Top 10 Things You NEVER Want to Do at Disney World or Disneyland: Taboos, Noob Mistakes, and What Can Get You Booted!
A trip to Disney World or Disneyland promises pure magic—until a rookie mistake or a park taboo turns your dream day into a disaster. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned pro, there are some big no-nos that can ruin your experience, annoy other guests, or even get you kicked out of the park.
From unspoken etiquette to strict rules that can lead to ejection, here are the top 10 things you never want to do at the Happiest Place on Earth—plus a deeper dive into what can get you shown the exit. Let’s keep your vacation magical!
1. Don’t Use Profanity or Offensive Language—It’s a Fast Track Out the Gate
Disney parks are all about creating a family-friendly atmosphere, and they don’t mess around when it comes to keeping things wholesome. Using profanity or offensive language in public spaces is a major taboo—and it’s a direct violation of park rules that can get you booted. Both Disneyland and Disney World have policies that allow them to remove guests who use inappropriate language toward Cast Members or others, emphasizing the need for common courtesy to maintain the magic for everyone.
Imagine you’re frustrated after a long wait for Space Mountain and let a curse word slip in front of a Cast Member—or worse, you yell something offensive at another guest. Next thing you know, security is escorting you out, and your park day is over. Keep the language G-rated, even when the lines are long. It’s a small price to pay to avoid ruining your trip—or someone else’s.
2. Don’t Hog the Bathroom to Check Your Phone—Lines Are Long Enough!
Here’s a rookie mistake that’ll make you the least popular person in Fantasyland: lingering in the bathroom to scroll through Instagram or reply to texts. Disney park bathrooms can get packed, especially during peak times, and holding up the line is a quick way to earn some serious glares. There are plenty of other spots—like benches or shaded areas—where you can check your phone without causing a bottleneck.
With thousands of guests in the park, every second counts. Don’t be the one making a parent with a toddler wait longer than necessary. Save the social media scrolling for the monorail or a break, and keep those bathroom lines moving.
3. Don’t Skip Planning Your Dining—You’ll Be Left Hungry and Hangry
One of the biggest noob mistakes is thinking you can just wing it with dining at Disney parks. While Disneyland might be a bit more forgiving, Disney World’s dining reservations for popular spots like Be Our Guest or character meals at Chef Mickey’s can book up fast. If you don’t plan ahead—Disney allows reservations up to 60 days in advance—you might be stuck with limited quick-service options, long waits, or no food at all during peak hours.
Picture your kids melting down because they’re hungry, and the only nearby spot has a 45-minute wait. Plan those meals, snag those reservations, and keep the magic alive. No one wants a hangry family at Disney, and a little preparation can save the day.
4. Don’t Be on Your Phone During Rides—You’re Missing the Magic!
This modern-day faux pas drives Disney fans up the wall: being on your phone while on a ride. Whether you’re texting, snapping selfies, or taking a phone call, it’s a major distraction that ruins the experience for you and those around you. Rides like Pirates of the Caribbean or Haunted Mansion are designed to immerse you in their worlds—don’t break the spell by staring at a screen.
You’re also likely annoying the family behind you who just waited an hour to experience the magic. Put the phone away, soak in the moment, and save the Insta post for after you disembark. The memories you make on the ride will be worth way more than a quick notification check.
5. Don’t Wear Heels Unless It’s Just for Dinner—Your Feet Will Thank You!
This one’s for anyone who prioritizes style over comfort: don’t wear heels to the parks unless you’re only popping in for a fancy dinner reservation. Disney parks are a marathon—you’ll easily walk 5-10 miles in a single day, and heels will leave you in agony by lunchtime. Stick to supportive sneakers or walking shoes for park days, and save the fancy footwear for a dinner at California Grill or Victoria & Albert’s.
Imagine strutting into Magic Kingdom in stilettos, only to be hobbling by noon with blisters the size of Mickey ears. Comfort is key for an active vacation like this, and your feet—and your mood—will thank you by the end of the trip.
