A few weird things we saw people do on our trip

[webshark3]

Or as I like to say "Some people just lack that basic understanding or common sense".

I see water, my feet are hot. Sounds pretty common to me.

Leaving the parks and trudging back to the hotel just to soak my dogs.... no sense there.

 

[kimberh]

I'm not a fan of fountain bathing - and sure wouldn't be caught dead doing it. But all these people who travel do you honestly believe that you know every single little custom when you travel? So maybe you don't do some of the major ones but I'm sure there are a million little ways you unknowingly "offend the culture" If you come from a place where soaking your feet is common, it might not occur to you that it's considered rude.

I just don't understand the amount of energy that's expended becoming indignant over other people's faux pas. I'm one vacation, why waste a moment being pissed at someone else?

If you offend most Europeans, they will be the first to tell you! When traveling abroad I read books. Of course, I can only speak for myself. As you stated, I am one vacation. I really don't like getting into a confrontation while on vacation, expecially on foreign soil. We have been "yelled at" for not knowing the language of the country. Yet the person knew perfect English. We (USA) are not liked in a lot of countries, yet they come over here and we are to make all the concessions. That is where a lot of the rudeness is coming from at Disney.

 

[theparsons]

... DH and I just can't believe how in the most magical place on earth people can still be total idiots!!

Probably because you can put the total idiots into the most magical place on earth.....but you can't always put the most magical place on earth in the idiot.

Saddest part isn't just that one moment in time for that little girl...the sad part is that it's probably how her life is all the time.

Thank heavens for the CM who hopefully gave the little girl a split second to smile.

 

[Anjelica]

I see water, my feet are hot. Sounds pretty common to me.

Leaving the parks and trudging back to the hotel just to soak my dogs.... no sense there.

I guess that's where I differ in terms of what I think is common and what is not common. I don't believe that when I go to amusement park and there is a fountain with drinking fountains surrounding it I would think "Oh I am going to stick my feet in there".

I think the excuse of "my feet are hot" is a poor excuse for dipping your feet in what appears to be a drinking fountain setup with the main fountain as decoration.

Maybe the next time I go on "It's a Small World" and my feet are hot I'll just throw my shoes off and stick my feet in the water instead of trudging back to the hotel. Or when my head is so hot I am just sweating buckets I dip my hair/head into the water on "Splash Mountain" as I'm on the ride. (Granted the above two examples may be more of a safety issue then a common sense for some but I think most can catch my drift.)

Bottom line - I don't think their behavior is what I would call "common sense" in terms of visiting WDW.

 

[Anjelica]

If you offend most Europeans, they will be the first to tell you! When traveling abroad I read books. Of course, I can only speak for myself. As you stated, I am one vacation. I really don't like getting into a confrontation while on vacation, expecially on foreign soil. We have been "yelled at" for not knowing the language of the country. Yet the person knew perfect English. We (USA) are not liked in a lot of countries, yet they come over here and we are to make all the concessions. That is where a lot of the rudeness is coming from at Disney.

Exactly and I know this first hand from living overseas and traveling quite a bit. When I go to visit my sister in Italy later this year I'll have to remember to "just do as all American's do" and to heck with offending the Italians - NOT. I'm making a choice (not a mandatory requirement here) to go visit my sister in another country (which by the way I was born and lived in Italy for several years) and therefore I need to respect that culture and their "normalities".

Honestly - those folks at the fountain truly, in their hearts, may not have even thought for a second to put their feet in there, as something that others would see as offensive, etc. But ignorance is not an excuse and I think what most folks are saying on this board is "hey, that's not common around "these" parts" and therefore we are just talking about it on the boards here about "weird" things we have seen.

 

[theparsons]

She could have waited for a different bus and made sure she and her kiddies had a seat and were safe. She could have grabed a cab. She could have rented a car to begin with. Would it have been nice if a bunch of people had offered her, her kids, and all her bags a seat. Sure. But maybe no one was feeling nice that day. Maybe they were all pooped. Maybe they were all just feeling rude, but imho she was rude to hop on a full bus and expect someone to get up for her and her family.

