Disney World may be known for being the Most Magical Place on Earth, but sometimes people in the parks have behavior that can only be described as less-than-magical.
You know, the folks that tend to act like Disney World is their personal playground and aren’t necessarily winning any awards for self-awareness? We’ve had our fair share of experiences, and these are the types of people we wish Disney would send straight to jail.
Imagine, you’re having your best day in Disney World, and then BAM. Another parkgoer does something that just irks you — whether intentional or not. So, for our sake and the sake of all Disney World guests everywhere, please do not be this person — or you might get sent straight to (hypothetical Disney World) jail.
Buckle up, y’all. It’s about to get real.
People Who Are Rude to Cast Members
Disney World straight-up would not be the magical place we all know and love if it weren’t for the Cast Members who work tirelessly to make it all happen. Jessica over at the Haunted Mansion doesn’t need to be subject to your tirade because you missed your Lightning Lane reservation, and she certainly doesn’t need to put up with your attitude.
Cast Members are likely working long hours and dealing with plenty of problems throughout the day, and chances are they’re not the cause of whatever issues a guest may be experiencing. Being calm and patient with Cast Members when you run into a bit of trouble can do way more for you than getting angry and being rude. And sometimes, you might even get sprinkled with a little Pixie Dust.
People Who Force Their Kids on Rides
Sure, it’s probably a pretty safe bet that your kiddos will have plenty to ride in the parks, but that doesn’t mean they should! Even if an attraction may not seem particularly scary to you, kids have a different perspective on things. We know you’re excited that little Mikey is officially tall enough to ride TRON but the dude could be properly terrified.
Not only can forcing a kid on a ride ruin their day, but it’ll likely ruin everyone in the family or group’s day too. Depending on how old a kid might be, you also run the risk of full-blown meltdowns (which happens all the time in Disney World because, well, kids). It could also scare them off from other rides that aren’t even as terrifying.
People Who Take Flash Photos and Videos on Dark Rides
Ruining the ride experience for other people trying to enjoy the parks is quite possibly one of the most egregious acts of them all — and we’re especially talking about using flash photos and videos during dark rides. Listen, they’re dark for a reason, mmmkay? Using flash can potentially ruin the effects and spoil the ride illusion for others.
And, this is actually an official rule at many Disney World dark rides. Cast Members have been known to make announcements over the loudspeakers of an attraction if you’re being too flashy.
People Who Recite the Words During Popular Attractions
We get it — you have a favorite Disney World ride. We do too. But some people visiting the parks for the very first time probably want to hear the Ghost Host’s actual spiel on the Haunted Mansion instead of Ruth from Witchita, Kansas’ version (even though it’s probably lovely.)
Being able to understand what’s going on with the dialogue and storyline of an attraction can be especially important for people experiencing a ride for the first time. This can be extremely challenging if people around you are talking over the audio.
People Who Cut in Line
Going to Disney World means you’re probably going to have to wait in line — for rides, restaurants, characters, you name it. We fully get wanting to maximize your time in the parks, but having Aunt Bertha save spots in line so the rest of the cousins can join up later is a big no-no. This just ends up making the wait time longer for everyone.
If you or your kiddo desperately need to use the bathroom but the queue doesn’t have a mid-line one available (some like Flight of Passage and Rise of the Resistance do) find the nearest Cast Member. Often, they can direct you out of line and back to your spot later.
People Who Block Others’ Views
You’ve waited all day long for that perfect fireworks viewing spot. You staked it out and made your claim. It’s your first time ever seeing the show in person, and all of a sudden, a kid gets hoisted into the air and onto a pair of shoulders. That view you’ve waited all day for vanishes in one fell swoop.
This one happens pretty often, and it can be a serious bummer when it does. Sometimes it’s not even a kid but a giant iPad being held up to record the show (who is this for, anyway?!). And, as much as we love Minnie ears, please take them off if people behind you are trying to see! You’ll be just as cute, we promise.
People Who Feed the Animals
Disney animals are iconic — and we’re not just talking about the ones at Animal Kingdom! Disney ducks, bunnies, birds, and more can be found all around the property, and these wild animals can use your help — but not how you might think. How can you help? Stay away from them!
Do not feed the ducks, squirrels, or birds, and no matter how cute that little bunny might be, it’s a wild animal and should definitely be left alone. If you’re looking for Disney animals you can actually interact with, consider booking a behind-the-scenes Animal Kingdom tour. And once again — do not feel the animals!
People Who Don’t Clean Up Their Mess
Leaving trash out instead of throwing it away is something that we see all the time in the parks. Sure, there are custodial Cast Members who do clean up messy areas of the parks, but they’re not there to wait on guests like it’s a five-star steakhouse (though you can find that experience in Disney World if you know where to look!).
And, when you consider that Walt Disney himself made it a rule that you should never be more than 30 feet away from a trash can in the parks, it’s a bit unacceptable to just leave your litter strewn about. If you drop something, pick it up and toss it out, or if you’re done with your meal, take your tray to a trash can and get rid of the refuse. It’s not that hard, people!
People Who Stop in the Middle of the Walkway
We know that Disney World is a confusing place and if you’re not there nearly every day like we are, you probably need a map to get around. But please, for the love of all things Disney — PULL OFF TO THE SIDE TO GET YOUR BEARINGS. You might be causing a serious traffic jam.
Disney World requires folks to be on their phones for a significant portion of the time these days between mobile order, checking wait times, snagging the next Lightning Lane, and more. If you have to stop, though, move off to the side so you won’t be blocking others from using the walkway.
People Who Ruin the Magic for Others
We’re gonna level with you really quickly — the Mickey Mouse you see greeting guests around Disney World isn’t actually the real thing. It’s a person in a character costume. And while you know that, and we know that — not everyone does. Disney World is full of kiddos who are still under the spell, and you potentially run the risk of having a little one overhear you.
If you’re talking about some “behind-the-magic” facts in the parks, make sure you don’t do it too loudly and within earshot of other guests or kids. Don’t be the person that ruins the magic for littles!
Even if you do run into someone you wish you could send right to Disney World jail, try not to let it completely ruin your whole trip. Being flexible and going with the flow can be the most useful Disney World tips we could ever give, and if you’re looking for more, be sure to stay tuned to AllEars!
I Go to Disney World Every Day. Here Are the WORST Things Guests Do.
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Have you experienced any of these trials and tribulations in Disney World? Tell us in the comments.
Out of all those things, the only one I’ve been “guilty” of is reciting the lines to attractions, especially Haunted Mansion, but that’s just part of park going. Everything else on this list, is essentially criminal, especially being rude to cast members, though. So right on about most of this. Me: Imagines Disney jail inside It’s a Small World, outright torture, lol
I had some guy sing very loudly throughout the Candlelight Processional. He wasn’t a bad singer, but he was still very irritating.
Disney could reduce the line cutting problem by posting and enforcing that all members of a party must enter the line together and stay together. Other places do it with great success. While it would take a few extra roving cast members, the cost would be offset by greater guest satisfaction. Those who find it too difficult to comply are usually the people who think the world revolves around them and would do better elsewhere. True issues or emergencies, especially with little kids could easily be handled by a cast member.
You are reading my mind with all of these!!! Spot on every one of them!
I would add however the cell phone addicted… that take a phone call in a show (happened to me)and texter’s what show their bright screen in a sit down show next to you. JAIL!!!
Agree, 100%. Also those that choose to get out of a ride before they are allowed. Ban them from all WDW.
I do not understand why people can’t abide by the rules that are put in place for a reason.