6. Don’t Cut in Line or Save Spots for a Big Group—It’s a Bootable Offense
Line-cutting is a cardinal sin at Disney parks, and it’s one of the fastest ways to get yourself ejected. Disney has a strict no-tolerance policy for cutting in line, and that includes holding spots for a large group while they’re off doing something else. Both Disneyland and Disney World can remove guests who jump the queue inappropriately, as fairness in line management is a big deal for keeping the magic alive for everyone.
Let’s say you try to save spots in the line for Splash Mountain for your entire extended family of 10 while they’re grabbing snacks. Not only will you face the wrath of the guests behind you, but a Cast Member might intervene—and if you argue, you could be asked to leave the park entirely. If your group isn’t ready, step out of line and rejoin together later. It’s the fair thing to do.
7. Don’t Bring Prohibited Items—They’ll Get You Kicked Out at the Gate
Disney parks have a long list of prohibited items, and bringing them can get you denied entry—or worse, escorted out if you manage to sneak them in. Items like weapons (including toy guns), alcohol (unless purchased in the park), drones, and selfie sticks are strictly banned for safety reasons. If you roll up to the entrance with a selfie stick for that perfect castle shot, you’ll be turned away at security—or asked to return it to your car or hotel.
Worse, if you somehow get a prohibited item like a pocketknife past security and it’s discovered later, you could be removed from the park entirely. Check Disney’s official website for the full list of banned items before you pack, and avoid the headache of a ruined day. It’s not worth the risk of missing out on the magic.
8. Don’t Ignore Cast Member Instructions—Disobeying Can Lead to Ejection
Cast Members are there to keep the magic running smoothly, and ignoring their instructions can land you in hot water—potentially even get you kicked out. Whether it’s refusing to follow ride safety protocols, ignoring parade or fireworks viewing guidelines, or trying to enter a restricted area, non-compliance is a big no-no. Disney can remove guests for failing to comply with Cast Member instructions, especially if it endangers safety.
For example, if a Cast Member tells you to stay seated on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad but you stand up mid-ride, the attraction could be stopped, and you might be escorted off the premises for endangering yourself and others. Or, if you sneak into a roped-off area during a parade, you could be asked to leave the park entirely. Cast Members aren’t trying to ruin your fun—they’re keeping everyone safe. Follow their directions, and you’ll avoid a one-way ticket to the exit.
9. Don’t Smoke or Vape in Non-Designated Areas—It’s a Smoky Way to Get Booted
Disney parks have strict smoking policies, and lighting up outside of designated smoking areas is a surefire way to get in trouble. Smoking (including vaping) is only allowed in specific, out-of-the-way spots, and violating this rule can lead to ejection. Both Disneyland and Disney World prohibit smoking outside these areas to keep the air clean for all guests, especially kids, and they’ll remove guests who don’t comply.
Imagine taking a quick vape break in the middle of Main Street, U.S.A., thinking no one will notice. A Cast Member spots you, and after a warning, you do it again—next thing you know, you’re being asked to leave the park. If you need a smoke break, find a designated area (check park maps for locations), or step outside the park entirely if you’re at Disneyland. It’s an easy rule to follow for a better experience for everyone.
10. Don’t Overpack Your Backpack—Security Will Slow You Down and You Might Lose the Magic!
Packing light is key at Disney parks, but overpacking your backpack with unnecessary items can lead to a frustrating start to your day—and potentially get you in trouble if you bring something prohibited. Security checks at both Disney World and Disneyland are thorough, and an overstuffed bag can slow down the process for everyone, holding up the queue as they dig through your stuff.
