There’s a rule my husband carried home from his military life: leave it better than you found it. It’s also a common campground rule, but in the military it becomes second nature. You clean up after yourself, you respect the space, and you make things easier for the next person.

Since becoming part of military family life, I’ve seen how powerful that mindset is. And honestly, I wish more of it showed up at Disney.

At Shades of Green, I don’t notice the problem much. But at Disney resorts and in the parks, it’s hard to ignore:

• Towels and trash abandoned by the pool.
• Tables left covered in food and wrappers.
• After fireworks, Main Street glittering with empty cups, spilled popcorn, and tossed wrappers—like confetti that isn’t magical at all.
• And if you’ve ever been to Fantasmic? It’s even worse.

I get it—vacation is a time to relax and be carefree. But somewhere along the way, carefree started to look a lot like careless.

Why It Matters

Disney feels magical because Cast Members work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep it that way. And one group in particular deserves a standing ovation: the custodial staff.

You can’t walk through a park without seeing them—sweeping, tidying, clearing tables, keeping things fresh and spotless. They do a fabulous job, and they deserve every bit of gratitude we can give them.

But here’s the truth: every napkin, cup, or towel left behind takes them away from other tasks that could make the parks shine even brighter. And when adults don’t clean up after themselves, Disney has to schedule and pay for even more staff to cover the basics. That cost doesn’t just vanish—it factors into the prices people love to complain about.

So in a way, respecting the space doesn’t just help Cast Members—it helps all of us.

Beyond the Trash

“Leave it better than you found it” isn’t just about picking up. It’s about respect.

• For the Cast Members who keep the parks magical.
• For the fellow guests who come after you.
• For your kids, who are learning what it means to be responsible even while having fun.
• And for the kids who aren’t yours—because every action models what’s acceptable.

And let’s be real: Cast Members aren’t your mother, and they aren’t your personal maids. Leaving your trash for them isn’t just lazy—it’s disrespectful.

The truth is, kids watch what adults do far more than what adults say. If they see grown-ups leaving trash behind, they’ll think that’s normal. If they see us picking up after ourselves, saying thank you, and treating Cast Members kindly, they’ll carry that forward.

Why This Hits Home for Us

Living in a military family has taught me that “leave it better than you found it” is more than a slogan—it’s a way of moving through the world. Whether it’s a campsite, a workspace, or a borrowed room, the idea is simple: you show respect for the space and the people who come after you.

And Disney is no different. These parks and resorts belong to all of us who walk through the gates. When we take care of them, we’re not just preserving the magic for ourselves—we’re making sure it’s there for the next family, the next kid seeing Main Street for the first time, and the next Cast Member who takes pride in their work.

A Simple Challenge

So here’s my ask: the next time you’re tempted to walk away from that table or leave your towel behind—pause. Ask yourself: what would Walt do?

There are countless stories of Walt Disney bending down to pick up trash in his own parks. He believed no one was too important to take care of the space they loved. If Walt could do it, so can we.

So be magical. Preserve the magic. Leave Disney better than you found it—because that’s how it lasts. And while you’re at it, leave people better than you found them, too.