Disney World: The Most Magical Place on Earth…until people start behaving like absolute menaces.
Magic Kingdom
Look, we get it. The parks can be overwhelming, hot, and exhausting, but that doesn’t mean all social norms should fly out the window. From line cutting to climbing where you definitely shouldn’t, some guests have taken things a bit too far. Let’s take a look at some of the most questionable guest behaviors we’ve seen, and what you can do instead to keep the magic alive.
Letting Kids Roam Like Free-Range Chickens
Kids and Disney World go together like Mickey and Minnie, but the parks aren’t a free-for-all playground. We’ve seen kids climbing on railings, darting through crowds, and – our personal favorite – getting a little too close to ride tracks while their parents just…watch.
Crowds
Not only is this super dangerous, but it’s also a great way to get a stern talking-to from a Cast Member. How about this instead: Keep a close eye on your little ones and remind them to respect the space around them (and the safety rules in place).
The Great Jungle Cruise Line Heist
We’ve all been there – staring down an hour-long wait and wishing for a shortcut. But one family of 10 actually did it, using one member to hold their spot while the rest grabbed DOLE Whips.
Jungle Cruise
When they returned, they just squeezed back in like it was no big deal. Meanwhile, everyone else who waited properly was left fuming. How about this instead: If your party needs a snack or restroom break, wait until AFTER the ride or be prepared to rejoin at the back of the line.
Jumping Off Living with the Land for a…Cucumber?
Living with the Land is a chill boat ride through greenhouses where Disney grows a lot of its own produce. It’s educational, it’s relaxing, and apparently, it’s also a temptation for rule-breakers. Someone was so determined to grab a fresh cucumber that they literally jumped out of the ride vehicle mid-ride.
A cucumber grown on the ride!
Spoiler alert: they got caught. How about this instead: Appreciate the ride for what it is and grab a fresh snack from the many food kiosks in EPCOT – no rule-breaking required.
The Diaper Disaster at Toy Story Mania
Changing a baby’s diaper is part of parenting, but there are designated places for that. Unfortunately, we once saw a mom change her child’s diaper right in the middle of the queue for Toy Story Mania – on the floor. And if that wasn’t enough, she then touched all the railings as she walked through.
Toy Story Mania queue
How about this instead: Every park has easily accessible restrooms with changing tables. Use them! Not only is it more sanitary, but it also keeps the experience pleasant for everyone else.
Climbing the Mexico Pavilion Pyramid
It’s one of the most iconic landmarks in EPCOT, but some guests seem to think it’s their personal rock-climbing wall. We’ve seen people attempting to scale the Mexico Pavilion pyramid like they’re on some kind of adventure movie set. News flash: There is no hidden treasure, only security waiting to escort you out of the park.
Mexico Pavilion at EPCOT
How about this instead: Take all the photos you want but keep your feet on the ground. The pavilion is beautiful. Let’s admire it the right way.
Taking a Dip in the EPCOT Fountains
A long day in the Florida heat makes any water feature look tempting, but Disney fountains are NOT for swimming. We’ve seen adults (yes, adults) hopping into fountains like they’re public pools. Not only is this unhygienic (you don’t want to know what’s in that water), but it’s also a one-way ticket to an early park exit.
Imagination Pavilion fountain
How about this instead: Beat the heat the right way – head to an air-conditioned attraction, grab a refreshing drink, or find some shade.
Spaceship Earth in EPCOT
Listen, we all love Disney World, and we want to have the best time possible. But there’s a way to do it that doesn’t involve breaking rules, cutting lines, or pulling stunts that make the rest of us cringe. So let’s all agree to keep things respectful. We’ll all have a more magical time for it.
In the meantime, stay tuned to DFB for all the latest from Disney.
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Well said. I couldn’t agree more.
I’ve seen every one of these “offenses.” Today’s parents are clueless. One time when I was at WDW, my oldest daughter (who was 5 at the time) was on a leash which I used to keep her near me. One woman came up to me and told me I was “cruel” for treating my child like a dog. I told her “At least I know where my child is.” She stormed off, shaking her head. Today both of my daughters are in their 30’s and they can’t stand the way things at WDW have gone downhill.
I’m SO DONE with line cutting. I don’t know how but Disney World has GOT to put a stop to it. The last time I waited in the hot sun for 90+ minutes in the Seven Dwarfs queue, no fewer than four families cut the line. I was taken aback at that time but the next time I won’t be so forgiving. They’re not getting past me if I can help it. Stop breaking not only the WDW rules but the general etiquette rules of society, people!
The one in line for the group thing is almost never a big deal. A group of ten cutting in MIGHT slow you down by a minute or two, but it’s not going to make any appreciable difference. And with a family of four, it won’t have any impact at all. You’re not getting in their ride vehicle or whatever anyway!
Regarding line cutting. A few years ago we were in line for the Aerosmith coaster. There were a few young people in front of us. Suddenly, more kids started coming up to them and then more. We said something like “oh, come on”. One turn around and said sorry and let us go in front of them. Not sure what happened to the people in line behind us. I, too, think it’s getting out of hand.
I’m very surprised that you’re not aware that Disney specifically uses return to queue and having parts of a family / group standing in queue accommodation and then having the disabled folks meet up later is now an accommodation instead of DAS.
Also there are many people especially children who need to use the bathroom and if you got an hour plus line most likely a child, especially, is going to need to leave and go the bathroom and come back.
The only way we’re ever going to see the end of people coming and going from lines is if Disney builds in: bathrooms, seating, & food and drinks in the queues.
With the new DAS restrictions, Disney has said the only option for someone physically unable to wait in line is to have someone stand in line for them, and then join them when it is time to ride. The “Line heist” story above is exactly why I won’t do that! It already sucks being disabled. I’m not excusing myself through a long line getting dirty looks from strangers when they have no idea what I’m dealing with! The consequence is we are cutting back. Disney is only for the able bodied or those already in a scooter. Not for the in-between.