Even the most Magical Place on Earth has rules!

If you’ve ever browsed the list of Disney World’s rules and policies, you would probably spot several unsurprising additions — for example, weapons are prohibited, as are illegal substances. But what about some of the more unexpected rules?? Let’s take a look at eight of Disney World’s weirdest rules…and why they exist!

No Costumes for Guests Age 14 and Up

Yes, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery…but you may want to leave your Cinderella costume at home! Disney’s official rules state that costumes may not be worn in the theme parks, water parks, or ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex by guests ages 14 or older.

There are some exceptions to this policy — during select after-hours events including Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and the Villains After Hours events, all guests are allowed to wear costumes that follow Disney’s guidelines.

No masks, replica weapons (lightsabers and toy swords are considered acceptable under normal circumstances), or long, dragging materials are allowed for the safety of the guests (Disney specifies this includes princess dresses). Capes may not be longer than waist length.

These limits also apply to any costumes for kiddos 13 and under, who are allowed to wear costumes outside of special events! The exception is children MAY wear certain costume masks as long as their eyes are clearly visible and vision isn’t obstructed.

In 2020, Disney also allowed guests to wear costumes in Magic Kingdom all Halloween season, since the parties were canceled. And we saw some seriously awesome guest costumes this year!

This leads us to the “why” behind this rule — Disney doesn’t want guests to mistake other guests in costume for actual characters. It can be an easy mistake to make, especially for the kiddos. But seriously, some INCREDIBLE costumes could even fool us, adults! Can you believe this isn’t the real Belle in that gorgeous gown??

If a child runs up to Belle for a photo, Disney wants to be able to ensure it’s the real Belle, not Susan from Oklahoma who bought a slammin’ costume online. That can be confusing for a guest, especially in the current times where protective masks and social distancing is required. A rogue Belle or Cinderella could pose a serious health and safety concern if guests insist on approaching.

Some costume limits come down to safety concerns (like tripping or costume parts hitting other guests inadvertently), while others help Disney preserve the magic. Besides, glass slippers DO NOT sound like comfortable park shoes anyway!

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No Balloons Allowed in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Balloons are one of the iconic souvenirs associated with Disney World. And they’re allowed in the other three theme parks, so why not Disney’s Animal Kingdom??

Balloons aren’t sold in Animal Kingdom and guests aren’t even allowed to bring in balloons that they bought elsewhere. This is for the safety of the animals that live in the park. If a balloon were to float off and land in an animal’s habitat, it would present a serious choking hazard.

Balloons are also prohibited at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge for the safety of the animals that live on the savanna.

Guests are also not allowed to bring balloons to the water parks, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, or the NBA Experience, since they could present a safety hazard to other guests as well.

If a guest is unaware of these no-balloon zones and they try to bring one in from another location, Cast Members can hold the balloon at the front of the park or in the baggage area of the hotel.

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No Food or Drinks Around the Characters

This is a good rule to keep in mind whenever character meet-and-greets possibly return. When guests approach a character for a picture, they’ll be asked to put down any food or drinks that they’re holding.

There are several reasons for this rule. The first (and maybe most obvious) is to prevent guests from spilling food or drinks on the characters. Elsa can’t be meeting guests with a coffee stain on her gown, right?? That’s a tough save with a dress THAT white!

But there’s another reason behind the policy as well. Disney doesn’t want it to look like the characters are promoting any particular products. If you’re holding a bottle of Coca Cola or a bag of Lay’s Potato Chips, it might look like the character is “endorsing” a specific brand.

To keep the character’s image clean, both literally and figuratively, guests also can’t be photographed with characters while wearing clothing with lewd language or images.

In most cases, guests wearing clothing with inappropriate messages will be stopped at the park entrance and asked to either flip their clothing inside out or cover it up. But Cast Members working as character attendants also keep a sharp eye out for anything that might have slipped by!

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Characters Can’t Help You Propose

While we’re on the subject of character meet-and-greets, let’s talk proposals. The characters can’t hold engagement rings, posters, balloons, etc. So if you’re planning to pop the question in Disney World, you’ll have to do it without the help of Mickey!