Think about it: if your bag is crammed with extra clothes, a full picnic, or questionable items like a Swiss Army knife, you’ll likely get pulled aside for a manual check. Not only does this delay your entry, but if security finds a prohibited item, you could be denied entry altogether—or escorted out later if it’s discovered inside the park. Pack smart: essentials like water, snacks, sunscreen, and a portable charger are fine, but leave the kitchen sink at home. You’ll breeze through security and keep the magic flowing from the start.
What Can Get You Booted: A Deeper Dive into Disney’s Zero-Tolerance Rules
Disney parks are known for their strict policies to maintain a safe, family-friendly environment, and certain behaviors can lead to immediate ejection. Beyond what’s already been covered, here are more actions that can get you kicked out of Disney World or Disneyland—and why they’re taken so seriously:
Fighting or Physical Altercations: Engaging in any kind of physical fight—whether with another guest or a Cast Member—is a guaranteed way to get removed. Disney’s policies include ejection for fighting or threatening behavior, as they prioritize safety above all else. If you lose your temper over a spot in the parade viewing area and shove someone, security will step in fast, and your day will be over.
Harassing or Abusing Cast Members: Cast Members deal with a lot, and Disney has their back. Verbally abusing, threatening, or harassing a Cast Member can lead to ejection. There have been reports of guests mistreating Cast Members, and Disneyland has clarified that such behavior can get you removed. For example, yelling at a Cast Member for enforcing a rule (like no smoking) could get you shown the door.
Being Under the Influence: Showing up drunk or high—or consuming illegal substances in the park—can get you kicked out immediately. Disney prohibits being under the influence of drugs or alcohol to the point of impairment, and bringing your own alcohol or drugs is also banned. If you’re stumbling around EPCOT after sneaking in a flask, security won’t hesitate to escort you out.
Stealing or Vandalism: Taking something that doesn’t belong to you (like a souvenir you didn’t pay for) or damaging park property can lead to ejection—and potentially legal consequences. Disney’s policies include removal for theft and vandalism. For instance, carving your initials into a railing at Tomorrowland or shoplifting a Mickey plush could end your day—and your Disney vacation—abruptly.
Ignoring Safety Protocols During Events: During fireworks, parades, or character meet-and-greets, ignoring safety barriers or instructions can get you in trouble. If you climb over a barrier to get a better photo of the castle during fireworks, you’re not only risking your safety but also violating park rules, which can lead to removal.
Disney’s enforcement of these rules isn’t just about keeping the magic alive for other guests—it’s about safety and maintaining the park’s reputation. If you’re asked to leave, you won’t get a refund, and you might even be banned from returning. So, play by the rules, and don’t let a moment of bad judgment ruin your trip.
Why These Mistakes and Taboos Matter
Disney parks are a carefully curated bubble of joy, but breaking these taboos, making rookie mistakes, or ignoring park rules can pop that bubble faster than you can say “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo.” Whether it’s respecting Cast Members, planning ahead, or keeping your behavior in check, avoiding these 10 pitfalls ensures your trip stays magical—for you and everyone around you. Disney’s zero-tolerance policies are there for a reason, and getting booted isn’t just embarrassing—it’s a surefire way to end your vacation on a sour note.
So, pack those comfy shoes, book that dining reservation, keep the language clean, and follow the rules. The only thing you should be worrying about at Disney is whether to ride Space Mountain one more time or grab a Dole Whip first (spoiler: do both!).
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
Have you ever witnessed someone breaking a Disney park taboo—or made a rookie mistake yourself? Maybe you’ve seen someone get escorted out for bad behavior? Share your stories in the comments or on social media. Let’s swap tips to keep the magic alive for every park guest!
News compiled and edited by Ivy Adams for Pirates & Princesses
Sources:
Disney Food Blog, “10 Disney World TABOOS!”
Disney Food Blog, “The 10 Worst Things EVERYONE Does in Disney World!”
Disney Dose, “Avoid These 15 Common Disneyland Mistakes”
Inside the Magic, “Disneyland Will Remove Guests for Inappropriate Behavior”