If you’ve ever experienced the Monster’s, Inc. Laugh Floor attraction at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, you know about “that guy!” (If you haven’t, it’s a great spot for an A/C break.) And, during your Disney vacation, you’re bound to run into a few “that guy” guests along the way. Questionable behavior is everywhere – but what exactly is the Disney World etiquette? How do you avoid being the guests everyone rolls their eyes at? Well, as a Disney pro, we’re here to help. 

We’re not talking about official park rules or any mandatory guidelines; we’re focusing on teaching you how to have an experience of a lifetime without committing any faux pas. Whether it’s your first trip or your fiftieth, knowing these Disney unwritten rules will make YOUR visit better and help keep the magic alive for everyone around you.

Line & Walking Etiquette

1. Don’t Try to Line Cut

We all know waiting in line isn’t fun. However, everyone has the same end goal. One person leaving the line to use the restroom or take a small child to do so, and then shimmying through the line to catch up to family? Totally acceptable! One person waiting in line and then sending groups of people through the line to meet up? Not cool! 

Honestly, so much Disney magic is hidden through the ride queues; you shouldn’t want to miss any of it. Our favorite thing to do as a family is trying to find hidden Mickeys in line while we wait.

2. Scrolling Can Wait 

Part of the reason that wait times are at an all-time high these days? Phones! Yes, part of that we can blame Disney for. Everything about Walt Disney World, from dining to lightning lanes to virtual queues, is on the My Disney Experience app, which in turn has guests on their phones more than ever before.

Scrolling TikTok aimlessly to pass the time in line is a fair argument, too. However, proper Disney World etiquette means keeping up with the line in front of you. The larger the gaps in queues caused by guests not paying attention, the longer the lines are. 

3. Don’t Abuse the Disney Lightning Lane/Virtual Queue System

Yes, Lightning Lane and virtual queue (when applicable) return times do have a bit of leeway, but we shouldn’t take advantage of it. When parties crowd the Lightning Lane entrance or arrive way too early or late, it causes a backup.

With Lightning Lane being a paid service now (and not a cheap one), every paying guest wants a lightning-fast wait time. If you have an issue, such as a dining reservation that took too long or you were stuck on a ride that made you miss your window, head to one of the blue umbrellas where the Guest Experience team can likely help you out. 

4. If You Think You’re Too Close – You Are 

100 degree heat + enclosed spaces + strangers = need for breathing room. Simple as that. Don’t crowd the person in front of you; personal space is a must! Every guest has the same end goal.

We promise the extra couple feet closer in line won’t make you get on the ride any quicker. Also, please wear deodorant. Thanks! 

5. Don’t Be the Sudden Stopper

The sudden stopper can go from an efficient walk to a complete stop in a matter of seconds, leaving you to stop in your tracks or run them over. Then, of course, you have to figure out how to get around them.

Walking through the parks and taking in the scenery is one of my favorite things about Walt Disney World. I recommend everyone take time during their vacation to “ohhh and ahhh” at the Disney Imagineers’ creativity. But if you see something cool, pull off to the side. Don’t just stop in the middle of traffic.

The same goes for strollers and kids. If someone needs water, a snack, a bubble machine, or just to talk (a.k.a my five-year-old who never stops), step off the main path before tending to anyone’s needs. 

6. Rope Drop is Not a Race

We all want to dash on over to Slinky Dog Dash at rope drop, but let’s do it safely, please! 

There’s nothing wrong with walking quickly and having a set route. But running, pushing guests, and causing crowd chaos just to be a few people ahead in line isn’t worth it. Plus, you don’t know where everyone else is heading! 

Photo & Flash Etiquette

7. Flash Off, Always 

As The Haunted Mansion’s Ghost Host would say, “No flash pictures please, we spirits are frightfully sensitive to bright lights!” It’s okay to take pictures, just make sure your flash is off. You don’t want to be that guy we talked about earlier. Not only is it disruptive to fellow guests, but bright flashes can spoil all the behind-the-scenes magic of dark rides that you, well, aren’t supposed to see.

I get it — sometimes you don’t know that your flash is on until you’re taking the picture. I’ve done it myself. But when the sun is shining in Orlando – which is most of the time – there’s no need for a flash anyway. Turn it off at the beginning of your park day to avoid this.

8. Enjoy Time With Characters, But Don’t Abuse It

Meeting your favorite characters is part of the Disney experience and, by all means, should be enjoyed. Get those autograph books signed and pose for those pictures – you worked hard for this trip.

However, other guests are trying to do the same thing and deserve the chance as well. When you’re behind a guest or family who has Donald Duck do 10 different solo poses after taking pictures one-by-one as a group of eight, lines get backed up quickly. Acknowledge the fine line between getting your entitled time in and overdoing it. 

9. Try Not to Photobomb

For many families, a Walt Disney World vacation is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The last thing they want in their picture in front of Cinderella Castle or on Main Street U.S.A. is other people photobombing in the background. 

