Top 7 Unwritten Etiquette Rules at Disney World

Walt Disney World is arguably the happiest place on Earth, where guests of all ages can be kids again by enjoying the theme parks, attractions, and experiences that are meant to wow them. Part of what makes a Disney vacation so pleasant are the rules which guests and Cast Members are expected to follow. While some of these rules are obvious like not bringing dangerous items into the parks, there are also plenty of unspoken rules which guests are expected to follow. These unspoken rules make a Disney vacation magical for everyone in that they keep the parks and Disney Resorts pleasant and enjoyable. While these rules are not always posted or shared, they are definitely picked up on by guests. Here are the top seven unspoken etiquette rules at Walt Disney World.

1 – No Line Skipping

Obviously, the biggest draw for many guests to Walt Disney World are the attractions that fill the four theme parks. While inevitably a good portion of time on a Disney vacation includes waiting on lines, there is one essential unspoken rule which guests are expected to follow. Don’t be a line skipper! Cutting in front of other guests on attraction queues is just plain rude, and it could also result in ejection from the park if caught. Everyone is going to get to enjoy the experience in the end, and waiting in line for a few extra minutes is not that big of a deal in the long run.

2 – Be Polite

Part of what makes Walt Disney World so magical is the happiness and courteousness found between guests. Those who follow the unspoken rule to be polite while in Disney avoid pushing or shoving on the walkways, making rude or inappropriate comments, negatively impacting another guest’s day, or being generally loud or obnoxious in crowded places. By merely extending a polite outlook to other guests, those who visit Walt Disney World are sure to enjoy the same in return, making their vacation very enjoyable.

3 – Be Kind to Cast Members

In addition to being polite to other guests, it is essential to be kind to Cast Members! They are the people who make the magic happen, and they deserve respect and thanks for doing so. It can be easy sometimes to get caught up in frustrations or aggravation while on vacation, but it is crucial for guests to always remember that Cast Members are there to help, not to get yelled at. Being kind to Cast Members simply means following their directions, thanking them for little things, and even pausing to talk to them about where they are from or what they love about their job. Most Cast Members are happy to chat and share things with guests, and being polite to them usually helps make their days great.

4 – No Cursing

An obvious unspoken rule in Walt Disney World is to keep the conversation G rated. Disney is a family destination, and any cursing, inappropriate comments, or insulting words should simply be checked at the gate. Nothing can ruin a magical moment more than hearing a nearby guest throw a fit, curse up a storm, or make an inappropriate comment, so guests need to remember to keep it clean.

5 – No Flash Photography

A huge pet peeve of many guests are those who take very bright and very obnoxious flash photography on dark attractions. While it is not always explicitly spoken not to take flash photos, many guests pick up on the fact that it is rude to others who are enjoying the experience. No one likes to be moving through the graveyard on the Haunted Mansion and be blinded by constant flashes. As a courtesy to other guests and Cast Members, please refrain from taking flash photography on dark rides!

6 – Silence Cell Phones

Many attractions and shows in Walt Disney World feature beautiful moments that aim to speak to guests on an emotional level. Therefore, no guest wants to be listening to President Lincoln deliver the Gettysburg Address at the Hall of Presidents and hear another guest’s cell phone go off! Same thing goes for the restaurants scattered throughout Walt Disney World- guests dining there do not want to listen to phones ringing and listen to conversations! By merely setting phones to vibrate or silent, guests can still check them and communicate without being obnoxious or disturbing other guests around them.

7 – Offer Seats on the Bus

Most of the Disney Resorts on property feature complimentary Disney transportation in the form of buses. While there are several unspoken rules for riding on Disney buses, the biggest one is offering up seats to those who really need them. Guests who are elderly, have small children or have a disability should always be offered seats if there are none available. This is a simple courtesy that should be extended to all guests when enjoying Disney transportation.