Disney World has been around for over 50 years.

With those 53 years, there have been so many changes like losing fan-favorite lands, brand new lands, and more. There have also been plenty of rumors that we decided it’s time to answer if they’re myths or magic!

There are so many myths surrounding the most magical place on earth that we won’t even be able to break them all down in one post! We chose the 10 most frequent myths we hear over and over and decided it’s time to put these to rest!

Tattoos Are Banned

Starting off, one myth we hear time and time again is tattoos are banned in Disney World!

If you don’t know, there is a dress code for Cast Members in Disney World! When Disney Cast Members begin working with the company, they’re given access to the Disney Look Book. This lookbook has all of the guidelines of what you can, and cannot, wear or have on your body while working. This is referred to as the “Disney Look” which Walt Disney did have a hand in creating for Disneyland way back in 1959. For many years, Cast Members were not allowed to have visible tattoos at all, hence how this rumor got started. That all changed in 2021 however!

As of these changes, Cast Members can now show tattoos that are appropriate meaning there can be no nudity, offensive or inappropriate language, and it must be an appropriate image as well. They also cannot be too large and cannot be on the Cast Member’s face, head, or neck.

This has been a really neat change and was all related to Disney’s new inclusivity programs that Josh D’Amaro, Disney’s Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products, said was focused on “creating a place where everyone is welcome and taking action to create meaningful change.” As Disney Parks fans, we have thought it’s a really cool change to see Cast Members express their interests and personalities a little bit more in subtle ways.

This change also brought about changes to hairstyles, jewelry, nail styles, and costume choices when it was instituted. So what was once true about tattoos in Disney World is now a myth!

Cast Members Can’t Say No

Another Cast member-related myth is that Disney employees can’t say no! While it’s true that Disney Cast Members are encouraged and trained to the highest level of customer service, it doesn’t mean they can’t tell you no.

For example, if a ride is closed for any reason and you ask a Cast Member to hop in line, they will politely tell you the line isn’t available at the time and to explore other attractions around the parks. What does that mean? It’s a very nice way of saying no! Disney Cast Members make the parks as special as they are and, unfortunately, that sometimes means telling you no but, remember, be kind to Cast Members.

The rides you’re riding, the snacks you’re eating, and the shows that make you cry are all thanks to these wonderful employees. So if they’re telling you no, respect that! At the end of the day, they’re just doing their jobs just like you’ve done so many times before too.

There’s A Weather Dome!

Our next myth is one we wish was true! For many years, it was rumored that there was a dome over the Disney parks and that the Disney Company could control the weather. Let us and our soggy tennis shoes tell you, that this is simply not true. 

There are so many rainy days, face-melting heat waves, and even random cold waves throughout the winter weeks. Yes, we said weeks, winter is very short in Orlando. In the summertime, you can expect the usual afternoon rain shower that lasts for very brief periods before it’s back to being muggy Florida!

We actually appreciate those summer rain storms as a break from the heat and it often takes a lot of people back to their resorts so less crowds for us! We truly wish there was a weather dome over Disney World and maybe we wouldn’t have so many sticky fingers from all of our melted ice cream.

The dome might be a myth but here’s to hoping it becomes a reality.

Cinderella Castle Can Be Taken Down

Another weather-related myth is that Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom can be taken down because of hurricanes. As cool as that would be, it’s not true.

Cinderella Castle is built to withstand the weather! When Disney World was being built, Disney Imagineers were aware of Florida’s rather erratic weather patterns thanks to hurricane season so they built the Magic Kingdom icon with those in mind. The castle is secured firmly to the ground and is made of steel, fiberglass, concrete, plaster, plastic, and aluminum. You read that right, no bricks!

The castle is built to withstand at least 110 miles per hour winds so we think she’ll be okay during the hurricane seasons. Not every bit of Disney World is built as tough as the castle though so during weather warnings you’ll see many things tied down and closed for safety.

Maybe if Disney World ever constructs that dome we won’t have to worry about the hurricanes anymore!

