Disney World may feel like the most carefree place on Earth, but the truth is, there are rules everywhere—some obvious, others surprisingly easy to break without realizing it.
Guests have been stopped by security, escorted out by Cast Members, and, in rare cases, even arrested. Sometimes, all it takes is being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
And yes, EPCOT has one “wrong place” that’s fooling guests left and right.
Rules You Might Not Expect
You might already know you can’t sneak into backstage areas or walk out with unpaid Mickey ears, but Disney’s list of no-nos goes much deeper:
- No straws in Animal Kingdom (paper only, to protect animals).
- No adult costumes unless it’s a special ticketed event.
- No offensive or overly revealing clothing.
- No loose ice in coolers—ice packs only.
- No selfie sticks, period.
Break one of these rules and you could face a polite redirect—or a not-so-polite one.
The Norway Pavilion’s “Trap”
One rule-breaking hotspot sits in the Norway Pavilion. Guests often wander into a shop called The Wandering Reindeer—a cozy, Frozen-themed store packed with Olaf plush, Elsa crowns, and winter accessories. But here’s the thing: you’re not supposed to enter unless you’ve just met Anna and Elsa.
Why? This isn’t a regular store. It’s the only exit from the Royal Sommerhus meet-and-greet.
Why Disney Keeps It Clear
When non-meet-and-greet guests linger in the shop, it slows the flow of people leaving, causes crowding, and frustrates those waiting in line. Imagine meeting Elsa, sharing a magical moment, and then heading toward the door—only to find a wall of people browsing plush Olafs or camping under the air vents. It instantly kills the smooth “in-and-out” rhythm Disney aims for.
There’s also a safety element. This space is the only direct exit from the Royal Sommerhus in an emergency. If it’s jam-packed with extra guests, it could create a bottleneck that makes evacuating slower. That’s why Cast Members are instructed to keep the area clear, redirecting anyone who didn’t just meet the princesses.
The Rule Breakers Keep Coming
Still, plenty of people sneak in—some because they don’t know better, others because the A/C is tempting. A few even pretend they just saw Anna and Elsa to avoid being asked to leave, while others linger awkwardly near the exit, hoping no one notices they didn’t meet the princesses.
Avoiding the Awkward Moment
If you want Frozen merch, the Norway Pavilion has other shops, and EPCOT’s front entrance stores have plenty of princess gear. The easiest fix? Meet Anna and Elsa first—then shop guilt-free.
At Disney, even the most innocent-looking corners can have rules attached. Knowing them keeps your day magical and confrontation-free.
