Are people at DLR really that rude?

[BeccaG]

There are rude people at Disneyland, but then again, there are rude people everywhere. ....

Well said! I have run into a few rude people at Disneyland, but I would say that its no higher than anywhere...perhaps even less so!

 

[Astylla]

There is a general rule of thumb - A customer having a positive experience will tell a few people , one having a negative one will tell 10 or more people.

This was something pointed out to me at my first job many years ago and it really does hold true. The sad truth is that there are rude people everywhere from all walks of life. I blame the entitlement attitude that some people do carry with them. Unfortunately this often carries over into the innocent people around them for no sane reason. As far as Disneyland goes I really cant recall any truly rude people , some impatience definitely , but not so bad that it led to anything being ruined. Obviously I have just been lucky and it is unfortunate those who have experienced less than perfect circumstances have to worry so much from now on.

For me , being at DL just makes me a happier person and I have had some unforgettable people that have been met and conversations with complete strangers and families. I try to pay it forward so hopefully the chain can strengthen and not weaken over time. My personal advice/opinion is to focus on what you and bring instead of what others can't.

 

[CamoMama]

I'm here right now, and having an absolutely lovely time, just spent about an hour with several total strangers, all of us exclaiming over Fantasmic (two of us were seeing it for the first time), we chatted, joked and had an all around excellent time.

I also saw some not so lovely behavior right before Fantasmic at POTC, a mother had 3 boys with her (none over 7 I'm pretty sure) and one of them was crying his head off and being incredibly disruptive. A solo rider that was in the line with them requested (quietly to the CM standing near me) to go on the next boat, the CM said that would be fine (it was during the fireworks, no line at all). The kid ran away from his mother and started for the exit. She chased after him yelling and the boat had to go on without them. Rather than follow her kid to the exit and take him back to their room to sleep (it was 9:30, and he was obviously overtired, and what both I and the CM assumed she was doing so he put me in their spot), she dragged him back and stepped in front of me to get back in the position that she had left (I was actually standing in front of the gate, not still in the queue) with the kid still screaming bloody murder. But again, I saw the same type of behavior and worse from parents and children at WDW in February as well.

 

[dadofnicholas]

I'm here now... and so far so good. I don't anticipate any problems with rude people but then again I have grounded expectations of other visitors as well as cast members. In fact, in my short time here (one day), visitors tend to chat with other visitors even though we don't know each other. Of course, that doesn't apply to everyone but I think having that commonality of visiting Disney makes it "a small world" after all. Sorry - had to put that one in there.

As for cast members, I used to work for a company that sent key people to Disney to get an idea of Disney's approach to customer service. So far, everyone has been quite helpful but again, I have realistic expectations. I know some will disagree with me but I don't believe every cast member will know everything about Disney - even the basics. What I do expect is that if they do not know the answer, they can direct me to someone who might. I doubt if each of us knows everything about our own field of work Also, I expect cast members to be respectful but not Mary Poppins happy 24/7. Today, there was a CM at City Hall that totally Mary-Poppined my son - which was great to see but they are not all going to do that. That's a lot to expect from a cast member who has to deal with that many visitors especially the bad apples who treat the CMs with disrepect. I've seen a few those already today. It's a tough job for a job that doesn't pay big bucks.

Just my two cents and opionion of course. I rather take the responsibility of having fun into my own hands and deal with the odd weird situation as best and as fast as I can. It's a place for smiles and laughter so I choose not to create or be part of the drama even if the situation may call for it.

 

[niklynn1]

Thanks for all of your replies. We are looking forward to our CA vacation and I'm confident we will have a GREAT time.

However, I have to admit, I am a bit disturbed by the number of people, including several in this very thread, who have acknowledged having seen or smelled marijuana use IN the parks.

I am a teacher and a mother of two teens. I am taking my children on a vacation to a FAMILY ORIENTED theme park, where they should not have to be exposed to illegal drug use. Even if, as one poster in this thread commented, medical marijuana is legal in Cali, they should NOT be smoking it in a public venue with thousands of children around.

So, how is this typically handled at DLR? Do people ignore it, or to CMs put a stop to it?

 

[markinmt]

Thanks for all of your replies. We are looking forward to our CA vacation and I'm confident we will have a GREAT time.

However, I have to admit, I am a bit disturbed by the number of people, including several in this very thread, who have acknowledged having seen or smelled marijuana use IN the parks.

I am a teacher and a mother of two teens. I am taking my children on a vacation to a FAMILY ORIENTED theme park, where they should not have to be exposed to illegal drug use. Even if, as one poster in this thread commented, medical marijuana is legal in Cali, they should NOT be smoking it in a public venue with thousands of children around.

So, how is this typically handled at DLR? Do people ignore it, or to CMs put a stop to it?

I saw a group of Disneyland Security questioning two alleged pot smokers one night a few weeks ago. I stood there and watched -- from afar -- while my wife and daughter bought food at the Tomorowland Terrace.

The guards had the situation under control, found a joint tossed aside in a flower bed and then escorted the two away from the area to where I am not sure (my guess is that they simply walked them out of the park.)

