12 Random Acts of Kindness to Try at Disney

The world just ended a rough year. I’m not saying it was the Bubonic Plague or anything, but we DID have a pandemic and something called Murder Hornets.

Now more than ever, people need some joy in their lives, and you can be the one who gives it to them!

Here are 12 random acts of kindness you should do at Disney.

Buy a Dole Whip for the Person Behind You

One of my favorite social media phenomena involves the power of random acts of kindness.

I’ll sometimes read stories where a person pays for the coffee of the person in line behind them.

A Dairy Queen recently had over 900 cars buy ice cream for the next vehicle.

You can do the same thing at a Disney theme park! Tell the cast member that you’d like to buy a Dole Whip or Turkey Leg or Churro for the next person in line.

Who knows what chain of events you might trigger?

Compliment a Stranger for Their Mouse Ears, Shirt, etc.

I do this a lot because I’m in awe of how much Disney fashion has changed during the 21st century.

Twenty years ago, anything beyond a Minnie Mouse purse seemed lavishly extravagant in terms of Disney fashion.

Now, cool gear is a staple of a park visit. I remember the first time I saw those ridiculous Slinky Dog Mouse Ears. It was love at first sight.

My wife just spent the body of our Disney trip trying to find a Remy to put on her shoulder. She failed, but some friends hooked us up after the fact.

So, these searches for the perfect Disney gear require some effort. When you see someone who has crushed their #DisneyStyle, let them know!

Tell these fashionistas what you love and how much you appreciate their hard work!

Do Something Thoughtful

Okay, this one can take on a lot of forms. Before the pandemic, I felt strongly that I should give up a seat on a bus or a monorail for any tired parent or older person.

Right now, that’s a dicey proposition since people may not want to sit where I just was, at least not without wiping down the area…which may seem rude.

So, you’ll need to improvise a bit here, but just think about something nice you can do when you notice an opportunity.

If you’re not in a rush, you could let someone else be the last person on a bus. Or, you could let someone tired have the restaurant table while you wait for the next one.

All I’m asking is that we all try to think about others before ourselves more right now, especially at the parks.

Random acts of kindness will get us through everything that’s happening.

Give Directions to Someone Lost

I do this one a lot. However, some people may not appreciate it due to COVID-19 concerns.

Here’s what I suggest. If someone’s obviously lost, stay socially distancing, but ask whether they need help.

If they do, try to provide directions. Also, let them know that My Disney Experience includes very good GPS mapping.

Finally, when you’re not in a hurry or going the same way, you could just show them by walking ahead. I’ve done this before. Even during the pandemic, you can do it without violating social distancing.

Hold the Door for a Stranger

Yes, I’m that guy. I will hold the door for 20 strangers. When we’re running late for something, I’ve been guilty of making us late because my instinct says to keep holding that door for others.

Still, I learned at a young age that people like it when you hold the door for them. It saves them the trouble, and that’s true even at Walt Disney World.

Yes, many places have self-opening doors, but some don’t. When that’s true, save someone the aggravation of opening a door by holding it for them.

Let a Person Go in Line in Front of You

This happens quite regularly at Disney theme parks. Two parties will simultaneously arrive at the start of the line. Inevitably, they’ll stare at one another, waiting to see who goes first.

Generally, the tired group acts a bit more aggressively as they’re over it and fresh out of patience.

You can prevent these socially awkward moments. When you notice that someone will reach the line on or around the same time, just smile and stand back. Let them go first. It’s not a big deal.

Hu Chengwei/Getty Images

Strangers will appreciate the gesture, as they know from experience that it’s unusual behavior. It’ll make them feel good.

Notice Someone’s Button

Okay, this one’s a big deal. Disney hands out buttons to guests for special occasions. Some of them are obvious ones like birthdays, anniversaries, first Disney visits, and weddings.

A few involve more personalization. I’ve noticed buttons that indicate people are cancer-free, becoming first-time parents, and earning their dream jobs.

Everyone’s button tells a story. When you acknowledge what the button says, you’ll validate the person and bring them a bit more happiness.

So, always pay attention to the writing on the button and offer an appropriate compliment!

Offer to Take a Picture

Here’s another one that comes with shaky dynamics during the pandemic. I’ll just suggest it even as I add that you might table this thought until herd immunity has kicked in.

Sometimes, you’ll notice a couple or family or even a solo park guest. They’ll all share the same expression, as they want a photograph, but a selfie wouldn’t quite look right.

These people need a hero, someone who will snap a photo and thereby capture the moment forever.

Volunteer to be that person. Your act of generosity will live on for as long as someone looks at that photo. WIth family vacations, it could be a gift that keeps on giving for generations!

Suggest a Ride with a Short Wait-Time

You know what it’s like at the parks on some days. No matter what you do, you cannot find an attraction with a short wait-time.

Then, you suddenly notice that something unexpected comes with a wait of only a few minutes.

You feel joy whenever you get this feeling. Why wouldn’t you share it with anyone within listening distance?

Loudly speak up and say, “Let’s all go to Space Mountain! It’s only a 15-minute wait!” You’ll make a bunch of new friends this way!

Tell a Cast Member You Appreciate Them

Cast members represent the best of Disney. They’re kind, courteous, and generous with their time and actions. They also go out of their way to make your park visit magical.

Photo: Disney

These workers ask nothing in return, which makes me that much more fervent in my belief that they deserve all the praise guests can muster.

Anytime a cast member does something, ANYTHING, for you, let them know how much you appreciate it.

Image Credit; Dsiney

And Give Them a Thank You Card

In fact, I would take this suggestion up a notch. When there’s not a pandemic happening, create some Thank You Cards that you can hand out during your Disney vacation.

Inevitably, some cast member will do something that blows your mind. When that happens, whip out one of your Thank You Cards and hand it to them!

Also, please remember that #CastMemberCompliments on social media are a thing. Disney’s been known to hand out bonuses for employees who earn a good one.

So, you should be overflowing with your praise. It’ll help Disney workers in their careers!

Feature Image Rights: Richard Harbaugh/Disneyland Resort