Adults without kids - why do you visit characters?

[UpstateMick]

No, I'm still confused. Are you saying that adults are the ONLY people who monopolize time with characters? I've stood behind a family that took so long with a character (close to five minutes), that I ended up missing meeting Rabbit. I've stood behind adults who take less than two minutes.

Ok, I'll do my best to make this a bit clearer. I do not believe anyone should monopolize time with characters. It has just been my experience, meaning my PERSONAL experience during our family's last three trips, that adults, who I would assume would be more aware of monopolizing time (ie. self-aware), seemed to monopolize it the most. Most families, again, from OUR PERSONAL perspective, do the best they can with the time, considering they are pushing strollers, managing children, trying to keep everyone together, and trying to have their camera and videocamera out to record the event.

Sorry you missed Rabbit: Our family found him delightful.

 

[KellyNY]

I think for adults it is pretty much taking a cute picture, but for kids it is actually meeting real characters, not CMs in costumes and yes, it takes a bit longer time. I agree that pens, cameras should be prepared in advance but that is about it. I do not get in line for characters because I know it is a different experience for the kids and I do not want to wait for just a picture, but if I would get in line, I would not get upset because some kid took longer or they want individual photos.

 

[Tink575]

My dh and I are in our 60's now, but love to get a picture with some characters as a memento, especially on party nights etc. The last time we had our pic taken was on One More Disney Day, with Minnie and Mickey. Before that it was probably at MNSSHP in 2010. OOPS we did get a pic with Duffy Bear in Epcot this past Feb. - Duffy for whatever reason had no one waiting and spent a lot of time with us

 

[JenniBugInPink]

I was 49 years old the first time I visited WDW. I stand in line for my favorite characters with the best of them. I eat at Crystal Palace even though the food is lackluster and it's the noisiest place on property because I love all the Pooh characters. I had a crappy childhood. I'm making up for it now, and nobody is going to suck up my fun if I can help it.

When I met Remmy and Emil a few years ago, I guess they picked up on the fact that I'm always up for a show, and they started fighting over me and acting really silly during the meet/greet. The more I tried to get away (hey, I'm not stupid - I can see those pissed off momma looks!), the worse they got! It was hilarious, and the photographer got lots of pictures, but if looks could kill, I'd be dead hundreds of times over.

 

[juliebug1997]

Ok, I'll do my best to make this a bit clearer. I do not believe anyone should monopolize time with characters. It has just been my experience, meaning my PERSONAL experience during our family's last three trips, that adults, who I would assume would be more aware of monopolizing time (ie. self-aware), seemed to monopolize it the most. Most families, again, from OUR PERSONAL perspective, do the best they can with the time, considering they are pushing strollers, managing children, trying to keep everyone together, and trying to have their camera and videocamera out to record the event.

Sorry you missed Rabbit: Our family found him delightful.

So because they have brought all that stuff with them, they deserve more time? Okay, got it. Gosh, I hope I'm never in the parks with you if that's the way you really feel, that it's okay for families to monopolize the time and disrespect others who are in the park just because they don't have kids. That's like the restaurant that my brother used to work for who wouldn't give him a normal schedule because he wasn't married with kids.

 

[mesaboy2]

So because they have brought all that stuff with them, they deserve more time? Okay, got it. Gosh, I hope I'm never in the parks with you if that's the way you really feel, that it's okay for families to monopolize the time and disrespect others who are in the park just because they don't have kids. That's like the restaurant that my brother used to work for who wouldn't give him a normal schedule because he wasn't married with kids.

You never know. He might have been the dude in front of you for Rabbit.

 

[LarryinArk]

I'm genuinely curious why adults without kids visit characters. Obviously by that point in your life, you know that it's not *really* Mickey or a princess standing in front of you and you don't actually have Cinderella's signature in your book, so what's the draw to the characters?

I'm asking because on our trip last week, we were in line to see Tiana and there was a couple who were most likely in their mid-20's a couple of families in front of us. They both had autograph books and the guy took an unusually long time talking to Tiana and doing different poses with her. So much so that that one mom in front of us started getting testy and said in a loud voice "Come on. There are KIDS waiting to see her. You had your time."

Now I do get that Disney is not just for kids, but I don't understand why an adult would stand in line to meet a character. Character meals are a little different since you get food there, but all you get in a character line is to meet the character. Can you tell that I really can't wait until my girls don't want to stand in character lines any more?

We have photos taken with characters for the same reason we go to the movies, watch tv and try karoake. To escape reality and let our inner-children out to play for a little while.

