Families Behaving Badly at Theme Parks

You’re in for an adventure when you head out for a day of activities at a theme park. Between decadent desserts and delightful rides, there’s a surprise at every turn. And some of those surprises involve families who completely ignore basic etiquette rules.

To be fair, theme parks create an environment where almost all rules are thrown out. You can wear whatever you want to wear, do whatever you want to do and act however you want to act. And these pictures prove that some people truly take advantage of the fact that anything (and we mean anything) can happen.

Here are some wild, weird and often bizarre examples of families behaving badly at various theme parks around the world. You never know what you’ll see at these places!

A Basket Case

@oliverporter84 / Instagram

Any parent knows that, when a kid needs to sleep, it’s hard to reason with them to wait until they get into a comfortable position.

And it looks like this kid needed to sleep, he’s able to pass out effortlessly in the back of this scooter, completely unbothered by the noises around him … or by the fact that his neck is falling out of a metal basket.

Do You Want to Build a Concrete Angel?

@allanclark_ / Instagram

It may not have the same catchy ring as the iconic “Do You Want to Build a Snowman” song from “Frozen,” but this lady at Disneyland clearly wants to build a concrete angel around her as she spreads her wings and owns her space.

And she doesn’t seem bothered by the fact that she might be blocking someone or that she’s lying on the dirty concrete without a blanket.

Under Nose Deodorant

@people_of_disney_world / Instagram

This man at Disney World Resort who is applying what looks like deodorant to his upper lip might actually be demonstrating an incredible life hack. If you’re worried about smelling, simply make sure the area around your nose is covered in good-smelling deodorizer, and you’ll never have to take in any unwanted smells again.

And, as a bonus, if you never use deodorant on yourself, people will naturally want to give you some personal space — even in crowded areas!

Why Have Pockets When You Can Use Socks?

@acesious / Instagram

Sure, some people might argue pockets aren’t just for your hands. But this man clearly wants to give his hands plenty of space to move around in his pockets. So, he’s put items that might comfortably fit in his pockets in his totally tubular tube socks.

As a bonus, it will keep any pickpockets away. But it does leave you vulnerable to getting socked.

All Leashed Up

@heist_heist_baby / Instagram

Putting a leash on your kid in public can be a controversial topic. No matter where you land in the debate, it’s fair to say that you see a lot more child leashes at theme parks than in the normal world.

Because, as we’ve established, theme parks are not normal.

You Can’t Pick Your Friend’s Nose

@ahyeah71 / Instagram

Of all the poses to choose to do with a smiling, giant, red-eyed tree demon creature, picking its nose is not the first one that comes to mind.

Then again, it seems to be looking down at him and smiling, so maybe it’s a perfect choice.

Emotional Support Purse

@ladykatharinep / Instagram

This dog looks very real and very much attached to this man as if it were a purse.

Part of us wants to know what is happening here, but maybe not.

Sandals and Socks and … Wait

@nickieblueyes / Instagram

While we’re not here to judge fashion, it does seem that making the socks open-toed negates a large portion of the benefit you may get from wearing your sandals with socks in the first place.

But, hey, if you’re proud of that pedicure and genuinely do not care what people around you might think, then go right ahead.

Toe Jam-ing Out

@trpp_35 / Instagram

As if it weren’t bad enough that this woman is putting her full bodyweight onto a child’s stroller, she’s doing so while messing with her feet.

Sure, theme parks aren’t exactly the most hygienic places on Earth. But that doesn’t mean they’re a perfect spot to clean your dirty feet.

The Most Magical Twerk on Earth

@cheeksofdisneyland / Instagram

Cinderella’s castle at Disneyland has certainly seen its fair share of creative poses throughout the years. But this woman’s commitment to an all-out twerk has to be one of the strangest ones on record.

And most mysteriously, there’s a blurry shadow right above her back which begs the question … what’s going on there?

Monster Meltdown

@ed.templeton / Instagram

He’s wearing the appropriate monster gear for having an allout meltdown in the middle of the park.