If a guest does try to propose in front of a character, they will quickly move out of the way so they aren’t part of the action. Disney doesn’t allow characters to be involved in proposals (or other major life announcements). If it doesn’t work out, Mickey or Minnie would be a part of a possibly awkward photo memory! There are certainly times that guests have been quick and managed to get a character in their special moment, but the policy is for characters to politely step aside.

And FYI, characters also can’t hold babies or children (or…any guests for that matter), but this one is strictly grounded in safety. So don’t try to hand the kiddos off for a photo or jump into Gaston’s arms, no matter how strong they look.

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No Climbing on the Scenery

Climbing on rocks, statues, walls, etc. presents an obvious safety hazard to the guests. Plus, it could damage the set pieces that Cast Members work tirelessly to maintain.

But what makes this rule weird is that some places that are pretty obviously NOT meant for climbing do have warning signs that specify “no climbing.” 

Unfortunately, in some cases, signs had to be added after a guest did attempt to climb an object. Case in point — the pyramid in EPCOT’s Mexico Pavilion had a “no climbing” sign added several years ago after a guest attempted to scale it.

Other unauthorized climbing instances in recent years include a group of guests attempting to climb the Tree of Life in Animal Kingdom and a guest hopping on stage at Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress.

There are plenty of awesome attractions at Disney World, there’s no need to create our own by scaling the scenery!

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No Clothes Hanging From the Hotel Balcony

This is one of the rules that we do see guests breaking semi-frequently. Disney World’s policy states that hanging any clothing, towels, bedding, or similar objects over or on balconies at a Disney World hotel is prohibited.

This is another rule that has several reasons behind it. First, Disney can’t be responsible for guests’ property, and they won’t be able to assist if items are lost.

Plus, any items that fall from balconies could present a safety hazard to those on the ground. This provides another notable hazard at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, where items could blow into an animal’s habitat and create a choking hazard.

In addition to the concerns for safety and loss of property, this rule could also tie into aesthetics. Disney works hard to create an immersive atmosphere at each of the hotels, and items hanging from the balcony can impact the stage that they’ve meticulously set for their guests.

Next time you want to let those ponchos dry out or bathing suit drip dry, hang them somewhere inside your room!

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No Selfie Sticks

Disney World is a prime place for photos, so some guests might be caught off guard to find that selfie sticks are prohibited from the parks.

Selfie sticks can actually present a pretty serious safety hazard. Just imagine if a guest were to pull one out on a ride like Expedition Everest!

Even outside of the attractions, selfie sticks can be dangerous to guests navigating the parks. People could easily overlook a long, skinny stick protruding out into the walkway and end up strolling right into an outstretched selfie stick.

Not to mention, selfie sticks also present a distraction to the person using them. A guest operating a selfie stick is likely to be less observant of their surroundings, and they could injure themselves in addition to other guests!

Click here to see an Epic New Super ZOOM Magic Shot in Disney’s Animal Kingdom!

No Photos Backstage

Since Disney World is designed to provide guests with a fully immersive show, anywhere behind the scenes is referred to as “backstage.” And Disney doesn’t allow photos to be taken in backstage areas!

This rule most commonly applies to Cast Members, since many jobs require at least some amount of work in backstage areas. But there are instances where guests can find themselves backstage. And in those cases, this rule absolutely applies to them as well!

Guests are able to get a peek backstage as part of many of the VIP tours offered around Disney World. Plus, guests are occasionally routed backstage during special events, when rides are evacuated, or when an attraction queue is diverted. But even when they are able to step behind the curtain, Disney still doesn’t allow guests to take photos of backstage areas not normally intended for view!

Backstage photos are prohibited to help Disney preserve the magic of the parks. Since these areas aren’t normally supposed to be seen by guests, they’re home to plenty of not-so-magical things like undecorated space, set pieces that are out of commission for repair, pallets of food and merchandise waiting to be stocked, janitorial supplies, etc.

