Cell Phones, Cell phones, everywhere!

[GeekChic]

Hi all!

I hope this isn't gonna be a really 'hot' topic (donning flame resistant jammies LOL)

Does it bother anyone else to be stuck in line with people for rides who are having unnecessary cell phone conversations? As in, a teenaged girl recounting what she did on her date the night before (not pg material, either) in line for Peter Pan? with a queue full of people who had no choice but to hear her?

This happened to us last time we were there and I swear I wanted to send her phone swimming in the 20,000 leagues lagoon.

Everywhere, and I mean everywhere we went on our last trip, someone was beeping on one of those annoying Nokia 2 way phone thingies or conducting a stock trade in a restaurant (yes I have seen this myself) and worst of all, a woman in the Grand Floridian Spa ruining the quiet and peace for about a dozen people as we quietly sat and enjoyed the music and waited for our massage therapists! She ignored the looks coming from everyone around her and persisted in her rudeness. I suggested to the concierge that they really need to make people check their phones at the door.

This is JMO; but I think that unless there is an emergency, cell phone use in the parks and restaurants should be restricted to certain areas, like smoking is (or is supposed to be!) for me it really breaks the spell of the Magic to have to listen to other people's business while trying to take in the ambiance of the rides, preshows, etc. And it makes everyone around the phoning person irritable.

I look fondly back to the days when people had to go to a bank of payphones to make a call...anyone else miss that? I think technology should have to be checked, for the most part, at the front gates.

Now before people come on telling me "I'm a doctor, I have to have my phone..." "I'm a parent and I have to have my phone.." Yes, i understand that. I'm talking about needlessly chattering on the phone for extended periods. I'm not saying take them away, I'm just saying that if people want to have extended convos they should have to take it to a less open area.

*ducking behind the couch now* LOL

geek

 

[perdidobay]

I couldn't agree more.

 

[DISUNC]

It is downright RUDE to be on a cell phone in public places. Regardless of where you are.
I really dont care to hear people shout their private matters in public.

 

[windsor]

One of the most considerate and honest posts I have had the pleasure of reading!! Thanks for putting it out there!

 

[slo]

I must say, bad phone manners is very annoying regardless where you are in WDW or out of WDW.

I manage a retail custom picture framing store and I can't even begin to explain the amount of people that come into my store talking on their cell phone. Why are they walking into my store on the phone???? Why can't they finish their conversation out in the car or parking lot???? Also, I can't begin to explain the amount of customers that take unneccessary calls when I am helping them, and then talk to them for an unreasonable amount of time. Then, they get annoyed when I walk away from them . What in the world is that all about??Do they really expect me to stand there and listen to where they had lunch, or what they plan on cooking for supper that evening???

Now don't get me wrong - I have a cell phone - a Nextel to be exact. I am sure that when we return to WDW this year my DH and I will use the 2-way option to find out where each other are if we decide to split up w/ our DD's for awhile (there's a 5 yr age difference between the 2 girls). But when I am using it, I will use the volume control so everyone doesn't hear our conversation - well, it really won't be a conversation anyway - it'll be a quick "where are you" or "meet me here".

Anyway, I guess what I am trying to say, is I agree with what you posted. Bad cell phone manners has skyrocketed out of control and so many people don't seem to understand this.

Okay....I vented enough for this thread on this - you all have a good Sunday

 

[Doug7856]

Originally posted by GeekChic

...Does it bother anyone else to be stuck in line with people for rides who are having unnecessary cell phone conversations?...

Yes, it has always seemed wrong to me to have a conversation on the phone in front of other people, especially in enclosed spaces such as a line. When we go on vacation, we turn our cell phone off!

I don't like to gripe, but I think this one is right on.

 

[GOOFYFREEK]

Well DH and I go to disney very often and we try going during the week (LESS CROWDED) but since I am a outside rep I usually dont take vacation days. I just keep the phone with me and can still conduct business while have a wonderful time.

Yes I know I will create some frowns, but hey you do what you gotta do to fill that DISNEY ADDICTION.

And yes I have been asked several time whats that music in the back ground and LIED MY BUTT OFF. Or the crowd noise and said oh im grabbing lunch in the mall or something.

Doug

 

[swilphil]

We travel with relatives and using our cell phones is the only way we can figure out where and when to meet up. If we didn't do that, I would be sitting in the hotel room all morning. That being said one of the relatives constantly chats on the phone no matter where or when.

I agree that people need to use proper cell phone ettiquette especially in restaurants and spas! But there's no way I'm going to leave my cell phone behind when I'm travelling with a group of 10 people.

 

[Beca]

I am also a person who MUST travel with a cell phone. I am really sorry if this bothers anyone, but it is a neccessity!! I own my own business and MUST be available to receive phone calls from clients. That being said, they usually feel badly when I tell them I am on vacation, but if I need to continue the conversation while in open areas of the park...I will. I do not talk while on a ride or in a show, and will walk away if I think there are people listening in on my conversation...they shouldn't have to hear it, and honestly I don't want anyone to know that much about me.

