Big tour groups

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Heads up to those going in September (like me). That photo several pages back with the tour group sitting in main street. I googled them (Odile Travel). They are from Uruguay.

They do have a calendar on their website and in September (you can also see their plans for 2018) starting on the 15th for 9 nights they will be staying at Pop Century. It says they will be in Animal Kingdom and Epcot on 9/16, Blizzard Beach and Magic Kingdom on 9/17, Typhoon Lagoon and Hollywood Studios on 9/18, Sea World on 9/19, Universal on 9/20, Busch Gardens on 9/21, Volcano Bay on 9/22, Disney Springs on 9/23, rest and leave on 9/24. I'm sure their schedule could change but I think that was an important suggestion in getting the name of the tour group (regardless of nationality). It could mean you might be able to google them and find their schedule and try to at least avoid them (if you really want to that is) if their schedule is accurate but also be able to have the ability to report a specific company versus "that large group doing x,y,z". I know that sounds weird to google them but hey at least you might be more in the know. As far as Odile Travel...ignorance isn't bliss here because they have photos of Magic Kingdom and Universal on their webpage so the company has been to Disney and Universal before as well as New York and California.

Now as far as the nationality I have seen many-a comments regarding South American Tour groups most notably Brazil. I have no doubt that people are experiencing these issues but I also agree that a decent if not big part of the issue is the size of the group. We have had issues at multiple places near me with respects to young individuals and while the behavior is a big issue it's also the numbers factor. Instead of dealing with 5 or 10 unruly teens you're dealing with 25-50 even 100 unruly teens.

I'm sure people would have the same complaints and annoyances if the groups were smaller but it might lesson it and could be more of a happy medium. Idealy a chaperone would be nice but I've seen myself at various places where chaperones suck at you know chaperoning so that wouldn't necessarily guarantee it would be better for all.

 

[DaisyJ]

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.

Don't let any of them fool you, they all speak English, probably better than some Americans.

 

[nfouey]

Any large groups have the potential to be annoying or even disruptive of ones vacation. I think we just all need to remember a few things:
1: Ones nationally does not define their behavior and should not be a part of this conversation. The issue really is large groups with bad behavior.
2: These are kids. Most of which many of us on this board have and one day might even send to Disney as part of what we hope is a well chaperoned trip.
3. We all share an equal love for Disney and all want to enjoy a great vacation. A discussion on what could be done to help the OP and others who encounter rude big tour groups is helpful.

I too have encountered many large tour groups over my 15+ trips to WDW in my short 33 years of life. Some were behaved others not so much. But we just try roll with it the best we can. Laugh it off, avoid where possible, and report when needed.

My favorite big group encounter was the time our bus home was over full with cheerleaders and one decided to use my lap as a seat on the ride home. We were all college age and perhaps had a few drinks, so we just laughed and took plenty of pictures!

 

[BuckeyeBama]

Don't let any of them fool you, they all speak English, probably better than some Americans.

Yep - they have been told to feign a lack of understanding to get around the rules.

 

[Red Scathach]

Don't let any of them fool you, they all speak English, probably better than some Americans.

Totally wish that was true! It would make conversating with my family if they knew a lick of English... I am a little shamed of my broken Portuguese lol.

 

[mckennarose]

Groups can book rooms with no adults in the rooms. That is how they handle all the school groups. We have been involved in teams competing there twice a year for 13 years. About 8 years ago moved the teams offsite. This not only saved money but kept the kids away from other teams. The rule comes with the group. Ours is a coach to athlete ratio determined by the school district. I do think it's time Disney required a smaller ratio and require they break to smaller groups in the parks. Hand them the rules, tell them to follow or expect to be asked to leave. This would go a long way.

As far as hotel there needs to be strict rules and plans. You can't have 800 kid tour groups with 16-20 adults and not expect problems, particularly behavior not acceptable.

Example of POP since that is where I dealt with this:

- Put them ALL in 80's & 90's with no families mixed in.
- Let them run around all night, there will be no other guests there.
- Tell them it's their pool and their pool deck to enjoy, sing, etc and they are not to use any other pools.
- Have their own Disney or Coach buses to transport them and do the pickup/dropoff by their building right where their coach brings them when they arrive.
- Have the section at the food court roped off. They are not permitted to sit anywhere else. Have CMs assigned to the area to bus tables because they leave trash all over the tables and floor.
- ENFORCE the rules.

It's really simple to let the kids have great trips and other Disney guests not have their trips ruined. Put it in place, enforce it.