Save that space on your camera roll for plenty of pretty pictures on-stage in the Disney parks. Because even if you happen to be routed backstage, your camera’s gotta stay off!

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Disney World has a solid list of rules and policies aimed at ensuring everyone stays safe and the Disney magic still sparkles. Even the most obscure rules have a reason behind them. So leave your selfie sticks and glass slippers at home…and please don’t try to climb the attractions!

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Walt Disney World has issued an update regarding the souvenir luggage tags and Magical Extras that usually come as part of a Disney Resort hotel reservation or vacation package. Starting Jan. 1, 2021, guests can pick up Walt Disney Travel Company Magical Extras and Souvenir Luggage Tags at the front desk anytime during their stay at their Walt Disney World Resort hotel. Luggage Tags will no longer be mailed ahead of time to the guest’s residence. This update is in line with another […]

The post Walt Disney World Resort Guests No Longer Receiving Free Souvenir Luggage Tags by Mail appeared first on WDW News Today.

We’re just days away from 2021, and while things may look different this year, there are still lots of fun ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve at Disney World!

We’ve already found a 2021 cupcake, 2021 ears, and lots of 2021 Disney merchandise. The Disney World Resort hotels will also be hosting some fun activities for their guests. And now we’ve spotted one of those activities over at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge — a fun and free New Year’s Eve scavenger hunt around the hotel to help you ring in the new year with a bit of adventure and magic!

Guests visiting Disney’s Wilderness Lodge will have quite a few ways to ring in the new year at the hotel, including poolside activities, Mickey tie dye, movie under the stars, and a New Year Scavenger Hunt!

The scavenger hunt is available all day. Guests looking to participate can head to the front desk to grab the set of clues. According to the team at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, some of their favorite nature friends are hiding all around the Lodge, just waiting to be found! When you complete the hunt, be sure to head back to the Front Desk for a special treat! Here’s a peek at some of the clues.

We’ve seen scavenger hunts at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge before, so it’s fun to see them hosting one for New Year’s Eve to help their guests celebrate. The hotel has also shared some tips and reminders for their guests, including that face coverings are required for all guests ages 2 and up, guests should keep party sizes limited to those in their traveling party, guests should maintain physical distance at all times, and guests should wash their hands regularly.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge isn’t alone in terms of hosting a scavenger hunt to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Select Disney World resort hotels will be offering scavenger hunts and other fun activities to ring in the New Year, so be sure to check out what’s available at the hotel you’re staying at. We’ll keep an eye out for more ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve around Disney World and let you know what we spot!

Click here to see how you can celebrate New Year’s Eve at House of Blues in Disney Springs!

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Are you heading to Disney World to celebrate New Year’s Eve? Let us know in the comments!

The post Go on a New Year’s Scavenger Hunt at Select Disney World Resort Hotels! first appeared on the disney food blog.

Welcome to the December and final edition of Disney Rumor Round Up for 2020! You can check out the November 2020 installment here. I hope everyone has a happy holiday and new year; thank you for reading this year. This year has certainly been a rough one for many. 2021 is already starting to look a little brighter, so hopefully that continues. Rumors do tend to slow down a bit during this period, but we still have some new things to share. Disclaimer: Any rumors mentioned in this article are not confirmed by Disney, and may not ever happen.

Let’s start by taking a look back at the biggest rumors from 2020 with what came true and what didn’t. This year’s list isn’t as big as some in the past given the circumstances, but we did still have some this year.

• Ratatouille was indeed delayed to 2021
• Nigerian Dwarf goats recently made their debut at Kilimanjaro Safaris
• Princess and the Frog redo of Splash Mountain is still on per Disney after rumors of it being on hold
• Many big questions remain on what will happen for the 50th anniversary after the pandemic halted many plans
• Disney confirmed Stitch’s Great Escape is closed for good but no updates on what that space will become
• Disney removed references to the Mary Poppins attraction, the Spaceship Earth refurbishment, and the festival center as rumors suggested these projects were cancelled or on hold indefinitely
• Reflections: A Disney Lakeside Lodge has been cancelled
• The Cinderella Castle refurbishment was finished despite everything

Magic Kingdom

We don’t have much of anything new for the Magic Kingdom this month. The park has seen small updates here or there. Disney reportedly has been reevaluating their plans for the 50th, which makes sense, and a lot depends on what the fall may look like and if they can have events. Big question marks remain around previously rumored attraction refurbishments, too.