If you see it happening -- and I hope you don't -- find a castmember and let them know. A few bad apples can spoil the whole barrel, but don't let them ruin your trip to the park.

 

[LisainCalifornia]

Thanks for all of your replies. We are looking forward to our CA vacation and I'm confident we will have a GREAT time.

However, I have to admit, I am a bit disturbed by the number of people, including several in this very thread, who have acknowledged having seen or smelled marijuana use IN the parks.

I am a teacher and a mother of two teens. I am taking my children on a vacation to a FAMILY ORIENTED theme park, where they should not have to be exposed to illegal drug use. Even if, as one poster in this thread commented, medical marijuana is legal in Cali, they should NOT be smoking it in a public venue with thousands of children around.

So, how is this typically handled at DLR? Do people ignore it, or to CMs put a stop to it?

Like I said earlier, we have gone to DLR about 3 times a year for the last decade. I have NEVER smelled pot when walking around in the park--so I would imagine it is very unlikely that you will either. I am someone who use to live on Haight Street (in the Haight Ashbury) in San Francisco--so I would know what pot would smell like.

As far as medical pot--there are many rules associated with it, and most people are not just lighting up willy nilly in California. I don't know what you are picturing, but it just isn't like that. Disneyland has a well earned reputation for being squeaky clean and very family friendly, and I have no doubt that you will find that when you visit.

I know you are going to have a great time. It seems like you are are very anxious about the trip---but you really needed be.

 

[mouseymommy]

I have never had a big issue with rude people at Disneyland. I am sure that somebody has been rude, but I just don't remember. We are usually so excited to be there that we are in a little bubble of happy. We are the goofy people with huge smiles giggling and exclaiming over things we have seen many times! As for smelling pot, I haven't ever encountered that! That would really annoy us! Don't worry, you will have a great time!!

 

[pixiewings71]

yes, people can be rude at DLR, I've experienced rude people myself, I'm sure I've done or said something that could have been considered rude as well. That said rude people are all over the world, I haven't noticed more rude people at DL, in fact it's been quite the opposite IME. When/if you encounter a rude person it's up to you how to handle it, whether or not you react in kind or simply get a laugh out of it and move on.

As for pot...I've never seen it, I've never smelled it, and you can see how many times I've been there the past 6 years in my signature line. And I do know what pot smells like. lol If you see someone smoking pot tell a CM, they can then handle the situation as they have been trained to do. And yes, CA has legal marijuana but that doesn't mean you can light up in the middle of DL and wander around smoking.

 

[jetskigrl]

Thanks for all of your replies. We are looking forward to our CA vacation and I'm confident we will have a GREAT time.

However, I have to admit, I am a bit disturbed by the number of people, including several in this very thread, who have acknowledged having seen or smelled marijuana use IN the parks.

I am a teacher and a mother of two teens. I am taking my children on a vacation to a FAMILY ORIENTED theme park, where they should not have to be exposed to illegal drug use. Even if, as one poster in this thread commented, medical marijuana is legal in Cali, they should NOT be smoking it in a public venue with thousands of children around.

So, how is this typically handled at DLR? Do people ignore it, or to CMs put a stop to it?

We have been at DLR once or twice a month for the past 10 years and I have never encountered anyone smoking pot there. Interestingly enough, the only Disney place that I encountered it was on a Disney Cruise (the people a couple of verandahs down from us lit up right after pulling out of Puerta Vallarta). But this family was also very rude in other aspects (including a teenager flashing the people along the port as we pulled out of LA).

As for Disneyland, I do not find an overly large amount of rude people there. Much less than even just going to the grocery store or driving to the mall. People tend to be more likely to start up a conversation with strangers while waiting in line, etc. We have met many wonderful families there, as well as CMs.

It isn't perfect. We have a couple of rude CM stories (well, a couple from DLR and a couple from WDW) but the vast majority of people that we encounter there are kind, pleasant and just happy to be there

 

[mystic_path]

I have been going for years every year to DL with my family and we have always been so happy as most people seem to be enjoying themselves and doing their own thing. Bad run ins are bound to happen. I have only had a few rude experiences, but they all seemed to have been on the last trip. Maybe it was a full moon that week or something and I was more less in the wrong places at the wrong times. These individuals needed to watch their attitudes and mouths in public and know that this is to be a place where people can go and have fun with their children. However sometimes people take too much advantage of a good thing and expect more, but also with crowds I guess patience, heat, crowds or a combo of those things can run thin and it will get to the best of people.

 

[shellie may]

are people rude at disneyland? maybe? but people can be rude anywhere. I can tell you that i encounter more rude people at the mall than a disney park. Maybe i was in a disneyland bubble when i went on my first trip but i didnt have any rude encounters no line cutters, no people trying to scoot real close to me during WOC, no rude CM's, no nothing. maybe i was way to into my vacation to let anything ruin my time at a happy park.

