Not many things can make a Disney adult offended enough to the point of anger but when we are… look out!
Cinderella Castle
Sure, Disney adults can handle just about anything Disney throws our way between ride changes, seeming constant construction, and restaurants switching things up, but if you’re looking to grind a Disney adult’s gears, any of these 10 things are sure to press those buttons.
As Disney adults we know not everyone who visits the parks will have the same etiquette, respect for the Cast Members and characters, and wholesome appreciation as we do for the Disney World parks but we still visit and hope for the very best.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
We recently reflected on a few of the things that can really take interacting with a Disney adult from 0 to 60 the quickest way possible, and we’ve got lots of thoughts!
Middle-Of-The-Walkway Stoppers
Yep, that’ll do it! Just when you think you’re making great timing for your next ride, attraction, reservation, or show your plans are ultimately thwarted with a single action, or rather, inaction.
Keep moving!
People stopping in the middle of the walkway or path is a very common occurrence but can especially be a nuisance to someone who’s got a goal in mind. If you find that you need to stop and look around for a bit, consider stepping over to the side or gradually pull your stroll over that direction to allow others behind you to continue moving forward.
Improper Names
One thing we Disney adults may be blind to is that not everyone is as well versed in Disney terminology as we are, and that’s where it’s on us but it doesn’t keep it from bothering us.
Spaceship Earth in EPCOT
It can be super frustrating to hear phrases like “Millenial Falcon”, calling Spaceship Earth the EPCOT (golf) ball, or mixing up the character names like calling Donald Duck Daffy Duck (who’s from an entirely different franchise altogether.)
Galaxy’s Edge
We’ve caught ourselves doing it from time to time, but if a Disney adult catches you using a park or destination’s former name like MGM Studios in place of Disney’s Hollywood Studios or Downtown Disney instead of Disney Springs, you’ll likely be in for a talking to! That will probably be followed up with an extensive history lesson in what prompted the change so if you’re not ready for the cliff notes of certain Disney history, you’ll want to do your best to avoid getting caught doing this!
Hollywood Studios
We’ll probably get to a place where we can laugh about it but it doesn’t keep it from really striking a chord with us in the moment.
People Judging Us (Who Obviously Aren’t As Cool)
Hey, we’re no one to judge and all are welcome to become a Disney adult, but, if we hear of people we know judging us… it’s going to sting a little bit.
Characters
For the most part, Disney adults pride themselves on being accepting and living in the magic and nostalgia that the theme parks, movies, and merchandise bring us. If that makes us uncool or “not grown up,” then, we’re not sure it was really for us in the first place.
Line Jumpers
We might be super nice Disney adults, but we’re fair.
Test Track lines
If we see you jumping the line (especially over and over again) you’re going to get some stern looks. Again, for the most part, Disney adults don’t have issues following the rules of the parks, and line jumping is definitely one that breaks an important rule. It’s disruptive to the flow of the crowd and could injure yourself or someone else in the process. The exception we’re willing to compromise with here is the need for bathroom trips.
Unsupervised Groups Of Disruptive People
Remember when we talked about Disney adults being big on following the rules? Yeah, this is going to kind of go hand in hand with that.
Toy Story Land crowds
Don’t get us wrong, there’s no “right” way to do Disney, but, if you’re breaking rules or being loud, rude, obnoxious, or disruptive, there’s not a place for that here. You’re totally within bounds to live your life and have your fun, but when that fun becomes a bit too much and impeeds on the experience of those around you, it’s time to reevaluate your actions.
There Really IS A Difference In the Park Slogans
This is one of the quickest ways to get a Disney adult’s attention in the worst way possible.
The Most Magical Place on Earth
Disney adults know their destinations, right down to the slogans. Walt Disney World is known as “The Most Magical Place on Earth,” while Disneyland is known as “The Happiest Place on Earth.” If you’re not getting it right, we’ll probably let it slide the first time but don’t be surprised if we just can’t take it anymore and feel the need to correct you and quickly.
Harry Potter
Look, there’s absolutely NOTHING wrong with having a deep appreciation for various fandoms. But, this one around the Disney World parks will attract some looks.
Hogwarts Castle at Universal Orlando
We’ve seen countless folks on vacation wearing their Universal Orlando gear or more specifically Harry Potter-themed merchandise, robes, shirts, and even ears (yes, Harry Potter-themed ears) to Disney World but it’s distracting.
Hogwarts Express
We can’t begin to tell you how many times we’ve either been asked or have overheard someone asking for directions to Harry Potter land within Disney World only to hear their shock, frustration, and utter disappointment to learn you won’t find any of that here and could be a contributor to why we see the confusion so often.
Overhearing Wrong Or Just Plain Bad Advice
While we’re on this high horse of confusion, we’ve got another gripe to air. We’re really going to be bothered by bad or just plain wrong advice.
Guest Experience
We understand not everyone is going to know everything there is to know bout Disney World and the parks, and if there’s something we don’t know for sure, that’s exactly what we’re going to tell you. Before you’re ready to start rolling out advice so freely around the parks, to your friends and family before your or their trips, or even trying to give directions around the park, make sure what information you’re giving is proven to be true.
