Disney World is full of lots of sounds — screams from happy children (and sometimes not-so-happy), conversations, laughter, and overall, memories being made.
626 Day Stitch Headphone Cases
All those sounds together form what we know as Disney World, as overstimulating as it can be sometimes. But additionally, in the past two decades, with the rise of cell phones and their capabilities, you may find that there are additional sounds to your Disney World day you weren’t expecting — a ping as someone receives a text, a phone conversation happening behind you in line, or maybe the sounds of a social media video or game being played. In pretty much all other public settings, this is where the use of headphones comes in, but how does that really work in Disney World? What is the etiquette for headphones?
Headphone etiquette can most easily be described as when it’s appropriate in public settings to use headphones instead of playing a game/phone call/etc. out loud. In most scenarios, this is the polite thing to do, especially if you’re in a store, on public transportation, or in another enclosed setting with others, but things get a little blurry when you’re in some outdoor public spaces, such as a park.
Magic Kingdom
So, in this case, where does a theme park fit into this? If you’re inside an attraction building, headphones should be encouraged, but when you’re in the line stretching outside, they’re not needed?! Everyone’s opinion on this will be different, but if you’re ever questioning, we find it’s best to err on the side of caution, which in this case would be to use headphones.
It’s important to realize that even if you’re waiting outside in a long line and there’s open air around you, everyone is confined to one space (the line) and can’t move unless they want to lose their place. It’s not fair to force everyone around you to listen to your loud phone call on speakerphone, or to play TikTok videos at full volume.
Playing a game of Heads Up or watching videos with the volume turned down low often won’t be an issue with the chatter from the rest of the line, but be considerate to those around you and remember that you’re all in the same boat — waiting, waiting, and waiting.
Animal Kingdom
How do you go about bringing those into the park, though? Is it allowed? Thankfully, the answer is a resounding yes. Bringing headphones or earbuds is absolutely allowed in Disney World, though you may want to take them out of your bag to walk through the security line, as sometimes larger headphones may be flagged and cause your bag to be searched for safety reasons.
In fact, if you know that you’ll be waiting in some long lines throughout the day and you use your phone/tablet/electronic device to help pass the time, bring those headphones! This way, you’re keeping yourself/your kids entertained, which makes the line feel faster, and you’re not disturbing those around you.
Welcome to Hollywood!
If you know that you’re likely to get overstimulated in line, or you really need something to distract you and make the lines feel faster, we can’t recommend bringing some earbuds or headphones enough. However, if you’re someone who prefers to block noise out and not add anything else to it, check out this recommendation we have below.
Loop Earplugs
©Amazon
Loop Earplugs are a SAVIOR for people who are sensitive to noise, or just need to turn things down a notch when they’re in the parks. We have multiple members of our team who use these on many different occasions, and we’ve found them to really help us out. The best part? There are SO many places you can use them outside of the parks too — the grocery store, the mall, the movie theater, you name it. They pack up nice and small in their case, and you can take them on the go wherever you need.
Our Favorite Over-The-Ear Headphones!
©Amazon
If you’ve been meaning to invest in a pair of wireless headphones that you want to last many, many, MANY trips to Disney World, and in your day-to-day life, we highly recommend the Sony WH-1000XM6 Noise Canceling Headphones. Are they expensive? You BET they are, but the quality is top-notch. We see them all the time when we travel, so not only can you use them on the plane, but you can also use them to jam out to your favorite tunes while you wait in that 80-minute Slinky Dog Dash line.
Adorable Mickey Earbuds!
©Amazon
More of an earbud fan and don’t want to break the bank, especially if you’re worried about losing them in the parks? That’s where the Mickey Mouse Bluetooth Earbuds with Charging Case come in. Not only are these things cute as can be, but they’re on the cheaper side, still good quality, and, again, can be used many places beyond the parks.
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Yes! Use headphones. I would also say turn your phone on silent when inside an attraction queue or inside the attraction. Nothing ruins the Haunted Mansion preshow like someone’s phone going off.