There are some pretty universal experiences in Disney World: smiling when you see Mickey Mouse, getting excited over eating your favorite snack…the list goes on.
Big Thunder Mountain in Disney World
But we’d argue there are also some things that EMBARRASS us all. And we don’t know why. They just do. So when we saw this trend on TikTok, we were inspired to put our own DFB spin on it. Here are some embarrassing things in Disney World that just shouldn’t be embarrassing (They really shouldn’t. But they are, somehow.).
Getting Out of Space Mountain
Okay, we’re not gonna lie. This one was featured in just about every TikTok we saw, but it’s such a universal experience that we HAVE to include it. There’s nothing quite like struggling to get your legs out of this low-to-the-ground rocket, then pulling your backpack out, too. It’s already awkward enough getting IN. There’s just NO WAY that normal-sized backpack will fit, right?? Yet in a move of desperation, you start whacking it down between your legs, yank down the safety bar over everything, and, miraculously, you’re on your way.
Admit it: you’re already mentally preparing while you wait in this line.
But ooooh the pain of getting OUT of that rocket at the end. Our thoughts are with you if you attempt it in a skirt (been there. It’s mega awk!) but pretty much everyone will look like a fish flopping on a dock as they struggle to free themselves from the car. And no matter what, you feel like EVERYONE is staring at you. Then there’s that awkward trip as you step up, grabbing onto the handrails at the exit with all your might. It would feel no less awkward if you just rolled your body out the ride onto the exit platform. 😂 All this while you’re stressing about tapping your MagicBand on your photo before it disappears. The struggle is REAL, guys.
Check Out a Space Mountain MOVIE!
Walking Around in Clothes for the Wrong Season
We’ve ALL been guilty of this before. You show up in a sweater and jeans and it turns out the sun’s out all day and it is MUCH warmer than your attire would suggest. Or you only packed shorts and a t-shirt but that tricky Florida weather decided your trip would be when one of those rare Florida freezing temp days happens! And of course, it seems like everyone else showed up in weather-appropriate attire EXCEPT for you.
You’re obviously wearing a winter jacket for this sunny day in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
So you’re either sweating or freezing all day — unless you wanna shell out the cash for a change of outfit. We’ve all seen the “oh no, I didn’t pack for the right weather” racks rolled to the front of gift shops on cooler or rainy days. You won’t be the only one in that $50+ impulse buy hoodie. When you see others rocking the same look, just nod at each other in acceptance. You all know what you did. 😉 The shame. Oh, the shame.
Luckily, We Bring You ALL the Weather Updates Here at DFB!
Waving at a Disney Character and They Don’t Wave Back
Have you ever tried SO hard to get a Disney character’s attention and they don’t notice you? Or you think they’re staring right atcha and they just…aren’t? Your hand slowly drops and you do that nervous glance to the side to see if anyone noticed (Of course, they did. Right??).
Yup, they’re walking RIGHT past ya. Go on and put that hand down.
You feel like EVERYONE noticed that awkward moment. Let’s be real: no one did. But it feels like all eyes are on you.
Check Out These Character Encounters!
Telling a Cast Member You Lost Something on a Ride
This one is BAD, guys. Picture this: you get off a ride and as you’re walking to the gift shop, you notice something’s missing. Maybe it’s your phone, or your MagicBand, or your wallet. Either way, you’ve gotta do the walk of shame up to the Cast Member and confess.
There went your phone, plummeting down that 80-foot drop.
You know better, it’s just a freak accident…that’s what you wanna say, at least. But you just quietly accept the embarrassment (and cross your fingers it’ll be found). Bonus awk points if it was a hat or glasses (or Minnie Ears) that a Cast Member made a point to tell you to remove on a ride! They tell you to take em off for a reason — they KNOW.
Check Out the Best Rides in Magic Kingdom!
Getting Emotional in the Parks
Disney World holds sentimental value for a lot of people. There’s nothing wrong with getting emotional (or a little teary-eyed) when you walk into your happy place! But you may still find yourself putting on some sunglasses or hoping no one notices. YES, maybe they did hire a Cast Member to stand on Main Street and chop onions, OK?! 😉
Cinderella Castle
But we’re here to tell ya: it’s fine! Do your thing. Sing along to all the rides, cry when you see Mickey Mouse — whatever! We’re here cheering you on.
Visit Disney World Virtually with Us!
Meeting Characters As an Adult
Disney characters can be fun to meet at all ages, but it can get just a little awkward when there are no kiddos in your group. HEY, adults can get starstruck by Disney characters too! NO JUDGMENT! After you give the characters a big hug, it may get kinda strained. What do you say? How are you supposed to understand what they’re SAYING?!
Picture this: you and Pooh, staring in awkward silence.
You may just smile, ask for a picture, give them another hug, and tell them to have a good day. Sound about right? And don’t even get us started on waiting in line with a bunch of little ones. Yes, you’re a grown adult and yes, you’re comparing your character autographs with a 6-year-old. And yes, it’s OK. 🙂
Another Character Breakfast Is Returning to Disney World!
We GET it, trust us. These Disney experiences sure can be awkward. But there’s nothing to be embarrassed about! We’ve all been there, and at least we’re all strugglin’ together! As always, stay tuned to DFB for more Disney news.
Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park Has Officially Reopened!
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Guilty of 4 out of 6. The most embarrassing moment for me was on an October, 2020 trip where I lost my magic puck on Soarin’. Thankfully, the Cast Members found it quickly after I shyly confessed @ the entrance.
Rides like space Mountain are the precise reason I strictly trouser it up at theme parks. And luckily, where i am in California, it’s usually only a ten degree difference (in every season but winter, when i typically get snow) between me and the Disney parks, so even my hand knitted stuff works just fine for morning and night
I took too long getting my bag at the airport and they “helpfully” shipped it right to my hotel room since I had Disney Magic Express tags on it and everything, even though a change of clothes was inside- therefore, I had to walk around Disney Springs for 6-7 hours in a button-up long-sleeved shirt in May weather- it was basically soaking wet by the time I got home.
I was in my 30s when I learned that the characters & attendants don’t really care if you’re an adult meeting the characters- I think the performers actually kind of like it because they don’t have to deal with “shy child” syndrome or spend the whole time talking to themselves. Since I actually know some of the lore (and have met the real-life Ariel, Belle, etc.) I think it gives them something fun to talk about.
100% yes to every one of these.
My most embarrassing experience was when I shut down Peter Pan’s Flight by accident ( and there was a hugh line of people waiting, that went all he way down to Columbia Harbour House).