Bad encounter at IASW

[labattblue]

Sorry, but it would have ruined my day more to just let it go. It is precisely because people "let it go" that it continues to happen.

My 2 cents. I'm on vacation and at WDW to enjoy myself, CM's are there to enforce rules and policy. If they don't do their job, I'm not going to let some line cutters ruin my day, especially on a ride that always has short lines anyways.

Story from a trip 3 weeks ago. Was in line at PoTC, and the CM asks for a party of two. I raise my hand, and the CM asks everyone to step to the right to let us through. Everyone moved except one 10 year old, so I tapped him on the shoulder and he moved. As we go by, the father says "don't shove my kid"(I don't know how my tap became a shove in his eyes). You know what I did...I kept on walking and didn't even acknowledge him, as clearly he was looking for an altercation. I then went on to enjoy the rest of my day at MK.

 

[KellyNY]

Wow, I am sorry to hear it. What about other people, nobody said a word? Write complain. Honestly, this is why I do not let cutters bother me. Better to wait another minute then have a destroyed day.

 

[jhaig]

Why couldn't the CM just have stopped the ride until they got off or were removed from it? Have the angry mob of other hot and sweaty guests behind them in line turn on them and see how they like it.

 

[mom2rtk]

We were at DL last Thurs.- Sat. There were tons of people who had one person stand in line, then further on in the line the rest of their party would push through the line to meet them. This happened usually at every attraction.

After 5 trips to WDW, I rarely remember this happening, but seems to be a regular practice at DL.

Can't say I was too fond of it!

I'm not the least bit surprised. As long as they allow it to happen, it encourages more to do the same.

 

[runnergirl97]

Even though this thread was started because of a bad situation, I think if you just read back through the responses how good most people are. For every rude or inconsiderate person, there are tons of kind hearted, compassionate people. I'm sorry that you had to have a bad experience in order for it to be so evident

 

[Murron]

I am often aghast at how little parents, people in general, seem to care about outrageous behavior. This situation was actually pretty scary if you think about it. This woman was in Magic Kingdom for It's a Small World...the quintessential children's ride and she was accosted and menaced by a large group of people and they were the ones who cut the line and behaved rudely...and it appears that Disney did NOTHING about it aside from offering her an escort off the ride?! That blows my mind. If it was so bad that the CM recognized that this woman and her young kids might perhaps need an escort off the ride, security should have been called IMMEDIATELY.

The point being, this country is getting entirely too apathetic about bad behavior. No one wants to say anything about anything EVER. No one wants to acknowledge bad behavior from their child or adult family members in this case. Heaven forbid someone else say something about your child/adult family and their behavior. The people who have no problem being aggressive and inappropriate are masters at taking advantage of the mentality that nobody cares...because, well, NOBODY CARES.

It's a terrifying turn in the morals and values in this country.

Making too big of a deal about it? I don't think so. I think this situation says a lot. I do know that if my husband had witnessed this kind of behavior toward a woman and her young kids, he'd have said something...LOUDLY.

I'm married to a Marine. Back up would definitely had been at that situation.

 

[FigmentChick]

I am so sorry about your experience. I feel so awful that you and your children were upset by these losers. I agree that you should contact Guest Relations and tell them why you left the park so early and be as detailed as possible about the time of the incident.

Hope your night is better.

 

[WDSearcher]

Just to put the perspective on the side of the CM for a sec (because I've been that CM in the past), a couple of things ...

An altercation is always worse for the people involved than the person watching. As a CM, it's hard for me to act unless I've seen the entire incident, because virtually any incident like this comes down to hearsay. You're telling me those people did such-and-such and they're telling me they didn't. If you want security called, say so. Step out of the line and wait for a manager or security to come so that they can deal with the other family when they disembark. Be willing and ready to fill out a report, file a complaint, cause a scene, whatever.

If you had stepped out of line once the other family boarded and told the CM to call a manager, that's your time to do something -- the rude people are, for all intents and purposes, "captive", since they're on the ride. It's not like they're going to hop off in the Africa room and disappear out a back door. You chose to ride, which basically tells everyone that, while there might have been an unfortunate situation earlier, everything is okay because you're all riding the ride.

