If you’ve spent any real time in the Disney World parks, you know that Cast Members are the glue holding the whole magical operation together.

They’re smiling in 95-degree heat, answering the same question for the 400th time that day, and somehow still making it look easy. But even the most patient, pixie-dusted Cast Member has a breaking point. We talked to some former Cast Members to find out what guest habits drive them up the wall — and, more importantly, what you should do instead so your next trip stays magical for everyone involved.

1. Feeding the Wildlife

Those ducks wandering around World Showcase may look like they’re begging for a snack, but resist the urge. Disney strictly prohibits feeding the animals on property because human food isn’t good for their digestion and can teach wildlife to depend on guests rather than forage naturally, which can eventually make them more aggressive around people. Instead, just enjoy watching the critters do their thing from a respectful distance and let them find their own lunch.

2. Overstaying Your Welcome

When the parks host ticketed evening events or extended hours for deluxe resort guests, Cast Members hand out wristbands to anyone who’s cleared to be there. They also staff checkpoints throughout the parks to check for those bands, and if you don’t have one, you’ll be walked to the exit. If you happen to have a late dining reservation that runs into event hours, ask for the appropriate wristband (a dining band, for example, rather than a party band) so Cast Members know exactly why you’re still there — and then head out once your business is done.

3. Pressuring Kids Into Rides They’re Scared Of

Disney World is a family-friendly place, but that doesn’t mean every attraction is a slam dunk for every kid (or adult, for that matter). If your child is hesitant, it helps to talk through their fears first, and maybe even pull up a rider’s-eye-view video online so they know what to expect before they commit. For coasters your child just barely meets the height requirement for, consider easing them in with some tamer attractions first rather than throwing them straight onto the big one.

4. Trying to Sneak Backstage

Walt Disney wanted the parks to feel fully immersive, which is why there are firm rules against guests wandering into backstage areas. These spaces are where Cast Members transition between lands and take breaks, and they’re also used to store equipment, so staying out keeps the illusion — and everyone’s safety — intact. If you’re genuinely curious what’s back there, book one of Disney’s official behind-the-scenes tours, like Keys to the Kingdom at Magic Kingdom or Wild Africa Trek at Animal Kingdom.

5. Monopolizing a Character’s Time

It’s tempting to want every last second with your favorite character, especially after a long wait in line. But there’s always another family waiting right behind you for their turn. Prep your kids ahead of time by explaining that meet-and-greets are quick hellos, not extended hangouts, so the goodbye doesn’t come as a surprise.

6. Never Chatting With Cast Members

Thanks to Disney’s cultural representative program, the Cast Members working World Showcase pavilions actually come from the countries those pavilions represent. That means they’re a great resource for learning about their home country’s food, language, and even their own local Disney parks. Don’t be shy about asking a cultural representative about their favorite ride or what they’ll miss most when their program wraps up — most are happy to talk about something other than work, as long as you’re mindful of how busy they are.

7. Parking Your Stroller Carelessly

Strollers can’t come everywhere with you — they’ll need to stay parked outside before you get in a ride line, enter most indoor shows, or sit down at a restaurant. Designated stroller parking is usually easy to spot (just look for the cluster of other strollers), and a Cast Member can point you in the right direction if you’re unsure. Keep in mind your stroller might get shifted around later on to make room for others, so tie on something easy to spot, like a balloon, a string of lights, or a bright ribbon, so you can track it down quickly.

8. Losing Your Cool

Between long lines, heavy crowds, and hours of walking in the heat, tempers can run short in the parks. Getting frustrated is completely normal, but taking it out on a Cast Member or another guest crosses a line. If you see a situation escalating, the best move is to step away and alert a nearby Cast Member so they can loop in security. Disney’s team is trained to de-escalate these moments, so there’s no need to intervene yourself.

9. Not Playing Along With the Fun

Cast Members bring their own personality and playfulness to the job, whether that’s a quick magic trick or a spot-on character impression. When one of them wants to share a little moment like that with you, lean into it! It’s often one of those small, unexpected highlights that ends up being a favorite part of the trip.

10. Asking Cast Members for Free Tickets

Cast Members do earn a limited number of complimentary tickets, but those are typically reserved for close friends and family. It’s not uncommon for old acquaintances to suddenly resurface hoping for a free pass, but remember that those perks are earned through plenty of hard work and long shifts, so it’s best not to ask.

11. Going to the Parks While Sick

Nobody wants to lose a vacation day to being under the weather, but pushing through and heading to the parks anyway isn’t fair to other guests or Cast Members who could catch whatever you have. It’s best to rest at your resort, and you can reach out to the on-call medical service through the My Disney Experience app if needed. If you just need basic medicine to get through the day, most resort gift shops carry over-the-counter essentials (at a markup, but it’ll do the job).

HELP. I’m Sick in Disney World — Where Do I Go and Can I Get Any Money Back?!

12. Ignoring the Safety Signage

Those posted warnings outside attractions aren’t just a formality. Cast Members really do want you to read them before boarding. Some rides can pose risks for guests with high blood pressure, back or neck issues, motion sickness, or who are pregnant, and that’s especially true for more intense attractions like Mission: Space, Space Mountain, Expedition Everest, and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. Take a moment to check the posted guidance and make the safe call for your own health.

13. Waiting Until You’re at the Register to Decide

If there’s a line at a quick-service spot, use that time productively and figure out your order before you reach the counter. Cast Members won’t rush you, but having your order (and your payment method) ready to go the moment you step up keeps the line moving for everyone. Menus are posted at the booth, online, and often in festival passports, so there’s no need to wait until the last second.

14. Cutting the Line

Waiting in line is part of the deal, and Cast Members have little patience for guests who try to skip ahead — yes, including the classic “my family is already up there” move. If you want to shorten your wait, your real options are purchasing Lightning Lane or using single rider lines where available. And if you truly need to step out for an emergency, just let a Cast Member in line know so they can help you rejoin your spot afterward.

15. Saving a Table Before You’ve Ordered

Sending someone ahead to claim a table before you’ve actually got food in hand might feel efficient, but it often means guests with trays in hand are left wandering with nowhere to sit. Some locations, like Connections Eatery and Cafe in EPCOT, have started enforcing a no-seating-without-food policy during busy periods. Even where that rule isn’t enforced, it’s best to hold off on grabbing a seat until your order is actually in hand.

16. Forgetting to Tip at Table Service Restaurants

Just like restaurants back home, table service servers in Disney World work for tips, so don’t treat the parks as a tip-free zone. And if you’re using the Disney Dining Plan, remember that gratuity isn’t included in that price, so you’ll still want to budget for it separately.

17. Not Listening During a Ride Evacuation

If a ride breaks down and requires a full evacuation, Cast Members ask that you stay calm, remain seated, and follow their instructions closely. They’re working to get everyone out as safely and quickly as possible, even if it takes a little longer depending on where your vehicle stopped on the track. Afterward, it’s worth checking with a Cast Member near the exit, since they’ll sometimes offer an experience redemption pass as an apology for the inconvenience.

At the end of the day, most of these tips boil down to the same thing: a little patience and consideration go a long way toward keeping the parks magical for Cast Members and guests alike. For more insider tips, planning guides, and everything else you need to know before your next Disney World trip, keep checking back with DisneyFoodBlog.com!