It’s no secret that bad guest behavior has become a recurring issue at Disney parks. From altercations breaking out in Fantasyland to guests literally stepping out of ride vehicles mid-ride just to film something “epic,” things are starting to get out of hand.
While most visitors go to Disney for the magic and nostalgia, it’s hard to ignore how certain guests are pushing the boundaries—and Disney’s patience—further than ever before.
One of the biggest areas of concern lately has been on-ride filming. Despite there being times when it is made crystal clear that recording is not allowed, guests are still pulling out their phones and hitting record. If you’ve spent any time on social media recently, you’ve probably seen clips that are against Disney rules. It’s no longer just a case of people wanting memories. It’s about chasing clout, getting viral content, and racking up views—at the expense of the ride experience for everyone else.
The ripple effect from all of this behavior is real, and it’s already starting to show. Even with announcements and Cast Members stepping in, the rules are ignored more often than not. Some guests openly use flash photography in dark rides. Others are so focused on filming that they put themselves—or others—at risk by fumbling with phones on high-speed attractions. And in some cases, a dropped phone means the ride has to be paused, guests removed, and operations disrupted for everyone in line.
This kind of behavior is exactly why many in the Disney fan community are bracing for what could be the next big move: mandatory lockers for all attractions, not just thrill rides. Universal Orlando Resort has already gone that route with attractions like VelociCoaster and Rip Ride RockIt, requiring guests to stow phones, bags, and any loose items before getting on board. And Disney has already implemented similar systems at TRON: Lightcycle / Run and Flight of Passage. Now, there’s buzz that the upcoming Monsters, Inc. coaster may include lockers too—and that could just be the beginning.
If that happens, it would mark a huge shift in how guests interact with classic attractions. Imagine having to stop and lock your phone away before riding Space Mountain or Big Thunder Mountain. It sounds extreme, but Disney’s number one priority is safety, and protecting the immersive environment is a close second. If guests keep ignoring the rules, this may be the only way to keep things under control.
We’ve already seen Disney adapt when guest behavior forces its hand—more thorough bag checks, changes to costume policies, adjustments to alcohol sales. So it’s not out of the question that they could implement stricter controls on what guests are allowed to bring onto rides.
This isn’t something fans are hoping for. But the truth is, all it would take is one major incident—one viral moment gone wrong or a serious safety issue caused by guest misconduct—and Disney might have to make a drastic move. The more people chase likes and views instead of enjoying the rides, the closer we get to that reality.
For now, enjoy the freedom while you can. But don’t be surprised if, sooner than later, the day comes where lockers aren’t just for thrill rides—they’re for everything.
This is the age of the Entitled. I really feel sorry for anyone working at the park, what with people now taking to making up stories about them “threatening to put me on the roof” and routinely being obnoxious to them. And now they could end up spoiling it for all us normies. I’m sure they feel really proud of the themselves.