Disney World is the place to let go if you wanna become a kid again (yes, sometimes we get more excited about seeing Mickey than our kids do).
Dole Whip
But, there are still a few rules that you have to follow in the parks! That means no running, no jumping out of ride vehicles, no stealing your siblings’ Dole Whips, and the like. (K, maybe we made up that last one, WE’RE ONLY HUMAN!)
While we all know the basic rules of theme park etiquette, there are still a LOT of things most people don’t realize you cannot do in Disney World anymore!
It’s Mickey!
Don’t worry, though — we’re going to give you the run-down on some of the biggest things that you’ll have to skip doing in the parks!
Swim in the Disney Lakes
Years ago, guests were able to swim and spend days at the beach at Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon (beach day!!). Although many people enjoyed kicking back, relaxing, and splashing at the resorts, these areas were sectioned off and no-swimming signs were put up. Why you ask??
It’s best to avoid bodies of water in Disney World
Well…because it’s downright dangerous to get too close to ANY natural waterway in central Florida. Disney does their best to control alligator populations but, at the end of the day, they’re in the middle of Florida swampland and mother nature wants to do what she wants to do. As long as the alligators are not in a guest-populated area, Disney can’t ensure total containment of them, hence prohibiting guests to swim in open waters.
Disney Springs
There are also certain bacteria that could be dangerous or lethal if ingested (YIKES). One boy unfortunately contracted a fatal case of amoebic meningoencephalitis supposedly from the lake (Bay Lake) where Disney’s River Country used to be. While taking a dip in the lake and lagoon might seem like fun at the moment, Disney is just trying to do whatever it can to protect guests and employees.
Disney’s River Country ©Disney
Even though you can’t take a dip in Bay Lake or Seven Seas Lagoon, there are still SO many awesome pools at the resorts, water rides in the parks, and Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach to visit if you want to cool off in the Florida heat!
Surf’s Up Typhoon Lagoon!
Who wouldn’t want to float in a lazy river, eating a Dole Whip?? OK, OK, you can’t do that either. Gotta eat your Dole Whip BEFORE hopping in!)
Which Disney water park should you visit? Click here!
Smoke in the Disney Parks
The smoking policies in Disney World have seen some pretty major changes over the years. At one point, Disney switched to having designated smoking sections throughout the parks so people who smoked or vaped had a spot that wouldn’t affect other guests. However, they weren’t allowed to smoke anywhere else in the park.
No Smoking signs now up in former Asia smoking area
But, in 2019, the Disney Parks changed their policy to a totally no-smoking environment while guests are in Disney World or Disneyland. However, there are still some places that guests can smoke during their visits!
No Smoking Sign
The Disney Resorts and Disney Springs have smoking locations set aside for guests to use. Plus, you can also smoke in specific areas near the entrances to the parks.
Click here to learn more about the smoking ban in Disney Parks
Wear Masks…Well, Kind Of
Disney has actually had a mask policy for quite a while now. If you’re 14 or older, wearing any sort of face mask is actually prohibited. Younger children are able to wear them in Disney World, BUT the mask must provide unobstructed vision, the eyes should be fully seen, and the mask shouldn’t cover the whole face. (Though it seems like those Kylo Ren or Stormtrooper masks that don’t really fit the set guidelines are definitely tolerated, if not outright allowed!)
A little Stormtrooper meets his character counterpart!
Older aged kids, teenagers, and adults are prohibited from wearing masks or full costumes on regular days in the park, BUT they CAN wear costumes in Disney World when they are attending special ticketed events, like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party! There are still restrictions to keep in mind about what costume pieces are allowed (Edna Mode is just really opposed to capes, you know).
We’re always down to celebrate Halloween!
However, Disney’s face mask policy has changed just a little. Nope, you can’t sport that adult Darth Vader mask in the parks and call it “wearing a mask,” but they ARE allowing certain masks in the parks. In the name of health and safety, lower-face coverings are allowed. You are not required to wear a mask but if you want to wear one, you are more than welcome.
See the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights
Now, believe it or not — this is a question we get a LOT around the holidays. No, you cannot see the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights anymore (we’re still MEGA sad about this).
The 80,000 glowing lights in Hollywood Studios covered the Streets of America (which are also gone) and brought what seemed like all the Christmas cheer in the world into the park. The spectacular Christmas lights show would light up and strobe along with the holiday music. And, boy, was it COOL!!
Osborne Family Lights
Although Magic Kingdom was hosting Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party each year, the Osborne Family Lights were THE sight to see in Disney World during the holidays. They lasted from 1995 to 2016, bringing in guests from all over the world to watch them. Plus, the magic of snoap filling the air as you held hot chocolate and a gingerbread cookie really made you feel like you were walking in a Winter Wonderland.
Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights
Although Disney World switched their Hollywood Studios Christmas show to Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! in 2016, it was never the same.
Osborne Family Lights
While we can’t see them in person anymore (sigh), they will live in memory through our photos and the spectacular videos of the Osborne Family Lights you can watch online. We DID get Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in its place sooo, maybe it’s not SO bad??
Click here to learn more about what replaced the Osbourne Lights!
