At this point in all of our lives, the majority of us are well aware of what behavior is allowed or accepted in public, and what isn’t.
We say “majority,” because as we’ve all seen many times, both in the Disney World parks and elsewhere in public spaces, sometimes it seems that people totally forget how to be kind, or at the very least civil. Listen, we’ve all had those days where it feels like the whole world is against you and you just want to crawl into bed and rot, but you’ve got to be out with the masses anyway. We’ve been there, trust us, BUT that doesn’t mean your common courtesy can go out the window!
DO: Remember The Thousands of People Among You
When you’re heading to Disney World, you’re likely determined to do whatever it takes to make sure the dream vacation you’ve planned for (potentially) years, goes perfectly. We totally get it! But guess what? At any given day in the parks, there are HUNDREDS of families and people in the parks who are on their dream vacations too!
As you’re going about your day and having the best Disney trip ever, remember that so many others in the park are trying to have their perfect day too. When you’re battling the crowds and trying desperately to keep the family together and not lose little Suzy to the masses that are two feet taller than her, or waiting in an hour long line for Peter Pan’s Flight, remember there are hundreds of others in the same boat all around the resort.
DON’T: Make Up Stop Signs in The Middle of Walkways
We can remember walking around the parks for the first time and trying desperately to figure out where the HECK we were going on some of our first trips. We totally get walking one way, realizing you need to be heading the other direction, and having to turn around — we’ve been there countless times!
However, stopping the middle of a walkway and blocking it for others is NOT the move! Try to move off to the side, because it’ll actually make things less stressful for you, and you have more time to figure out where you’re headed. It’ll be better for everyone all around, we promise!
DO: Always Be Kind To Cast Members and Other Guests
Disney World can get STRESSFUL, especially if it’s hot outside, the weather isn’t what you were expecting, or your favorite ride went down and your plan has been messed up. It’s always important to stay kind to all those around you, even as you feel the stressors may be ramping up.
As we’ve likely all experienced, you can get a lot further with kindness than you do with rudeness. Again, we’ll say it again — we TOTALLY get it that sometimes, pulling out that kindness when you’re fed up with everything is HARD. But when it comes to Disney World Cast Members, they’ll almost always do everything they can to help, but if you’re yelling at them? Yeah, no one wants to be yelled at — would you want to go above and beyond when someone is screaming at you? If so, you’re a stronger person than me, because I’d just want to curl in a ball and cry. But if I can tell someone is frustrated yet stays kind and civil as they ask if there’s anything that can be done, I personally am much more ready to move mountains for them.
DON’T: Saving Spots Isn’t Cool
It may be efficient, but saving spots in Disney World isn’t the name of the game. This goes for parades, fireworks shows, rides — you name it. Sending someone ahead to save room for your family of five while the others ride two more rides before the fireworks isn’t cool.
We know, it’s super tempting. Especially if you’re looking at an hour and a half wait for a ride and send Dad ahead while the rest of the family finishes lunch, and you meet up with him in the line half an hour later. But let’s be real: that’s not fair to the other people around you! It may make your trip better, but you’ll have to potentially put up with some pretty nasty/frustrated remarks from the guests around you that you’re moving in front of.
DO: Follow The Golden Rule
It sounds super cheesy, but when in doubt, follow the golden rule: Treat others the way you want to be treated!
Would you want someone cutting in front of you at Mad Tea Party? Probably not, no. Would you be mad if someone stole a piece of merchandise out of your hands, or bumped you out of the way so they could get to it first? Yes, we’ve seen that happen, and it wasn’t pretty. Any time you’re faced with a controversial decision that could make your trip easier but would be considered rude or questionable, maybe take a pause and think about what it would feel like if someone else did it to you/your group.
DON’T: Become A Human Wall
If you’re traveling with a large group, it’s hard to keep everyone together (again: we know from experience…LOTS of experience), but there’s one big rule: don’t take up a whole walkway!
When possible, don’t walk more than 2-3 people horizontally on a walkway, or else other people around you can’t travel around you. It’s important to leave room for other groups, as well as ECVs and wheelchairs, which need more space.
We’re in Disney World every single day, so we see fantastic theme park behaviour, as well as the opposite, on a daily basis. All in all, just remember to live by the golden rule in Disney World: treat others the way you would want to be treated, and you’ll be set to go. Be sure to stay tuned to AllEars for all the latest Disney news and tips!
NOPE! 3 Things Disney World Experts REFUSE To Do at the Parks
What else would you add to this list? Tell us in the comments!
People stopping dead in their tracks while using their cell phones..Several times I’ve been hit by strollers/wagons/electric carts while the individuals chat merrily on their phones…
And then you have those cell zombies who use the Disney apps trying to locate their next ride, walking without any presence of mind as to where their next steps will take them….Disney created this problem all by themselves…
We need to bring back Fast Pass.. like really fast.