You know that feeling? The one where you wear Mickey ears with pride, your apartment’s adorned with subtle nods to your favorite Disney films, and you can quote the entirety of “The Lion King” from memory? Yeah, that’s the life of a Disney adult.
Disney Adults: Let’s Talk About That “Magic”
This isn’t a knock on anyone who loves Disney – we get it. You’ve probably spent your childhood dreaming of this stuff, and now as an adult, you’re living your best life by revisiting those magical moments. But sometimes, those childhood dreams can morph into a bit of a…let’s say, overzealous fandom.
Read on for a few things Disney Adults might want to reconsider to help keep the magic alive for everyone.
Ride Etiquette: Sharing the Magic, Not Spoiling It
Remember that giddy feeling of experiencing a ride for the first time? That’s something we should all strive to protect.
Don’t Ruin the Surprise:
Resist the urge to spill ride spoilers, recite pre-show dialogue, or give unsolicited critiques. Disney magic thrives on discovery. Let others experience those moments fresh.
Be Mindful of Noise Levels:
While you might be stoked about a thrilling roller coaster, remember that not everyone shares your level of enthusiasm (especially those seated near you). Keep the loud commentary and celebrations to a minimum.
Cast Member Appreciation: They’re Not Your Personal Staff
Cast Members are the heart and soul of the Disney experience, working hard to make your day magical. Treat them with respect, remember they’re not there to cater to your every whim.
Ask Politely, Don’t Demand:
Questions are fine, but remember that Cast Members are juggling multiple tasks and guests. Be patient and understanding if they need a moment.
Show Your Gratitude:
A simple “thank you” goes a long way. Acknowledging their hard work can brighten their day and make your interaction more pleasant.
Stop Drinking Around the World if You Can’t Handle It
Disney Adults have really popularized Drinking Around the World at EPCOT, and it can be a ton of fun. But if you can’t handle your booze or don’t know when to cut yourself off, you’re going to create a mess for yourself and everyone around you.
This note is also valid for drinking at EPCOT in general. Remember, this is a Disney Park meant to entertain families. Drink responsibly or not at all.
Don’t Perform Negative Social Media Stunts
Look, we totally understand the enticing social media aspect of visiting EPCOT. There are plenty of safe and acceptable ways to capture content at the Disney Park.
However, we urge you not to participate in social media stunts that involve harmful or degrading actions. We think it’s great to play along with the characters and vibe with them a bit.
- We draw the line at being cruel to characters, Cast Members, and other guests.
- We also frown upon performing dangerous and/or illegal stunts or pranks.
Watch the Language
Steve Rogers would probably agree with us on this one — “Language!” We certainly aren’t going to tell you how to act in your own home, but although EPCOT seems like the adult park, it’s actually a place for families, and we all should respect that by watching our language.
As we previously mentioned, keeping a conversation totally private is also a difficult task. Just remember, that there are kiddos and families all around. So maybe just try to tone down the “language” when you’re visiting Disney World.
Treating Cast Members Like Your Personal Assistants
Cast Members (CMs) are the backbone of the Disney experience. They are here to create magic and ensure things run smoothly. They are not here to be your personal photographers, itinerary planners, or emotional support therapists when the wait time for your favorite ride (say Space Mountain) is longer than expected.
Yes, they’ll help you when they can. It’s part of what makes Disney, well, Disney, but there’s a big difference between asking a quick question and demanding they cater to your every whim.
Quoting Every Line From Every Pre-Show
Look, we all love the Haunted Mansion’s stretching room monologue as much as you do. But do you know what we love even more? Actually hearing the attraction’s pre-show instead of your unsolicited rendition.
We’re all here because we love Disney, and we all have our favorite lines, but when you loudly recite every word of a pre-show, it kind of ruins the moment for first-time visitors or those who just want to experience it as intended.
Completely Ignoring Spatial Awareness
Disney crowds are no joke, and yet some people act like they’re the only ones in the park. If you’re part of a group of ten and you’re walking side-by-side like you’re leading a parade down Main Street, please…just don’t.
Similarly, if you need to debate lunch options, for the love of Mickey, step to the side. Stopping dead in the middle of a busy walkway is a surefire way to annoy everyone around you.
Loudly Complaining About Prices
Hopefully this isn’t a new flash, but in case you’re new here: Magic Kingdom is expensive. Yes, that Mickey pretzel can cost about as much as a full meal outside the park. No, we don’t love it either, but loudly complaining about it while you’re in line for popcorn isn’t going to change anything.