Once the ride was over, the unload CM either sees that there's some situation, or you tell them there's an issue, and they offer to escort you; you say no. So, again, the CM figures everything is fine because the other family apparently isn't being threatening enough for you to choose an escort or ask for security.

In all cases -- whether it's line-cutting, someone taking your parade spot, a nasty bathroom encounter ... whatever -- if you feel you need more than the CM is giving you, say so. They're not mind-readers, they're not all-seeing. If the CM didn't see it happen and you're not telling them you need help, they are always going to err on the side of "no confrontation".

 

[livndisney]

Just to put the perspective on the side of the CM for a sec (because I've been that CM in the past), a couple of things ...

An altercation is always worse for the people involved than the person watching. As a CM, it's hard for me to act unless I've seen the entire incident, because virtually any incident like this comes down to hearsay. You're telling me those people did such-and-such and they're telling me they didn't. If you want security called, say so. Step out of the line and wait for a manager or security to come so that they can deal with the other family when they disembark. Be willing and ready to fill out a report, file a complaint, cause a scene, whatever.

If you had stepped out of line once the other family boarded and told the CM to call a manager, that's your time to do something -- the rude people are, for all intents and purposes, "captive", since they're on the ride. It's not like they're going to hop off in the Africa room and disappear out a back door. You chose to ride, which basically tells everyone that, while there might have been an unfortunate situation earlier, everything is okay because you're all riding the ride.

Once the ride was over, the unload CM either sees that there's some situation, or you tell them there's an issue, and they offer to escort you; you say no. So, again, the CM figures everything is fine because the other family apparently isn't being threatening enough for you to choose an escort or ask for security.

In all cases -- whether it's line-cutting, someone taking your parade spot, a nasty bathroom encounter ... whatever -- if you feel you need more than the CM is giving you, say so. They're not mind-readers, they're not all-seeing. If the CM didn't see it happen and you're not telling them you need help, they are always going to err on the side of "no confrontation".

And this is what is wrong with WDW.

The only option is to have a CM "escort" you? Really? What happened to "do you want me to call security/manager for you? When a guest tells you there is problem such as this-and you clearly see people "waiting" as a CM you can't come up with a solution? It is not about "mind reading" it is about a guest asking for help. How are they to know the help available if you as the CM don't offer? Guest service 101 "How can I help you"?

As far as the "escort", to where? How does that insure the guests safety? What do you do walk them to the castle, turn around and go back to your location (and pass the problem people walking toward the castle)?

Op I am sorry this happened to you. I would hope in the future you have better experiences.

 

[smallworldnh]

What the heck is wrong with people? Sorry for the bad experience. Karma will come back and bite them.

Not soon enough for me!!! This made me really sad to read this and I'm sorry you had such a bad experience with those poor excuses for human beings, especially in front of your children. And it's very very disturbing that the CM couldn't call security and have those jerks escorted out of the park.

 

[disney david]

Just to put the perspective on the side of the CM for a sec (because I've been that CM in the past), a couple of things ...

An altercation is always worse for the people involved than the person watching. As a CM, it's hard for me to act unless I've seen the entire incident, because virtually any incident like this comes down to hearsay. You're telling me those people did such-and-such and they're telling me they didn't. If you want security called, say so. Step out of the line and wait for a manager or security to come so that they can deal with the other family when they disembark. Be willing and ready to fill out a report, file a complaint, cause a scene, whatever.

If you had stepped out of line once the other family boarded and told the CM to call a manager, that's your time to do something -- the rude people are, for all intents and purposes, "captive", since they're on the ride. It's not like they're going to hop off in the Africa room and disappear out a back door. You chose to ride, which basically tells everyone that, while there might have been an unfortunate situation earlier, everything is okay because you're all riding the ride.

Once the ride was over, the unload CM either sees that there's some situation, or you tell them there's an issue, and they offer to escort you; you say no. So, again, the CM figures everything is fine because the other family apparently isn't being threatening enough for you to choose an escort or ask for security.