I completely agree with all these ideas.


I think that ANY large group of teens has the potential to get disruptive, unruly, etc.. However, the bottom line for whoever is in charge of any group is what their personal motivation/consequences are.

For cheer/sports/band groups the coaches/chaperones are the people who can get in trouble, fired, suspended, etc. if the parents, principal or school board gets wind of any craziness that has gone on. They are motivated to create and enforce rules and will be more likely to address issues with their students while in WDW. It could put their jobs or careers in jeopardy.

In contrast, the big tour groups with the young tour guides who get paid and tipped for creating amazing (by teen standards) WDW experiences will not care about "rules" or "propriety" as much as satisfying their client's wants and desires. (their clients are the teens, who think and act like teens, not mature adults. I say this as a parent who has raised 3 through their teen years!) Their bottom line is getting paid and getting future clients which can also put their jobs or careers in jeopardy if they can't deliver.

This is where Disney needs to step in and create some rules and boundaries for ANY group of kids and actively enforce them. IMO, this is where Disney drops the ball and should take responsibility for those groups who will not create or enforce rules for their students. It makes a level playing field for all groups with students and they can enforce rules with those groups that refuse to comply.

For the record, I have been in WDW in July with the tour groups many years ago and we decided it was our first, and last July trip.

 

[mousehockey37]

I completely agree with all these ideas.


I think that ANY large group of teens has the potential to get disruptive, unruly, etc.. However, the bottom line for whoever is in charge of any group is what their personal motivation/consequences are.

For cheer/sports/band groups the coaches/chaperones are the people who can get in trouble, fired, suspended, etc. if the parents, principal or school board gets wind of any craziness that has gone on. They are motivated to create and enforce rules and will be more likely to address issues with their students while in WDW. It could put their jobs or careers in jeopardy.

In contrast, the big tour groups with the young tour guides who get paid and tipped for creating amazing (by teen standards) WDW experiences will not care about "rules" or "propriety" as much as satisfying their client's wants and desires. (their clients are the teens, who think and act like teens, not mature adults. I say this as a parent who has raised 3 through their teen years!) Their bottom line is getting paid and getting future clients which can also put their jobs or careers in jeopardy if they can't deliver.

This is where Disney needs to step in and create some rules and boundaries for ANY group of kids and actively enforce them. IMO, this is where Disney drops the ball and should take responsibility for those groups who will not create or enforce rules for their students. It makes a level playing field for all groups with students and they can enforce rules with those groups that refuse to comply.

For the record, I have been in WDW in July with the tour groups many years ago and we decided it was our first, and last July trip.

Exactly. For our HS band trip, if you did something to get sent home, it was on your dime.

Everyone is an ambassador. Believe it or not. How you act is a first impression to someone and it WILL determine how people will see people like you in the future.

 

[HopperFan]

Any large groups have the potential to be annoying or even disruptive of ones vacation. I think we just all need to remember a few things:
1: Ones nationally does not define their behavior and should not be a part of this conversation. The issue really is large groups with bad behavior.
2: These are kids. Most of which many of us on this board have and one day might even send to Disney as part of what we hope is a well chaperoned trip.
3. We all share an equal love for Disney and all want to enjoy a great vacation. A discussion on what could be done to help the OP and others who encounter rude big tour groups is helpful.

Any large group yes, but there are no groups at Disney as large as these with as little supervision as these. Also many groups coming to Disney want to come back year after year; sports teams, bands etc. These kids don't care because this is their "once in a lifetime trip" and their guides don't care because they'll take those tips and move to another company if need be. There is nothing compelling them.

1: No, not one, there are a few. ALL of these big problems that are extremely disruptive being discussed go right back to these few groups. It's been their standard season after season, year after year. And no, I will not accept that this is how they act at home. They are not at home. Try going to Singapore and chew gum because that is a common bad American habit - you are going to jail. There is an expectation for our guests here just as we are expected to behave when we visit their homes.

2: Yup, have three. Yup, have had 2 go on trips to Disney and other places multiple times. Yup, been working with high school kids for 14 years and seen lots of stuff. NOPE, never had to deal with this kind of behavior or I assure you life for them would have changed. Wouldn't allow from mine, their friends or teammates.

3: I don't think anyone should have to encounter this. Guests shouldn't have to be planning how to salvage trips. I think Disney needs to fix this. It can be done, fairly easily. If it costs more to bill it back to them. But until guests complain ongoing, every season to the powers that be ... the local management has no incentive.

Exactly. For our HS band trip, if you did something to get sent home, it was on your dime.

