After going to the parks a few times you recognize certain things and come to expect them on every trip.  When I go the Studios, I expect the opening of the park by Otto Von Bonn Bahn to be just as funny and exciting as the time before.  I expect a huge onslaught of fast walkers to the Tower of Terror and Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster when the ropes drop. And I expect that I’ll find something new in the queue of Muppet Vision 3D while I wait for the show.  However, there are some things that I have come to expect that I don’t necessarily appreciate.  These are the proverbial thorns in my side that I must put up with during my trips to Walt Disney World.  While I do not want to sound unappreciative or snobby, there just some things that one can not overlook despite how much one tries.  These are my Walt Disney World pet peeves. 

Theme Park Etiquette

            The Golden Rule:  Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.  Wise words that span cultures, religions, and places . . . except for Walt Disney World apparently.  Don’t get me wrong, not everyone is guilty of breaking this basic rule, but all it takes is one person to ruin your entire day at the parks.  If you have been to Walt Disney World, especially during busier times of year, you know exactly what I’m referring to. 

            As most guidebooks, podcasts, websites, and cast members will tell you, it is important to find your spot for parades well before they begin.  This advice is to ensure you get optimal and unobstructed viewing locations.  And people who plan accordingly and diligently often do find spots thirty to sixty minutes before a parade.  However, there are always people who try to SQUEEZE their way in beside you or even in front of you moments before the parade passes by.  Not only are these Johnny-come-lately’s rude, but they take advantage of your good nature and wise planning.

            Another good example is the bench saver.  Places to sit are not always prevalent in Walt Disney World, and when one finds a bench, it can be a godsend.  That is, until you realize the entire row of benches are occupied by one person and about a dozen or so jackets, purses, hats, and backpacks.  Not only have I been denied a place to sit, but I have actually been scoffed at when I asked to sit down for 10-15 minutes. 

            I am not suggesting that people do not have a right to enjoy their time at Walt Disney World, but when one’s behavior negatively affects someone else’s time in the parks . . . then there is a problem.  And the thing is, it does NOT have to be a problem.  People just have to remember three things that will make everyone’s experience much better: courtesy, reasonableness, and respect.  If you remember that, then we can all enjoy our time at the World.

Unusual Themes

            I’ll be honest.  I’m excited to see the Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor.  While I’ve heard mixed reviews, I’m just amazed at the technology and the interactivity involved with this new generation of attraction.  However, there is a problem . . . what in the world does Pixar’s Monsters, Inc. have to do with the theming of Tomorrowland? 

Along the same vein, the High School Musical Pep Rally was originally set in the open area in front of the Carousel of Progress in Tomorrowland.  While I don’t deny that East High School and its cast of characters are “hip and cool” today, I don’t see the fit of singing and dancing high schoolers next to the Tomorrowland Transit Authority or the Carousel of Progress (sorry Gabriella and Troy).

            Okay, let me back up a little.  Walt Disney World was built thematically, with distinct lands that contain similarly distinct attractions, restaurants, etc.  For example, Expedition Everest is in Asia in the Animal Kingdom, the Jungle Cruise is in Adventureland in the Magic Kingdom, and the Maelstrom is in the Norway Pavilion in World Showcase at Epcot.  There is generally supposed to a rhyme or reason to things.  However, when you stick a pep rally in the middle of Tomorrowland, it distracts from the presentation of the parks and can honestly leave you scratching your head. 

            Of course I realize there are a lot of practical reasons for Disney’s decisions: there was no room to put the pep rally elsewhere (until they moved it to the Disney-MGM Studios), and the Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor was built there to replace the 360-degree attraction Timekeeper (space is at a premium in the Magic Kingdom).  Still, as Disney makes more and more in selecting areas for its attractions is it only a matter of time when there won’t be a difference between Tomorrowland and Adventureland?  I seriously hope not.

The ABC Theater

            For my last section, my pet peeve is pretty simple.  The absence of anything in the ABC Theater irritates everytime I walk past it.  And the solution is simple: For goodness sakes& put SOMETHING& ANYTHING& in the ABC Theater. This poor place has not seen the light of day for almost six years now.  It was the home of SuperStar Television form 1989 – 1998 and then opened again as Doug Live from 1999 – 2001. But for the past six years it has mostly been unused and vacant.  Come on Disney, you can do better than that.

Now it is your turn.  I’d like to hear some of your pet peeves and perhaps some suggestions on how to solve them.  Do you agree with what I said?  Disagree?  Post them in the comments below! 

Next time we’ll discuss some tips for staying cool in the hot summer months. 

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