Here’s How to Get Kicked Out of Walt Disney World

Let’s assume that you’re reading this out of idle curiosity or a desire to avoid being banned from the most magical place on Earth, and not as a “how-to” manual.  

As it turns out, there are quite a few reasons Guests may find themselves kicked off Walt Disney World property, and even banned for life, although usually that’s reserved for extreme cases.

What behavior should you avoid while at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, or Animal Kingdom theme parks, and Disney Springs? Simply put, don’t do anything that puts you, other Guests, or Cast Members in danger, or negatively impacts the Disney experience for others.  

Here are some key reasons Guests could be banned from Disney Parks at Walt Disney World in Florida.

Fighting 

Unsurprisingly, having any kind of physical altercation with another Guest or a Cast Member is a sure-fire way to get yourself booted from Walt Disney World. The same goes for threats of violence.

So no matter how frustrated you are at the Guest who just cut in line ahead of you, don’t resort to throwing punches, or you may just find yourself out of line permanently.

What about kids, you ask? The rules are slightly different here.  If your little one playfully aims a jab at Gaston during a meet and greet, for example, they’ll typically just receive a verbal warning from a Cast Member (which they should of course heed).

Cutting in Line

Speaking of cutting in line, that’s another behavior that can potentially get you removed from Walt Disney World, although if you’re like us, you’ve probably witnessed this behavior numerous times with zero consequences.  

While you won’t necessarily be caught or kicked out if you skip the line, the possibility is there – especially if your behavior leads to arguments or fights with other Guests.

Wearing a Costume

This one often surprises Guests. After all, this is Walt Disney World, where dreams come true, and where adults can feel free to be kids again. What could be wrong with wearing a costume?

A lot, as it turns out. Disney doesn’t want kids mistaking Guests in costume for actual costumed Cast Members, which is why if you’re aged 14 or over, costumes are banned in any Disney theme park and at Disney’s Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon water parks.  

There are occasional exceptions to this policy for special events, like Halloween or Christmas parties, so if you’re attending one, check the rules online before packing that Elsa costume!

Feeding or Touching Animals

Guests may encounter a variety of wildlife on Disney Property, and in Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park.  

Wild Floridian wildlife includes deer, raccoons, armadillos, lizards, rabbits, ducks, and alligators, just to name a few.  And in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Guests may come across everything from a naked mole-rat to a silverback gorilla.  

Whether you encounter a local Orlando animal hanging out at your Disney Resort Hotel, or an exotic animal in a theme park exhibit, look with your eyes only – don’t attempt to feed or touch it. If you do, you risk being evicted from Walt Disney World Resort.

Swearing 

Full disclosure: we’ve heard plenty of Guests swearing in Walt Disney World, and may have occasionally been guilty of it ourselves.  

But technically, using profanity is one of the behaviors that could get you removed from the Parks. It’s lumped in with “unsafe, illegal, disruptive or offensive” behavior, so safe to say uttering the odd curse word is fine, but harassing another Guest by shouting a stream of swear words at them, not so much.

Selling/Demonstrating

This likely doesn’t apply to many Guests (except the Guest who was banned from Walt Disney World after parading around with a “Trump 2020” banner a few years back, that is).  

But just in case it needs to be said, selling anything on Disney property without a license is forbidden, as is using a flag, banner, or sign as part of a demonstration.  

Doing so might not get you banned for life right away, but it could if you’re kicked out of one Disney Park for this behavior, and then get caught repeating the offense in another Disney Park.

Shoplifting

Walt Disney World shops can be crowded places, full of amazing, often pricey, merchandise.  

But don’t think that means you can walk into World of Disney, Main Street Confectionary, or Windtraders and steal something without being caught.  

For one thing, there are cameras everywhere – and often undercover security, too. Besides, Cast Members working in WDW stores are trained to spot shoplifters. You definitely don’t want stealing to be the reason you get kicked out of the Parks (not to mention the fun legal repercussions).

Sneaking Backstage

For the uninitiated, areas in Walt Disney World are often referred to either as “on stage” areas, designed to be visited and viewed by Guests, and “backstage” areas typically only accessed by Cast Members.  

Disney’s very serious about taking action when Guests go where they’re not supposed to (and yes, there are always signs that make it very clear where you are not allowed to go), and sneaking backstage is a great way to get yourself evicted from WDW, maybe for life.

Over the years, there have been reports of Guests sneaking into abandoned areas of Walt Disney World, like Discovery Island and River Country, both long closed. Invariably, these Guests are found and gifted with a lifetime WDW ban.  

If you absolutely MUST get a peek behind the magical curtain, you can book a backstage tour as part of Disney’s Enchanting Extras Collection.

Bottom Line

Most of the reasons Guests get kicked out of Walt Disney World fall under the realm of common sense.  

WDW is a place for everyone to feel like they belong, and for that to happen, common courtesy needs to prevail so that Guests and Cast Members feel safe, and so that the magic of Disney remains intact.