After working at Disney World, here are 10 things I wish people would stop doing in the parks

• I used to work at Magic Kingdom and Disney Springs at Disney World in Orlando.
• Hogging the photo spots and stopping in the middle of a crowd to check your phone is annoying. 
• Don't force your kids to go on rides they don't want to go on or act rudely toward park employees. 

I worked at Magic Kingdom and Disney Springs during my time in the Disney College Program. With that experience, I know a trip to Disney World can be equally magical and overwhelming.

Here are the things I wish people would stop doing in the parks to make everyone's time better. 

Stop wearing uncomfortable outfits just to get one cute photo

In the age of social media, it can be tempting to dress up for the parks to get the perfect shot. But once you've taken the photo, you're going to be stuck in uncomfortable heels — yes, I've seen guests in stilettos — and a shirt you can't lift your arms in for the whole day.

Do yourself a favor and dress comfortably so you can enjoy your time at Disney.

Don't hog the prime photo spots

There are certain areas in the parks where everyone wants to get a picture: in front of the Tree of Life in Animal Kingdom, by the purple wall near Tomorrowland in Magic Kingdom, and so on.

Often, you'll find a crowd of guests waiting their turn in these photo hot spots. Be polite and avoid taking a million photos if you can see that others are waiting.

Being rude to cast members is never cool

After a long, hot day with a few screaming kids, I can understand how anyone would be a little on edge. But that doesn't give you an excuse to yell at the park employee taking your lunch order or the one ringing up your souvenirs.

We're all here to help guests create lasting memories, and trust me, you'll get further with honey than you will with vinegar — especially at Disney World.

Don't stop and look at your phone in the middle of a crowded area

This might sound like a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised at how many people walk down Main Street in Magic Kingdom glued to their phones or looking everywhere but the direction they're going.

Pay attention in crowded spaces to avoid rolling your ankle, knocking over someone's overpriced coffee, or holding up other guests.

Stop using flash photography on dark rides

Many of the rides at Disney World, such as Space Mountain and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, are dark inside. 

It's understandable that you want to remember all the cool details, but try to appreciate the moment. Using a blinding flash can ruin the experience for other riders.

Don't wait until you're at the front of the line to look at a menu

I spent eight months working at Cosmic Ray's Starlight Café in Tomorrowland, so I can tell you firsthand that those workers are moving as fast as they can.

If you wait until you get to the front of the line to inquire about dietary restrictions or ask about every item on the menu, you'll probably annoy everyone waiting behind you.

Putting characters in uncomfortable situations isn't funny

I've seen far too many cringey videos of guests bombarding Disney character performers with inappropriate questions, demanding them to remove their characters' heads, or just making them uncomfortable.

They're working and will do their best to stay in character to create magical moments for guests, so don't go out of your way to make their jobs harder.

Stop littering — there are trash cans everywhere

Disney World is surprisingly clean for the foot traffic the parks get daily, and it's largely due to the custodial employees who work their butts off.

No matter where you are in any park, I guarantee there's a trash can somewhere nearby.

Do your part to keep the parks clean by putting your trash where it belongs. And if the first can you approach is full, please find another one.

Forcing your kids to go on rides they don't want to go on isn't fun for anyone

I understand wanting your child to have the full Disney experience. But if they're screaming about how much they don't want to ride the Tower of Terror, you should probably listen to them.

All you're doing by forcing them to go on a "scary" ride is guaranteeing a bad time for yourself, your child, and every other guest who must endure their wails of protest.

Don't expect to sit with your whole party if you opt for the single-rider line

As someone who absolutely hates waiting in lines, I'm a big fan of rides like Test Track and Expedition Everest because they offer single-rider lanes. Riders in this line usually wait only about half the time of the regular line — but it also means you might not ride with your party.

It's beyond frustrating for an attractions employee to deal with guests who come through the single-rider line and throw a fit when they don't get to sit with their party.

This story was originally published in November 2023 an most recently updated on November 4, 2024.