When guests visit Disney, they expect to leave with magical memories, but sometimes, there are actions that guests take which make it increasingly difficult to leave with a smile, or in some cases, even feel safe.
Walt Disney World Resort operates under both state and federal law, but as private property, it also enforces its own set of rules and regulations that guests must follow to gain and maintain entry.
Recently, poor guest behavior has become more prevalent, often fueled by individuals seeking viral fame on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. The success of creators who flout Disney’s rules has unfortunately encouraged others to follow suit, turning these violations into a troubling trend.
The Rise of Dress Code Violations
One of the first viral trends involved guests intentionally violating Disney’s dress code policy. While some individuals wore clothing with inappropriate slogans, the majority aimed to exploit a perceived “hack.” Many female guests deliberately wore shirts deemed unacceptable by Disney, hoping to be offered a free replacement.
This policy, initially a gesture of goodwill for unintentional violations, was widely abused, forcing Disney to make changes. Now, guests who arrive in inappropriate attire are denied entry altogether until they return with clothing that complies with the rules, as determined by cast members.
Dangerous Water Stunts
More recently, a new and even more concerning trend has emerged: guests entering areas of water they are not meant to be in. Incidents include:
- A guest sitting in the France pavilion fountain at EPCOT while enjoying a drink.
- Another jumping into the World Showcase lagoon at EPCOT from the Italy pavilion bridge.
- A guest leaping off the boat near Tom Sawyer’s Island at Magic Kingdom and entering the river, which is known to house alligators.
- A woman swimming shirtless in the Sassagoula River near Port Orleans Resort.
- A guest at Tokyo DisneySea jumping into the AquaSphere fountain at the park’s entrance.
These behaviors not only disrupt the park experience but also violate Disney’s safety policies. The company’s rules clearly state: “Engaging in any unsafe act or other act that may impede the operation of the Walt Disney World Resort or any part thereof.” Violating these policies can result in removal from the park, trespassing bans, or even police involvement.
Rule-Breaking in Attractions
Another troubling trend involves guests jumping into the water on attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean and “it’s a small world. Videos of these incidents often surface online, gaining attention but also generating backlash. While such stunts may earn views and fleeting online fame, they frequently attract negative comments, as many recognize the behavior as reckless and inappropriate.
Moreover, these videos serve as evidence for Disney, allowing the company to identify the violators and impose penalties, including permanent bans from the parks.
The Consequences of Social Media Fame
While chasing social media fame might seem enticing, breaking Disney’s rules comes with real consequences. Viral stunts not only disrupt the magic for other guests but also jeopardize the safety and well-being of everyone in the parks. Additionally, these actions tarnish the reputation of those involved, as online backlash often outweighs any fleeting attention.
As Disney continues to crack down on these trends, the message is clear: the rules exist for a reason, and violating them for likes and views is a losing game for everyone involved.