Brazilian Tour Groups

If you have visited Walt Disney World in the months of December - March or June - August, chances are you have seen a Brazilian Tour Group or "turistas". You will know these groups by their neon colored clothing, fanny packs, and single adult escort carrying a flag attempting to herd about 20 teenagers. These groups can be loud and obnoxious with their chanting and they have to be first in line for everything whether you were there first or not. They will get right in front of you. They will also leave one person to stand in line and then 10 - 20 more come to butt in front of you right when you are about to get on the ride. This also holds true for fastpass kiosks, parades, shows, and fireworks.

About Brazil

I do not blame the nation of Brazil for these groups. Brazil is a beautiful nation and I hope to visit there someday. There has been a lot of economic reform in Brazil over the past few years and it is one of the world's fastest growing economies. Brazil has historical ties with the Portuguese empire, so the culture in Brazil is mainly Portuguese. Approximately 75% of Brazil's population is Roman Catholic. Interestingly enough, their motto is "Ordem e Progresso" which means Order and Progress.

Mob Mentality

I think the problem is the mob mentality these kids get into when they are in a huge group. Not to mention the fact that Walt Disney World and other theme parks in the Orlando area are overwhelmingly stimulating. However, I am at a loss for words when I hear stories about these groups like the following:

• Defecated in the Muppet Vision 3D Theater


• Stole a Cast Member ID, attempted to use it and were arrested


• Publicly groping each other AND innocent bystanders


• Attempted to enter in the back of the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular theater

The majority of the stories are not this bad but they are generally loud, rude, and annoying.

At Hollywood Studios this past January, we were sitting on the sidewalk waiting for the new parade to kick off. A Brazilian Tour Group walked by and took up the entire width of Hollywood Blvd on the street, and they didn’t break up their group for anyone else to walk past. I felt so bad for the people walking in the opposite direction.

In that same group from above, I have no idea where the chaperones were but there was a lot of inappropriate touching going on while they were walking. I mean come on no one wants to see that, this is a family park.

- Jessica Furtado

Prepare Yourself

Disney has started to talk to these groups about appropriate behavior before they begin their vacation. This started recently, so time will tell if it makes an impact. In the meantime, just try to avoid them as best you can. When they are moving in one direction, go the other way. The best thing to do is get to the parks when they open to avoid these groups. But, sometimes even with all your planning you might still run into them. If they are really bothering you, talk to a Cast Member. If you do talk to a Cast Member, be sure to also write to Guest Relations about the experience afterwards. If that still isn't enough for you, try learning Portugese :)

One of my biggest pet peeves about them happens to be when they play the “I don’t speak English” card. Whether it be a CM or a guest asking them to politely move, they usually tell them, “I don’t speak English” in Portuguese, but then happily go and speak to their friend next to them in English. Just to avoid either moving or getting in trouble.

- Jessica Furtado

I have experienced this too and it really upsets me. It is unbelievably rude and inconsiderate. This has everything to do with the person, not the country or culture that they come from. I have had experiences with these tour groups that weren't too bad and I have also had very pleasant experiences with smaller groups of Brazilians.

 Looking to the Future

There have been rumors for a long time about adding a Brazil pavilion to EPCOT's World Showcase. Whether this happens  or not, I do not believe these tour groups will ever go away. They generate key revenue for Florida tourism. Hopefully with a little planning, they will not impact your Walt Disney World vacation.

Do you have a comment or story to share about Brazilian Tour Groups? Leave a comment! Have a magical day!