Big tour groups

[MickeyMinnieMom]

They key is to photograph their backpacks, flags or shirts that have their tour company name. Make notes or make clear in photo where you are & when.

Write to Disney Guest Services about your experiences and report all the groups tour companies. Details. Make it very clear their behavior and how they ruined your trip.

I would also bring the lot to Guest Services while still in WDW, in addition to writing after the fact.

July will be even more "interesting" when the Brazil Pavilion opens!lol

This did enter my mind...

-For the most part, the kids coming in the tour groups from South America are acting just as they would do at home, it's the culture, the way of life, to be loud and what people here in the US consider pushy or getting in your personal space. It's how they regularly act back home, I know cause I'm from a South American country myself. Obviously they should try and conform to the culture here but they are on vacation, the last thing on their mind is to change their ways for a week to please other people.

This strikes me as an excuse -- one that would give me ZERO comfort if they were impacting my trip like this. "When in Rome" -- we should ALL have this expectation on us when traveling.

So in order of decreasing disruption by these groups, is it still roughly:

1. July
2. February
3. January

 

[LucyBC80]

No it didn't. It's as clear here as it was there. They are all the same behavior-wise.

Although it might seem so, Portuguese speakers have a real hard time understanding Spanish. I was only able to understand your first sentence because you had the English version quoted underneath it. They seem alike but I can guarantee you the only thing they share is phrasal structure and basic words which almost all the time have completely different meanings to them.

Modale, one of the words you used, reminds me of module and not manners.

All I'm saying is your method of approach might not actually work, as the people in front of you wouldn't understand what are you saying.

 

[Polybound]

Nah, they didn't say plague. They said infestation.

Like locust moving in packs.

 

[jormom1030]

We were at WDW in January from the 10th-16th and didn't see any tour groups.

 

[P'colaBeachBum]

Friendly reminder to keep this conversation as civil as possible. I knew this thread was coming, it does every summer. A couple of points:
-please email Disney about your experiences with the groups if they have affected negatively your trip. wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com
-For the most part, the kids coming in the tour groups from South America are acting just as they would do at home, it's the culture, the way of life, to be loud and what people here in the US consider pushy or getting in your personal space. It's how they regularly act back home, I know cause I'm from a South American country myself. Obviously they should try and conform to the culture here but they are on vacation, the last thing on their mind is to change their ways for a week to please other people.
- Most of the time when you hear them chanting outside it is the tour operator grabbing a video for their website, so the chanting will stop eventually. Chanting inside a queue is a no no, but sometimes they still do it. If it is affecting you to the point of not being tolerable please contact a CM on the spot or go to Guest Relations and put in a complain, the BTG have gotten way better if you can believe it, because people have been more outspoken about them
-CM can do something when it comes to safety, but for the most part they don't interfere just how they don't interfere when there are parents putting kids on their shoulders or stopping flash photography in dark rides, or some overlooking obvious rules, like rolling coolers and luggage coming into the parks...

Again I am not condoning uncivil behavior in the parks or at the resorts, especially at late hours, I am just trying to give you the point of view of the tour groups and what you can do.

The problem I have with the bold (mine) is they should be taught "When in Rome do as the Romans do". It's what works when we visit other countries. Also, the last thing on my mind is to have to have my ears assaulted by a group of rowdy kids. Yes, they are there to have fun...so is every one else that visits WDW and also pay a pretty penny to do so. The CM's need to enforce bad behavior that is a nuisance to other WDW goers. I hope more people will report them if it becomes a problem. They should have a strict curfew at the resorts.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

The problem I have with the bold (mine) is they should be taught "When in Rome do as the Romans do". It's what works when we visit other countries. Also, the last thing on my mind is to have to have my ears assaulted by a group of rowdy kids. Yes, they are there to have fun...so is every one else that visits WDW and also pay a pretty penny to do so. The CM's need to enforce bad behavior that is a nuisance to other WDW goers. I hope more people will report them if it becomes a problem. They should have a strict curfew at the resorts.

Exactly my feeling!