Epcot 

Epcot is another park with a lot of question marks. Disney has stepped up work again and the gorgeous new entrance fountain has debuted at the front of the park. We do not know what Disney has planned for the “spine” now that the festival center has been canned. Journey of Water, the Moana-based water area, is still supposed to happen. Disney has been very coy about what is going on with the Play pavilion as well. They are likely holding on that, though given it was supposed to have a lot of interactive elements, that may not be great during these times.

Ratatouille is set to open in 2021. From the views of the Skyliner, the exterior looks to be basically complete. The expectation for opening, though, is “March-ish” depending on who you look to.

Morocco has now been taken over by Disney as well. This country was the last remaining with significant influence and operations managed by its country. Spice Road Table is now a quick service location of sorts and Aladdin merchandise has now appeared in shops at the pavilion. It’s unclear what other plans Disney has for this World Showcase country at this time.

Hollywood Studios

There is a rumor from WDWMagic that we could see Fantasmic! returning in some capacity come February. The main concerns are regarding safety of the cast member performers in the show. Since reopening, the only show of sorts that Disney has reopened is the Frozen Sing-Along. This would definitely help capacity in a park that needs it.

Animal Kingdom 

No news is good news, right? Joe Rohde, the man behind Animal Kingdom, did recently announce his retirement effective January 5th, 2021. This is worrying to some, including myself, as to whether or not it will lead to his creative vision leaving Animal Kingdom and a more IP-based vision coming in.

Disney Parks and Resorts

Disneyland did intend to reopen the villas at the Grand Californian this month, but given rising case numbers and new guidelines from the state government, they did cancel that. No word on when they might try again.

Also at Disneyland, a rumor has popped up from @DrewDisneyDude on Twitter that, according to a source of his, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway in Disneyland will differ from the Walt Disney World version in several ways. We already know the entrance and queue will be different, but according to this rumor, even more will be. The rumor did not specify any additional info at this time, so we will definitely keep watch on this one.

An interesting discussion and possibility came about through surveys sent to Walt Disney World guests recently. This particular survey, which discussed future resort entertainment, was brought up on the Disney Dish podcast. Survey questions were asked about what guests would like to see at the resorts, from special entertainment on the water ways, projections, interactive elements, to lobby atriums “coming to life.” Clearly, Disney is gauging interest on this if they are asking guests. It also raises questions about how this would impact nighttime entertainment at the parks. If different resorts do different nighttime offerings for guests, you could see guests wanting to spend more time at the resorts to catch those options.

Walt Disney World isn’t just for the young, but also for the young at heart! Yes, a Walt Disney World Vacation has more to offer adults than Dumbo the Flying Elephant and spinning teacups. In addition to award-winning dining and luxury resort hotels, Disney World offers signature quality and service where everything is an experience.

I searched through our Lines 2.0 app and compiled a list of the highest-rated attractions at Disney’s Animal Kingdom according to adults. Will you agree with our users’ ratings? Let’s take a look!

5. Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail

The Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail is a self-guided walking trail located next to Kilimanjaro Safaris. Here guests encounter a variety of African wildlife including two troops of lowland gorillas.

According to the Lines 2.0 app ratings, adults of all ages enjoy this trail with seniors rating it slightly higher than young adults and those over 30.

Young Adults Rating: 4.2

Adults Over 30 Rating: 4.2

Seniors Rating: 4.3

Why Do Adults Love the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail?

Unlike rides and shows, this trail allows guests to experience it at their own pace and their own way. The lush and shady trail is also a welcome escape from the relentless Florida sunshine, and the variety of animals from gorillas to hippos to meerkats to exotic birds makes this trail well worth the trek.