Or maybe that was the last bus from the grocery to her home, and she'd just spent the day traveling by bus to do her errands.....she can't call a cab or rent a car, or drive her own, because her husband works 10 hour days making minimum wage so they don't have a car or the extra money for a cab or rental just because she did the grocery shopping.

No, I don't think that someone on the bus was required to get up for her....that's a courtesy not a law. But just think how YOU may have spread a little sunshine her way by giving her a seat and you standing. Hmmmm....isn't that what we expect every CM to do? Yes, they get (barely) paid for that and courtesy is considered their job.....but gosh, wouldn't it be nice to spread some of that magical moments OFF property?

I thank my lucky stars that I have never had to take a bus.....anywhere...not to get to school as a youngster, not to get to work or do errands. I've ridden probably less than a dozen bus rides in my entire life, and never once was it because I didn't have a car! But I am blessed. Because it's just possible that woman and her children will never ever step foot onto WDW property. Ever. And my girls and I will be going for a whole month!

Yep....I'm blessed. And now a small part of me wants to go ride a bus so I can give up my seat to someone who needs it.

Ok, I'm over that idea, lol.....but I do try to find other ways to show courtesy to those having a bad day...or life.

Maybe the next time you are sitting on a bus dreaming about your last/next visit to WDW you could spread a little of that magical moment pixie dust on someone. Who knows, maybe as you get off that bus some of it might spill onto your shoulder. Just don't brush it off!

Or not.

 

[labattblue]

I'm not so sure this belongs here, it happened at our resort, POR. While sitting in the hot tub a small boy ran up to his dad holding himself doing the gotta go dance. The dad had the boy come into the hot tub then turned him around and told him to pee! DD and I got out and that was the last time we went into the hot tub!

I hope you are not swimming in the resort pools, because I am sure that this is occurring dozens of times every day(not that I would personally know).

 

[MommyBoo!]

Or maybe that was the last bus from the grocery to her home, and she'd just spent the day traveling by bus to do her errands.....she can't call a cab or rent a car, or drive her own, because her husband works 10 hour days making minimum wage so they don't have a car or the extra money for a cab or rental just because she did the grocery shopping.

No, I don't think that someone on the bus was required to get up for her....that's a courtesy not a law. But just think how YOU may have spread a little sunshine her way by giving her a seat and you standing. Hmmmm....isn't that what we expect every CM to do? Yes, they get (barely) paid for that and courtesy is considered their job.....but gosh, wouldn't it be nice to spread some of that magical moments OFF property?

I thank my lucky stars that I have never had to take a bus.....anywhere...not to get to school as a youngster, not to get to work or do errands. I've ridden probably less than a dozen bus rides in my entire life, and never once was it because I didn't have a car! But I am blessed. Because it's just possible that woman and her children will never ever step foot onto WDW property. Ever. And my girls and I will be going for a whole month!

Yep....I'm blessed. And now a small part of me wants to go ride a bus so I can give up my seat to someone who needs it.

Ok, I'm over that idea, lol.....but I do try to find other ways to show courtesy to those having a bad day...or life.

Maybe the next time you are sitting on a bus dreaming about your last/next visit to WDW you could spread a little of that magical moment pixie dust on someone. Who knows, maybe as you get off that bus some of it might spill onto your shoulder. Just don't brush it off!

Or not.

Thank you!

I posted this on another thread:

I've pulled one of my kids onto my lap so someone could sit down. One time, it was for a young woman who was visiting from Japan. My daughter had a lot of Tink pins on her lanyard and we had a nice conversation with the woman. When she got up, she gave my dd a Tink pin from Tokyo Disney. And she wouldn't take another in trade; she said it was a gift for my daughter because she was so nice and gave up her seat for her.

We have driven to WDW the last two trips, so we use our car or the monorail to get to the parks. We have no desire to deal with a stroller on the bus when we don't have to. Not everyone has that option. Maybe someone can't afford the rental car. And why should they have to, when Disney provides FREE transportation? I know, maybe they should just stay home if they can't anticipate what may have been the one and only bad moment out of a whole 7 day (or 5 or 10 or whatever) trip.

