Credit: DisneyYou might think Disney World is all churros, character hugs, and happily-ever-afters. But take a closer look, and you’ll realize it’s pretty easy to get on the wrong side of the rules—sometimes without even realizing it. Guests have been escorted out by security, called out by Cast Members, and even arrested in extreme cases, all because they broke a park rule.
We’re not talking about super-obvious stuff like sneaking into restricted areas or shoplifting Mickey ears. Even seemingly harmless actions—like trying to bring in certain items or wearing something slightly off-dress code—can get you pulled aside for a polite (or not-so-polite) chat. And as it turns out, EPCOT’s World Showcase has one spot where “illegal activity” happens way more often than Disney would like.
Rules You Didn’t Know Disney Had
Disney has an entire list of park rules, and some of them are surprisingly strict. Here are a few that catch guests off guard:
No Straws in Animal Kingdom – Disney cares deeply about protecting the animals, so plastic straws and even regular lids aren’t allowed in Animal Kingdom. Instead, you’ll get paper straws (which, let’s be honest, don’t last long in a frozen drink).
No Costumes for Adults – Costumes are reserved for kids 13 and under, except for events like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Even if your Cinderella dress is movie-accurate, Disney says no.
Clothing Restrictions—Shirts with offensive language/designs or overly revealing outfits will earn you a trip back to your hotel to change.
No Loose Ice – This one seems odd, but it’s true. Guests can bring ice packs, but loose ice in a cooler isn’t allowed.
No Selfie Sticks – They’ve been banned for years for safety reasons. You’ll have to leave that extendable stick in your hotel room.
Breaking these rules might not land you in Disney jail (yes, that’s a thing), but you could be stopped, questioned, or even denied entry.
The Rule-Breaking Hot Spot in EPCOT
Now, let’s talk about EPCOT—and one specific spot that seems to attract more than its fair share of “rule benders.” You might expect that behavior over in the bars during the Drink Around the World challenge, but the location we’re talking about is far more innocent.
We’re heading to the Norway Pavilion in World Showcase, where the ever-popular Frozen Ever After ride and Anna and Elsa meet-and-greet are located.
The Wandering Reindeer Shop
If you’ve been to Norway recently, you’ve probably seen the Wandering Reindeer—a small Frozen-themed gift shop filled with plush Olafs, Elsa tiaras, and cozy winter gear (even though you’re in Florida). But this store differs from the other EPCOT shops for one fundamental reason: you’re technically not supposed to just walk in from the outside and browse.
Why? Because the Wandering Reindeer isn’t a standard retail location—it’s the designated exit for the Royal Sommerhus, where guests meet Anna and Elsa.
Not Your Average EPCOT Store
Most stores in EPCOT welcome anyone who wants to shop, whether you’ve just ridden a ride or are strolling through World Showcase. But this one’s different. The only door to the Wandering Reindeer is the one guests use to leave the meet-and-greet. That means it’s designed for people who’ve already hugged the princesses, snapped a photo, and are ready to grab some souvenirs before heading back into the park.
It might sound harmless to pop in, especially if you’re a Frozen fan or just need a blast of air conditioning, but Disney has an operational reason for keeping it clear: it’s the only exit for the meet-and-greet.
Why This Rule Exists
When guests who haven’t done the meet-and-greet linger inside the Wandering Reindeer, it creates a significant traffic jam. Imagine Anna and Elsa wrapping up with a family, and as they head out, they’re met with a wall of people shopping—or worse, standing around to cool off. That clogs the exit, slows the flow of guests, and frustrates the people waiting to see the princesses.
Cast Members have even been instructed to politely redirect anyone who tries to come in just to browse. Sometimes, they’ll let you take a quick look if the store isn’t busy, but hanging around too long will get you asked to leave.
How Guests Keep Pushing the Boundaries
Despite the rule, many guests still wander in. Some genuinely don’t know they aren’t supposed to be there, while others have figured out that the store’s icy A/C is a nice break from the Florida heat. It’s not exactly criminal activity, but it is against the guidelines—and it’s happening often enough that Cast Members are keeping a close eye on it.
There have been reports of people trying to argue their way into staying longer, claiming they “just want to shop.” Others will sneak in behind exiting families, pretending they just came from meeting Anna and Elsa. It’s not the same as breaking into a backstage area, but Disney still considers it a problem that needs addressing.
How to Avoid Getting in Trouble
If you want Frozen merch, the good news is that you have plenty of options. The Norway Pavilion has other spots selling similar items, and the larger stores near EPCOT’s front entrance often carry the same princess costumes and plush characters. Plus, you can always meet Anna and Elsa—it’s a sweet experience, and then you can shop guilt-free on the way out.
The easiest way to avoid a cast member confrontation? Remember that the Wandering Reindeer is an exit, not an entry.
Keeping the Magic Flowing
Disney is a master at making everything feel effortless, but there’s a lot of behind-the-scenes planning that goes into keeping the parks running smoothly. When guests ignore or don’t know the rules, it can throw a wrench in that carefully choreographed magic.
So next time you’re at EPCOT, play it safe. Meet Anna and Elsa if you want to shop at the Wandering Reindeer, skip the selfie stick, and maybe leave the loose ice at home. Your day will be a lot more magical if you don’t have to explain yourself to a cast member.