Jenna SaxtonWe go to Disney a lot, which means that we’ve faced both the best…and the worst of vacationers. And, while generally, we find that our fellow Disney-goers are just as excited to be there as we are, we do still run into those that we’d rather not. So, we’ve compiled a list of the worst kinds of things you can do in Disney to help you avoid becoming one of them yourself!
The Flash Photographer
We’ve all been there — you’re cruising down Pirates of the Caribbean and then BAM, there’s a flash from someone behind you taking a picture and you can see…well…everything you’re not supposed to see. What’s even worse than flash photography on a dark ride you ask? Flash photography when it was clearly stated by a Cast Member at the beginning of the attraction that it is prohibited.
Now, we get it — sometimes you don’t know that your flash is on until you’re taking the picture. But, it really does ruin the magic, even if it’s an accident! Luckily, it’s easy to avoid being that guy by ensuring that the flash on your phone or camera is off before you snap the picture. Or, even better, turn it off when you’re on your way to the park so you don’t even have to think about it when the perfect photo moment comes!
The Sudden Stopper
If there’s one thing that’s almost guaranteed at Disney, it’s that you’ll be facing some crowds. Whether it’s a congested area of the park or slow walkers that you’re stuck behind, the key to getting through the crowds is to keep moving. But, some people don’t necessarily respect that.
The sudden stopper can go from an efficient walk to a complete stop in a matter of seconds and it takes everything in your power not to run into them if you’re walking close behind. Then, of course, you have to figure out how to get around them.
We’ll admit, after having kids and needing to learn how to navigate a stroller through the parks, we’ve been this person a few times. So, we get why it happens! But, it’s still important to try to not be that person as it really can impact the overall crowd flow and make others upset.
The Line Jumper
Waiting in line after line at Disney isn’t fun, but it is part of any Disney trip. But, every once in a while you stumble upon a family that doesn’t think they need to abide by the rules. It’s always the same, they say, “Excuse me, my family is up there,” so you step aside and watch them go…and keep going…and keep going…all the way up to the front.
Now, we get that sometimes you need to step out of line because a kiddo just realized they have to go to the bathroom and it can’t wait. However, many people abuse this and send their family ahead to get in line while they stop at the bathroom and then catch up or full-on cut the line.
Not only are these two things disrespectful to other guests in the park, but they’re also prohibited and can get you kicked out and banned from Disney. So, get your bathroom breaks in before you hop in line, and don’t try any tricks to cut the line. It’s not worth losing the ability to vacation at “the most magical place on earth!”
The Memorizer
If you frequent the Disney Parks, you’ve probably picked up on a few of the pre-show monologues and show scripts. And, while we commend you for your ability to memorize everything word-for-word, Disney isn’t the place to put on your own performance!
While this may be your 50th time riding The Haunted Mansion, it’s likely the first time for someone you’re standing right next to. Let them experience the attraction without showing off and recite the words in your head rather than out loud for all to hear.
The Party Animals
While finding alcohol in Disney used to be reserved for only the resorts and sit-down restaurants, you can now grab a drink almost anywhere, any time of day (with the exception of Magic Kingdom). And, as the number of specialty drinks grows and “drinking around the world” at EPCOT gains popularity, people can easily overindulge at Disney. Unfortunately, it can be rather obvious when those around you do.
The party animals are most often found in EPCOT, often with a bridal party in tow. While we’re all for enjoying your Disney trip, it’s important to keep in mind that this is a family vacation destination. If you are choosing to partake in the more “adult” side of Disney, pace yourself and ensure that you’re eating and drinking enough water. And, don’t forget to be mindful of those around you.
The Parents With Kids On Their Shoulders
Picture this — you made sure that you were ready for the next parade or fireworks show over an hour in advance to be sure you found the perfect spot. After some searching, you scooted into the perfect position to watch. And, when the show finally starts, the dad right in front of you hoists their kid up on their shoulders turning your perfect spot into the worst spot. It’s unfortunate, and it happens more than we’d like to admit.
While putting your kids on your shoulders isn’t against the rules, it is inconsiderate of those around you. Everyone paid a hefty price to be there, so blocking the view of those behind you isn’t kind, even if it’s so that your kid can see.