But, what bothers me about this thread is that one person's neccessity is trivial to another person. I am artistic director of a children's theatre (and, as I am contracted it is considered MY business), and every year we take a trip to DL or WDW to have the show choir compete and perform at WDW. If someone were listening to my conversations with these teenagers for whom I am responsible (or with their parents calling from across the country) they might seem "trivial" or "unneccessary"...but, since I am there on "business" I must accomodate those who wish to reach me. When I am at the park as a chaperone, my cell phone rings incessantly...I am not always happy about it...but, the reality is, not all of my trips to WDW are pleasure.

And, if I were the parent of a teen who had gone on their own in the park, or even just trying to meet up with the rest of my party...you bet I would answer my phone!!! And, just because their manners are buoyant or excited, doesn't meant that their phone calls are not neccessary.

To say that someone's cell phone conversation in line "makes everyone around the phoning person irritable" is not accurate. In 99% of the cases, it doesn't bother me...honestly, I have not even NOTICED that many people on cell phones. I guess the difference is that when I am in WDW, I am much more focused on my family than on others. Personally, I am MUCH LESS bothered by cell phones than I am by many other forms of rudeness at WDW (try to get through the park with a stroller, or experience people cutting in line to see the characters).

I look at it this way...who am I to judge what phone calls are neccessary or un-neccessary.

This whole thread seems rude to me.




Beca

 

[memymomonica]

I can say my phone doesn't leave me at all. I can also say that it is always on vibrate when it needs to be. I also do not hold conversations while in line etc. My husband is currently deployed so calls are few and far between. When my daughter and I are there in December, I can guarantee you that if my phone rings, we will gladly get out of line to talk to him. I hate being subject to other people's conversations so I make sure to keep mine as private as possible. I understand the necessity of cellphones, I just don't think they are a liscense to lose commen courtesy.

 

[Figaro]

I think that anyplace that it would be appropriate for two people to be talking to/with each other it is appropriate for a person to be talking to someone on a cell phone. As long as people are speaking in a normal tone/volume of voice, it doesn't bother me to hear people talk to other people whether in person or on a cell phone.

I'm sure that anyone who listens to my spouse and I talk to each other when we are out in public would find our conversations pretty boring(smile) and it doesn't make the least bit of difference to me if the boring, everyday type conversation is in person or on a cell phone.

Some of my favorite conversations have been when we've called our youngest when we are at WDW and waiting in line and talked about all of the little details of what we are seeing/doing and what she is seeing and doing.

I absolutely love that she can be riding the bus to work, will call me and fill me in on what she did last night and what she is going to have for supper that night. She lives so far away and being able to hear all of the little, boring details of her life (that only a mother would love)(smile) helps me feel so much closer to her.

 

[swilphil]

Figaro--I loved reading your post. It was very sweet to read about you and your daughter. I agree that how loud someone is talking does make a huge difference. I can talk in a normal tone of voice with my brand new cell phone though in WDW I only make the 1 minute where to meet you calls. And I liked the point you made about people eavesdropping on conversations--whether between two people or on the cell phone. Have a nice day!

 

[bytheblood]

We use our phones in Disney, but we use it to communicate with the people in our group. We have Nextel phones, so we use the two-way. A typical conversation for us is "Where are you, we are on so-and-so, okay, we'll meet you at X place as soon as we get off."

I do want to add, if people are checking on their family or taking care of business, that to me is certainly necessary. Talking about things as mentioned on the first post, that is annoying...I also do not want my 6-year-old to hear that either. Truthfully, I don't want to hear it.

 

[Beca]

Originally posted by Figaro
I think that anyplace that it would be appropriate for two people to be talking to/with each other it is appropriate for a person to be talking to someone on a cell phone. As long as people are speaking in a normal tone/volume of voice, it doesn't bother me to hear people talk to other people whether in person or on a cell phone.

I'm sure that anyone who listens to my spouse and I talk to each other when we are out in public would find our conversations pretty boring(smile) and it doesn't make the least bit of difference to me if the boring, everyday type conversation is in person or on a cell phone.

ITA!!! Maybe people would prefer "silence" in line...but, WDW is not a library.



Beca

 

[bytheblood]

Originally posted by swilphil
DISUNC--You are so right. "RUDE IS RUDE" to quote you, and you're post is probably the rudest I've ever read on these boards


If the worst thing that happens on my vacation is somebody is talking on a cell phone while I'm in line, then I will count my blessings..

Agreed!

Originally posted by swilphil
As I stated in my earlier post, UNNECESSARY cell phone conversations in places like nice restaurants and spas do bother me, and my cell phone chatting relative's conversations tend to disrupt our group because nobody else can talk. As long as people aren't shouting or talking about rated r matters, I don't see how cell phone conversations in a line bother you anymore than two strangers having a conversation.

I too would have to ask, what is the difference between a cell phone conversation and all of the people in line talking. Voices are voices. If the conversation is not lewd, nasty or unsuitable for children, I can't see the harm in that.

