The Quirky Trend of Hair Ties at Disney World: What’s Going On?
What’s with all this “trash” being thrown off Disney roller coasters?
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Disney World is full of fun and magic, though a curious trend has plagued the resort for quite some time. For unknown reasons, guests have taken to tossing their hair ties while riding certain attractions. While this is quite literally littering, over time, the act of discarding hair ties has become something of a tradition among thrill-seekers riding attractions like Expedition Everest and the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
The hair tie phenomenon primarily manifests at specific attractions. For Expedition Everest, riders tend to toss their hair ties right at the peak before the ride plunges backward into the dark, making it a strategic time to free themselves from their hair restraints.
Similarly, on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, the trend occurs at the beginning and end of the ride. The hair ties have garnered a bit of notoriety within Disney’s culture, much to the amusement and confusion of park goers.
Though this trend may seem light-hearted, it poses a significant impact on the overall Disney experience. Visitors arrive at the park expecting an immersive environment filled with magic, yet scattered hair ties detract from that atmosphere.
The sight of these colorful ties may elicit laughter or confusion, but they ultimately represent a break from the carefully curated Disney experience that fans cherish.
Years ago, former Walt Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde commented on the phenomenon, sharing insight only the legendary creative could provide.
🏔@Joe_Rohde commented on the Expedition Everest hair ties and I’ll never look at them the same way pic.twitter.com/BS045VDJSs
— 🍓✨carlye wisel (@carlyewisel) June 24, 2022
Disney World has strict rules concerning littering, which include the disposal of any items, including hair ties, on rides. The goal is to create a magical and clean environment for all guests. Although the hair tie phenomenon may appear trivial to some, it still violates the park’s policies aimed at preserving the enchanting atmosphere. Guests are encouraged to show respect for the park’s cleanliness by following these regulations.
Beyond aesthetics, litter poses significant environmental concerns. Ombudsman for Disney parks emphasize that trash can harm wildlife, contaminate surroundings, and disrupt local ecosystems. A simple hair tie may seem innocuous, but it can contribute to larger issues if not disposed of properly. Therefore, raising awareness about the importance of proper waste disposal can rally guests to take responsibility for their actions.
Disney World encourages visitors not only to enjoy the attractions but also to be respectful of the park’s environment. By properly disposing of their trash and using designated waste bins, guests can maintain the pristine nature of Disney.