 

[TDC Nala]

Ok, I'll do my best to make this a bit clearer. I do not believe anyone should monopolize time with characters. It has just been my experience, meaning my PERSONAL experience during our family's last three trips, that adults, who I would assume would be more aware of monopolizing time (ie. self-aware), seemed to monopolize it the most. Most families, again, from OUR PERSONAL perspective, do the best they can with the time, considering they are pushing strollers, managing children, trying to keep everyone together, and trying to have their camera and videocamera out to record the event.

So. Adults who take a little longer than the next person thinks they should take are monopolizing the characters. Families with children who take a little longer than the next person thinks they should take are doing the best they can under the circumstances. OK then.

By the way, if anyone (adult or family) wants to burn a little time before getting on the bus to the resort after Epcot closes so you miss the crowds, try the Character Connection.

 

[KellyNY]

So because they have brought all that stuff with them, they deserve more time? Okay, got it. Gosh, I hope I'm never in the parks with you if that's the way you really feel, that it's okay for families to monopolize the time and disrespect others who are in the park just because they don't have kids. That's like the restaurant that my brother used to work for who wouldn't give him a normal schedule because he wasn't married with kids.

It is not about having or not having kids but group of adults is more organized then family with little kids, kids are not organized and not that good with instrutions. Yes, they can cry all of the sudden and run, they are kids and it is more difficult to control them and yes they need strollers and bottles and diaper bag, but it is not Vegas, it is Disney.

 

[webster76]

I guess I have mixed emotions about this subject. Whether I go alone or with any of my kids , who are actually in their 20's, I love the meet and greets! I always try to get in and out as quickly as I can, out of respect for others, whether or not they have children with them. But I DO feel that if you have children with you it's only polite to be READY when it's your turn. By ready I mean with pen, autograph book, things like that. With that said, you can't be sure how your child will react when they finally DO get that close to a character they love from afar! Just get a picture, whether there are tears or not! You'll look back on that photo, possibly as one of your favorites, in years to come! Yes , you've come a long way , with your family in tow, and who knows when you may get to come again. But that may be the same for the people behind you whether they have kids with them or not It's DISNEYWORLD - have fun!

 

[glenpreece]

I started to visit WDW when I was 22 and have met characters each and every time I go. I often go solo and still meet characters it's fun and all apart of the experience. I try and be as quick as possible and some characters get that smile say hello and move you along and others are very chatty. I always end up talking with Tiana for awhile cause she asks me all sorts of questions each time I visit her LOL.

 

[UpstateMick]

So because they have brought all that stuff with them, they deserve more time? Okay, got it. Gosh, I hope I'm never in the parks with you if that's the way you really feel, that it's okay for families to monopolize the time and disrespect others who are in the park just because they don't have kids. That's like the restaurant that my brother used to work for who wouldn't give him a normal schedule because he wasn't married with kids.

Too bad you weren't in the parks with us...you would have met Rabbit!

 

[juliebug1997]

It is not about having or not having kids but group of adults is more organized then family with little kids, kids are not organized and not that good with instrutions. Yes, they can cry all of the sudden and run, they are kids and it is more difficult to control them and yes they need strollers and bottles and diaper bag, but it is not Vegas, it is Disney.

I've taken teenage girls who are not organized either, but that shouldn't be an excuse. If parents want to waste their time with the characters getting out their pens, their video cameras after waiting in line for twenty minutes, then that's their thing. I've seen many organized parents who have the books out, let the kids hold them and have everything else ready to go too. It is possible to be organized.

Mesaboy,
Thankfully, I found a great CM who told me when Rabbit was coming back and I got in line. After talking with the family in front of me (I was on my own, because my brother was back at the room taking the nap), they said I could be with them if it started looking bad. In the end, I was the last person for Rabbit that day.

 

[KellyNY]

I've taken teenage girls who are not organized either, but that shouldn't be an excuse. If parents want to waste their time with the characters getting out their pens, their video cameras after waiting in line for twenty minutes, then that's their thing. I've seen many organized parents who have the books out, let the kids hold them and have everything else ready to go too. It is possible to be organized.

Mesaboy,
Thankfully, I found a great CM who told me when Rabbit was coming back and I got in line. After talking with the family in front of me (I was on my own, because my brother was back at the room taking the nap), they said I could be with them if it started looking bad. In the end, I was the last person for Rabbit that day.

I was talking about kids behaivor. I agree that pens and cameras should be prepared in advance but you cannot always control kids crying and running or all of the sudden not wanting to approach character while they were dying to meet him just a minute ago. Yes, parents need to take care of all of it including strollers and keep their party together while I do not think you had same problem with teens.

