It’s funny that we can be in a place surrounded by thousands of fellow human beings and not give any thought to how we might interact with them! I call it the Elevator Syndrome. Everyone piles in and faces forward and tries not to move, speak, or make eye contact because…
Well, there just isn’t a good reason.
So today we’re all going to exit that elevator and explore ways to move with other people through long line-ups, to actually start up conversations with complete strangers, and treat others like we care if they live or die. Yes, we’re going to learn how to plus the Disney Experience through genuine human contact in this Disney Top Five list!
Number 5
Ask someone where they’re from. Nothing says ‘I’m interested in you’ like inquiring as to where they’re from and how they came to be at Disney. You’ll either establish a common ground or learn about a place you’ve never been.
Number 4
Trade something. Pins. Vinylmations. Germs. Anything! Think of it this way: You get to meet someone new and walk away with a prize for doing so. Win Win says I (unless it’s a germ).
Number 3
Sit down. You’re not going to meet anyone by running from one place to another with only the destination in mind! How you get there and whom you meet along the way will enrich you in ways you never imagined.
Number 2
Share a ride vehicle. This suggestion is best illustrated by attractions like the Kali River Rapids, Kilimanjaro Safaris, or perhaps Soarin’ or Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor where the sheer number of people make it almost impossible not to meet someone new!
Number 1
Smile. Nothing draws a person to you like a great big smile that says ‘I’m happy to be here!’ An Oscar-worthy Grumpy performance won’t make you approachable. So whether you’re walking around, browsing in a shop, waiting in line, or relaxing by the pool: Turn that frown upside down and show some teeth!
Bonus Round
Electronic devices. TURN THEM OFF! True story: I was visiting a Disney Park and saw four young girls walking ‘together’ while each was busy texting other people on their cell phones. So… why did they come to the Park ‘together’ if they really wanted to interact with these other friends instead? People, let’s try to live in the here-and-now with flesh-and-blood people, shall we? I’m going to stop now before this turns into a Rant.
I hope this isn’t an exhaustive list. So if you’ve found a great way to interact with other Guests while visiting a Disney Park, please share it with the rest of us in the comments section. And do your part to stamp out Elevator Syndrome once and for all!
