A trip to one of Disney's 12 theme parks can be a magical experience for children and adults alike. However, like any vacation destination, there are rules you should follow to ensure you have the best time possible.
From taking on-ride photos to breaking the dress code, if you're planning a visit to Disney, click through this informative gallery to find out what you should never do at a park.
Waiting in line is all part of the Disney park experience. Don't be disrespectful and try and cut in line; if you get caught, you could be ejected from the park by security.
You don't need to plan your day down to the last minute, but it's a good idea to have a loose itinerary. The parks are large and crowded, which doesn't give you much time to stop and read maps.
Waiting in line can be long, tiring, and frustrating, so take advantage of Disney's Genie+ and Lightning Lanes to save yourself hours on wait times.
Meet-and-greets, shows, and rides, there is so much to see and do at Disney. If it's your first time visiting a park, you may want to do everything, though this can be exhausting, especially for children. It's best to choose your "must dos" and save the rest for another time.
Whether you are waiting to board a ride or watch a parade go by, there will be barriers you cannot cross. These are in place for your safety, so it's important to keep behind them.
Official Disney park rules state that smoking or vaping is not permitted outside of designated smoking areas. This is to ensure a pleasurable visit for all guests and maintain the Disney magic.
Height restrictions are in place to keep children safe. If you try and say your child is taller than they so they can get on a ride with the rest of the family, they could get seriously hurt.
A trip to a Disney park requires a lot of walking, so don't wear shoes that will give you blisters or sore feet.
Many guests at Disney will skip out on professional PhotoPass opportunities to save some money. However, it's free to have the photographers take your picture and you can purchase any you really like in the My Disney Experience after your day at the park.
In recent years, there has been a rise in people buying merchandise at Disney parks for reselling. This is frowned upon as it can make it difficult for guests to buy popular products. Some Disney park stores may have signs saying guests can only buy two of the same product at a time.
Never make obscene gestures for rides or attraction photos. You won't be able to see or purchase the picture at the end and you'll cause other guests riding with you to miss out on a photo.
While you don't want to exhaust yourself, getting up early means there won't be long lines for your favorite ride if you turn up as soon as they open.
If you want to eat at a restaurant during your time in the park, aim to eat before or after the typical mealtimes, as the restaurants will be less busy.
If you're looking to sit down for lunch or dinner, it's best to make reservations ahead of time. Some restaurants may accept walk-ins, but the wait time could be extremely long.
Whether you're visiting a Disney park in Paris, Tokyo, or Florida, it's always a good idea to check the weather before you arrive and make sure you dress accordingly.
Some items are specific to location, limited-edition, or sell quickly, so if you see something you like, buy it there and then, as you may not be able to find it again easily.
While you may want to give your child a better look at the fireworks or parade, putting them on your shoulders will obstruct the view of other guests behind you.
According to Disney park policy, costumes and costume masks may not be worn by people over 14, except for specific Halloween and Christmas events.
Items such as bottled water, rain ponchos, and flip-flops are much more expensive inside the parks. Purchase these items before you arrive so you have more of a budget to allocate for souvenirs and snacks.
Large crowds and long wait times can lead to heightened emotions, but you should never yell at Disney cast members or staff.
While Disney parks are generally safe, there is still a risk of theft, especially if you leave your valuables in an unattended stroller.
Like most theme parks, Disney has dress code rules that state guests should wear "appropriate" clothing. A guest posted a viral TikTok video in 2021, sharing how she was given a free shirt at a Disney park after showing up in a shirt that was too revealing.
Not only is leaving your ride vehicle a safety hazard, but it can also get you kicked out of the park and banned for life.
Getting into altercations with other guests is also frowned upon at the Disney parks. In recent years, a lack of courtesy and kindness has become such an issue that Disney World and Disneyland have added courtesy notices to their websites.
While some guests have had luck getting a free shirt by breaking the dress code, Disney isn't required to do this and could turn you away and refuse entry until you change into something different.
With so much to see and do at Disney, it's easy to lose track of time. However, you should never miss your scheduled dining reservation. If you are late, you may not get seated right away, and if you don't turn up, Disney may charge your credit card.
Sources: (Business Insider) (Explore)
See also: Fascinating facts you didn't know about Disney parks
With their costumed characters, themed lands, and pink castles, Disney parks are some of the most photographed places in the world. However, taking photos with the flash on can be distracting for those around you and spoil the fantasy.
While it may seem like common sense to most, there has been a rising trend of people hopping off vehicles midride. In 2021, a guest jumped from a boat on Epcot's Living with the Land and grabbed a cucumber from the gardens.
If you drop your phone or camera mid-ride, there's a chance you'll never get it back. Disney World have banned phones, cameras, and other loose items on some rides, including Space Mountain.
Things you should never do at Disney parks
Follow these rules to have the best time at Disney
LIFESTYLE Theme park
A trip to one of Disney's 12 theme parks can be a magical experience for children and adults alike. However, like any vacation destination, there are rules you should follow to ensure you have the best time possible.
From taking on-ride photos to breaking the dress code, if you're planning a visit to Disney, click through this informative gallery to find out what you should never do at a park.