But not all Brazilian tour groups put on their highlighter-colored shirts. In fact, I saw one at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, on the Friday of ESPN: The Weekend. They were wearing muted lavender shirts, something one would not normally see on a tour group. Although those groups are known to lengthen queues, I didn’t see one in the rides I rode, and most of them were walk-ons, rides with too short wait times.

Although I saw those groups in some trips in the past, I wanted to hear them chant as if life is like tailgating for soccer. Although they cause ire among several guests and Cast Members, they are just as essential as the Disney Characters who greet holidaymakers of all ages. Contrary to numerous families, individuals, groups (not counting the tour groups), or even dedicated Disney locals like me who visit the buffet of theme parks in Central Florida, I really don’t mind them so much. I say that because I snag a ride reservation system like Walt Disney World’s Fastpass. Also, I go the opposite direction of the monotonous, brightly-colored herd with the flag-bearer and spend half-days at the parks. I hope many travelers who dread facing them would take my lead by going early in the parks, snagging ride reservation slips, and try to respect them.

I hope that one day a Pernambuco-based group (perhaps Sevagtur) would wield out those small parasols and break into a frevo da rua spontaneously on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom, especially during Carnival season…

Related Reading
Turismos: Tour Groups of Central Florida

Tiffany J. L. Alfonso is a freelance writer and a Walt Disney World addict, and her blog for everything Disney can be found at flexibledisney.com