Your Disney vacation might look like a dream in your Disney PhotoPass photos, but there are usually a few wobbly moments that many of us have had in the parks. I was speaking to a friend of mine last week, who was telling me a convoluted story about something embarrassing that happened while she was visiting Disney. By the end of the explanation, when I found out what she was talking about, I was surprised to realize it was something I had done myself. It got me thinking about how many of us might have done the same silly things and been mortified in the moment. It’s always good to look back on these once-awkward times and have a bit of a laugh, so here is my list of five embarrassing things I’ve done in Disney; I want to see how many of you have done them, too.
Spilled that Precious Popcorn
Could you smell that buttery, delicious popcorn from the other side of the park? I can, and though I rarely find myself indulging in it these days, I could put it down to the experience of sharing some with my kids many years ago, turning into that person at the least opportune moment. My mother suggested I put the popcorn in one of my trusty zip-lock bags. But did I listen? No. So when my five-year-old dropped the box on the ground, spilling an ample amount of just-bought popcorn all over the otherwise pristine walkway, let’s just say I was mortified. Dropping down to my hands and knees trying to scoop it out of the way to return to the nearest rubbish bin. Luckily, I was saved by a cast member with a broom and encouraged to go about my day, but the guilt still stays with me.
Prepared Your Parade Spot in a Walkway
Have you ever been a bit over-zealous in your excitement and decided to camp out in a parade spot before the crowds rolled in? This was me the first time I visited Disney as a Mum. (Yep, in Australia, we are Mums without an ‘o.’) Having usually visited with my family, I was rarely the one making parade positioning decisions, and I opted to get the jump on my first solo placement. I got the kids settled in strollers with their snacks, took a seat on the curb, and waited for the masses to join me, all envious of my spot. However, as the ropes started to appear, it became clear that my perfect seating area also seemed to be a perfect designated crossing zone. Just after all the best curbside spots were taken, we were asked to move so a walkway could be established. Admittedly, it was not the Disney theme park I had grown up in to know better, but it still felt pretty embarrassing to move after being camped out for so long.
Ignored the Poncho Advice on a Water Ride
Who needs a poncho, right? Wrapped up in plastic just to enjoy a Disney ride? It seems excessive; half the fun is getting wet. At least, that was what I thought before becoming a poncho convert. It was the second half of a warm winter’s day in Disneyland, and I had clearly underestimated the toll that a rather large volume of water from Splash Mountain would take in the cooling night air. It only took one significant drenching from the dark inside section of the ride that left me cursing my anti-poncho words. Entering a gift shop a few moments later, dripping wet, I was desperate to purchase an expensive emergency spirit jersey for warmth.
Tripped in the Train Tracks
I don’t know what it is about this one, but those train tracks down Main Street, USA, I’m like a magnet to them. I know they are there, and I avoid them at all costs, though somehow, as soon as there is a crowd moving together as a joined force, I find myself back in the middle, doing the same ankle roll/almost fall maneuver every single time. At some point on every Disney trip, you can bet I’ll go down, always a victim of the train track maze.
Spoiling Table Service Meals With Snacks
In my everyday life at home, I don’t eat a huge amount of food. Not because I have some excellent dietary discipline but because my work is computer-based, and I just don’t get that hungry. When I visit Disney theme parks, on the other hand, not only am I faced with all of my favorite special-occasion snack foods, but I want all of them. Now, this embarrassing Disney behavior, I can’t say I’ve grown out of. My eyes are much bigger than my stomach (weird, since my stomach isn’t little!), and I find it hard to hold off on taking advantage of the churros and dole whip and everything else and waiting for that character meal or table service reservation. The result is always the same: I get to the meal and can’t finish my food. But I just can’t seem to say no when it comes to a Disney cart that smells like heaven. All my self-control goes out the window when I get there, and I always spoil my table service meals before getting there.
Okay, friends. Give it to me; how many of these things have you done? Or do you have an equally awkward moment to share to make me feel better? I can’t be the only one who has twisted an ankle on those tracks.
Zoë Wood is a travel writer from Sydney, Australia. Since her first visit to Disneyland at the age of 6, she has spent her years frequently visiting Disney Parks and traveling around the world.
Join Zoë as she lets you in on all the tips, tricks, anecdotes, and embarrassments that arise from her family adventures.
