Disney World sees MILLIONS of visitors every year.
Magic Kingdom
So you can imagine that dealing with SO many people on a daily basis can be a challenge for Cast Members. When you visit Disney World, too, there are specific rules that you need to follow (although there are some unwritten rules, too). Some rules, though, get broken so often that Cast Members are literally BEGGING you not to break them. So we’re going to outline one of the most COMMON offenses (and what to do INSTEAD).
If you’ve ever visited Disney World, you might have noticed that you will occasionally see Cast Members putting white tape on the ground, blocking out very specific areas. This usually happens during the fireworks, parades, and other live entertainment. Now, you might not know what that tape is for, so we’re going to tell you.
Taped line
The taped-off areas are being used for crowd control. That’s because people tend to crowd specific areas when you’re watching a parade or fireworks. You need to stand WITHIN the taped-off areas to watch entertainment because the other areas are either off-limits or are being used to create paths for those guests who just need to move through the area.
Tape is going down for fireworks!
However, many people don’t know what the tape means, although Cast Members are generally on-hand during these events to direct people to stay within the lines. So whatever you do, don’t deliberately cross the tape because then you’re just causing a problem for crowd control and blocking other guests who may not be interested in watching the entertainment. Also, if you do accidentally cross a taped line and a Cast Member directs you to move, please follow their instructions.
Taped-off areas for fireworks in Hollywood Studios
Now, we will say there is ONE instance where you are encouraged to break this rule. If you see a small box taped-off that looks like this…
Small taped-off area
…you should ABSOLUTELY cross the tape and step inside the box. That’s because when you do so, you’ll get to learn the beauty of what’s called a “Clap Box.” Visitors who step inside the box immediately get applauded by Cast Members. It’s a magical moment and an ego boost all in one.
Clap Box
However, if you see tape blocking off other areas, keep in mind that it’s there for a reason — to make sure everything keeps flowing smoothly, even during crowded events. If you want to avoid being smushed into a small taped-off area, you can check out the Magic Kingdom fireworks from a different part of the park instead! We like to recommend the area by Gaston’s Tavern in Fantasyland. It’s quiet, uncrowded, and gives you a GREAT view of the fireworks.
Come HERE at night instead!
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13 Rules You’re Accidentally Breaking in Disney World
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Hi, I have a question concerning the 2024 DDP. I have had very little luck finding the answer to this question, and have received conflicting responses. If my family and I (all staying in the same hotel room) purchase the DDP, can we then purchase QS or TS meals using our points for other family members staying in a different hotel room? This would save us a lot of money (especially for our kids), but I don’t believe that my husband and I would eat 7 table service meals during our week at Disney, so being able to “gift” those credits would be amazing. On page 115 of the dining plan 101 guide it suggests that this is ok, but I wanted to verify that you have had luck doing this recently, as I know the DDP has changed a lot recently (and I’d hate to have planned for this and be told no)! Thank you for your help! Love the blog!