Disney Debbie said:
Don't think it's rude at all. Sounds efficient to me. What difference does it make as long as one person stands in line whether it's the one person who stood or their kid who goes to the character?
So those of you who think it's rude - You'll really hate me for this one - when DH & I go to the grocery store or someplace like that (that doesn't have a 10 items or less line) and have just one or two things - we'll get in two lines. Whoever gets there first - the other will join them and pay. I wouldn't do that with a cart full of groceries -but I don't hesitate to do it with a few items. Of course - it used to be people would let you go ahead with just a few items - I always let someone cut in front of me if they have one or two things and I have a cart full of stuff. But most of the time people with a cart full of stuff will practically race me to a register to beat me with my gallon of milk now adays!
While "hate" is a strong word, I do think that's ridiculous. What makes you think your time is any more valuable than those around you?

How do people react when one of you has to inconvenience them by pushing your way through?
Personally, I nearly always let someone go ahead of me if they have just a few items, but I'm not about to let 3 or 4 people do it. And if I don't do it in an instance, it's because I'm rushed myself.
A while back, my DD and I went shopping at a Sam's club. I don't know if we ate something that disagreed with us, but neither one of us were feeling well by the time we got to the register, and we were both ready to lose it. I got in what looked like the shortest line, and then just when it got to be our turn, this woman came flying up with a full cart. It turned out that the man standing with the two women ahead of us wasn't with
them, but was saving a spot while his wife shopped.

I normally don't let things bother me, and I certainly never make remarks to people, but I did have a few choice things to say to this woman. At least her husband had the good grace to look embarrassed and to apologize.

Every single person behind me felt the same way.
Sorry, but I'd just rather be considerate, even at the expense of "inefficiency."