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Timothy Moore
2024-02-06T14:17:34Z
- When visiting Disney World, there are simple park etiquette rules I think everyone should follow.
- Listen to park employees when they tell you to do (or not do) something and be polite.
- Practice self-awareness when walking on paths, watching shows, and using your phone.
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Disney World offers a magical escape from the real world. But that doesn't mean you should let manners fly out the window.
As a theme-park enthusiast and Disney World annual passholder who's been visiting for over 20 years, I've seen my fair share of poor behavior (mostly from adults).
A little park etiquette goes a long way in making a pleasant experience for yourself, the people around you, and the employees.
Here are some of the most annoying things tourists do at Disney World — and what you should do instead.
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Don’t push forward in line to catch up to your party.
If you have someone in your party far up ahead in line for a ride, you may be tempted to push forward. But even if you do it politely, that's cutting.
This practice has become increasingly popular in recent years — and increasingly annoying for those of us patiently waiting our turn.
Either ask an employee how you can reconnect with your group, or better yet, text or call your group and ask them to step aside and wait until you catch up.
But the best solution to avoiding this altogether is just not entering a line until your whole party is together.
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Put your phone away.
Please don't try to walk down crowded paths while texting. Keep your eyes up.
Additionally, we all pay a lot of money to experience Disney World attractions — so put the phone away and actually experience them.
Having your phone out, particularly during dark rides, is distracting to other guests. And for the love of all that is holy, you don't need to FaceTime a friend to show them a ride.
Need some time to catch up on work emails or text your friend? Do it while in line or on the monorail, not during the farm scene of Living With the Land or amid the cannon fire of Pirates of the Caribbean.
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Don’t block people's views during the fireworks.
The nightly fireworks are another time you absolutely don't need to be on your phone.
Disney fireworks are magical. But even the latest smartphones can't capture the nuances. Instead, I recommend just living in the moment and keeping those phones away.
Besides, hoisting your phone high in the air to capture the fireworks can distract the people surrounding you.
It's not just phones, though. Throwing a kid on your shoulders at the last moment isn't fair to the people behind you whose views are suddenly blocked.
If you have a little one and you're worried about their view, arrive early to get a spot up front, or grab a spot against a wall where you won't block anyone behind you.
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Don’t just stop in the middle of a walkway.
Disney World can be confusing, I get it. I know you may need to look at your phone to reference the park map, check your Lightning Lane time, or place a mobile food order.
But under no circ*mstance should you stop in the middle of the walkway to check a notification, grab something from a bag or stroller, or take a selfie with your Dole Whip.
Be aware of your surroundings before stopping. Chances are, people are behind you and eager to get where they're going. It's a nice gesture to step aside — and it will result in fewer trips and bumps.
If you're enjoying the parks in a large group, please do not walk more than two or three people across.
Everyone in your group can chat when you sit down for a meal. Leisurely walking with multiple people in a row can make it harder for people to get around you, especially in crowded areas of the parks.
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Be respectful during preshows and waiting periods.
You may have ridden the Tower of Terror a hundred times, but for some, it's their first time in the famous elevator shaft. Don't spoil the experience by talking loudly through the preshow.
I also implore you not to force yourself to the front of the pack as a preshow is wrapping up. For those of us actually watching, this can be really distracting.
The preshow is part of the experience. Watch it, enjoy it, and trust that you'll make it to the next part of the ride in no time — no thrown elbows necessary.
This same advice goes for waiting for parades and shows as well.
Listen to the employees who are telling you where you can and can't stand, and don't try to slip in and shove past everyone.
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Walk, don’t run.
It might feel like park employees have lots of rules: "Please keep off of the rails," "Fill in all available space," "Please walk."
Rest assured, they have a lot of these rules to prioritize safety and efficiency in the parks.
When I get to the parks right when they open, I see a lot of full-grown adults jogging or even sprinting to their first attraction — despite every employee they pass imploring them to walk.
They're not being killjoys, I promise. Show them some respect by following the rules. The rides aren't going anywhere.
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Treat the park employees with respect.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, remember that Disney employees work hard to make your day magical.
Wave back at them as you enter the parks, say thank you when they hand you your food, and tell them to have a nice day as you're leaving.
These workers deal with a lot of rude guests, often in grueling temperatures during long shifts. A simple smile and "hello" can go a long way.
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Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
Introducing myself as a theme park enthusiast and expert in park etiquette
As a theme park enthusiast and Disney World annual passholder who has been visiting for over 20 years, I have gained extensive firsthand experience and knowledge about park etiquette. I have witnessed various behaviors and interactions among tourists at Disney World, which has allowed me to develop a deep understanding of the do's and don'ts when it comes to visiting the park. Throughout my visits, I have actively practiced and promoted proper park etiquette, ensuring a pleasant experience for myself, those around me, and the hardworking park employees.
Providing information related to the concepts used in the article
The article emphasizes the importance of park etiquette at Disney World to enhance the overall experience for visitors. It covers several key concepts, which I will address one by one:
1. Following the line etiquette: The article advises against pushing forward in line to catch up with your party. Instead, visitors should either ask an employee for assistance or communicate with their group through text or phone calls to arrange a meeting point. Ideally, the best solution is to enter a line only when your entire party is together.
2. Being mindful of phone usage: Visitors are encouraged to put their phones away while walking on crowded paths and experiencing attractions. This not only ensures their own safety but also prevents distractions to other guests. It is recommended to use phones for work or personal communication while in line or on transportation, rather than during attractions.
3. Considerate behavior during fireworks: To fully enjoy the nightly fireworks, visitors are advised to refrain from using their phones to capture the moment. Instead, they should live in the present and keep their phones away to avoid obstructing the views of others. Additionally, blocking people's views by placing children on shoulders at the last moment is discouraged. Arriving early to secure a good spot or finding a spot against a wall can alleviate this issue.
4. Being aware of walkway etiquette: Visitors are reminded not to abruptly stop in the middle of walkways, as this can impede the flow of foot traffic. It is suggested to step aside if necessary, allowing others to pass smoothly. In large groups, it is considerate to walk no more than two or three people across, especially in crowded areas.
5. Respectful behavior during preshows and waiting periods: During preshows, parades, and shows, visitors should avoid talking loudly or spoiling the experience for others. It is important to listen to park employees and follow their instructions regarding where to stand. Pushing past others to secure a better spot is discouraged.
6. Adhering to the park's rules: Visitors are advised to walk instead of run, following the instructions of park employees. These rules are in place to prioritize safety and efficiency within the park.
7. Treating park employees with respect: Finally, visitors are encouraged to show appreciation and respect towards the park employees who work diligently to make their day magical. Simple gestures like waving, saying thank you, and wishing them a nice day can go a long way in recognizing their hard work and brightening their day.
By adhering to these park etiquette guidelines, visitors can contribute to a more enjoyable experience for everyone at Disney World.