4. Winged Encounters – The Kingdom Takes Flight

This mini-show features colorful macaws flying over Discovery Island and then landing in front of the Tree of Life! It’s a gorgeous, picture-perfect display seemingly straight out of a movie.

Young adults scored Winged Encounters a little lower than the other two adult groups, but what’s surprising is that Lines 2.0 users rated this brief show higher than some of the park’s attractions!

Young Adults Rating: 4.1

Adults Over 30 Rating: 4.5

Seniors Rating: 4.5

Why Do Adults Love Winged Encounters?

Winged Encounters is a photographer and Instagrammer’s dream. There’s nothing quite like seeing those bright, colorful birds swooping in front of the Tree of Life. Plus, once the birds have landed on their perch, guests are free to ask questions from Animal Kingdom’s bird care experts to learn more about them.

3. Expedition Everest

Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain is Animal Kingdom’s take on a runaway train coaster in a mountain. Think of it as a combo of Disneyland’s Matterhorn and the Magic Kingdom’s Big Thunder Mountain. This highly detailed coaster takes guests in and out of the snowy Forbidden Mountain to escape the legendary Yeti!

This masterpiece of a coaster is clearly a crowd-pleaser among young adults and adults over 30 years and rightly so. But it looks like Expedition Everest’s drops and backward movement contributed to its lower score from seniors.

Young Adults Rating: 4.9

Adults Over 30 Rating: 4.8

Seniors Rating: 4.3

Why Do Adults Love Expedition Everest?

Expedition Everest is a masterclass in Disney storytelling and immersion. Plus, it sends guests in and out, up and down, and even backward in a man-made mountain that’s the tallest attraction at Walt Disney World. It checks all the boxes of a thrill ride but keeps guests coming back for its atmosphere and experience.

2. Kilimanjaro Safaris

Kilimanjaro Safaris is an open-air safari through 110 acres home to 34 species of wildlife and designed to look like an actual African reserve. While aboard, guests are treated to views of African wildlife roaming free through forests, grasslands, and savannas.

Adults of all ages rewarded Kilimanjaro Safaris a high rating meaning this particular attraction truly appeals to everyone.

Young Adults Rating: 4.7

Adults Over 30 Rating: 4.7

Seniors Rating: 4.8

Why Do Adults Love Kilimanjaro Safaris?

This attraction is about the closest you can get to an actual African safari and is an experience guests remember long after they’ve left the park. Guests also enjoy a variety of terrains and wildlife ranging from giraffes to elephants to cheetahs to lions. But since these are live animals, you never know which animals you might see and what they might be up to.

1. Flight of Passage

Flight of Passage is Pandora – The World of Avatar’s signature attraction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This flight simulator attraction creates the exhilaration of flight from the back of banshee over and through the breathtaking landscapes of Pandora. Flight of Passage is often compared to Epcot’s Soarin’ Around the World as it effectively simulates the sensation of flight and uses a giant screen coupled with scents and water effects. What makes Flight of Passage unique from Soarin’ Around the World is its use of 3-D coupled with unique ride vehicles.

Both young adults and adults over 30 gave Flight of Passage the highest ratings of all the Animal Kingdom attractions. Seniors awarded it high ratings, but not quite as high as they did for Kilimanjaro Safaris.

Young Adults Rating: 4.9

Over 30 Adults Rating: 4.9

Seniors Rating: 4.7

Why Do Adults Love Flight of Passage?

Flight of Passage is a thrill ride where guests remain stationary throughout the experience. They may feel like they’re flying, dipping, and moving at high speeds; in reality, they’ve never moved from their bike. Not only does this fact comfort adults who are wary of typical thrill rides, but the tone of the attraction is something adults love too.

On a typical Disney attraction, the action starts when something goes wrong. But on Flight of Passage, it’s not about what goes wrong but what goes right. It also offers an uplifting, inspiring tone that some have compared to a religious experience.

Do you agree with our Lines 2.0 app ratings? Which of these attractions would you rate as the highest? Let us know in the comments!

The post Top 5 Highest Rated Animal Kingdom Attractions for Adults appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.