The thing is, if you’ve been to Disney before, you know what you’re getting into. If you haven’t, well…sorry to be the bearer of bad news (and welcome to the club).
Not Moving All the Way Down the Row in Shows
Every single show in Magic Kingdom has the same announcement: “Please move all the way down the row to make room for everyone.” And yet, somehow, some Disney Adults still act like they didn’t hear it.
Sure, sitting dead center might be your dream, but blocking an entire row so you can claim the “perfect seat” is frustrating for everyone else trying to find a place to sit.
Not Going with the Flow
I have one major regret about my Disney engagement story, and it was all my fault. I was so focused on making our day perfect that I didn’t let things go as planned.
My fiancé and I were at Disneyland, and I had a whole itinerary planned out. But things didn’t go as smoothly as I had hoped, and we ended up getting engaged in a spot that was actually perfect for us.
It just goes to show that sometimes, things don’t go as planned, but that doesn’t mean it’s not meant to be.
Crowds and Common Courtesy: Sharing is Caring
Disney parks are bustling places. Be mindful of others and follow basic etiquette to ensure everyone has a good time.
Don’t Block the Flow:
Whether it’s walking in a single file line or stepping aside to let others pass, think about how your actions impact those around you.
Respect Personal Space:
Avoid standing too close to others, especially during shows or parades. Personal boundaries are important, even in a crowded setting.
Embrace the Magic: Don’t Let Finances Derail the Fun
Let’s face it, Disney can be expensive. But don’t let budgeting woes turn into a sour experience for yourself and those around you.
Plan Ahead:
Research pricing and set a budget before you go. This can help you make informed choices and avoid any unexpected financial stress.
Focus on the Experiences:
Remember, the true value of Disney lies in creating lasting memories. Don’t let the cost of a snack or souvenir overshadow the magic of the moment.
Don’t Spoil Rides for First-Timers
Do you remember how special your first trip to EPCOT was or the first time you experienced an attraction? Wouldn’t it be great if everyone had a similar experience?
Whether it’s a pre-show script, a ride spoiler, or a negative opinion you have about an attraction (that you’re riding, nonetheless), best keep it to yourself.
Believe it or not, your conversations in a place as public as EPCOT won’t always be private.
Please resist the urge to recite pre-show dialogue and don’t talk throughout an attraction if you’re near strangers, as you could become a distraction.
Put simply: let people enjoy things and go about EPCOT as if everyone is experiencing it for the first time. In fact, many are.
Don’t Act Entitled
If you’ve become an EPCOT expert over the years and know the ins and outs of the Disney Park, that’s wonderful.
However, that doesn’t entitle you to anything extra at the park.
It doesn’t matter if it’s your 100th visit — it’s never okay to be rude to any guest or Cast Member.
This really should go without saying, but kindness and humility go a long way towards making a great park experience for everyone there.
Remember, by being considerate of Cast Members and other guests, you can help create a good reputation for Disney Adults while simply being a decent person.
Stop Drinking Around the World if You Can’t Handle It
Disney Adults have really popularized Drinking Around the World at EPCOT, and it can be a ton of fun.
But if you can’t handle your booze or don’t know when to cut yourself off, you’re going to create a mess for yourself and everyone around you.
This note is also valid for drinking at EPCOT in general.
Remember, this is a Disney Park meant to entertain families.
Drink responsibly or not at all.
There are consequences to your actions if you create a disturbance at EPCOT.
We’re not saying don’t have fun. We are all for fun and love drinking around the world.
We are just reminding you to drink responsibly and remember your surroundings.
Don’t Perform Negative Social Media Stunts
Look, we totally understand the enticing social media aspect of visiting EPCOT.
There are plenty of safe and acceptable ways to capture content at the Disney Park.
HOWEVER, we urge you not to participate in social media stunts that involve harmful or degrading actions.
We think it’s great to play along with the characters and vibe with them a bit.
It’s also totally cool to record yourself just being at EPCOT.
We draw the line at being cruel to characters, Cast Members, and other guests, as well as performing dangerous and/or illegal stunts or pranks.
When you become a problem, no one has fun, and you just make yourself look bad.
Watch the Language
Steve Rogers would probably agree with us on this one — “Language!”
We certainly aren’t going to tell you how to act in your own home, but although EPCOT seems like the adult park, it’s actually a place for families, and we all should respect that by watching our language.
As we previously mentioned, keeping a conversation totally private is also a difficult task.
Just remember, that there are kiddos and families all around.