 

[vicki_c]

Ok, I'll do my best to make this a bit clearer. I do not believe anyone should monopolize time with characters. It has just been my experience, meaning my PERSONAL experience during our family's last three trips, that adults, who I would assume would be more aware of monopolizing time (ie. self-aware), seemed to monopolize it the most. Most families, again, from OUR PERSONAL perspective, do the best they can with the time, considering they are pushing strollers, managing children, trying to keep everyone together, and trying to have their camera and videocamera out to record the event.

Sorry you missed Rabbit: Our family found him delightful.

That's funny, because when I first made the comment quite a few pages back that no one should monopolize the characters' time, I stated it generically. But in truth I was referring to families who take way too long in my opinion (obviously I'm not in the "not anyone's business" camp that some others are). It just drives me crazy when families are disorganized, slow, and really worse than those - decide they need a photo with all the kids, now a separate photo with each of their 4 kids, now one with mom and dad, now one with mom & dad and the kids, etc., etc. And THEN... out come the autograph books. So that drives me crazy. I never see adults without kids delaying things in the same way.

I have two kids - when there's a line, we get 1-2 photo options, and we don't bother with autograph books at all. So I realize those are all my family's personal choices, but I admit to getting annoyed because others don't do the same when it starts to make the lines take longer.

I wasn't really talking at all about those spontaneous character interactions - often driven by the characters themselves - that can make one group's time take a little longer than others. That doesn't bother me at all and I hope to have the same type of interactions too.

 

[taaren]

For us, sometimes its a visual joke.

Eg, DH likes to get a picture taken with a certain Toy Story character so he can post on his Fb page, "Here's me with a Woody..."

 

[glenpreece]

it just drives me crazy when families are disorganized, slow, and really worse than those - decide they need a photo with all the kids, now a separate photo with each of their 4 kids, now one with mom and dad, now one with mom & dad and the kids, etc., etc. And then... Out come the autograph books. So that drives me crazy. I never see adults without kids delaying things in the same way.

amen!!!!

 

[Phatoomch]

Adults: 37 seconds per adult x number of character(s) interaction (add 4 seconds per every 5 years after 50) (subtract 6 seconds for college students and/or wedding parties).

Families: 54 seconds per child x number of character(s) interaction (add 9 seconds for ages 2 and under) (subtract 3 seconds per year after 8 until the 37 second mark of adulthood is attained).

Problem solved (barring any reduction of EMH or increase in DDP fees...oh wait!)

Even though I totally disagree with your opinion, that post was funny as

Thanks, I needed that

 

[aubriee]

So because they have brought all that stuff with them, they deserve more time? Okay, got it. Gosh, I hope I'm never in the parks with you if that's the way you really feel, that it's okay for families to monopolize the time and disrespect others who are in the park just because they don't have kids. That's like the restaurant that my brother used to work for who wouldn't give him a normal schedule because he wasn't married with kids.

Off topic, but I think alot of jobs feel that way. I work at a psychiatric hospital so obviously we are open 24/7 365 days a year. We use a skeleton crew for the holdidays but we have to have a certain number of people, so someone has to work them. A few years ago alot of people were complaining because our nurse managager always gave the same people off the week of Thanksgiving and the week of Christmas every single year. It didn't matter when the rest of us turned our requests for time off in, the same people still got the holidays every year. Anyway the same thing happened for Thanksgiving that year and everyone was in an uproar. His reaction: when the December schedule came out, no one got the whole week off. Great! Right? Nope, what he did was if you had a kid at home you got not only Christmas Eve, but Christmas day also. Those of us who either didn't have kids or our kids were grown all had to work both days. He was so excited. He actually thought it was such a fantastic idea and didn't understand why those of us who didn't get the holiday for like the fifth year in a row was pissed. When everyone complained, he said that Christmas was for kids and he thought we'd be happy to help those parents with young kids out. Uh, duh! Like we don't want to spend at least one day of the holidays with our families too. By the same token, if two people ask for anytime off during the summer, he gives the person with a kid priority, saying that's the only time they can get time off because of school. Yeah, if you have a kid at home you can wait until a month out and request the Christmas holidays or two weeks during the summer or spring break off and get it just because you have a kid, even if someone that doesn't have kids at home requested the same days off a year ahead of time.

 

[southern_belle21]

Ever stop to think that MAYBE some people who aren't blessed with children, are not able to have them??? And, yes adopting is not as easy as people may think (I have a friend who is trying but it's a difficult process). What has this world come to, when two adults get fussed at at WDW just because they want to meet characters??? Just because some couples do not have children, it doesn't give anyone a right to judge them, OR expect them to have less privileges. It's attitudes such as this that makes me almost not even want to have kids...it's just wrong.