The expectation versus reality of a theme park day can be quite stark. Think: blazing sun, massive crowds, line-cutters with no remorse, selfie sticks getting conspicuously close to your eyes and people filming videos everywhere you try to move.

And then there are the folks who just stop suddenly right in front of you to check their phone, causing a five-person pileup. And that’s just the first hour. Etiquette experts say these kinds of moments are far too common but entirely avoidable.

“Keep in mind, whether for a day or over a week, theme parks are an escape from reality, but not from other humans,” Jodi R.R. Smith, the president of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting, told HuffPost. “They may not live up to their commercials or your expectations if you are unprepared.”

You have a responsibility to do your part by remaining respectful, patient and kind, which helps create a pleasant environment for yourself and everyone else.

“Visiting a theme park is not simply about enjoying the thrilling rides and eating cotton candy. It is also about how you interact with others and how you make people feel as you navigate the park,” said Jackie Vernon-Thompson, the founder of From the Inside-Out School of Etiquette. “The rides may provide the excitement, but courtesy helps make the experience enjoyable for everyone.”

To help make your next amusement park outing a good time for all, HuffPost asked Smith, Vernon-Thompson and other etiquette experts to share the common rude behaviors they recommend avoiding ― and what to do instead.

“A significant faux pas is pushing or attempting to make your way ahead of others in line,” Vernon-Thompson said. “This is the epitome of poor etiquette and inconsideration. Everyone’s time is valuable, and those who have waited patiently deserve to have their place respected.”

A more insidious form of line-cutting involves holding a spot for a large group.

“Be considerate of those around you,” Smith said. “It is one thing for a single person from a group of six to run to the restroom. It is not OK for a single person from a group of six to stand in line until the front to suddenly have the rest of the group appear.”

As Vernon-Thompson put it, “If your entire party is not ready to enter the line, simply wait until everyone is together before joining the queue.”

Much of amusement park etiquette comes down to awareness of your surroundings. That’s especially important on busy thoroughfares.

“Walkways are like highways,” said Nick Leighton, an etiquette expert and host of the “Were You Raised by Wolves?” podcast. “You wouldn’t stop in the middle of a highway or abruptly change lanes without signaling, would you? Everyone’s got places to go, so keep those walkways moving.”

“There is no running, no pushing and no shoving,” Smith said. “The same guidelines that we all know from kindergarten still apply.”

Try to be polite if you have to get past some fellow park-goers.

“There will be times when ‘pardon me’ or ‘excuse me’ is appropriate as you navigate through crowds or unintentionally enter someone’s personal space,” Vernon-Thompson said. “And, of course, there will be opportunities for you to extend those same courtesies to other guests.”

Show consideration when it’s time to get on a ride, as well.

“Wait your turn when filling open cars, such as a roller coaster or bumper cars,” said Thomas Farley, aka Mister Manners. “Don’t push others out of the way while you race to get a particular car.”

People naturally want to document their theme park excursions, but you don’t want to let that negatively impact others. Consider whether you really need to do a 20-minute Instagram photo shoot if it means fully blocking the walkway, for instance.

“Your pictures, selfies, and/or video should not impede other’s enjoyment of the ride or activity,” Smith said. “There should not be any flash photography these days. Additionally, recording an entire ride with your screen on full brightness in a dark space is distracting and rude.”

“When preparing to visit a theme park, it is important to remember that along with the excitement, rides, food and entertainment often come long lines, crowded spaces and unexpected delays,” Vernon-Thompson said.

So show some courtesy and grace and try not to get irritated. Your loud complaints impact others, as well.

“Long waits can certainly be frustrating,” Vernon-Thompson said. “However, remember that the other guests in line are experiencing the same delay. Your frustration should never become everyone else’s discomfort.”

“Patience is paramount at a theme park,” Farley echoed. “You will likely be waiting in very long lines for rides and for food as well. Maintain your calm, use the opportunity to be friendly with the people around you and never cut a line.”

When you mentally (and physically) prepare for crowds and lines, you fare better once you’re there.

“If you are traveling with children, have books, games, activities, etc. to help them stay calm and entertained. Have water and snacks for those long lines and to help keep the crankies away,” Smith advised.

In addition to sustenance, she also recommended packing sunscreen and even an extra layer in case it gets chilly at night or in the indoor air conditioning. And remember it’s a marathon, not a sprint.

“Have patience in the parking lot as you exit,” Farley said. “You’ve been in lines all day ... what’s one more?”

“Know your party’s limits,” Smith said. “Set expectations at the beginning of the day so that everyone is on the same page. For example, ’We are going to the park in the morning. When it gets hot, we will come back to the room for lunch and naps. Then, we will go back to the park in the late afternoon and stay until fireworks.”

She urged those with kids to make it clear they will be sharing that space with lots of other park-goers.

“When traveling to a theme park with children, be sure to have a conversation with them in advance about the other people they will see,” Smith said. “Theme parks attract people in all shapes and sizes, with all levels of ability and health, and even foreign languages. Prepare your children in advance for these differences and how to politely ask you if they are curious. A bit of preemptive parenting can alleviate and avoid awkward situations.”

For many guests, meeting a beloved character is the highlight of the day. Remember a little courtesy goes a long way with them as well.

“Respect the theme characters who roam the park,” Farley said. “They are in costume and may not have excellent visibility or balance. Approach them from the front and do not touch them unless they initiate contact ― a handshake, a hug ― first.”

Another fun part of a theme park day is getting to watch musical performances, light shows and more.

“Don’t block the view at shows, at fireworks, at anything,” Leighton said. “Everyone wants to see, so be mindful about hats, selfie sticks, kids on shoulders and anything that might needlessly detract from the experience of those behind you.”

By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.