7 of the most annoying things tourists do at Disney World — and how to fix them (2024)

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Don’t push forward in line to catch up to your party.

If you have someone in your party far up ahead in line for a ride, you may be tempted to push forward. But even if you do it politely, that's cutting.

This practice has become increasingly popular in recent years — and increasingly annoying for those of us patiently waiting our turn.

Either ask an employee how you can reconnect with your group, or better yet, text or call your group and ask them to step aside and wait until you catch up.

But the best solution to avoiding this altogether is just not entering a line until your whole party is together.

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Put your phone away.

Please don't try to walk down crowded paths while texting. Keep your eyes up.

Additionally, we all pay a lot of money to experience Disney World attractions — so put the phone away and actually experience them.

Having your phone out, particularly during dark rides, is distracting to other guests. And for the love of all that is holy, you don't need to FaceTime a friend to show them a ride.

Need some time to catch up on work emails or text your friend? Do it while in line or on the monorail, not during the farm scene of Living With the Land or amid the cannon fire of Pirates of the Caribbean.

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Don’t block people's views during the fireworks.

The nightly fireworks are another time you absolutely don't need to be on your phone.

Disney fireworks are magical. But even the latest smartphones can't capture the nuances. Instead, I recommend just living in the moment and keeping those phones away.

Besides, hoisting your phone high in the air to capture the fireworks can distract the people surrounding you.

It's not just phones, though. Throwing a kid on your shoulders at the last moment isn't fair to the people behind you whose views are suddenly blocked.

If you have a little one and you're worried about their view, arrive early to get a spot up front, or grab a spot against a wall where you won't block anyone behind you.

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Don’t just stop in the middle of a walkway.

Disney World can be confusing, I get it. I know you may need to look at your phone to reference the park map, check your Lightning Lane time, or place a mobile food order.

But under no circ*mstance should you stop in the middle of the walkway to check a notification, grab something from a bag or stroller, or take a selfie with your Dole Whip.

Be aware of your surroundings before stopping. Chances are, people are behind you and eager to get where they're going. It's a nice gesture to step aside — and it will result in fewer trips and bumps.

If you're enjoying the parks in a large group, please do not walk more than two or three people across.

Everyone in your group can chat when you sit down for a meal. Leisurely walking with multiple people in a row can make it harder for people to get around you, especially in crowded areas of the parks.

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Be respectful during preshows and waiting periods.

You may have ridden the Tower of Terror a hundred times, but for some, it's their first time in the famous elevator shaft. Don't spoil the experience by talking loudly through the preshow.

I also implore you not to force yourself to the front of the pack as a preshow is wrapping up. For those of us actually watching, this can be really distracting.

The preshow is part of the experience. Watch it, enjoy it, and trust that you'll make it to the next part of the ride in no time — no thrown elbows necessary.

This same advice goes for waiting for parades and shows as well.

Listen to the employees who are telling you where you can and can't stand, and don't try to slip in and shove past everyone.

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Walk, don’t run.

It might feel like park employees have lots of rules: "Please keep off of the rails," "Fill in all available space," "Please walk."

Rest assured, they have a lot of these rules to prioritize safety and efficiency in the parks.

When I get to the parks right when they open, I see a lot of full-grown adults jogging or even sprinting to their first attraction — despite every employee they pass imploring them to walk.

They're not being killjoys, I promise. Show them some respect by following the rules. The rides aren't going anywhere.

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Treat the park employees with respect.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, remember that Disney employees work hard to make your day magical.

Wave back at them as you enter the parks, say thank you when they hand you your food, and tell them to have a nice day as you're leaving.

These workers deal with a lot of rude guests, often in grueling temperatures during long shifts. A simple smile and "hello" can go a long way.