EPCOT
Should Adults Have To Let Children Meet Disney Characters First? Fans Debate Theme Park Etiquette
A seemingly innocent character meet-and-greet at Walt Disney World Resort has ignited an intense online debate. After a Disney mom shared a video of her toddler approaching Daisy Duck at EPCOT, fans were quick to argue over whether children should be prioritized over adults in character lines.
Viral Video Sparks Heated Discussion About Disney Character Etiquette
For many, meeting Disney characters is a core part of the theme park experience, but with long lines and strict schedules, some guests believe adults should yield to children when possible. Others argue that Disney Parks are for everyone, and adults should be free to meet their favorite characters, too.
TikTok user @waltdisneyworldkid unknowingly stepped right into the debate when she posted a clip of her daughter running up to Daisy Duck before it was her turn.
“When you meet your favorite celebrity but approach from the wrong side…,” she captioned the video.
@waltdisneyworldkid Wait for it …. She’s our little oddball. Also her desperation to meet characters is a recurring problem 😆 #disneyparks #disney #daisyduck #disneyparkstiktok #disneytiktok #disneykid #disneywithkids #parentinghacks #disneyworld #waltdisneyworld #wdw #disnerd #disneyadult #liloandstitch #epcot
In the clip, the young girl excitedly runs up to Daisy Duck as the character interacts with another guest. A cast member intervenes multiple times, and she and the toddler’s father gently guide her back to her family to wait her turn in line.
Did This Child Cut the Line? Fans Are Divided
The comment section took a different turn than the TikToker expected. Many Disney Parks fans called out the parents for allowing their child to rush ahead, arguing that this behavior sets a bad precedent.
“It’s kind of messed up you let her cut in like that,” commented @isisbabyyyy.
“Seriously GRAB YOUR KID!!!” @wife_and_mom0 replied.
“Why do they think this is cute?” Reddit user u/Entire_Flounder_1648 questioned. “Why would they sit there and film this while the cast member had to redirect their child? Wtf.”
“She wants to cut the line… hang on let me film and put a fun song over it instead of teaching my child etiquette,” u/doxxedbycrazies replied. “Our kids tried to do this a few times and we didn’t film it, we picked them up and said we have to wait our turn.”
Others were appalled that people would criticize a toddler for being excited at Walt Disney World Resort.
“These negative comments are odd!” @sincerelyalo7 wrote on TikTok. “It’s a child over the moon excited as she should be! Onlookers and all of us watching this video should smile this is pure innocence and sweet.”
Should Adults Step Aside for Kids?
As the debate raged on, some theme park fans took issue with something else entirely—the fact that an adult woman was in line ahead of the child.
“Blows my mind that grown adults by themselves make kids wait to see characters,” wrote @simmonsfam7.
“The grown woman needing to take a photo with Daisy first is what gets me,” added @tayyyreyes4. “…How easy it would have been for them to be kind and let the baby meet Daisy first since she was SO excited.”
However, the child’s mother was quick to reject the idea that adults should be required to step aside for children.
“We would never say our kid should go first or be prioritized,” she replied. “We walked her around and talked about waiting our turn. There are always adults in character lines. It’s part of Disney. It would be crazy if they had to step out to keep letting kids in front. It’s nice that people feel bad for our cute kiddo but she was a ok waiting 1 minute 😆 Disney is good for learning patience.”
How do you keep your little ones entertained in lines at Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort? In the comments, share your tips with How to Disney!
This is is an adorable video of a very excited kiddo seeing Daisy. How can anyone find a problem with this. The parents did not demand that their child cut the line. The cast members deal with excited kids every day. The kid did not throw a temper tantrum when she had to wait. She was just young enough that waiting makes her vibrate in place!! That’s developmental. This video should be celebrated for the joyful energy is shows. Anyone who needed to complain about the parents or complain about adults without kids in line need to get a life. Life is short Celebrate it. Don’t make everything an excuse to complains and share negative energy. Please. Think before you read conflict into every event.