Everyone is an ambassador. Believe it or not. How you act is a first impression to someone and it WILL determine how people will see people like you in the future.

Our rule, your parents have to come get you and then once home you are sitting in the principals office possibly getting suspended. No kid really wants that. There is zero motivation with these groups to behave.

 

[DisneyOma]

I'm guessing that's a difference of country. Just like the US is 18 to vote and 21 to drink, other countries around the world have different ages for things. Perhaps with these touring agencies, they don't require chaperones as the kids all have to be of a certain "adult" age and should be able to handle themselves. In the countless other threads of this on any discussion forum, it was said once that the parents were made to sign forms that they knew what the expectations of their kids were when they went. I've not been able to locate the thread (here or other boards) as to find the link to the actual travel company or itinerary that these kids follow on these tours.

The above means nothing in a different country. If your country doesn't have a drinking age or a driving age, that doesn't mean you can drink or drive underage here. One had to follow the laws of the country one is in at the time.

Hopperfan posted that tour groups have different rules than regular guests. Well, that's stupid of Disney. No wonder the groups are out of control.

 

[nfouey]

Any large group yes, but there are no groups at Disney as large as these with as little supervision as these. Also many groups coming to Disney want to come back year after year; sports teams, bands etc. These kids don't care because this is their "once in a lifetime trip" and their guides don't care because they'll take those tips and move to another company if need be. There is nothing compelling them.

1: No, not one, there are a few. ALL of these big problems that are extremely disruptive being discussed go right back to these few groups. It's been their standard season after season, year after year. And no, I will not accept that this is how they act at home. They are not at home. Try going to Singapore and chew gum because that is a common bad American habit - you are going to jail. There is an expectation for our guests here just as we are expected to behave when we visit their homes.

2: Yup, have three. Yup, have had 2 go on trips to Disney and other places multiple times. Yup, been working with high school kids for 14 years and seen lots of stuff. NOPE, never had to deal with this kind of behavior or I assure you life for them would have changed. Wouldn't allow from mine, their friends or teammates.

3: I don't think anyone should have to encounter this. Guests shouldn't have to be planning how to salvage trips. I think Disney needs to fix this. It can be done, fairly easily. If it costs more to bill it back to them. But until guests complain ongoing, every season to the powers that be ... the local management has no incentive.



Our rule, your parents have to come get you and then once home you are sitting in the principals office possibly getting suspended. No kid really wants that. There is zero motivation with these groups to behave.

I agree with you and more importantly respect HOW you have conveyed your message. My post was just a reminder that we are all humans and should be careful and respectful when a conversation categorizes people. This conversation has the potential to turn one way or another. Just wanted to chime in and make sure we all remember to turn it into a constructive conversation on policies and protocols we would like Disney to institute as well as tips for people who need help.

 

[CT Disney]

So, I've read the whole thread and have two questions:

1. The groups that are rude (i.e...loud chanting on buses and in lines, keeping other hotel guests awake past regular bedtime hours, pushing and cutting in line)...They are aware that they are being rude and inconsiderate, right?? And, they just don't care?? Maybe that's a dumb question, but I just can't believe that people (even teenagers) are totally OK with being overtly rude and affecting the enjoyment of others.

2. And, secondly, are the kids' parents aware of the rude behavior?? While in another country?? I just sent one of my kids to Disney World on a band trip. We had a frank discussion beforehand about appropriate and expected behavior. I would be MORTIFIED if I knew one of my kids was being rude and disruptive on a group trip...especially one I paid for. I expect my kids to behave, especially when they are given the gift and responsibility of independent travel. No way would I send my kids on a trip where I knew it was common to be rude to other vacationers in another country. Do the parents know about the reputation of the big tour groups, and they just don't care??

I'm seriously wondering on both of these points...because I just can't imagine...

 

[anneboleyn]

Any large group yes, but there are no groups at Disney as large as these with as little supervision as these. Also many groups coming to Disney want to come back year after year; sports teams, bands etc. These kids don't care because this is their "once in a lifetime trip" and their guides don't care because they'll take those tips and move to another company if need be. There is nothing compelling them.

1: No, not one, there are a few. ALL of these big problems that are extremely disruptive being discussed go right back to these few groups. It's been their standard season after season, year after year. And no, I will not accept that this is how they act at home. They are not at home. Try going to Singapore and chew gum because that is a common bad American habit - you are going to jail. There is an expectation for our guests here just as we are expected to behave when we visit their homes.

