The Chicken Exit

For some, visiting Disneyland is a bravery test. Not everyone loves the thrill and intensity of the “bigger” rides, and it’s especially tough when you’re the only one in your group feeling the pressure. In those cases, you might have a minute of bravery getting in line…and then have immediate regrets.

If that’s the case – you’re not trapped. This is a real phenomenon in the Disney Parks, and it’s called the Chicken Exit.

There are three types of Chicken Exits – the one you use will depend either on the type of line for the ride or how far you are before you panic and want out. The first is the simple line exit. These work best for winding lines that are roped off (think Peter Pan’s Flight or the Silly Symphony Swings). It’s exactly what it sounds like – step out of line and walk right on out. You can wait by the exit for your party, or get yourself a churro to congratulate yourself for knowing your limits.

The second Chicken Exit is the doorway exit. Almost every ride has emergency exits, with some even clearly labeled if you want to bail. Good examples of these are the Haunted Mansion, with an exit in the portrait gallery before the doom buggies, and Soarin’, with exits in the hangar hallways.

If you’ve made it all the way until the very end, you’re still not stuck. The last type of Chicken Exit is the step through, which happens literally at the loading area. Once you get to the loading zone and the cast member asks how many in your party, all you have to say is “# to ride, # to exit.” They’ll instruct you to do the step through. When the vehicle arrives, you step in as if you’re going to sit down and put your seatbelt on, and then just keep going as if you just rode and are getting off. You’ll then exit with the riders leaving post-ride.

Note: for rides that don’t have an exit platform directly on the other side, the cast member will guide you to the nearest exit.

If you have to use a Chicken Exit; don’t beat yourself up. This happens often enough for it to have a name – so you’re not alone. And who knows – maybe next time you won’t need it, and you’ll get to experience the ride!