There’s no denying that Disney has created some of the most magical places on Earth within its parks. However, sometimes even the best Disney days can become challenging thanks to the endless lines, crowd chaos, and questionable etiquette from some guests.
While Disney already has plenty of official rules to keep things running smoothly, we think there’s room for a few others that are a bit more “outside-the-box.” We’ve come up with seven rules we think should exist that would help make everyone’s trips to Disney even more magical (and manageable). At Mickey Visit, we bring you the latest Disney news, including ride closures and important changes.
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No Talking on Rides
Many people who visit the Disney parks are only able to experience them once in a lifetime or may be visiting for the very last time. There is nothing worse for those families than a group that spoils the attraction by talking over the ride narration about something completely unrelated the entire time.
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This rule mostly applies to slower dark attractions where there are multiple rows of people in each ride vehicle. We should also clarify that there is a difference between pointing out things you’re seeing and experiencing during the ride and having a full-on, loud, boisterous conversation with the rest of your party throughout the course of the attraction. Regardless, be courteous to those around you and keep your ride talk to a whisper, or skip it altogether and just enjoy the attraction.
No Flash Photos/Bright Screens
Another ride etiquette rule that Disney should enforce is turning off flash when taking photos and videos. Disney’s attractions and shows have so many cool and interesting elements to them that many people want to capture to remember forever, which is fine as long as it’s not impacting the experience of the guests around them.
While several ride spiels do ask guests not to use flash photography, we would take this a step further and say that there should also be rules about screen brightness. If you wish to take a video during your ride, turning down your screen brightness and slightly covering the screen with your hand after getting settled will make a big difference. It’s simple to adjust your phone’s camera settings before hopping on each ride so that you don’t distract from other guests’ experiences.
Don’t Hold Spots in Line
This one is always being talked about, but we want to reiterate it here because of how necessary it is. There’s nothing more annoying than standing in line, waiting for an attraction, only to have anywhere from 2 to 10 people squeeze past you because “their family is up ahead.”
If someone in your party wants to use the restroom, grab a snack, or buy some merch before going on a ride, that’s totally fine—but that doesn’t mean they should be able to cut past dozens of people (who have waited their turn) to meet up with you closer to the front. Instead, Disney should implement a rule where the other members of the party need to wait for them to finish what they’re doing, and then they can enter the line together as a full group.
Do Stay Hydrated
This rule is slightly different because it affects each person individually rather than impacting other guests’ experiences, but ensuring every guest remains hydrated throughout their time at the park would definitely be a rule that benefits Disney—after all, the safety of their guests and Cast Members is always their first priority.
Staying hydrated while visiting the theme parks is critical, especially during the sweltering summer months. You’re on your feet for long periods of time, walking back and forth to various attractions, and often pushing yourself to your limits to get to everything you want to experience. Thankfully, it’s really easy to do so, as Disney offers all guests free cups of water at many of their quick service stations and windows.
Don’t Overflow Trash Cans
Although Disney is great about keeping up with the massive amount of trash that ends up in the parks’ garbage bins throughout each day, some trash cans may be in busier areas or get less love than others. These particular bins tend to fill up quickly, and there’s not always a custodial Cast Member available to turn them around as fast as is needed.
Far too often, we see people continue to pile more garbage on top of cans that are already filled to the brim, which will almost always lead to an extra mess for the Cast Members to have to clean up. Rather than dumping more trash on top of an overflowing bin, simply walking a few feet further and putting your garbage in a different one that’s not as full makes a big difference in both the cleanliness of the park and the amount of work the Cast Members have to put in keeping it up to standard.
Do Clean Up After Yourself
Along the same vein, cleaning up after yourself in dining areas, the resort pool decks, and other public spaces is a rule that we absolutely think Disney should implement. There are many times when we’ll come across a table full of half-eaten food and garbage leftover from the previous diner’s meal, or we’ll struggle to find an open deck chair because they’re littered with used towels and empty drink cups.
Not cleaning up when you’re finished in an area is not only annoying for other guests but also creates more work for Cast Members who are already busy completing their assigned tasks. By taking a couple of minutes to tidy up after yourself and your group, you’ll be helping out the hard-working Cast Members and making other people’s experiences less frustrating.
Don’t Be Afraid to Get Silly
One of the best parts about visiting the Disney parks is being able to let loose and get a little silly, but far too often, guests feel they are “too cool” to participate, or are worried about what they look like dancing, singing, and playing along. Between fun experiences with characters, attractions, and shows designed to make you laugh, and interactions with the Cast Members you run into throughout the day, Disney is one of the few places where goofiness and taking part in the fun are highly encouraged.
We definitely think that families should create a fun self-imposed rule where everyone can feel comfortable being themselves and not focusing on how others are perceiving them. After all, if everyone is joining in, no one will even remember to care what those around them think. So, when you’re caught up in a silly moment, don’t worry about what you look like and just be a part of the merriment!
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READ MORE – 11 Unwritten Rules of the Disney Parks You Really Need to Follow
From knowing what time the park opens to getting the right ticket, understanding park hopping, and hitting all the top attractions, it can be tough to keep it all straight! Along with those more logistical items to keep track of, there are also quite a few “unwritten rules” to be aware of. Learn this secret code of Disney park etiquette here so you don’t unknowingly make a faux pas on your next visit!