At least this kid looks like he’s simply given up on his day at Disneyland and decided to lay in the middle of a ride quietly without hope, rather than screaming at the world around him.

Jurassic Text

@shadiosfam / Instagram

In almost any normal context, seeing a dinosaur should throw you off. Even seeing someone in a dinosaur outfit should make you at least wonder what they’re up to.

But only at theme parks can you see a person in a dinosaur outfit who is scrolling on a cellphone, and it feels unnervingly normal.

Duck It

@stephdeason / Instagram

Because the days are filled with tons of walking, lots of fun screaming and overindulging on desserts, you often see bizarre outfit choices at theme parks. But this particular duck on duck ensemble takes the cake.

Or, should we say takes the lake?

You’re Kidding

Instagram

Of course, it’s cute to spend the day at a theme park with someone you love. And taking a moment to snap an affectionate picture is even understandable.

But taking a picture inside of a coffin with an ode to the person who was supposedly hung there previously … that’s a little too dark.

Teenage Dream

@cristian_luna0 / Instagram

Only at a theme park would you see a teenager trying to still look super cool while sleeping on a public bench with a flat-billed baseball cap covering his eyes.

Sure, this guy is surrounded by the excited screams of kids’ dreams actively coming true, but that’s not gonna stop him from catching some zzz’s.

I Fought the Park, and the Park Won

@megan_baken / Instagram

Outside of a theme park, laying completely helpless and vulnerable on your back attempting to sleep on a concrete wall would be a worrisome sight.

But in this context, it’s a pretty common way for an exhausted dad or uncle to recharge.

Of All the Shirts to Wear to the ‘Happiest Place on Earth’

@west_brandon / Instagram

Perhaps a memorial to someone whose nickname was “Tha Assassin” isn’t the best choice for a theme park that will be filled with children?

Nap on the Go

@_peopleofdisneyland_ / Instagram

Not only does this man have a convenient vehicle to help him get around the park, but it doubles as a personal napping area for when the overwhelm of the day becomes just too much to handle.

Double Fisting

@heatherxmae / Instagram

Theme park drinks are expensive. So, if you’re going to bring your own, make sure you bring enough to fill both pockets.

Or, if you’re going to splurge on one theme park drink, you might as well get two. It’s not like you’re there to save money anyway.

Coasted

@socalcoaster521 / Instagram

Getting “ghosted” is when someone disappears without explanation from your life.

But getting “coasted” is when a roller coaster is so intense, that you just need to lay down on (dirty) concrete afterwards for a quick rejuvenating rest.

Sun’s Out, Tum’s Out

@nathanbrewer / Instagram

This man is either trying to cool off by placing his skin directly on the ground in the shade. Or, he’s attempting to re-enact Ariel’s moment on the rock singing to Prince Eric.

This man’s just doing so without the singing. Or the fins. Or the hair. Or, well, the enthusiasm.

These Feet Are Made for Showing

@peteg / Instagram

When you’re hot and your feet hurt, there’s no better feeling than taking off your shoes and letting your whole body rest.

Of course, that does mean, in this case, that you’re taking up a full bench with your smelly feet. But at least your feet are slightly more comfortable.

Park Tail

@chrisvonwolf / Instagram

Nothing says commitment or enthusiasm quite like a good park outfit.

And if you want people to know just how much you’re committed to the magical and the mystical no matter what angle they’re checking you out, make sure you add a fluffy tail accessory to your outfit.

Ruby Red Slippers

@jendressesup / Instagram

Sure, these technically look like they’re house slippers or casual slippers that have a bit of fluff on them.

But they look like shoes enough to at least get admitted into the theme park. And from there, all bets are off, and (clearly) anything goes.

That’s Coco-Nuts

@jessechilders / Instagram

A lot of couples like to dress alike at theme parks. There are a ton of cute matching or complementary outfits you’ll often see when you’re at the park or even if you pursue happy pictures of people visiting.

But this guy committed (maybe a little too hard) to matching his partner. At least the smile on his face shows that he’s owning it.