Now, I understand it’s nearly impossible to get a picture with no one in the background. As someone who gets content pictures for a living – trust me, I know! However, if you can, stopping for 5 seconds to let a family snap a memory is the right thing to do. 

What’s even better? Offering to take a photo for them! As a mom, I know what it’s like to get home and find 100 pictures of the family, with only 10 of me actually in them. Mom-to-mom, help each other out.

Dining Etiquette

10. Hoarding Disney Dining Reservations Isn’t Necessary

Advanced Dining Reservations are available 60 days prior to your check-in day for the length of your vacation. And snagging hard-to-get reservations is a sense of accomplishment like no other in the world of Disney planning. Especially grabbing multiple reservations. 

However, 60 days prior to your trip, you have no idea exactly how your days will play out. Reserving tables for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a snack is just unrealistic. Not only will making multiple dining reservations be nearly impossible every day, but hoarding them will stop other guests from booking them. 

Disney charges a cancellation fee only if you cancel less than 2 hours before your reservation. But if you’re looking to follow real Disney World etiquette, try to cancel at least 24 hours in advance so another family can grab the spot.

11. Quick-Service Tables Aren’t for Camping Out

I know this might be a controversial one, but I think it’s necessary. I’m guilty of sending my husband to go find a table with the kids while I wait in line to order our meals, or even just sitting a little longer than we should have because we’ve been walking for hours. Although, I’ve also eaten entire meals on top of a trash can because I couldn’t find a table.

Especially at peak times and if you aren’t mobile ordering (which I highly recommend), lines to order can get really backed up, really fast. By the time you bring your food to the table you’ve grabbed, another family probably could have sat down and finished their entire meal by then. 

Shows & Theaters

12. Fill in All Available Space

I’m all for having a good seat, but the venues throughout the Disney Parks aren’t that large. You’ll get a good view from pretty much anywhere. 

There’s nothing worse than having to step over guests who decided to pick the middle seats in the theaters instead of heading all the way down the row. Not only do you have to step over these people, but Cast Members will ultimately have everyone move to the end of the row anyway, so all that extra work will be for nothing. 

Just follow the Cast Members’ directions to make their lives (and yours) easier. 

13. Exits are Available During the Show

Disney World is the number one family vacation destination. If someone is heading to Disney expecting to see few kids even during off-peak times, well, they didn’t do much research. However, while everyone around you should be understanding, they shouldn’t be subjected to an inevitable toddler meltdown either. 

While theater shows are probably the biggest culprit, this Disney World etiquette rule could apply to dining locations, ride queues, or really anywhere. Cast members and exit locations are available at nearly every corner. If someone is having a meltdown, it’s okay to quietly head out. Everyone else appreciates the consideration.

Ride Etiquette

14. Respect the Height Requirements

We know everyone wants to experience all Disney has to offer, but don’t try to sneak a child through who doesn’t meet the requirement. Height requirements exist for safety, not as a suggestion. 

Stuffing shoes, having kids stand on their tippy toes, or having higher hairstyles, the cast members have seen it all. While you may not like their answer, it is their job to enforce height requirement rules. Trying to cheat the system will just disappoint your child – and set a bad example. 

15. Don’t Be The Memorizer 

If you frequent the Disney Parks, you’re bound to have picked up on a few of the 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 also someone’s first. Let them experience the attraction without showing off. If you must, recite the words in your head rather than out loud for all to hear.

Transportation Etiquette

16. Let People Off Before You Board

This seems like a simple procedure, but you’d be surprised. Before boarding Disney World transportation, wait for the other guests to debark. Yes, I’m pulling out my Disney Cruise Line lingo here! 

This applies mainly to buses, but it can happen anywhere. Guests on board may have large strollers, wheelchairs, or mobility scooters that require extra time or special equipment to get off. Hang back and let the bus driver announce when it’s okay to board.

17. Offer Seats to Those Who Need Them 

Everyone’s feet hurt by the end of the day – no doubt. However, maybe someone needs a seat more than you do.

Elderly guests, pregnant guests, guests with small infants, you get the gist here. Yes, they went to Disney World of their own free will, but kindness still comes first. Especially when impaired guests are standing on the bus while families have lap children or even just personal bags sitting in seats. 

Stroller & Wheelchair Etiquette

18. Be Aware of Your Surroundings 

Disney crowds can make even the calmest traveler flustered. What makes guests even more annoyed? Getting ankles clipped or toes run over by bad stroller drivers. Of course, you’ll have your inevitable moments, like being caught behind that sudden stopper we talked about earlier. 

However, most of the time, it’s just people not paying attention. Be aware of your surroundings and remember that a stroller can’t always fit through the same spaces that guests without one can.

The same logic applies to wheelchairs and mobility scooters. No one wants to get run over by an ECV zipping by.

19. Park Strollers Properly

Stroller parking signs are in designated areas by nearly every attraction. Please, park your strollers in these areas. Not only does it help the cast members out, but it’s also going to help you in the long run. 