Magic Kingdom Is A Dry Park

Our next myth is Magic Kingdom-specific! Many people believe that you can’t get alcohol in Magic Kingdom and that isn’t necessarily true. Unlike EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios, it is true that you can’t just walk up to a bar, grab a drink, and then mosey around the theme park. You can however find adult beverages in the flagship park! 

Magic Kingdom was a dry park until the New Fantasyland expansion in 2012! This expansion brought us Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Under the Sea: the Journey of the Little Mermaid, Be Our Guest Restaurant, and more. Along with those came beer and wine! Now you can get beer, wine, and cocktails at all of the table services in Magic Kingdom.

This is a great way to relax and rest while enjoying a quick drink inside some air conditioning. It remains true that alcohol is a bit more difficult to get in Magic Kingdom but not impossible!

The Kid’s Menu Is Just For Kids

More food-related myths coming up! Another problem we see in the parks is that many people believe adults can’t order kids’ meals!

Anyone, no matter their age, can order from the kid’s menu if they choose to! This is a great budgeting and money-saving tip if you’re looking for some inexpensive options. This is also a great way to look for healthier meals and focus on portion control if you’re looking to do that on your vacation.

You can even order from the kid’s menu at table service restaurants as well but be warned you will still be charged as an adult at many locations so make sure to check with your server before ordering from the kid’s menu.

Make Dining Reservations Months In Advance

Food myths are kind of our bread and butter. (Get it? Food joke? Sorry.) Another major myth in Disney World is that you need dining reservations months in advance! This can be true for more popular dining options like Cinderella’s Royal Table or Topollino’s Terrace, but it isn’t always the case.

If you’re ready for some last-minute dining or easy walk-up options, there are two ways to do that at Disney. The first is our preferred and it’s using lounges! Lounges in Disney World are connected to many of our favorite table service restaurants so you can get the best food on a first come, first serve basis.

Some of our favorites are the Brown Derby Lounge, the Steakhouse 71 Lounge, and Nomad Lounge. The second way is to get on the walk-up waitlist list!

The walk-up list has gotten us into wonderful restaurants with no reservations! These are also first come first serve and will fill up so don’t rely on them entirely but they can be a great hack.

You Can’t Bring In Your Own Food And Drinks

Did you know you can bring your own food and drinks to the Disney parks? It’s true! This is a great way to save money if you’re balling on a budget around the theme parks. There are some stipulations though.

You cannot bring alcohol, or anything in a glass container, it cannot require a refrigerator or microwave, and cannot have any strong oders. Other than that, you can bring in your own water bottles, sandwiches, and sodas to help cut down on that Disney cost.

The Food Isn’t Good Anymore

There have been many discussions that the food isn’t as good in Disney World anymore and that it’s only pretty for pictures. It’s true that some foods are mainly for Instagram, and, unfortunately, we are looking at you Mickey Pretzel.

This pretzel is a great example of loving what something looks like but knowing it isn’t the best quality you’re going to find. If you’re looking at all of the food in the parks though, this is overall more of a myth than a reality. There are so many amazing foods in Disney World if you just know where to look! 

From the pulled pork macaroni and cheese in Animal Kingdom to the Spring Rolls in Magic Kingdom, there are plenty of truly delicious snacks in the parks. Not everything is worth your money so we compiled a list of the best dishes for 2025 right here.

Disney World Planning Is Too Hard

The final myth we’re breaking down today is Disney World planning is too hard! It’s true there is a lot to know, budget, and plan for but did you know you don’t have to do it all on your own? Small World Vacations have been saving guests money since 1996 and are ready to help you save some money too! 

They can take all of the stress out of planning your next vacation, free of charge! It’s a great way to head to the most magical place on earth without the biggest headache on earth. 

So there you have it, 10 major Disney World myths have been busted! Do you think the show Myth Busters is looking for new talent because we feel like we’re ready to reboot the show? Don’t forget to keep following DFB for all of your Disney World tips and tricks.

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Tell us in the comments which of these myths surprised you!