 

[P'colaBeachBum]

Someone mentioned the contact details for disney execs, I'd be interested to see those as I'm sorely tempted to email them

Contact Addresses for
WDW Officials

Walt Disney World Guest Relations
P.O. Box 10000
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

This is the universal address! For example, if you want to write to the General Manager of All Star Music, or any other resort, address the envelope to the person and use the P.O. Box 10000 address.

Walt Disney World Guest Communications
PO Box 10040
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-0040

wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com

Robert A. Iger
Chief Executive Officer
The Walt Disney Company
500 South Buena Vista Street
Burbank, CA 91521-4873

Bob Chapek
Chairman
Walt Disney Parks & Resorts
500 South Buena Vista Street
Burbank, CA 91521-4873

Karl L. Holz
President New Vacation Operations and Disney Cruise Line
PO Box 10000
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Mr. George Kalogridis
President, Walt Disney World Resort
PO Box 10000
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-1000

 

[HopperFan]

I would also bring the lot to Guest Services while still in WDW, in addition to writing after the fact.

True but much of this will end up in file 13, but it can't hurt for them to have multiple complaints every day.

One year at POP it was HORRID and I asked to be moved to an area where no BTG rooms were. I was actually told "It's against the law. We have to put families in the middle of them." The security never did anything but stand there and watch, once while multiple boys were trying to kick down a door to a room. One night was so bad, them banging on our windows and doors, security not coming after multiple calls, I then went to talk to the kids. I assure you there was ZERO respect for an adult or anyone because they know that nothing will happen. Next day we returned to room mid day because DS was exhausted from lack of sleep. I saw one of their tour guides smoking a cigarette on the walkway, not in a smoking area. I went up to them and said if tonight is like the last 4 nights know that I am done with Disney and I will call the police. They are sitting all over property just waiting for a call. Guess what, it was quiet by 11. Don't think they wanted their tour groups name in a police report.

Write to all those listed, details and photos. Only when those OVER the WDW folks start coming down on them will the address. Maybe additional CM training on how to handle. My DD had no issue addressing them, even learned some of the language.

The problem I have with the bold (mine) is they should be taught "When in Rome do as the Romans do". It's what works when we visit other countries. Also, the last thing on my mind is to have to have my ears assaulted by a group of rowdy kids. Yes, they are there to have fun...so is every one else that visits WDW and also pay a pretty penny to do so. The CM's need to enforce bad behavior that is a nuisance to other WDW goers. I hope more people will report them if it becomes a problem. They should have a strict curfew at the resorts.

They already know. They don't care. Give them a side eye or complain ... they will deliberately get louder and more rude. This is happening because Disney allows it. The years they cracked down it greatly improved. Remember these kids have no chaperones, they have tour guides that are tipped well the more fun the kids have.

There are ways for Disney to address all the issues ........ but they don't.

 

[P'colaBeachBum]

They already know. They don't care. Give them a side eye or complain ... they will deliberately get louder and more rude. This is happening because Disney allows it. The years they cracked down it greatly improved. Remember these kids have no chaperones, they have tour guides that are tipped well the more fun the kids have.

There are ways for Disney to address all the issues ........ but they don't.

Maybe if more of us shareholders complain? Do they assign CM chaperones to them? I thought I read that they have a Disney person with them.

 

[jsmla]

Does WDW even have any sort of rules for chaperones? Personally, I feel like that would be the best way to address a lot of this. I know that if 15 year old me had been turned loose in the MK with all of my friends and few rules I would have been fairly obnoxious too. Maybe if the tour company and it's chaperones were held more responsible things would improve.

From my experiences in January/February the problem gets a lot worse depending on the chaperone. Many of these groups are way underchapetoned and the guides often don't look much older than the kids.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

The security never did anything but stand there and watch, once while multiple boys were trying to kick down a door to a room. One night was so bad, them banging on our windows and doors, security not coming after multiple calls, I then went to talk to the kids. I assure you there was ZERO respect for an adult or anyone because they know that nothing will happen. Next day we returned to room mid day because DS was exhausted from lack of sleep. I saw one of their tour guides smoking a cigarette on the walkway, not in a smoking area. I went up to them and said if tonight is like the last 4 nights know that I am done with Disney and I will call the police. They are sitting all over property just waiting for a call. Guess what, it was quiet by 11. Don't think they wanted their tour groups name in a police report.

