Last week, I talked about the worst guests at the Orlando theme parks, from the selfie taker to the clueless parent. Although people who make the worst guest list drive theme park employees crazy, they are more than balanced by the wonderful visitors who are genuinely having a good time. But a few special guests truly rise to the top.
Here’s a look at the 5 BEST guests at the theme parks, based on my experience working at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando.
1. The people organizer
This person is a true gem. He travels in a large group, but always knows exactly how many people are riding each attraction. Not only does the People Organizer give an exact, accurate count to the preboarding employee, but he counts off the members of the group into the appropriate rows. The People Organizer also gives group members important boarding information and instructions, making life much simpler for the loading team.
People Organizers sometimes come into conflict with Row Ignorers, who just randomly wander into whatever row they want, regardless of instructions from employees. Fortunately, the People Organizer is also a people person with excellent conflict resolution skills. People Organizers can often get Row Ignorers pointed in the right direction.
2. The joyful one
The Joyful One just exudes happiness and excitement. This person refuses to let the daily stresses and minor disappointments bring her down. She smiles through long lines, bursts into song during parades, and always has something witty to say to the characters she meets. On a long, hot day filled with ride breakdowns and yelling guests, the Joyful One is like a breath of fresh air.
If you start getting hot and tired and frustrated, take a few minutes to look around at the crowd. Joyful Ones are relatively uncommon, but not impossible to find. One Joyful One can infect quite a few people with happiness and excitement. If you spot one, strike up a conversation. Even 5 or 10 minutes can change your entire perspective.
3. The helpful one
Some people are pushy and belligerent, others meek and soft-spoken. The Helpful One strikes the perfect balance, using his strength when necessary but remaining polite and friendly. Helpful Ones are usually found clearing a path for a wheelchair, helping cast members keep guests from blocking the walkway at a parade, or showing a first-time visitor how to get to a chosen attraction. While theme park employees love helping guests however we can, we can’t be everywhere at once. Helpful Ones make our lives much easier and improve everyone’s day, by filling in the gaps.
You can be a Helpful One even on your first trip to a new theme park. Just step outside of yourself for a moment and you will spot someone in need. Generosity, assistance, or even just a kind word and a smile could be exactly what it takes to turn around someone’s entire vacation. And in the process, you might find your own mood lightening as well.
4. The wide-eyed child
If you really want to experience the magic of Disney or Universal, visit with a child. Innocent, unmarred by cynicism, and full of natural curiosity, the Wide-Eyed Child is literally the perfect theme park guest. They are well-known for their unbridled enthusiasm, their silly conversations with characters, and their uninhibited off-the-cuff reactions to whatever happens around them.
A handful of adults have the ability to tap into the Wide-Eyed Child inside them, and spending time at the parks with them is usually highly entertaining. I encourage everyone to, at least once, try acting like a Wide-Eyed Child. Sing loudly, dance for no good reason, and have the most imaginative conversation you can with one of the characters. It’s amazing how quickly the stress melts away.
5. The language learner
Language Learners come in two main types: native English speakers trying out their foreign language skills around the World Showcase and non-native speakers attempting to communicate with American employees. Both types are generally friendly, interested in learning about new cultures, and eager to practice their conversational skills.
In sharp contrast to the Fake Non-English Speaker (one of last week’s worst guests), the Language Learner will try his or her best to communicate even if he or she is at a loss for words. They go out of their way to be respectful, follow directions, and keep operations running smoothly.
Theme park crowds are a mix of all types. Most people fall somewhere in between the best and the worst guests. But if you want to have a truly magical experience, and spread some of that happiness to guests and employees alike, try spending a day as one of the best guests. Pledge to commit at least one random act of kindness for a perfect stranger. You will be amazed by how rejuvenated you feel!