Flack on your Back(side)

@jessewpetty_2003 / Instagram

Seeing someone with a backside that’s completely wet outside of a theme park is cause to be concerned.

But, here, it’s something that just happens when there are water rides. And people seem to both live with it and accept it without question.

Grandma Got Run Over by a Heck of a Lot of Colorful Gear

@mzmclean2000 / Instagram

Despite the fact that she’s covered in colorful blankets, bright mouse ears and flashing lights, this grandma doesn’t seem to really be enjoying the sights and sounds ahead of her.

But anyone who looks over at her stern face in the midst of all the color will certainly enjoy the sight.

#OverIt

@katgrant.photography / Instagram

Why some people pay hundreds of dollars for entrance into theme parks just to spend the day isolated on their phones (which they can do for free elsewhere) is mind-boggling.

Twinning Is … Winning?

@gympilot / Instagram

Sure, it’s fun to pose with statues. And it’s fun to play along with the poses the statues are doing.

But when the statue looks like a scared kid stuck in a food cart with his mouth wide open … maybe it’s not the most flattering choice to emulate?

Anywhere Is a Jungle Gym

@gymnastmadelin / Instagram

You don’t have to be on the jungle cruise to decide that the world is your jungle gym.

And because normal rules of society don’t seem to apply to theme parks, do handstands wherever you like to your heart’s content.

Hide and Seek

Instagram

This kid must still be going through the phase when he thinks if he can’t see you, you can’t see him.

So, he must be convinced that he has the best hiding spot in the world. At least that’s what we’re hoping is happening here.

Most Magical Selfie on Earth

@christopher.langer / Instagram

Nothing says rekindling childhood joy more than spending a full theme park day taking selfies and adding the perfect filter to them on your phone.

What makes it even better? Do so with your friends who can also take selfies, and you can enjoy ignoring each other all day.

More Fun Than a Barrel

@rnsdisney / Instagram

At least this person found a seemingly reasonable corner to have their meltdown in.

We just hope the barrel was wiped before they placed themselves face first on it.

Dangerous Dangling

Instagram

There are lots of safety procedures in place on every modern roller coaster to make sure people’s bodies are in the right spaces when they go on rides.

Either this person was overlooked or, for some unknown reason, decided to take their feet out to enjoy the ride differently. Hopefully, everything turned out alright.

Put a Braid on It

@blasian4 / Instagram

What better way to bond with friends (or strangers?) than to spend your time waiting in line braiding each other’s hair?

After a day of sunscreen and sweating, there’s nothing like really getting your fingers in there and making someone else have a slightly tighter look.

A Onsie That Is Out of This World

@thingamabarb / Instagram

There are some out-there outfits people wear at theme parks.

But this universe-themed, planet-filled onesie has to be one of the most galactically strange choices you can make.

Ewok the Walk

@pandamimibear / Instagram

Forget getting a group or family to dress alike. These co-workers decided to all wear the same Ewok-themed hoodie and proudly posed while doing so.

This choice should earn each of these people a Medal of Bravery if we’ve ever seen one.

Stop, Drop, Roll

@michael_white_jr / Instagram

This little kid doesn’t look like she’s on fire.

But at least, based on her behavior, her parents can rest-assured that she has the motions down for putting out a physical fire (though this may be caused by an emotional fire and that’s more difficult to deal with).

A Stroller for the Baby’s Baby

@jesus.woks / Instagram

If you have a kid who can walk but you miss lugging around a stroller to various theme parks, clearly it might be a good idea to bring it anyway. Your kid may need to bring a stuffed animal, and there’s obviously no way it can walk around (or be carried uncomfortably in a bag all day).

So, this Disney California Adventure visitor opted to do just that, but we recommend maybe just leaving the stuffed animal at home.

Big Kid, Small Stroller

@ed.templeton / Instagram

It’s hard to stop being a kid. And it’s especially hard when you’re visiting a theme park that brings out all the wonder and magic of childhood.

But if you’re able-bodied and can walk around Disneyland well enough, there’s really no excuse for sitting in a stroller meant for a toddler.