Friday, June 13, 2014

Proper Etiquette When Visiting Disney (or Any Other Theme Park)

We just completed our Disney adventure for the year. During our time at Disney (and last year during our visits to Busch Gardens and Sea World), we got a really good look at how people have lost any sense of care for their fellow man. You can only watch your sleeping son get bumped and have his leg squished so many times by people so caught up in  getting where they wanted to go that they somehow completely did not see our huge stroller.

According to Dictionary.com the definition of etiquette is the customs or rules governing behavior regarded as correct or acceptable in social or official life. 

Sadly we have lost much of the etiquette and class that we once had. 

So for any who are interested, here are some rules of etiquette that we should all abide by as we enjoy the place where dreams come true.

1. Watch where you are going. 

 There are people all around you. Many of whom are not watching where they are going. If everyone watched where they were going, most of the other items here would be unnecessary.

2. Remember that you are not the only one at the happiest place on earth.  

There are thousands of other people there too..... and they probably had to save up just as much as you did to get here.

3. Wheelchairs have the right of way. 

Need I say more?

4. Strollers have the right of way. 

It takes a lot of effort to get a stroller with a child or two in it moving. When you jump in front of a moving stroller, we can't stop fast enough. If you get bumped, don't complain.

5. Strollers are to yield to wheelchairs. 

Common decency.

6. It is okay to hold a place in line for one or two people- not five or more.

No one who has been waiting 30 minutes for a ride wants to see their wait get a little longer because you were place holding for a large group.

7. Teach your children how to stand or entertain themselves properly in line. 

Stepping on the feet of others or constantly bumping into someone is not cute or acceptable.
My two year old (who I was holding) asked me why the 10-13 year olds next to us kept bumping him.


8. If your child starts crying and wailing during a show, take them out.

Pretty self-explanatory.

9. Be aware of those who are around you.  

Some guests may be taking pictures and you may be blocking the camera. (true story....)

10. If you are in a large group, walk by twos or threes, not as a mob. 

Guests will have a hard time getting around you.

11. Do not stop suddenly in the middle of the walking paths.  

Again, those walking behind you with strollers will have a hard time stopping in time to avoid hitting you. Don't roll your eyes at them when it happens. Not our fault. (see why in #4)

12. If you sense people trying to get around you, move over.

Nothing is more frustrating trying to walk around someone to get to where you want to be (especially the bathroom with little people), and having people intentionally block your path.

13. Dress appropriately.

You are going to be around children all day. Dress accordingly. Having to explain your wardrobe malfunction to my six year old was not in my plan for the day.

14. Wear deodorant. 

You are in Florida. It is hot. You will be in close quarters with others while waiting to get on rides. Please be considerate.

You know, if we think about it, Jesus had the solution for proper etiquette in any given situation.  

Matthew 22:37- 40 says, "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."

Or as most of us are more familiar with, "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." (Matthew 7:12)

If we just remember to treat others in the ways that we want to be treated, etiquette will not be a thing of the past. It will be alive and well today.

Do you have etiquette items to add to the list?

I'm linking this post up to Family Fun Friday, Prudent Wisdom , Frugal Homeschool Family, Mrs. AOK, Creative K Kids,

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