2: Yup, have three. Yup, have had 2 go on trips to Disney and other places multiple times. Yup, been working with high school kids for 14 years and seen lots of stuff. NOPE, never had to deal with this kind of behavior or I assure you life for them would have changed. Wouldn't allow from mine, their friends or teammates.

3: I don't think anyone should have to encounter this. Guests shouldn't have to be planning how to salvage trips. I think Disney needs to fix this. It can be done, fairly easily. If it costs more to bill it back to them. But until guests complain ongoing, every season to the powers that be ... the local management has no incentive.

*standing ovation*

Very well said!

Disney really needs to, at the very least, enforce some type of rule about who can be in charge of these massive groups. If there were responsible people in charge of them who actually reigned them in and made them act correctly, then that would make a world of a difference when they descend upon us lol

We went to Disney World all the time in high school when I was a majorette. We went with the band and marched in parades. We would never act the way these groups do because our Band Director scared the crap out of us lol. We knew if we acted like idiots, we would not be allowed to leave the hotel room...which is what happened to two of the drummers who thought it was funny to flip off the camera on ToT. They did that on the first day and weren't allowed to come to any of the parks the rest of the 4 days we were there.

That is the kind of chaperones these groups need.

 

[kathy884]

in one visit a few years ago we got stuck in line and on the "elevator" of Tower of Terror twice !!!!! Then trying to get a seat and watch Illuminations at Epcot!!! The chanting and loudness...... OMG!!! it was HORRIBLE!!!!
This is one reason we will never go back at this time of year ... EVER AGAIN!!!

TOT is the one time that I ran into them and the loudness was awful. I had to hold my hands over my ears it bothered me so much.

 

[Boski]

If Brazil v. Argentina/Neymar v. Messi were to somehow happen next Summer in the World Cup,Walt Disney World will spontaneous combust!lol

No chance of that being the final. Brazil is a shell of what it used to be as a footballing nation and Argentina will never be able to put it all together. I also can't stand either one of those players (or anyone who plays for Barcelona for that matter lol)

BTW nice having another footy fan on the board

 

[PrincessShmoo]

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.

Yet, we (as US citizens) are often reminded to act appropriately (according to the customs) in other countries. And we get a bad name when some don't.

 

[Malestrom Troll]

TOT is the one time that I ran into them and the loudness was awful. I had to hold my hands over my ears it bothered me so much.

I think the exit lobby area of ToT is the loudest area in all of Disney World. It's astonishing how loud large groups are in that spot.

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

I had to call two times this morning to security about the loud tour girls at Pop. It was 2 in the morning and close to seventy kids were sitting outside the Hippy Dippy Pool at the pool tables listening to music and talking to non stop as several boys kept walking back and forth the hallways. I went outside and stood outside watched and counted. The first time I called security it took a few minutes before a security officer came by and did nothing nor said anything as I watched from the 3rd floor of building 5. I called again and was very upset as I am trying to go to sleep as I hear another person come out of their room and tell them to turn that crap off. This time I see another security guard come out and tell them to turn the radio off and stood around until two other security guards came out and talked to them (don't know what was said) and then they left. I walked back into my room and didn't hear anything else.

If you are staying at Pop stay away from the 50's and 60's preferred rooms. That is their hangout after the parks close since we have been here.

I'm staying in a preferred room in 60s bldg 5. We are on ground floor but not on the pool side. Noise has not yet been an issue here. I just got back from MK, and there are a couple dozen teens seated at the tables around the pool. I hope they don't get too rowdy for the folks on the other side of the building

Also, I noticed a bunch of international kids soccer teams appeared today. Several groups of 9-10yo boys from various continents. No problem, but some of y'all might want to be aware

 

[Anthony12345]

So, an update.

I emailed guest relations and they referred the matter to another manager. Long and short of it is that we now find ourselves in a Savannah view room at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. So that happened....

 

[kathy884]

So, an update.

I emailed guest relations and they referred the matter to another manager. Long and short of it is that we now find ourselves in a Savannah view room at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. So that happened....

That sounds lovely and like they really took care of you with a fabulous room upgrade. We've always thought that would be the coolest place to stay in all of Disney, but then lol looked at the price and said "Oh I don't think so.". Hope you enjoy your stay.

 

[Anthony12345]

It was nice of them-we check out on Wed so I can imagine if we had been here for another week, we wouldnt have found ourselves in the AK lodge.

This experience has not soured me on coming back to disney-we've been coming far too long for that, but it has soured me on coming in the summer. I think it's back to October visits from now on