Take Off Your Shoes
Unpredictable weather and unforeseen circumstances happen on your vacation — we totally get it. Sometimes your shoes break, your sneaks get waterlogged from Splash Mountain, or you keep sliding around in your flip flops on Main Street during torrential rain. But, taking off your shoes and walking around in your socks or barefoot is frowned upon in Disney World.
Rainy day in Animal Kingdom
You will most likely not be allowed on rides or in stores or restaurants if you’re barefoot. Not to mention a Cast Member will probably ask you to put on a pair of shoes to be able to continue visiting the parks.
That’s why we think it’s a great idea to pack a pair of extra sandals in your backpack just in case of an emergency. Be sure to check the forecast before you visit to try and plan accordingly too! And, if worse comes to worst, you can always have another party member buy a pair of shoes for you in one of the gift shops.
X-Strap Gold Buckles Low Platform Comfy Sandals
Speaking of flip-flops, the one time you ARE allowed to take them off is during Soarin’ in EPCOT! You can leave them in the pouches underneath your seat or on the ground before you take off.
Soarin’ Around the World
If you ask us, it can be strangely relaxing to have your legs dangling barefoot as you soar around the world!
Buuut, even with all the things you CAN’T do, there are even more ways you’re actually able to make wonderful memories with your family and friends in Disney World! (Yes, even when it’s pouring rain. 😉 ) We love Disney World for the stuff that it LETS us do, so the couple of things we can’t aren’t a big deal to us! Smoke outside the park limits, leave that full-head replica mask home, and enjoy yourself at the Disney World parks!
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Did you ever get to swim in the lakes or see the Osborne Family Lights? Let us know in the comments below!
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
I remember the water park at the camp ground. Swinging and jumping into the lake. Also the giant mickey shaped pool that was in the camp ground area. My family had the privilege of viewing the Osborn lights for years. We were said our grandchildren could not see them on our 2017 visit.
And most importantly, you left out…
Being able to see other people’s faces (because masks are required everywhere that is not your hotel room or car).
Nobody over 14 can wear wear a mask? Thats REALLY lazy journalism …Can I take this article with me as proof?
Jessica, this is what Disney says about the distinction: “Costume masks are not considered appropriate and are prohibited from being worn, in alignment with our existing rules.”
Can’t muggle-out on the non-existent Skylift anymore
Im a universal fan now. Designated smoking areas a plenty!
Sssoooo beyond happy they finally did away with about 90% of smoking in the parks! It was about time! Really sad about Osborne family lights, what a gorgeous display they put on! I’m glad my son got to see it before the park was changed!
Smoking…Gone…ok with me… Osborn Lights… Gone… Not ok with me. It was by far the best holiday lights spectacular ever anywhere and I am so happy to have seen it every year it was in operation with my family. When residential street and New York Street were wired up and it snowed it was awesome…. it just does not get any better than that. I still have the 3-D glasses that they used to hand out to see the Angels in the lights. This was Disney Magic at its best and they will never match it… too bad
You also can’t buy a Lucky Buddha beer in the China Pavilion and bring your empty bottle home as a souvenir. Tried to yesterday and was told that they have no explanation as to why but it’s no longer happening.
My wife and I went swimming in the Seven Seas Lagoon off the Polynesian Beach at night while we were on our honeymoon in 1984! We went to river country. That place was so cool. At that time you could smoke practically anywhere outside in both parks. Osborne Family Lights were terrific. Always searched for the cat!
You also left out the all important use of the ever popular FAST PASS, the wearing of free Magic Bands and the meal plan! Soooo many things you can’t do at Disney these days! Such a shame.
Never World swam in the lagoon or visited Water Country. On one vacation, we did see Goofy water skiing on the lagoon while traveling on the ferry from the Ticket Center to Magic Kingdom. Loved the Osborne Lights. Was there for the final before anyone knew it would be the last. Sometimes Disney cancels thing without people being able to see it one last time. Disney needs to announce closures so people can see it one last time, for those of us who cannot be there every day or every year. There used to be lights at EPCOT. The main walkway between Future World and World Showcase had it’s own lights.
Our first trip to Disney World included seeing the Osborne Lights. It’s one of the happiest memories my girls have of the trip. The hot chocolate, “snow”, lights and Christmas music was just magical. To this day when they hear TSO, they remember the Osborne Lights.
From my understanding, the Osborne lights can now be seen during the holiday season at Give Kids the World Village, during their fundraiser ‘Night of a Million Lights.’ GKTW is where most Make-A-Wish families stay when the child’s wish was Disney.
020622,
There was no Jingle Bell, Jingle Bam this year either.
Did I mention that MVMCP went for $89.00 to $159.00
I’m an Annual Passholder and a friend is coming down to visit that will need a regular park ticket. I’ll pay for the park ticket for my friend, but how do I make reservations for the park we want to visit when I’m an Annual Passholder and my friend is not? Will the My Disney Experience App let me know the answer?
Hi Candice! You can add your friend’s pass to your MDE app and make park reservations for them as well. You’ll just select your name and their name and reserve the park of your choice for two.