That is CRA-ZY!! Now I know what I would do...!

 

[HopperFan]

Maybe if more of us shareholders complain? Do they assign CM chaperones to them? I thought I read that they have a Disney person with them.

There is no CM chaperones. They don't even have chaperones. They have Tour Guides. At hotel these guides are either in their room, the bar or DS. NO ONE is doing anything to supervise them at hotels. They are with their large packs at parks and they stay together. You know the saying "power in numbers"? ... that is what they have. Traveling in packs of 50 with only 1 or 2 adults cheering them on gives them the power. Disney needs to require them 1 adult to 10 kids and make them split up in the parks. I have NEVER had an issue with cheerleaders, sports teams etc in the park because they all split up.

One night leaving MK I kudo'd the transportation folks. After days of miserable bus rides and waiting for multiple buses because when 100+ show up they take the next few buses ..... last thing I wanted after long day at MK was deal with it. Well the transportation folks came over, made them get out of line and move to empty queue next to us. He told everyone they would be put on their own bus so we didn't have to listen to it. Everyone in our queue cheered. Why isn't this standard? They build into their cost Disney buses for just them. OR make them pay for coach buses that take them to and from parks.

Does WDW even have any sort of rules for chaperones? Personally, I feel like that would be the best way to address a lot of this. I know that if 15 year old me had been turned loose in the MK with all of my friends and few rules I would have been fairly obnoxious too. Maybe if the tour company and it's chaperones were held more responsible things would improve.

From my experiences in January/February the problem gets a lot worse depending on the chaperone. Many of these groups are way underchapetoned and the guides often don't look much older than the kids.

I imagine they have a list of expectations but if you don't enforce it, does it matter? A perfect example is the POPWarner teams that were thrown out of the hotel for breaking rules. Seems after that situation improved. So cracking down can work if you set rules and enforce them.

That is CRA-ZY!! Now I know what I would do...!

Yes. A car with guys sat and watched and two on foot walked by, looked up and walked on. I was the one who then went to the door after they finally let them in to their house party. This apparently was home base party in our building for all the runners, bangers, screamers etc. Furniture was stacked to side, mattresses upright - with room wall to wall kids, music, screaming ....

 

[brich330]

Yet another reason to go to Disneyland.

 

[zebrastreyepz]

One thing that seemed odd to me was that the "tour guides" looked like they weren't much older than the groups and the guides seemed to be all male with all these teen girls.

 

[HopperFan]

One thing that seemed odd to me was that the "tour guides" looked like they weren't much older than the groups and the guides seemed to be all male with all these teen girls.

HUGE PROBLEM. They instigate the behavior because the more fun these kids have the more their parents tip them. DD worked through some seasons and had conversations with some of the "older MOM" Tour Guides. They said they hate the bad behavior and don't allow their kids to act that way but the young boy Tour Guides could care less, start much of it themselves, flirt with the girls and go home with the really big tips.

 

[amberpi]

I took Spanish. Here in America we are taught that ALL of Cental America and South America DO speak Spanish. Brazil is NOT Portugal, so I'm sure some of these swarms would understand it. And I can also throw in some words in both Spanish and Portuguese that are not proper here if need be.

In neither my high school nor college Spanish classes, public high school and the large flagship state public university - not exactly exclusive prep schools or Ivy League, was it ever suggested that the entirety of SA spoke Spanish. That's why they had separate classes, and it was well understood what languages were spoken where. Having established a number of language centers to translate multi-national work and due to the cross border nature of what I do professionally, I'd be much more inclined to think a Brazilian would speak English, rather than Spanish. Brazil being the B in the Bric nations, learning English is highly encouraged for obvious reasons. For us, Spanish seems like the natural choice for Brazilians, but most of their trade would be conducted in English or Portuguese. I can't speak to the similarities in language though. I can barely muddle through in Spanish - talk to me about Latin though! I'm not arguing with you, just that I can see why you'd think that (except for being taught that SA all spoke Spanish) Brazilians would likely speak Spanish, but it's not the case - also, look at the population centers of Brazil - not that close to their neighbors. I mean, I'm all for yelling at teens to straighten up and fly right, but I don't think Spanish is going to get your point across any better