In all cases -- whether it's line-cutting, someone taking your parade spot, a nasty bathroom encounter ... whatever -- if you feel you need more than the CM is giving you, say so. They're not mind-readers, they're not all-seeing. If the CM didn't see it happen and you're not telling them you need help, they are always going to err on the side of "no confrontation".

 

[WDSearcher]

And this is what is wrong with WDW.

The only option is to have a CM "escort" you? Really? What happened to "do you want me to call security/manager for you? When a guest tells you there is problem such as this-and you clearly see people "waiting" as a CM you can't come up with a solution? It is not about "mind reading" it is about a guest asking for help. How are they to know the help available if you as the CM don't offer? Guest service 101 "How can I help you"?

As far as the "escort", to where? How does that insure the guests safety? What do you do walk them to the castle, turn around and go back to your location (and pass the problem people walking toward the castle)?

Op I am sorry this happened to you. I would hope in the future you have better experiences.

Of course that's not the only option. But if the rude guests are not doing anything wrong at that moment, exactly how is the CM supposed to know that security is warranted? Clearly the other guest is upset, but if I -- as a CM -- didn't see anything happen, I'm supposed to instantly discern from one upset guest that the other people were rude, were line-cutters, and that the upset guest wants me to call security? You're assuming that this is the same CM at the start and finish of the ride. It's most likely not.

As the CM at the exit, yes ... I see people clearly "waiting". But even the OP didn't say that they started anything at that point. Just that they were waiting. I'm not going to be prompted to call security because I see someone waiting.

But the guest seems uncomfortable and perhaps reluctant to leave and walk past this family, so I say, "do you want me to escort you" (which is, actually, offering help) and the guest says, "no". Well, then, that's my indication that whatever happened is apparently under control. If the OP had said, "I don't need an escort, but I would like to wait here while you call Security", then I know that there's more going on than meets the eye.

It's easy to believe that the CM has seen the whole situation and should instantly know that there's a problem and get security involved. But in reality, there are more draws for the CMs attention than this one single situation, so the person who feels threatened needs to, at the very least, say "yes" when help is offered.

 

[TLSnell1981]

Just to put the perspective on the side of the CM for a sec (because I've been that CM in the past), a couple of things ...

They're not mind-readers, they're not all-seeing. If the CM didn't see it happen and you're not telling them you need help, they are always going to err on the side of "no confrontation".

I don't think, the CM needed to be a mind reader. There were obvious indications of a problem and several requests for help.

I went and told a cast member. They did nothing. Then the family member continued to say not so nice things to me in front of my kids. I told the cast member again, who did nothing. By the time it was our turn to load the boat, my kids were in tears scared to get on the boat behind the family. I told them I was not going to load. The let two boats load and then loaded my family. I was told that they were going to call security. When it was time to unload, some of the family members were waiting for me to get off the boat. A 20 year old cast member said, " Do you want me to escort you out?" I told him no. If he feels it wasbad enough to give me an escort, why did they not call security

 

[livndisney]

Of course that's not the only option. But if the rude guests are not doing anything wrong at that moment, exactly how is the CM supposed to know that security is warranted? Clearly the other guest is upset, but if I -- as a CM -- didn't see anything happen, I'm supposed to instantly discern from one upset guest that the other people were rude, were line-cutters, and that the upset guest wants me to call security? You're assuming that this is the same CM at the start and finish of the ride. It's most likely not.

As the CM at the exit, yes ... I see people clearly "waiting". But even the OP didn't say that they started anything at that point. Just that they were waiting. I'm not going to be prompted to call security because I see someone waiting.

But the guest seems uncomfortable and perhaps reluctant to leave and walk past this family, so I say, "do you want me to escort you" (which is, actually, offering help) and the guest says, "no". Well, then, that's my indication that whatever happened is apparently under control. If the OP had said, "I don't need an escort, but I would like to wait here while you call Security", then I know that there's more going on than meets the eye.

