff --git a/direct/src/distributed/DistributedObject.py b/direct/src/distributed/DistributedObject.py
index 198273ea2a..6b022f7a8e 100644
--- a/direct/src/distributed/DistributedObject.py
+++ b/direct/src/distributed/DistributedObject.py
@@ -185,6 +185,9 @@ class DistributedObject(DistributedObjectBase, EnforcesCalldowns):
         self.disableAndAnnounce()
         self.delete()
 
+    def getDisableEvent(self):
+        return self.uniqueName("disable")
+
     def disableAndAnnounce(self):
         """
         Inheritors should *not* redefine this function.
@@ -197,7 +200,7 @@ class DistributedObject(DistributedObjectBase, EnforcesCalldowns):
         # hidden).
         if self.activeState != ESDisabled:
             self.activeState = ESDisabling
-            messenger.send(self.uniqueName("disable"))
+            messenger.send(self.getDisableEvent())
             self.disable()
 
     @calldownEnforced