Instead of relying on dad’s shoulders for a view, try to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot for your kids or ask those around you if they don’t mind having your child step in front of them when the show begins. If it won’t block someone’s view, most people are typically willing to help out. We’ve also found that having dad simply hold the kiddo provides a high enough vantage point for them to see over the crowds.
The One That’s Mean To Cast Members
A Disney trip can be stressful. There’s a lot you need to know before your trip and a lot that can go wrong during your trip. And then add that you’re probably a little sleep-deprived, and your feet ache from all the walking.
Unfortunately, it’s pretty common to see guests who are yelling at or being rude to Cast Members. Even if you have a legitimate complaint, it’s important to be respectful to Cast Members when you bring it to their attention. Oftentimes, you’ll find that they’re more willing to help (and even sprinkle some extra pixie dust!) if you’re kind. Remember, they’re human and love Disney too!
The Complainer
Maybe they’re not taking their complaints to Guest Services, but there are still people who complain the entire way through their trip. The weather is too hot, the lines are too long, the portions are too small — they’ll find anything and everything wrong with their trip.
It’s annoying to have to stand in an hour line near someone like this. At least you eventually get to escape! But, having someone who doesn’t want to be at Disney in your travel party? That’ll ruin your vacation.
If you find yourself headed into Disney with a less-than-stellar attitude about it, consider keeping the comments to yourself and try to enjoy the time with your family. And, if you really can’t stand to be there, tell your family that you’ll meet them at a certain area of the park or hang back at the hotel for the day. You should enjoy time with your family, and complaining will only make everyone unhappy.
The TikTok-er
This is a newer phenomenon that has emerged in Disney that can probably be categorized with other influencers looking to capture every second of their trip for content. These people will do anything to get the right clip — they’ll take up a large space in Magic Kingdom to nail the dance, stretch their arm over your shoulder to get the best angle of the parade, and hold their phone in selfie mode for the entire length of a ride to capture their “bind reaction.” Not only are these people being disrespectful of other Disney-goers when they do this, but they also miss out on experiencing Disney firsthand!
Now, there are a lot of people who are in Disney capturing content without making a fuss — in fact, we try hard to do that! So, we’re not saying that you need to lock your phone away, but it is important to be mindful of others around you. Remember, most of the people around you are on a once-in-a-lifetime vacation so do what you can to avoid getting in the way of that.
The One Who Ruins The Magic
While Disney is a place for family vacations, there’s usually at least one person in the group who would rather be vacationing…well…anywhere else (we’re looking at you dads!). Instead of enjoying the trip for what it is, these people often try to express their distaste for Disney by yelling things like “That’s not really Mickey!” or pointing out the things that “don’t look real.”
While, yes, anyone over the age of 7 is probably suspicious of how Mickey can be everywhere at once, there are little ones around who don’t just think he’s real, they know he’s real. Yelling these things entirely ruins the magic for them. So, try to suspend your belief for a few days or save your comments for when you’re back in your hotel room.
The Sitter
A Disney trip is hard on the legs and feet. By the third or fourth day, it definitely hits you, even if you’re used to being on your feet.
While we can all understand why these people choose to sit, doing so can interrupt the flow of traffic and result in greater crowds and longer lines simply because sitting takes up more space. If you need a break, head to a restaurant or find a bench that’s out of the way. There are also plenty of opportunities to see shows where seats are actually provided for you and it’s in air conditioning. Just plan these into your day so you have a good mix of resting and walking to pace yourself.
The One That’s Not Looking Where They’re Going
If you’ve picked up on one thing from this list, it’s likely that the most annoying part of going to Disney is navigating crowds. It simply brings out the worst in people. And, as you might imagine, getting through the crowds is particularly hard when you have to push a stroller or drive an ECV.
While most people are mindful of the space they take up with these, it’s not uncommon to run into someone who’s not paying any attention to those around them and just…goes. This is a recipe for disaster and often ends up in run-over toes and bumped legs.
We understand the impulse to forget the crowds and do what you need to do to get where you need to go, but running into people isn’t the way to go! So keep your eyes up and treat the streets of Disney like the roads.
Comments
Have you run into any of these annoying people at Disney? Let us know in the comments if we missed one of your pet peeves!