So maybe just try to tone down the “language” when you’re visiting Disney World.
Treating Cast Members Like Your Personal Assistants
Cast Members (CMs) are the backbone of the Disney experience.
They are here to create magic and ensure things run smoothly.
They are not here to be your personal photographers, itinerary planners, or emotional support therapists when the wait time for your favorite ride (say Space Mountain) is longer than expected.
Yes, they’ll help you when they can.
It’s part of what makes Disney, well, Disney, but there’s a big difference between asking a quick question and demanding they cater to your every whim.
So, before you start barking orders at the nearest CM, remember that a little kindness goes a long way, and treating them with respect makes the park experience better for everyone.
Quoting Every Line From Every Pre-Show
Look, we all love the Haunted Mansion’s stretching room monologue as much as you do.
But do you know what we love even more?
Actually hearing the attraction’s pre-show instead of your unsolicited rendition.
We’re all here because we love Disney, and we all have our favorite lines, but when you loudly recite every word of a pre-show, it kind of ruins the moment for first-time visitors or those who just want to experience it as intended.
Same goes for correcting Cast Members on obscure Disney history facts.
Trust us, they know their stuff.
Just enjoy the ride, let everyone have their moment, and maybe save your dramatic reading of “There’s always my way…” for your bathroom mirror.
Completely Ignoring Spatial Awareness
Disney crowds are no joke, and yet some people act like they’re the only ones in the park.
If you’re part of a group of ten and you’re walking side-by-side like you’re leading a parade down Main Street, please…just don’t.
Similarly, if you need to debate lunch options, for the love of Mickey, step to the side.
Stopping dead in the middle of a busy walkway is a surefire way to annoy everyone around you.
Magic Kingdom is a maze of excited kids, strollers, and people desperately trying to make their Lightning Lane reservations in time.
A little spatial awareness goes a long way in making the park experience better for everyone.
Walk with purpose, move to the side when necessary, and for the sake of all things magical, do not block the castle view with your entire party while you figure out if you’re in the mood for a DOLE Whip.
Loudly Complaining About Prices
Hopefully this isn’t a new flash, but in case you’re new here: Magic Kingdom is expensive.
Yes, that Mickey pretzel can cost about as much as a full meal outside the park.
No, we don’t love it either, but loudly complaining about it while you’re in line for popcorn isn’t going to change anything.
The thing is, if you’ve been to Disney before, you know what you’re getting into.
If you haven’t, well…sorry to be the bearer of bad news (and welcome to the club).
Either way, we all understand that theme park pricing can be wild.
Let’s just embrace the magic and focus on having fun instead of loudly announcing the price of everything like we’re all about to stage a revolt.
Not Moving All the Way Down the Row in Shows
Every single show in Magic Kingdom has the same announcement: “Please move all the way down the row to make room for everyone.”
And yet, somehow, some Disney Adults still act like they didn’t hear it.
Sure, sitting dead center might be your dream, but blocking an entire row so you can claim the “perfect seat” is frustrating for everyone else trying to find a place to sit.
Similarly, let’s talk about the people who can’t seem to understand the concept of personal space.
Just like in the rest of the park, you need to be mindful of those around you.
So, please, for the love of all things magical, move down the row and let everyone fit.
Conclusion
As we conclude our exploration of the five things Disney adults need to stop doing immediately, according to other Disney adults, it’s clear that this topic has struck a chord. From letting their inner child take over to prioritizing their own preferences over others, our article has highlighted the importance of maintaining a balance between being a kid at heart and being a responsible adult. By acknowledging these pitfalls and making a conscious effort to change, Disney adults can create a more harmonious and enjoyable experience for themselves and those around them.
The significance of this topic extends far beyond the Happiest Place on Earth, as it speaks to a broader cultural phenomenon of adults seeking to recapture their sense of wonder and magic. As Disney’s popularity continues to grow, so too will the expectations and pressures surrounding its fans. By being mindful of these issues and adapting to the changing landscape, Disney adults can set a positive example for others and help to shape the future of Disney fandom. As we move forward, it will be fascinating to see how this community evolves and adapts to the ever-changing world of Disney.
So, let this be a call to action for all Disney adults: it’s time to grow up and level up. By acknowledging our flaws and making a commitment to change, we can create a more inclusive, respectful, and enjoyable environment for everyone. Let’s strive to be the best version of ourselves, both on and off the Disney grounds. By doing so, we can create a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come – one that is built on kindness, empathy, and a deep love for the magic of Disney.
