Walt Disney World is a place where dreams come true and adults and kids can enjoy the magic together. There are however some unwritten rules that Guests should be aware of so they don’t ruin the experience for those around them. We understand that you have saved for a long time and planned for even longer, but that doesn’t give you the right to do whatever you want while at the Walt Disney World Resort. Please be kind and considerate of those around you by not breaking these unwritten Disney rules.
Don’t Cut In Line
This is a big rule that everyone needs to follow while at Walt Disney World. We get it- no one likes waiting in line during their Disney vacation; however, it is part of the process. With that in mind, it is not okay to cut in line. This means straight-up cutting in line, trying to jump over barriers, or having one person hold a spot for everyone else in line and then meet up later.
These are all situations in Disney Park that won’t make those other Guests around you happy and can get you into trouble with Cast Members. Pack your patience and be ready to wait in line. Make it fun by doing trivia or finding hidden Mickeys. Know ahead of time that waiting in line will be part of your Disney vacation, and be prepared, and prepare your kids for it.
Avoid issues by taking care of snacks, drinks, and bathroom visits before getting into lines. We all understand that sometimes there are emergencies, but try to be proactive so that doesn’t happen. If something does come up, talk to a nearby Cast Member about leaving the line for the bathroom and how to get back to your party.
Lines aren’t fun for anyone, but they are part of a Disney vacation so have a plan on how you are going to manage them and be respectful to those around you. It will make the whole experience that much better.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
It is not a secret that Disney World gets busy, making it sometimes difficult to move around. Be aware of your surroundings as you move throughout the theme Park and make sure you keep in mind that distance many of us have come accustomed to and enjoy.
If you have a stroller, make sure to give space so people can get around you and keep an area between you and others so you don’t bump other Guests’ ankles. As you walk through the theme Park, make sure you don’t stop suddenly in the middle of the path to have a family discussion. This can cause some major backups. Move over to the side to help keep the flow going.
Most of us aren’t used to having backpacks on either, be aware of your additional space. Make sure that you aren’t bumping others with your backpack as you move through queues or food areas. This is hard to do in crowded areas, but if we all try to give one another some space, it can help the magic.
We all get caught up in the magic sometimes which is understandable, but try hard to be aware of those around you while you enjoy the magic.
No Flash Photography on Dark Rides
Nothing can ruin a Guest’s experience on a dark ride than others who use flash photography throughout the ride. Disney has signage up before these rides, such as Pirates of the Caribbean and The Haunted Mansion in Magic Kingdom, reminding Guests not to use flash.
Make sure you know how to make sure your moment is off before getting on the ride. Flash not only distorts the experience of those around you, but it can also illuminate some behind the magic that Disney Imagineers never wanted Guests to see. Phones will often want to use the flash to help your picture be better; however, please consider those around you and don’t use it.
Also, no matter how good of a photographer you are, your pictures on a dark ride won’t turn out the way you think they will. Sit back and enjoy the magic instead of trying to capture it.
It is a Family Theme Park
Disney World is a family experience, so make sure you keep that in mind as you visit. Watch what you are saying because there are little ears around you. This means both in your language choice but also your discussion of the magic.
Even though your kids might know how the magic comes from the Theme Park to Mickey Mouse and other Disney characters, you don’t want to ruin that magic for other families. Keep in mind the kids around you when watching Cavalcades and fireworks as well. Offer to allow little ones to move in front of you so they can have great experiences as well. These are just small things we can all do to help keep magic alive.
Give Up Those Seats
Another unwritten rule that we should all follow is giving up your seat on Disney transportation to those who might need it more than we do. This might be an older couple, or it might be an exhausted parent holding a sleeping kid. We are well aware that all of us are tired at the end of a Disney day, but consider, if you can, giving up your seat to someone that might need it more than you do at that moment.
Everyone is tired at the end of the evening, but if you are able to help others out please consider doing so when on that late-night bus back to your Disney Resort.
Walt Disney World is full of magic and we as Guests can all work together to keep the magic alive by following these few unwritten rules while visiting. They can help make our experience and the experience of those around us that much better.