I think this whole issue has everything to do with the number of chaperones. The well behaved groups of kids, of whatever nationality - are those with guidance. The ones being brats, are the one that don't have proper supervision - including American cheerleading teams, baseball teams and BTGs. I went on a TON of school/cc sponsored trips in high school. The ones when we just had a few teachers or parents, we ran WILD, especially the social trips. Unless we had a chaperone in the room with us, we'd have one night we'd get out of our rooms and find mischief. And most of these trips were with other All A's, national honor society, quiz bowl. Kids left to their own devices are just going to be annoying kids. The one thing I think WDW could do and would be reasonable is to limit the size of each group. Only book x number of minors with 1 group. The travel agencies would have to provide additional guides if they had to make separate booking for say each segment of 20 kids. You get more supervision, we'd have less issues.

 

[HopperFan]

In neither my high school nor college Spanish classes, public high school and the large flagship state public university - not exactly exclusive prep schools or Ivy League, was it ever suggested that the entirety of SA spoke Spanish. That's why they had separate classes, and it was well understood what languages were spoken where. Having established a number of language centers to translate multi-national work and due to the cross border nature of what I do professionally, I'd be much more inclined to think a Brazilian would speak English, rather than Spanish. Brazil being the B in the Bric nations, learning English is highly encouraged for obvious reasons. For us, Spanish seems like the natural choice for Brazilians, but most of their trade would be conducted in English or Portuguese. I can't speak to the similarities in language though. I can barely muddle through in Spanish - talk to me about Latin though! I'm not arguing with you, just that I can see why you'd think that (except for being taught that SA all spoke Spanish) Brazilians would likely speak Spanish, but it's not the case - also, look at the population centers of Brazil - not that close to their neighbors. I mean, I'm all for yelling at teens to straighten up and fly right, but I don't think Spanish is going to get your point across any better

I think this whole issue has everything to do with the number of chaperones. The well behaved groups of kids, of whatever nationality - are those with guidance. The ones being brats, are the one that don't have proper supervision - including American cheerleading teams, baseball teams and BTGs. I went on a TON of school/cc sponsored trips in high school. The ones when we just had a few teachers or parents, we ran WILD, especially the social trips. Unless we had a chaperone in the room with us, we'd have one night we'd get out of our rooms and find mischief. And most of these trips were with other All A's, national honor society, quiz bowl. Kids left to their own devices are just going to be annoying kids. The one thing I think WDW could do and would be reasonable is to limit the size of each group. Only book x number of minors with 1 group. The travel agencies would have to provide additional guides if they had to make separate booking for say each segment of 20 kids. You get more supervision, we'd have less issues.

Having HAD to have some conversations with these kids, having overheard them talk at times ............ many of them speak English and very well. They turn if off when it's in their favor. I even had a kid who was screaming in English to the others ......... once approached tell me he spoke no English. As you say other countries are very good about having students learn English, at least functional.

My DD went to Colombia for two weeks hanging out with a large group of Colombian kids. She had not had Spanish in years, but had enough to pick up some. But because they talked too fast they were kind enough to speak English. Even the least English speaking one did well. They said not only do they teach in school, they mostly learned their English from Cable Television and the Internet. They follow all our music, movies etc so they self teach. I am sure it's the same with all these kids too.

PS Agree that we were not taught all SA speaks Spanish ... heck there is a lot of German speaking in SA.

 

[zoo2tycoon]

Arrive August 6
Will they still be there???!!!!

 

[Red Scathach]

I totally get the annoyances with the tour groups, I really do, but as an American of Brazilian heritage some of these comments are bordering on offensive. I feel this mostly has to do with large tour groups (particularly groups of teen kiddos) in general and not just Brazilian groups.

 

[cruisingtwins]

Can't wait for the ride in the Brazil Pavilion....it will be a loud, 2-line song that is repeated over and over and over again while simulated people cut in front of you. ...while you ride through the de-forestation of the Rainforest.

Yes the culture of an entire country is defined by the behavior of a group of teenagers with little adult supervision on vacation to disney world.