I have given up my seat to someone and had a seat given up for me. If I didn't mind giving up my seat, I guess that makes it no one else's business. It’s not my business why someone doesn’t give up a seat. Giving up your seat on the bus to someone does not make the person you gave the seat to selfish. It does not make them an idiot for bringing their kids on the bus. It just means a little bit of pixie dust was spread that day. Give up your seat, don't give up your seat. Whatever. I cannot believe what an issue this has become.

 

[MommyBoo!]

Exactly and I know this first hand from living overseas and traveling quite a bit. When I go to visit my sister in Italy later this year I'll have to remember to "just do as all American's do" and to heck with offending the Italians - NOT. I'm making a choice (not a mandatory requirement here) to go visit my sister in another country (which by the way I was born and lived in Italy for several years) and therefore I need to respect that culture and their "normalities".

Honestly - those folks at the fountain truly, in their hearts, may not have even thought for a second to put their feet in there, as something that others would see as offensive, etc. But ignorance is not an excuse and I think what most folks are saying on this board is "hey, that's not common around "these" parts" and therefore we are just talking about it on the boards here about "weird" things we have seen.

I agree. It is hard to know what is appropriate where however, we should try to learn that when we visit somewhere. Unfortunately, that doesn't always happen.

 

[thejackattack21]

I know this was about 6 pages ago, but I thought I should share...

It does gross me out too to see the greasy looking finger scanners but that is why we pack the hand santitizer!

The finger scanners are cleaned throughout the day. I still wouldn't call them clean, but they're not as gross as many people think. That being said, my hand sanitizer bottle and I are best friends, whether I'm at the parks or not!

 

[mickeyluv'r]

When I travel to Europe, I honestly try not to offend the culture. When I just traveled to Canada (July) I didn't offened the Canadians, maybe cooling ones feet off in fountains is a European thing, In the USA... in our cities... it is not done. My feet get hot at Disney, not once did it occure to me to dip them into the fountain, if it had, I still would not have done it. Is it a bad thing... as you asked... It is an unclean thing... in a public place. With all the germs in the world today... this is one more that we just don't need. To answer your question, Yes, I do think it is a bad thing... I wish Disney had stopped it and there lies the problem. I'll let the rest address the rest of your comments.

I disagree. Near me there is a city fountain where lots of folks soak their feet. It's a public fountain. I'll give that the design is more conducive to foot soaking, but it's in a high tourist area (so lots of out of town folks), and every time I've gone to it in the warm weather, people are soaking their feet. It feels great too. I never did see the same thing in Europe though. Drinking, rinsing one's face, yes. Feet, no. I've also seen plenty of kids playing in the bouncing water fountain at Epcot, and the fountains at Donald's boat - American kids even.

When I've traveled outside my country, I've repeatedly been embarrassed by my fellow compatriates. Lots of folks think that it's okay to be really rude when they go to Canada...or Europe. If you want to be REALLY embarassed to be an American try visiting Amsterdam. Just because pot is semi-legal doesn't make the country a free-for-all.
I guess I agree more with PTAmom.

 

[LukenDC]

Last Wednesday we were entering AK and going thru the bag check. A guy had a cooler full of beer and they told him that it was not allowed in the park. He was upset that he couldn't bring it in there and asked for security. Another security guard came over and told him the same thing. In the meantime I am mad because now this guy is holding up the line for "beer". We, along with the other 10 people got out of line and went in the next one. My DH and I just couldn't believe that for x amount of hours in the park that this man who was there with his family, couldn't be without his beer.

What a disturbing story. I hate being around people who have to have an alcoholic beverage in order to relax and enjoy themselves.

 

[webshark3]

If you offend most Europeans, they will be the first to tell you! When traveling abroad I read books. Of course, I can only speak for myself. As you stated, I am one vacation. I really don't like getting into a confrontation while on vacation, expecially on foreign soil. We have been "yelled at" for not knowing the language of the country. Yet the person knew perfect English. We (USA) are not liked in a lot of countries, yet they come over here and we are to make all the concessions. That is where a lot of the rudeness is coming from at Disney.