It's easy to believe that the CM has seen the whole situation and should instantly know that there's a problem and get security involved. But in reality, there are more draws for the CMs attention than this one single situation, so the person who feels threatened needs to, at the very least, say "yes" when help is offered.

Poor attempt to twist what I said. So according to you a guest can go act like a moron as long as no CM actually sees it happen. Nice.

I am really glad that not all CM's feel that way. I am really happy there are lots of other CM that do their jobs well and take guest safety seriously.

 

[Donnainnj]

I think I would be tempted to start my camera to record the behavior if I was in this situation. Maybe not the safest idea, but I would be tempted, no longer he said/she said.

 

[maciemouse]

I would like to make it clear that I did ask them to call security. When we exited the ride they told my mom that security was talking to some of the family outside. A CM asked if i wanted to be escorted out. What is a 120 pound teenage boy going to do for me? When we exited to go outside there was another IASW cast member with an ear piece that told us to have a nice night. We went the opposite way of the other family. And there was no security speaking with them. We visit Disney 3 times a year. We have never had anything like this happen. My husband was not there with us on this visit. I was trying to remain calm for my kids. They couldhear all the names they were calling me. The bad part is that I WAS THE ONE WHO HAD TO TELL THE CM I WOULD NOT LOAD IN THE BOAT AFTER THE FAMILY. THEY DID NOT EVEN SUGGEST IT. It was very obvious there was a problem.

 

[KellyNY]

I would like to make it clear that I did ask them to call security. When we exited the ride they told my mom that security was talking to some of the family outside. A CM asked if i wanted to be escorted out. What is a 120 pound teenage boy going to do for me? When we exited to go outside there was another IASW cast member with an ear piece that told us to have a nice night. We went the opposite way of the other family. And there was no security speaking with them. We visit Disney 3 times a year. We have never had anything like this happen. My husband was not there with us on this visit. I was trying to remain calm for my kids. They couldhear all the names they were calling me. The bad part is that I WAS THE ONE WHO HAD TO TELL THE CM I WOULD NOT LOAD IN THE BOAT AFTER THE FAMILY. THEY DID NOT EVEN SUGGEST IT. It was very obvious there was a problem.

Maybe they actually spoke to them before you got out. Although it would be strange not to ask you questions.

 

[ttintagel]

What about other people, nobody said a word?

You know, I keep coming back to this. If I had been another guest in line and saw this incident, I probably wouldn't have wanted to get involved. And I don't like realizing that. I hope I'll have the guts to speak up if I do see something in the future.

 

[mefordis]

My 2 cents. I'm on vacation and at WDW to enjoy myself, CM's are there to enforce rules and policy. If they don't do their job, I'm not going to let some line cutters ruin my day, especially on a ride that always has short lines anyways.

Story from a trip 3 weeks ago. Was in line at PoTC, and the CM asks for a party of two. I raise my hand, and the CM asks everyone to step to the right to let us through. Everyone moved except one 10 year old, so I tapped him on the shoulder and he moved. As we go by, the father says "don't shove my kid"(I don't know how my tap became a shove in his eyes). You know what I did...I kept on walking and didn't even acknowledge him, as clearly he was looking for an altercation. I then went on to enjoy the rest of my day at MK.

Ugh. I hate it when anyone taps me, especially a stranger. Don't do it. Not cool. Say "Excuse me." Keep repeating until they hear it.

 

[ppony]

I'm just so upset for the OP. She tried to stand up for herself and others and not only got no help from CMs but then physiclaly intimidated and again, no help! That would ahve upset me for at elast eth rest of the day. I can't blow things like that off. They make me shake. I hope you do write guest relations OP. They really need to hear that.
Bullies always get their way. I'm so tired of it. I used to believe in karma, but the numbers of gross people (loved that term ) just increases daily it seems. There aren't enough things in the world to dissuade the idiots from being idiots. Sadly, we've been physically intimidated by other guests before, but no CMs were around and we were able to get away from the guy who called me a B for walking within a few feet of his group. I know, it was as stupid as it sounds. They stopped in front of me, I walked around. Oh the horror!

Again, HUGS OP!