Guest Services
At one point or another, you were probably disappointed in your own experiences, and it is super frustrating for someone to come to Disney who’s going to be reliant on the exact advice they were given only to find out that it wasn’t true. To cut down on the chaos and further confusion, it’s best if you’re not 100% absolutely positive about something that they ask the experts (and by experts, we mean guest services, guest experience stands, or calling Disney directly.) You may even save your friendship with this small step!
People Not Obeying The Attraction Rules
We touched on how Disney adults feel about people being disruptive before, but this one could cause some serious drama.
“It’s A Small World” boats
We’re begging you, please just obey the ride and attraction rules… it’s really that simple. We’re all at Disney World to have fun, meet with the characters, have a great time riding rides, and enjoy living in the moment. When you choose not to obey the ride rules it causes the Cast Members or character attendants to also disrupt everyone else’s experience to remind these folks not to stick their hands in water, move their hands, arms, feet, legs, and head outside the ride vehicle or train, and can result in something as minor as a warning, to muting the audio, or stopping the ride entirely. So do yourself and everyone around you a courtesy and just obey the rules so we can continue with our day as smoothly as possible.
Of Course, We’re Going Back To Disney World… Again, Stop Asking
For Disney adults, there are probably not many other places on Earth we’d rather be, and when you ask us this, it can really rain on our parade.
All aboard!
There’s a genuine joy we get out of being surrounded by the environment that Disney creates. If that is enough to keep us going each day, then no one should stand in the way of that. Where we choose to go on vacation is simply that — our choice. Don’t worry, we’ll consider switching it up one day! Who knows… we could get a wild idea and go to Disneyland, take a Disney Cruise Line sailing, go see “the rest of the world” the Disney way with Adventures by Disney, or even take an international trip to Hong Kong Disneyland, Tokyo Disney Sea, Disneyland Paris, or even Shanghai Disneyland.
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The Disney World Hotel That Finally Took Our Poop Anxiety Into Consideration
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Just some feedback . We were thrilled the dining plan was back as we always had used it …….until now we seen the price nearly doubled which I understand everything cost more now and that would be ok IF you hadn’t also dropped a snack! C’mon Disney are you trying to deter guest from it? Also people who aren’t interested in mixed drinks would be grateful to be offered an appetizer vs the alcohol .
“We’ve caught ourselves doing it from time to time, but if a Disney adult catches you using a park or destination’s former name like MGM Studios in place of Disney’s Hollywood Studios or Downtown Disney instead of Disney Springs, you’ll likely be in for a talking to! That will probably be followed up with an extensive history lesson in what prompted the change so if you’re not ready for the cliff notes of certain Disney history, you’ll want to do your best to avoid getting caught doing this!”
This is the only one I didn’t relate to! As a passholding Disney adult, born and raised Floridian, who’s been going regularly my entire life, they’re still MGM and Downtown Disney to my brain and I have no problem with anyone else still recognizing them as that. I try to correct myself and I’ve gotten better about it but the heart wants what the heart wants!
My only and biggest pet peeve is large groups who want to join up with the two people they sent to get in line early. Last time in Remys, I finally turned around and asked how many there were and they said Lots! At that point I refused to let anymore by and said I would be willing to have a cast member talk to all of us about this practice, which shut them down. The people in front of me practically applauded! I have absolutely NO problem with two people trying to catch up with their family, but I have a huge problem with eight people trying to catch up with two people. I wish Disney would post some queue rules at each entrance and address this growing problem.
I went to Disneyland in December 2023. There’s an app to order food at the restaurants, and to make reservations to go on rides (formerly known as fast pass) but Genie cost $30 instead of being free.
I was in line at a restaurant in New Orleans Square, there was no menu board and my phone died so I couldn’t look at an app. Everyone around me were staring at their phones and finally I asked the person next to what kind of food they had and she told me it was Beignets ( a donut). I was disappointed, I was looking for real food like a hamburger.
So instead of enjoying the sights and beautiful Christmas decorations, people were standing and starring at their phones.
I’m a Disney adult, but holy cow, this article makes Disney adults sound absolutely insufferable.
Will never forget when we went to check out Pandora—Avatar….there was a group of college-age people sitting in a circle on the sidewalk playing Uno card game!! Everyone had to walk on the soil around them.
I’m writing this to agree with Dottyanna. The line-jumping at every Disney World park has gotten egregious. I always follow the rules, as do the majority of the people at DW, but 12 people cut in line at Slinky Dog last week; several at Rise of the Resistance; same for Big Thunder RR. Here’s a thought – DW should have a sign posted at the start of every queue (in multiple languages) reminding people that their entire party needs to be present prior to getting in line. No excuse for this rude behavior.
When people have tried to cut in the line in front of me, I tell them they are welcome to call down the line (or we’ll pass a message) and tell their companions to wait where they are in the line and let us all pass until their companions in front have eventually dropped back enough to be reunited that way instead. lol.
I personally disagree that a LOT of these are IRRATIONAL ANGER issues — inconsiderate individuals are cause for VERY “Rational Anger”, IMHO, especially when it SHOULD be obvious to the “perpetrator” that what they are doing is just plain WRONG on many levels!!!