Walt Disney World has some “secret rules” that they operate under that shape the visitor experience beyond the rides.
Some of these involve variations of different cast members’ conduct to create a pleasant environment for guests, while others are based on more strategic choices. Let’s see if you are familiar with any of these little-known rules at Disney World.
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1. No Pointing with One Finger
In some cultures, pointing with one finger is considered rude. So to avoid any misconceptions, Disney cast members always point with two fingers to avoid offending anyone. You will notice this especially when cast members are doing crowd control! They will always be pointing with two fingers to direct crowds.
2. No Lost Kids, Only Lost Adults
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When kids are lost at Disney, cast members handle the situation with sensitivity and frame it so that the kids understand their parents are the ones who are lost, not them. This turns a “lost children” situation into a “lost parent” situation, which is sure to make kids feel more at ease.
3. Disney World is a No Fly Zone
Walt Disney World is a federally designated no-fly zone, which means there is no unauthorized use of planes or drones flying overhead. Walt Disney World and Disneyland have been federally designated as no-fly zones since 2003, restricting aircraft from flying below 3,000 feet and within a 3-mile radius of the parks due to National Defense Airspace classifications following the 9/11 attacks.
4. Skip the Chewing Gum
While chewing gum at Disney is not banned, you won’t find chewing gum for sale anywhere on the property. This helps keep the parks clean, as gum often ends up on sidewalks or under benches. Even the Orlando International Airport (MCO) does not sell gum to show consistency with the rules at Walt Disney World.
5. Standardized Autographs for Characters
Disney characters all sign with the same standardized autographs. This ensures that all autographs appear the same, regardless of where you meet the characters in the park. When cast members train to play characters, they learn these autographs so they all match around the resort.
6. Adults Cannot Wear Full Costumes
Ages 14 and over cannot wear full costumes at Disney due to rules against guests being mistaken for cast members and potential safety hazards. The only exception to this rule is for the Halloween ticketed events, like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, when adults can dress up. This rule helped inspire the trend called Disneybounding, which involves wearing regular clothes that are subtly inspired by a character’s color or style.
7. American Flags Are Different at Disney
Even the American flags are intentionally altered to bypass the federal flag code, so that Disney does not need to take down all their flags in inclement weather or be illuminated at night. The flags at Disney don’t have 13 stripes and are missing a few stars. The only exception to this is the flag on Main Street, U.S.A. in Town Square, which is why it is lowered each day as part of Disney’s Flag Retreat Ceremony.
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These variations of different rules illustrate Disney’s meticulous control to ensure safety, consistency, and magic.
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