How to be a Considerate Theme Park Go-er (or, Be Gone, Selfie Sticks!)

Let's talk about this picture for a second. I was trying to get my nephew to laugh so I though "let's take a selfie, he'll think that's cute." Yeah, he for sure did NOT. His thought bubble is, "Lady, you are NUTS." As I don't have a selfie stick, you'll have to deal with this terrible selfie picture instead. You're welcome, America.

This week, word came down from On High (as in the Disney World powers-that-be) that starting the end of this month, selfie sticks will not be allowed at Walt Disney World. Previously they'd outlawed the sticks on rides, but now they'll be enforcing the "no selfie sticks" rule at the parks in general. RIP, selfie stick. You'll be missed (that was sarcasm, by the way).

We had a nice discussion on the Facebook group a few days ago about this topic. In addition to talking about selfie sticks, other Theme Park Pet Peeves came up and I thought, what a perfect topic to chat about on the blog this week.

So, without further ado: some ways to NOT be "that person" or "that family" at a theme park.

* Your stroller is made to carry your children through the parks, not as a battering ram.

I sympathize with stroller-users; I've pushed them through the parks and I know that sometimes it can be a pain to navigate through a store or down a crowded street after fireworks. However, that's not an excuse to use your stroller as a battering ram. Mistakes happen and if you clip someone's ankles or feet, please say you're sorry.

And in the interest of fairness - non-stroller people, please don't dash or cut in front of those with strollers. Let them into the traffic pattern. Same goes for those in wheelchairs or on scooters. WAY too many times I've seen a stroller or scooter just have to sit there because people wouldn't let them join the traffic flow. Don't be a jerk, 'k?

* If you need to have a conversation, consult the map, etc - move to the side of the pathway.

This is probably my #1 pet peeve when I tour the theme parks (although it happens in other places, as well). Let's say your group is heading towards a ride, and are unclear about its location. Instead of coming to a dead stop in the middle of the street, please move to the side and have your discussion there, not right in the middle of those who are trying to get by.

The step-sister to this pet peeve are those who walk 7 and 8 people across, taking up the whole walkway so everyone has to move at their pace. At most, you should be walking 3 side by side. Any more than that, create some rows, people.

* Your iPad needs to stay in the hotel room.

I love the iPad as much as the next person. At this point, I should give Apple instructions just to charge my credit card anytime something new comes out because there is a 98.7% chance that I will love it. But you know a place your iPad doesn't belong? At the parks, especially on the rides and during shows such as the fireworks.  It's super inconsiderate to those around you when their view is blocked because you want to take video of the fireworks.

* When looking for a parade or fireworks watching spot, don't weasel into someone else's spot at the 11th hour.

These stories are legendary among Disney park go-ers and it happens a LOT. You and your family find your parade spot and you've been sitting or standing there for a while (I've seen people at Disneyland getting their spots ready at 2PM for an 8PM parade. Not me, folks - not me. Phew that's commitment!) Then, 5 minutes before the parade starts, a group comes around to fill in the 1/4" spaces around you and pushes their way to the front.

C'mon, now; that's just craziness. Simple kindness should dictate that unless you've put in the time to get your spot, you don't get to strong arm your way into those spots. If you want a prime viewing location - get their early. (Or in the case of some of the parades at Walt Disney World - get a FastPass+. You have a special viewing area AND don't have to get there hours ahead of time to get your spot. Problem solved.)

* But in relation to the above....please don't send one or two people to save spots for 8-10 people. Not cool.

Saving a spot for 1-2 people? Completely kosher. Expecting someone to hold down the fort for the whole group? Yeah, that's an issue.

I understand that sometimes you save a space for someone because they're on a ride, or getting a snack, or in the restroom, and they'll be back to your spot in minutes. But please don't try and save dozens of spots for people who are going to show up minutes before the parade or show starts.

This should go without saying, but the same applies to rides as well. I saw more than one instance at Disneyland earlier this month where 2-3 people would be in line, and then moments before the boarding started on the attraction five or ten people would show up and have to shimmy their way through the line to get to their group. That's just insanity. Not only is it disruptive to try and get past others as they're waiting to get on, it's also super rude. Either line up with your group, or don't line up at all. Easy peasy.

And don't even get me started on people who leave their towels on pool and deck chairs for hours at a time. I could go on all day....

The takeaway from all this? Please be considerate. If we all thought about how our actions affect other park goers, trust me - things would go a LOT more smoothly.

What are some of your theme park pet peeves? Please share below in the comments and on social media!