Now i encounter a lot of cranky people at WDW so whoever said that WDW has less rude people because more people are on vacation is a complete opinion. At DLR i ran into nothing but nice locals even the ones who came from work and were enjoying the park. Maybe i just got lucky but I think way too many people go into disney thinking everyone is just going to be nice and go out of there way to make everyone happy and no one will be rude everyone will just be happy all together at disneyland hold hands and sing its a small world. my mom always taught me to not respond to rudeness and just flash them a big smile and walk away. your at disneyland dont let a couple of rude people ruin your time

 

[rtfelt]

I've been going to DLR several times a month for over 10 years and have never smelled pot. I have seen some tipsy people late at night who have come over from DCA, where alcohol is served, to DL, but it's been very rare. I think the CM's are very friendly and helpful (of course I have a daughter who is one of them ), and I've had many interesting conversations with them while waiting. I also have great conversations with other guests in line--everything from Disney to great literature to science. I've given away FP's and received FP's from others. I've helped clueless guests with what attractions are a must see and explained every attraction to them while in line. I've also seen a rude group of teenagers (and their mother if you can believe it) escorted out of the park by security, but that was only once out of what 300+ visits. I've also seen impatient parents with tired children (after 9 pm in summer high season) but most are not. I love DLR and I think you usually get what you put in and what you expect. One reason for this impression may be because so many guests are locals, who, I must admit, sometimes think DLR is their own home and treat it like it's there's may not be as considerate, but here again, I think this is rare. I didn't see any difference from when we were at WDW last summer.

 

[pilesoflaundry]

I'm shocked at how many people mentioned they have seen it or smelled it. I guess it was something I never dreamed would be an issue, ever! I would expect rude people anywhere and I know it's a differnet vibe being a locals park but the pot thing is just wow.

I googled it just for giggles and there is a lot of info out there and message boards all about the best places to smoke or the experience. I'm truly shocked. I'm not generally one of those people that are all disney can do no wrong but I guess it's something I wouldn't expect anywhere, even a local park or six flags. My mind just doesn't go there.

 

[HydroGuy]

I'm shocked at how many people mentioned they have seen it or smelled it. I guess it was something I never dreamed would be an issue, ever! I would expect rude people anywhere and I know it's a differnet vibe being a locals park but the pot thing is just wow.

I googled it just for giggles and there is a lot of info out there and message boards all about the best places to smoke or the experience. I'm truly shocked. I'm not generally one of those people that are all disney can do no wrong but I guess it's something I wouldn't expect anywhere, even a local park or six flags. My mind just doesn't go there.

I guess if I had ever experienced once at any Disney park I would remember it. I have never and so I think this whole issue is overblown.

 

[MrsMears]

As for pot, the only time I've smelled it (and not infrequently) is in the smoking areas because several of our friends smoke (cigarettes) so we stop there for breaks. And its usually pretty sweet smelling, not the rancid smelling stuff that the vagrants in front of the public place that I work smoke, so we don't comment and let them enjoy their vacation. (There's usually a difference between different kinds of cigarette smoke, as well as most other kinds, the cheapest stuff always seems to be the most offensive, which is why I always have a hard time walking around the Strip at Las Vegas since it seems like everyone there smokes $1 packs. I've gathered that Disney smokers of all varieties don't tend to buy the cheap stuff; often I smell a mixture of cigarettes, cigars, cloves, and a more illicit substance. I'm a non-smoker, btw.) If you're not a smoker you're much less likely to encounter it, but I wouldn't recommend having your kids hang out near the smoking area regardless of the substance because of the second hand smoke.

Although I certainly agree that many families might be offended by the smell of burning cannabis, I can also understand why medicinal cannabis patient would want to use while at the park. Walking all day throughout both parks is exhausting both mentally and physically!

 

[LisaCat]

On our recent DLR trip, we knew it was time for a hotel pool break when we started referring to IASW as the "Voyage of the Damned". Our two year old LOVES it, and we rode it ONE too many times.

That's just funny right there.

I haven't run into any more drunk people at DLR (and it's usually just DCA) than I did at Epcot. Other than going during an event like Leap Day or New Year's Eve, I think both locations are on pretty even ground for the number of doofuses. LOL

 

[EmmersIsTheMommy]

I guess if I had ever experienced once at any Disney park I would remember it. I have never and so I think this whole issue is overblown.

This.

 

[robinb]

The absolute rudest guest at any Disney park was at DL one New Year's Eve. She and her little girl line jumped in front of me (to take the train!) and then shoved me when I objected. Disneyland is not an isolated little oasis in the middle of a Florida swamp. It is a theme park in an urban area. You literally get all kinds of people from all walks of life at Disneyland v/s only folks with enough money for a "big vacation" at WDW. That being said, it is my park. I have been to every Disney park in the world and it is my absolute favorite. You will have a GREAT time!

 

[MrsMears]

Even if, as one poster in this thread commented, medical marijuana is legal in Cali, they should NOT be smoking it in a public venue with thousands of children around.

Um, it's legal to use medicinal cannabis in California anywhere it is legal to smoke a cig, except on federal property and in federal housing.