10 Things That Could Get You in Trouble at Disney World—You’ve Definitely Been Tempted by #1
Walt Disney World is known as The Most Magical Place on Earth, where dreams come true and childhood fantasies come to life. It’s a place filled with joy, wonder, and unforgettable moments for visitors of all ages.
But even in this enchanting setting, certain things can get you into trouble unexpectedly. Some actions might seem harmless—or not like a big deal—but they can go against park rules and lead to serious consequences.
Brushing up on the park guidelines before your visit is always a good idea. To help you stay on the right track, we’ve compiled a quick guide to guest behaviors that could unintentionally derail your Disney day.
10. Jumping the Queue
Picture this: You’re standing in the sweltering heat, navigating the never-ending line for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. The sun is beating down, your patience is wearing thin, and you spot your family way up ahead. In the moment, it’s tempting just to hop up and join them.
But here’s the thing—Disney considers that line-cutting, and they take it seriously. Other guests might call you out (and not quietly), and Cast Members can send you all the way back to the end of the line. That’s a whole lot of time lost for a shortcut that probably didn’t seem like a big deal.
Your best bet? Play it fair, wait your turn, and keep the good vibes going. It’s all part of the magic.
9. Being Too Loud at Resort Hotels
Disney resorts are designed for relaxation after a long day at the parks. To maintain a peaceful environment, Disney enforces quiet hours between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. It’s important to be mindful of noise levels, especially in shared hotel spaces.
If you’re staying at a Disney resort and hosting a late-night reunion, remember that the magic is in the quiet moments too. Keep the noise down to ensure everyone can rest and recharge for another exciting day.
8. Bringing Wrapped Gifts into the Parks
Are you planning to surprise someone with a gift at Disney? You may want to rethink your gift-wrapping strategy. Disney’s security team does not allow wrapped gifts to be brought into the parks.
This rule helps prevent potential hazards, but can also spoil the surprise. If you bring a gift, leave it unwrapped until you’re safely outside the park gates.
7. Using Profanity or Offensive Language
Disney works hard to keep the parks fun, positive, and welcoming for guests of all ages. That means anything that disturbs that family-friendly vibe, like profanity, rude gestures, or offensive clothing, can be a problem.
It doesn’t matter if it’s a heat-of-the-moment outburst, a joke that misses the mark in a ride photo, or a comment directed at a cast member or another guest; if it crosses the line, it’s considered inappropriate.
Disney takes hate speech and offensive behavior seriously. If necessary, Cast Members might ask you to change your shirt, give you a warning, or remove you from a ride or even the park.
To help keep the magic alive for everyone, it’s always a good idea to stay respectful, be kind, and remember there are kids (and parents) around you.
6. Using a Selfie Stick
Ah, selfie sticks—what started as a major trend about a decade ago quickly became a big concern at Disney. While the initial craze has calmed down, the rule remains: selfie sticks are banned inside the parks.
Disney considers them a safety hazard, especially in crowded areas and ride queues. And yes, trying to sneak one out during a ride? Definitely not allowed. A long stick waving around on a roller coaster is not part of the magic, and could even cause a ride to stop.
If you’re caught with one, a cast member will usually ask you to put it away, so it’s best to leave it behind and ask a friendly guest to take the photo for you.
5. Distributing Printed Materials
Sharing your message might seem harmless, but handing out flyers, business cards, or any printed materials inside the Disney parks is strictly against the rules, unless you have official approval.
It doesn’t matter if it’s for a small business, a personal cause, or something political. Disney wants to keep the parks focused on fun, not advertising or outside agendas, especially if the message doesn’t reflect Disney’s family-friendly values.
If you’re caught distributing unapproved materials, Cast Members can step in and ask you to stop, and in some cases, it could even lead to being removed from the park.
So, if you have something to promote, it’s best to leave it at the gates and enjoy the magic like everyone else.
4. Possessing Firearms or Objects Resembling Firearms
Disney’s security policies are clear—firearms, weapons, or anything resembling a firearm are strictly prohibited. While security checks can sometimes feel time-consuming, they are in place to keep everyone safe.
If you’re caught with a prohibited item, you’ll be asked to leave the park immediately. So, if you’re carrying a toy gun or any item that could be mistaken for a weapon, be sure to leave it behind.
3. Smoking or Vaping Outside Designated Areas
Timing and location matter if you plan to take a smoke or vape break at Disney. Smoking is only allowed in specific spots, and trying to sneak one anywhere else can get you in trouble.
Each park has one designated smoking area outside the main entrance—except for EPCOT, which gets two because, of course, it’s the only park with two entrances. (We see you, International Gateway.)
Smoking or vaping anywhere else? Not allowed, and Cast Members won’t hesitate to step in. The same rules apply at Disney resorts: no smoking in rooms, balconies, or patios. Each resort has its smoking section, so check the map or ask a cast member before lighting up.
2. Dressing Like a Disney Character or cast member (as an Adult)
It might sound fun to show up dressed as your favorite Disney princess or even rock a look that matches a cast member’s uniform, but at Disney, that can get you into serious trouble.
Adults cannot wear costumes that make them look like official Disney characters or park employees. This can easily confuse other guests, especially children, and blur the line between trained Cast Members and visitors.
If someone thinks you’re a real character or staff member and you misbehave (even unintentionally), it can create safety and guest experience issues.
And it’s not just a polite warning; dressing like a cast member can result in removal from the park and even a ban from returning.
The only time it is okay for an adult to wear a full costume is during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, when special costume rules are in place.
Outside of that, consider DisneyBounding, a creative and rule-friendly way to channel your favorite characters through stylish, inspired outfits without breaking the dress code.
1. Taking Your 3D Glasses Home.
We get it, after riding an epic attraction like Toy Story Mania or Star Tours, it’s tempting to pocket those cool 3D glasses as a unique little “souvenir.” But as cool as they may look, taking them home isn’t just frowned upon; it’s not allowed.
Those glasses are part of the ride experience and must be returned after use. They’re cleaned and reused, which, when you think about it, makes keeping them kind of… gross. Thousands of guests wear them weekly, and even if they are disinfected between uses, they are not exactly a treasure worth bragging about.
Plus, some of the newer glasses, especially for high-tech rides like Flight of Passage, reportedly contain sensors that can trigger alerts if someone tries to walk out with them. Yep, Disney’s magic has eyes.
So, please do yourself a favor and drop them in the return bin. They’re a key part of the attraction, not a keepsake. There are plenty of better souvenirs waiting for you in the gift shop.
Stay Safe and Respectful at Walt Disney World
To make the most of your Disney experience, it’s essential to follow the rules and respect the park’s policies. Disney’s magic is built on respect, kindness, and consideration for others.
Whether you’re dining, exploring the parks, or relaxing at a resort, always remember Disney’s core values. After all, everyone is meant to share the magic of Disney!
Have you encountered any of these behaviors at Disney parks? What’s your top tip for navigating Disney World without getting into trouble?
