4. They simply hang out

Many locals have a handful of favorite attractions, and they don’t bother to do anything else unless friends are in from out of town. Instead, they spend a lot of time just hanging out, like other people might do at the mall. I have been known to spend an entire day at the Magic Kingdom and never get off of Main Street. Downtown Disney is one of my favorite spots to sit and talk things over when I’m having a bad day. Sitting and watching the world go by is often preferable to standing in yet another queue.

Next time you’re in the parks, keep an eye out for people who don’t seem to be doing much of anything. Odds are good that you will spot a local or two.

5. They conduct business from the parks

While today’s always-connected world means that more than a few theme park visitors are on their phones or tablets throughout the day, especially since My Disney Experience requires it, locals are a whole different breed. They’ll sneak off into a quiet corner for a telephone job interview or Skype meeting, work on projects during Wishes, or take potential clients to dinner at Marrakesh. In short, for a local, the theme parks are just another backdrop for life as normal. They don’t carve out time for the parks, but instead weave them into their daily routine.

6. They never lose their love of the magic

Although it might sound like locals are jaded and “over it,” they are always aware of the magic going on around them. And whenever they can, they love to be a part of making someone’s vacation a bit more magical. They’re the first to share a hot tip for fireworks viewing or their secrets for racking up a huge score at Toy Story Midway Mania. They also have an uncanny ability to switch back and forth between whatever they’re focusing on and something cool happening in the parks. A pair of them might be wandering down Main Street intensely discussing an upcoming project, and then burst into cheers when they spot a favorite character. After a short interaction, they return to their discussion as if nothing unusual happened at all.

Locals are definitely a different breed when compared to the average theme park fan. Yet they play a special role in the overall fabric of human interactions that make up such a large part of the experience. Next time you spot a local, be sure to say hi. You’ll be surprised just how much new appreciation you’ll gain for the parks.