I know that no amount of reading totally prepares you for Europe travel. I still get the occasional "eye rolls" from the natives. However, I will say that of all places, the French were the nicest and most accommodating. They tried hard to speak English when they saw I couldn't speak French and failing that, we both let our hands do the talking and laughed. I also learned that they love Americans, just not Bush. One Street Artist remarked, "You Americans don't comer here no more. Bush don't allow you, no?"

I just laughed and said we haven't given him "that much" power yet. The exchange rate is a more likely reason. And EVERYWHERE, American music, shops, etc... If anything, they have an unhealthy obsession with America.

The Brits, they're just Jealous. (Reference the UK show Blessed, Episode 8 for you Brits at home).

 

[maxiesmom]

Or maybe that was the last bus from the grocery to her home, and she'd just spent the day traveling by bus to do her errands.....she can't call a cab or rent a car, or drive her own, because her husband works 10 hour days making minimum wage so they don't have a car or the extra money for a cab or rental just because she did the grocery shopping.

No, I don't think that someone on the bus was required to get up for her....that's a courtesy not a law. But just think how YOU may have spread a little sunshine her way by giving her a seat and you standing. Hmmmm....isn't that what we expect every CM to do? Yes, they get (barely) paid for that and courtesy is considered their job.....but gosh, wouldn't it be nice to spread some of that magical moments OFF property?

I thank my lucky stars that I have never had to take a bus.....anywhere...not to get to school as a youngster, not to get to work or do errands. I've ridden probably less than a dozen bus rides in my entire life, and never once was it because I didn't have a car! But I am blessed. Because it's just possible that woman and her children will never ever step foot onto WDW property. Ever. And my girls and I will be going for a whole month!

Yep....I'm blessed. And now a small part of me wants to go ride a bus so I can give up my seat to someone who needs it.

Ok, I'm over that idea, lol.....but I do try to find other ways to show courtesy to those having a bad day...or life.

Maybe the next time you are sitting on a bus dreaming about your last/next visit to WDW you could spread a little of that magical moment pixie dust on someone. Who knows, maybe as you get off that bus some of it might spill onto your shoulder. Just don't brush it off!

Or not.

I never said I wouldn't get up and offer a seat. I said you shouldn't expect it. Truth is sometimes I will offer my seat to someone who I think needs it. Sometimes I can't. You see, I am one of those people when you look at them looks perfectly healthy. And then I have days where every step I take hurts. On those days, I will stay in my seat. Nice to know that there are so many people out there who will be giving me the evil eye when I choose to do so.

 

[debbiet1]

I know how you feel Maxiesmom. I too have an illness that to the naked eye you cant see. If I can I have given up my seat to people while on a Disney Bus. The past 1.5-2 yrs I've dealt with Thyroid cancer. Which to see me you'd never know but for our upcoming trip I know there will be days after walking the park that I just wont have the energy to stand and give someone my seat but if I could I would.

 

[theparsons]

I never said I wouldn't get up and offer a seat. I said you shouldn't expect it. Truth is sometimes I will offer my seat to someone who I think needs it. Sometimes I can't. You see, I am one of those people when you look at them looks perfectly healthy. And then I have days where every step I take hurts. On those days, I will stay in my seat. Nice to know that there are so many people out there who will be giving me the evil eye when I choose to do so.

I never said you should either....all I said was maybe on that good day when you are feeling ok, spread some of that pixie dust to someone else. And hopefully, just maybe, that day that you are hurting so bad you aren't sure you can even get up the steps on the bus, someone else will see the pain in your eyes, and stand up for you....because they are having a good day. That's what I was trying to say!