If guests leave their stroller in non-designated areas, such as walkways or along a curb, cast members WILL move it. When getting off the ride, the stroller will not be where you left it, and you may panic. Of course, the first thought is that someone stole it, but that’s more than likely not the answer.

Think of it this way: having to search for a stroller after a ride will drastically slow you down on your way to that next Lightning Lane pass. 

20. Have Your Stroller Ready to Go

Of all the Disney etiquette rules, this is the one that resonates most personally. Not because I’m impatient, but because I feel for the guests who have to do it. As a mom of two small children toting a heavy (and very not bus travel-friendly) double stroller around the parks, I’m extremely aware of how horrible it is to have to fold a stroller up and carry it on and off of transportation. 

However, when guests don’t have their stroller ready to go, others can’t board the transportation, either. This backs up the line, making everyone behind you frustrated. If you are going to wait until the last minute to fold the stroller, at least step aside to let other guests pass while you get organized. 

Resort Etiquette

21. Don’t Save Pool Chairs 

Some resort pools aren’t large enough for the recent resort expansions as it is, and finding a chair can be impossible. Holding six chairs for your family of four while two of them are still at EPCOT in the Guardians of the Galaxy line makes this even more impossible. 

This one is pretty straightforward. Pool chairs are for guests who are currently at the pool. One per person, please! 

22. Follow Quiet Hours

Quiet hours at Disney World resorts are from 11 PM to 7 AM. That doesn’t mean that guests have to be inside their rooms at these times. It does mean that guests should be quiet when walking around the grounds between these hours, especially through resort room hallways.

Those with small children or those who plan to rope drop Animal Kingdom the next day probably aren’t awake at midnight. Be respectful of your fellow resort guests! 

Parade & Fireworks Etiquette

23. You Don’t Have to Claim a Spot Hours Early

On a normal park day (I’m talking about days that aren’t 4th of July or Christmas weekend), you don’t have to camp out for hours on the sidewalk to see the parade or fireworks. It’s unnecessary, takes away from all the fun you could be having in the park, and it causes traffic jams when guests have to walk around you. 

For Magic Kingdom fireworks, arriving 45 minutes to an hour early is acceptable. For EPCOT fireworks, even 15 to 20 minutes is enough. For Magic Kingdom parades, they run from Frontierland all the way through Main Street U.S.A. So, there are plenty of areas to watch from. Get there a few minutes early, and you’ll be fine.

24. Kids On Shoulders? There’s a Right and Wrong Way

Kids on shoulders is controversial. I’ll admit, my family is guilty. However, I firmly believe there are some Disney World unwritten rules to follow here. First, if able, let the kids stand at the front. Adults, you can see over the kids – it’s okay if you’re not right in front. 

Second, hold your kids at eye level. More often than not, my 6-foot husband can hold our sons, and they can see just fine without blocking others’ views. Lastly, if you’re going to put kids on your shoulders, stand at the very back of the crowd where you aren’t hindering anyone else behind you. The real problem arises when guests at the front of the crowd have kids on their shoulders, and everyone behind them has to follow. 

While you’re at it, also make sure your kids’ balloons aren’t obstructing the view for others.

When Things Go Wrong

25. Don’t Take It Out on Cast Members 

Cast members are fantastic. In fact, they are one of the reasons Disney is so magical. However, they can’t fix everything. 

Long lines, ride breakdowns, sold-out items, weather – none of these are cast members’ faults. While you’re allowed to be frustrated, don’t take it out on them. They do everything in their power to give you the best experience possible, but there are just some things that can’t be avoided. 

Plus, they are more likely to help you out if you’re nice!

26. Ask, Don’t Assume 

Riding the coattails of the last tip: cast members are there to help. Guest relations teams are set up under blue umbrellas in multiple areas of the parks. Plus, cast members are at every ride, dining location, shopping location, and even restrooms. 

If you have a question, just ask! They are there to help provide answers, address concerns, and sort out problems.

27. Ride Breakdowns Happen – Follow the Exit Rules

Follow the exit rules. That’s it. Not only is this actually a mandatory rule, but it’s also a safety rule! Yes, we’ve all seen viral videos online of guests leaving boats or ride vehicles without the instruction from cast members. I can assure you, those guests are banned from the parks, likely forever. It’s not worth it!

However, rides do break down and guests sometimes need to be escorted off. I know waiting to get off a broken ride is annoying, especially with children. However, cast members usually provide guests with a redemption ticket to use at select rides in return. Worth it! 

28. HAVE FUN – You’re on Vacation After All!

Lastly, have fun! Whether your Disney vacation is a once-in-a-lifetime trip or a once-a-year adventure, it’s meant to be magical. 

The trip likely won’t be perfect; things will inevitably go wrong, and that’s okay. You’re on vacation with your family, friends, kids, parents, grandparents– you name it- making memories together. 

Comments

What’s your number one Disney World etiquette tip? Let us know in the comments what unwritten rules you’d like guests to follow on your next Disney World vacation.