FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

If you’ve spent much time in Disney theme parks, you’ve probably noticed a few trends in the types of guests you encounter there. A seasoned Cast Member can often spot these characteristics from a mile away, but you too can play the game of “Name that Tourist.”

While these profiles may offer a somewhat flamboyant example of each character, you’ll find them roaming the parks in varying degrees. See how many you spot the next time you’re there.

1. The Crazy Pin Trader

Image via Flickr by Sam Howzit

Distinguishing Characteristics: A vest, bag, and hat liberally covered in pins. Lanyards are for rookies.

Favorite Saying: “Can I see your pins?”

Most Common Activities: Browsing pin stores, eyeing up Cast Member lanyards, and shooting superior looks to less seasoned traders

Pin trading is a popular activity for guests of all ages, but Crazy Pin Trader takes it to a whole new level with elaborate outfits heavily weighed down with these treasures. And you can bet he’s only wearing a small portion of his stash. Crazy Pin Trader seems imposing with all that metal, but he’s really harmless. If you want to know more about these collectibles, go ahead and engage him, but if you’re not interested in hearing the story behind how he scored that rare specimen, avoid eye contact.

2. The Confused First-Timer

Distinguishing Characteristics: Brand new shoes and lost expression. Watch out, this guest makes frequent unexpected U-turns.

Favorite Saying: Anything that includes totally butchered names of popular attractions. He’s always looking for the “Haunted House,” “Mitterhorn,” “New Frontierland,” the “President’s Hall of Fame,” and the “Jungle Safari.”

Most Common Activities: Looking desperately for attractions that are in other areas of the park – or other parks entirely.

There’s no shame in being new, so tread gently with these poor confused guests. The good news is that you’re unlikely to become one of them by the sheer fact that you’re reading this blog. Not all first-timers are confused, and many go in armed to the teeth with everything they need to know for a stellar vacation. It’s the guests who don’t bother to prepare, and show up at Magic Kingdom looking for Disneyland who can have a troublesome time.

3. The Entitled Annual Passholder

Distinguishing Characteristics: Overwhelming air of superiority, Passholder slider on his Magic Band

Favorite Saying: “But I’m a passholder.”

Most Common Activities: Carefully critiquing all aspects of the park’s presentation and Cast Member decorum. Offering ample unsolicited advice to parties around them.

Undoubtedly, there are many guests with annual passes who go about their day quietly, but the Entitled Annual Passholder is an entirely different creature. This guest knows he spent a fortune on that pass and is absolutely determined both to squeeze every penny out of it, and to let everyone else know what he’s doing. He expects preferential treatment above and beyond the norm, and is quick to spot anything out of place. Don’t be surprised to hear all about how the yeti on Everest is nothing like he was during the preview, or to get a complete rundown of the best menu items at every restaurant – even though you never asked.

 
FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Comments

When I worked in EPCOT guests would ask me where was Fast Track (Test Track), Sweden (Norway), and Spaceship Mountain (Spaceship Earth). One time a guest thought she was in Hollywood Studios. When I told her she was in EPCOT she asked me if "I was sure" we were in EPCOT. My costume has about 30 Spaceship Earths all over it.

*Raises Hand* Sigh..Entitled Annual Pass Holder. Entitled might be strong word but otherwise I have done everything in the description.

I am guilty of both #1 and #4. I, too, use only a lanyard. Other pins I display at my Work cubicle (yes, everyone at the Office knows I am a "Super Disney Fan").
For #4, I find myself one of those who knows the dialogue of The Haunted Mansion, by heart. I'm sure some people think I'm nuts; others say "You've been on this ride, before".

Oh dear. I have been 4 of those 5 at some stage in my life. Never felt entitled, but did have strong opinions and gave unsolicited advice.

I'm an annual pass holder for disneyland for many years I collect trading pins since 06 but I do it the rookie way with the lanyard. Lol

View More Comments

Add new comment

About Theme Park Tourist

Theme Park Tourist is one of the web’s leading sources of essential information and entertaining articles about theme parks in Orlando and beyond.

We are one of the world’s largest theme park guide sites, hosting detailed guides to more than 80 theme parks around the globe.

Find Out More About Us...

Plan Your Trip

Our theme park guides contain reviews and ratings of rides, restaurants and hotels at more than 80 theme parks worldwide.

You can even print them.

Start Planning Now...