I absolutely concur that there are a lot of reasons why someone doesn't get up.....and yep, lots of disabilities or just plain sore, tired, I've-had-the-day-from-Hercules'-Hades, or even just thinking so intently about whatever, good or bad, didn't even notice you. I would never presume to expect someone to get up.....but if you've ever been the recipient of a helping hand when you desperately needed it....well, you just know you want to give someone else that feeling. Been there, many times. I have twins....and when they were infants and I was trying to figure out this mom thing...well, let's just say there were many ways people made my day with a little courtesy. My DH and I didn't have any family nearby to help us....my mom died decades before the girls were born, so I didn't have anyone to ask "how do I do this". So I spent a lot of time figuring it out with trial and error. I could have kissed the guy who finally showed me how to get a double wide stroller out double doors (duh, mommy brain was going strong as it never occured to me to BACK the stroller out the door so I could push them both open...total duh moment that nearly had me in tears for solving my big problem. Of course with week old twins, everything had me in tears, lol). But that was 11 years ago and I still can see his face.....and I still see it as the turning point in my thinking I could handle this.....I just needed to figure out how to do with two babies what everyone else struggled a little to do with one. It was downhill from there, silly as that seems.

So...when you're having a good day....make someone else's even better.

And yeah....it amazes me also how this issue is so heated. You'd think we were asking people to take over my Disney payments or something, lol. It's a seat....if you need it, keep it, but if you can get by without it and someone needs it more than you.....sprinkle. I wonder if the CM's are trained at spotting the ones who will sprinkle some dust....and those are the ones who get the two pins, one to keep and another to share? It's not really much different an issue in my brain (which does still have mommy brain rather often)


Mommy brain....for those who haven't had a baby....mommy brain is that fog headedness that comes over new moms....it's a hormone thing. It's supposed to go away but if you ask most moms it never really does. While I was pregnant with twins I could juggle 70 hour work weeks, a full case load in my own business....after birth I couldn't figure out how to get a double door open with a stroller between me and the door.

 

[luvthemouse71]

Yoy guys need to start thinking on your feet!

Next time you see something like a "fountain Group" take a quick drink from your water bottle, DON't SWOLLOW IT, run up to the fountain, and do the fake ralph into the fountain. wipe your mouth and say in your best pigin spanish "Con Permisso""... and leave.

Make sure to have other members of your group stand back with cameras ready........

Pirate Translation:
Arrrhhhh Arrrggghhh! Ye be a pull'in a fast one on the landlubbers! I be a'thinkin ye could be hav'in a rollickin good time a mak'in a U-tube extravaganza!!! Arrrhhhh arrrrggghhhh!!

I think I love you..(if you're a guy) If you're a girl, you're my new best friend! LOL

 

[N10CJT]

This thread reminded me of something I saw in one of the parks (I think it was the Magic Kingdom) over a decade ago.
I just happened to be sitting down for a quick rest, not really paying much attention to anything, and I saw a man fish a half-eaten hot dog out of a trash bin. He stood with his back to the bin and looked around for an opportune time when no one was looking (sorry buddy!) and then dove in for it! Someone must have deposited it there in front of him and tempted his tastebuds..... nothing like a bit of garbage to make a Disney day that much more special!
Here's the best part, though..... he eats the dog from the uneaten end, and carefully bites off his last piece so as not to eat the previously bitten end! It's important to practice good hygiene, I suppose. Kudos to you, pal.
I can imagine the complaint to Disney, though..... your restaurants gave me food poisoning!!!!!

 

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

I think I love you..(if you're a guy) If you're a girl, you're my new best friend! LOL

Thanks.. my DW wouldn't understand!!
(also the reason my daughter-in law won't let me teach the three grandsons really cool stuff to do!!) (something about them spending the school year in detention!)

Pirate Translation:
Arrrrhhh Arrrgghh. Ye be a fine wench, but me wench that be me wife has a mean eye an sharp cutless. But yer can be me shipmate in sail'in 'ta world fer treasure and adventure in all places of 'ta World O' ta Mouse!! All ye need be do is never give landlubbers and scallywags fair passage! And yer need to be a'makin merriment and glee where ever yer pass by!! Arrrh Arrrggghh.

 

[ms.yt]

Maybe this isn't the best place for this question, but I've been wondering what is the deal with the Brazilian tour groups? Have they just recently started coming in droves because I haven't ever noticed them before. Are they around all year or just during certain times? From what everybody says, it would be best if I didn't encounter some of these groups. I would be one of those crazy women who confronted them also, much to my husband's embarrassment!