Walt Disney World Resort is having to make changes due to guests not knowing how to behave themselves.
Spanning over 25,000 acres, Walt Disney World Resort consists of four theme parks—Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom—each offering a unique and immersive experience. The magic begins the moment visitors pass through the iconic gates, where they are greeted by Cinderella Castle, an enchanting symbol that beckons them into a world of fantasy.
Magic Kingdom, the flagship park, captures the essence of classic Disney tales. From the thrill of Space Mountain to the nostalgia of “it’s a small world”, there’s something for every generation. EPCOT, dedicated to technological innovation and international cultures, features the iconic Spaceship Earth and the World Showcase, allowing guests to traverse the globe within its borders. Disney’s Hollywood Studios immerses visitors in the magic of filmmaking, with attractions like the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and the groundbreaking Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Meanwhile, Disney’s Animal Kingdom combines the excitement of a theme park with the wonder of a zoo, showcasing the beauty and diversity of the animal kingdom.
The attractions are not limited to the theme parks alone; Disney World also boasts water parks like Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, providing a refreshing escape from the Florida heat. The expansive Disney Springs serves as a shopping, dining, and entertainment district, featuring world-class restaurants, unique boutiques, and live performances.
However, despite the enchanting atmosphere, the recent behavior of some Disney World guests has cast a shadow over the magical experience. Incidents of disruptive behavior, often captured on social media, have raised concerns about the deteriorating etiquette of visitors. Disney, in response to these issues, took a step to address the problem by posting a note on its website urging guests to “be the magic you want to see.” Just in the last year, for instance, we’ve seen instances of guests brawling inside the theme parks, engaging in dangerous behavior such as exiting a ride vehicle, and being rude and inconsiderate to other Disney World guests.
A recent social media further highlighted the increasing instances of what the poster termed “bad parenting” in the parks. The user recounted witnessing troubling behavior, including bullying and traumatizing of children, which they deemed unacceptable in the magical realm of Disney World. The user noted a notable increase in the frequency with which Cast Members (CMs) reminded guests to “supervise your children.”
“At first we thought the increased number of times CMs said “supervise your children” was funny, but clearly they need to say it more often than they already do. We had the privilege to be taken to the parks several times as kids/teens with my grandparents, and have never seen it this bad. I don’t know if it was because it was right before thanksgiving or what, but bullying and traumatizing your kids at Disney World is not the move,” they said.
There has been an increase in warnings coming from Disney Cast Members urging guests to “supervise their children.” Of course, it has to be noted that bad behavior is not limited to children and, actually, there have been far more adults go viral– including arrests– for their bad behavior than children. So, let’s not pretend that the problem is only isolated to parents with children.
Really, the message is clear, no matter who you are. Whether you’re a childless Disney Adult, or whether you’re a large family with numerous kids: Be the magic you want to see. Be considerate of others, including those in your travel party and those who are not with you enjoying the parks. That includes everyone, regardless of who they are or what their group looks like.
What do you think of the park behavior in Disney World? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments!