What NOT to do as a Disney Guest
I think everyone who has been to a theme park or other touristy area has observed guests doing things that might not be the most respectful to those around them. Here are my top things not to do as a Disney park guest.
Parades, Shows, and Fireworks
Do not put your child on your shoulders. If they truly can’t see, then hold them at your own head level. Cast members will tell you to put them down if they see you because it is a safety hazard. But also please realize there are likely thousands of people also trying to watch the show and your kid is not more important than anyone behind them. If you want to make sure they can see, get a spot early or book a Fireworks Dessert Party.
Take your ears off so they don’t block the people behind you. This goes for any show where you sit down, too.
If you really want to take a photo or video, keep your phone in front of you and do not hold it over your head. I can show you any of my photos or videos I have taken and they are all done respectfully in front of me and they turned out just as good.
This might sound harsh, but no one wants to see your grainy live video of the fireworks and I guarantee you it isn’t something you are going to watch on repeat when you get home if you video it. There are plenty of better quality YouTube videos you can watch or send to someone if you must.
Do not stand or sit in front of someone who has already established their spot. If you want a good spot, you have to sacrifice your time and show up early to claim it. Do not send your kids closer to sit or stand in front of someone unless they offer it to you as an option. If you roll up late, you get what you get. And late can often mean 30 minutes before a show or parade starts depending on the day. I know people who will sit for hours to hold a spot because they want a specific one to see. Decide what is most important to you: getting there early for a good spot or doing more in the park.
Walking Around the Park and Standing in Line
If you need to stop to discuss something, are lost, need to check your app, or need to attend to the needs of someone in your family, please do your best to walk to the side of the path instead of stopping in the middle of the walkway, especially when it is crowded.
When cast members will ask you to keep up with the party in front of you in the queue, that doesn’t mean you have to be close enough to touch them while standing still. Some personal space is always appreciated, especially from those of us with a bit of claustrophobia.
Plan for standing in line for extended amounts of time, especially if you have smaller kids who aren’t used to waiting that long. Bring snacks. Play games. Have conversations with each other. It is not the time for your kid to run off some energy. Do not let them climb on things in the queue. It is for their safety and the safety of those around them.
DO thank the cast members
Believe it or not, cast members likely have more negative guest interactions in a day than positive ones. It often has to do with things beyond their control and there is rarely a time it is truly appropriate to get upset with them. They can’t control when the ride goes down, the weather, the wait times, the crowds, etc. Go in with a loose plan and realize you might have to pivot based on what is happening in real time. And say thank you to every cast member you pass. It might be the nicest thing they have heard all day.
