Disney World is Much More Fun When We Are Nice to Everyone

I've lived in NYC for seven years now, and New Yorkers have a well-known reputation for being pushy, abrasive, and downright mean. But I can honestly say the rudest, nastiest, worst behavior I have ever seen has been at Walt Disney World.

Perhaps it's the freedom of being on vacation, but guests at WDW become a totally different breed of person. Bluntly, WDW guests can be beastly. We've all seen it happen. Or maybe we've been a little beastly from time to time. There's so much over-stimulation at WDW, the fatigue and noise and heat inevitably get to you, and you begin to forget there's an entire park of people also trying to have a nice time. And honestly, the adults are worse than the kids.

I've compiled a list of Rules for Good Behavior at WDW. These could very easily be summed up in one rule - "Don't be a jerk" - but allow me to expand:

"Quick Service" is so named for a reason. Quick Service locations are meant to get you in, stuffed, and out asap. They are not designed for 2 hour lunches. Loitering after you've finished your meal when there are other people waiting for a table is unacceptable. Eat, and move on - or make a reservation at a Table Service location.

Patience is a virtue - and a must. Lines are a given at WDW, and your whining doesn't make it any easier. Oh, Mom and Dad - that means you too. Zip it.

Calm the eff down. Pushing/shoving/stepping on the back of my shoes will not make a line move any faster. It's been scientifically proven, I swear. And your little monkeys swinging on the queue bars and jingling the line chains? Everyone around you is silently wishing them harm.

There is no such thing as "saving" space. This rule especially applies if you are that person who "claims" a section prior to Illuminations/fireworks/parade for your party of 17. It's a free World, and if your party's not present, then that piece of sidewalk is fair game. And those fireworks? They're in the sky! So who the hell cares where you stand? (Please see above).

Farting in line is just plain wrong. So maybe occasionally one squeaks out, but if you're going to subject your neighbors to the after-effects of your chili cheese dog, at least own up to it and apologize. And if you feel another one brewing - please leave. This isn't the FastGas line.

You and your family are not an attraction. As in, when attending a performance or attraction like Mickey's Philharmagic - singing along is annoying. We didn't travel all the way to Florida to hear you and your gremlins screech the lyrics to "Part of Your World." Guess what? I know the words too, and I'm considerate enough to spare you the pain of listening to me sing.

When Cast Members make an announcement, that means you. Yes, you. I can't tell you how many times I've seen people plonk themselves in the middle of rows despite the "move in and fill all available seats" request. What makes you so special? Ah yes, nothing. So follow the rules and we'll all play nicely.

And finally - my Golden Rule:

Give a little respect. Respect your fellow guests, respect the Cast Members, and respect the park (no littering!). A little respect goes a long way in making your vacation (and mine) a lot more fun.

Thanks in advance,

The Disney Chick