4. Drag a screaming kid onto a ride

Cast members always struggle with when to intervene with a crying or screaming child. On the one hand, we know that the parks are a sensory wonderland that can send even the most even-tempered kid into overload. We also know that some children are naturally timid about new experiences, but end up loving everything they are brave enough to try. On the other hand, we know that some parents are selfish, and they’re going to make little Timmy do every ride in order to “get their money’s worth.”

If your child is kicking and screaming and begging not to ride, please know that it creates an uncomfortable situation for the cast members as well as your fellow guests. And in some cases, your family won’t be allowed to ride. Cast members have discretion to escort a family out when the child seems truly terrified. Some will exercise this option and some won’t, but is it really worth dealing with a 20 minute meltdown in line when you might not get to ride anyway? Go get some ice cream, calmly discuss the situation, and come back when little Timmy has decided he’s ready to ride.

5. Act inappropriately with the characters

The characters love interacting with guests of all ages, and there is no reason you should skip the fun just because you’re no longer under 10, or even under 40. They know their back stories very well, and are always happy to have conversations about their worlds. They’ll pose for pictures, sign autographs, and chat you up. But there are limits.

Groping, punching, pulling, or otherwise physically harassing the characters is a BIG no-no, and their handlers will put a stop to it. Verbal harassment is sometimes harder for the handlers to catch, but it is no less unacceptable. Suggestive comments and rude jokes are among the most common types of verbal harassment characters face, but some have received threats as well. Keep it clean, keep it appropriate to the character’s storyline, and keep it short.

6. Ruin the magic

You might have been to the parks hundreds of times and know every little detail about everything in them. But right next to you are children and adults who are experiencing the magic for the first time. We don’t mind if you spiel along with the Ghost Host in the Haunted Mansion’s stretching room or sing out during Pirates of the Caribbean. But please, if you want to discuss technical details or behind-the-scenes secrets, keep your voice down.

Play along with the idea that the characters are real, the sets are what they appear to be, and the parks are magical places where the real world doesn’t intrude. Find a quiet spot to make your work calls, solve your family dramas, or geek out about that super-cool new audio effect that was just added to your favorite ride. Again, we don’t mind if you do these things, just try not to ruin the magic for others.