Don't Be a Tourist: Disney Parks Etiquette

If you're keeping up with the blog, you know that Walt Disney World has become more and more crowded in the last year. The U.S. economy is on the upswing, there are lots of new perks, special celebrations, room/ticket/package discounts...all sorts of things.

I do not begrudge anyone a Disney vacation, however, I'm quick to wag my finger at people who can't manage to behave themselves. Here are my top three pet peeves:

1. No smoking! People, you cannot wander around the Magic Kingdom puffing away. There are smoking areas in each Park. Seek them out, use them.

2. No flash pictures, please! There are a lot of reasons for this - camera flashes damage the attractions, can 'blind' ride operators whose job is to keep you safe and it is really annoying to your fellow guests.

3. Be nice to Cast Members. Yes, it is HOT. Yes, it is CROWDED. Your kids are on your nerves, your feet hurt and you've been standing in line all day. That's not a Cast Member's fault. Don't take it out on them. They are all trying very hard to do their jobs, You wouldn't want someone to come to your office and scream at you.