What bugs me are the people that drive down the street with the phone up to their ear. Like a drunk driver.

 

[OKW Lover]

I just wonder what is so different from carrying on a conversation with your friend in person and on a cell phone? Is it that you can't hear the other end of the conversation?

 

[Figaro]

Hi, swilphil!

Thank you for the compliment! I still remember when my youngest headed off to college and how I had never thought all that much about cell phones until she had one and all of a sudden I was getting to talk to her when she was walking to class or on the bus. I finally was hearing from her much more frequently because she was able to fit her phone calls into her down times. That's when I really started to appreciate cell phones(smile).

When people (whether in person or on a cell phone) are talking very loudly, or in places where it is not appropriate (like movie theaters, church, school classes) it is not very thoughtful of others.

What I have never understood, is why if it is okay for two people to be speaking in a normal tone/volume of voice to each other while they are in line, or in a restaurant, or riding a bus that the same person now talking (again in a normal tone/volume) to someone on a cell phone in those same situations is now somehow rude?

Makes no sense to me!(smile)

 

[GeekChic]

I too would have to ask, what is the difference between a cell phone conversation and all of the people in line talking. Voices are voices. If the conversation is not lewd, nasty or unsuitable for children, I can't see the harm in that.

The difference is that two people talking beside each other usually do not yell. People do not talk in a normal tone of voice in their cells most of the time in the parks. They yell, whether they are aware of it or not, to cover the noise of the carousel, the ride music, whatever. they do do it.

As far as my statement that it annoys 99 percent of the people, this has been MY experience in the parks. People will shoot glances, even ask others to please keep their voice down (not me, I don't go that far) but usually the people on the phone a) don't care or b) get right into their face and tell them to back off.

To those who are supposed to be conducting business while they're at WDW...on "work days", well, i can't defend that LOL. I understand that some people's 'trivial' might actually be work conversations. The point is there is nothing wrong with selecting a quiet corner somewhere in which to discuss your business, instead of forcing the conversation on everyone around you.

The bottom line is, the people who feel they need to apologize for their behavior likely aren't the ones that folks like me are offended by. It's the ones who just don't care that are going to do what they do regardless of how it effects those around them.

That's why I think disney should put cell phone use locations inthe parks like smoking areas. Then if a CM sees someone using a phone outside of it they could ask them to please use it elsewhere.

The amount of positive responses to this post makes me think that it is indeed annoying to more people than it isn't.

I'm just asking people to think a moment about the enjoyment of those around them, Being polite in this manner is just like being kind not to run people over with your stroller/wheelchair/ecv while standing on main street taking a picture of the castle LOL it's just common courtesy.

I don't think there was anything rude in my original post...unless some here feel that asking opinions/ having one is rude?

As far as not being able to hear the other half of the conversation, that doesn't bother me at ALL. I don't want to hear any of the conversation! LOL And saying 'don't eavesdrop", well, the problem for me comes in when I have to practically yell to say something to my family standing next to me and be heard over the person behind us in line who is screaming what she did to her date the night before for all to hear.

Believe me, I'd rather not 'eavesdrop' on that.

Interesting the responses this is getting.

technology isn't always necessary 100% of the time.

If this isn't really a problem, why do I notice a lot of restaurants that I go to in my area now have "please turn off your cell phone" printed on their menues?

if people don't want to hear the phone at applebees then they definitely wouldn't want to hear it at the GF spa!

geek

 

[Figaro]

I don't like people who are shouting in public either. I guess we have had very different experiences with cell phones in public, as I can't remember the last time I heard someone use one who wasn't speaking in a normal, conversational tone of voice(smile). As long as a person is talking whether on a cell phone (or to someone else waiting in line with them) at a normal volume, I have no problem with them.

I still remember Mom looking at me when I was complaining about someones behavior and she said: "There is no constitutional right to not be annoyed."(smile)

It seems to me that the problem is with people who are shouting in public, not the people who are talking in a normal tone of voice. I wonder if Disney would have a separate places for people who yell in public(smile)? But then, that would have to include the crying children and yelling parents (which seem to go together many times)(smile).

 

[bytheblood]

Originally posted by GeekChic
The difference is that two people talking beside each other usually do not yell. People do not talk in a normal tone of voice in their cells most of the time in the parks. They yell, whether they are aware of it or not, to cover the noise of the carousel, the ride music, whatever. they do do it.

As far as my statement that it annoys 99 percent of the people, this has been MY experience in the parks. People will shoot glances, even ask others to please keep their voice down (not me, I don't go that far) but usually the people on the phone a) don't care or b) get right into their face and tell them to back off.

To those who are supposed to be conducting business while they're at WDW...on "work days", well, i can't defend that LOL. I understand that some people's 'trivial' might actually be work conversations. The point is there is nothing wrong with selecting a quiet corner somewhere in which to discuss your business, instead of forcing the conversation on everyone around you.

The bottom line is, the people who feel they need to apologize for their behavior likely aren't the ones that folks like me are offended by. It's the ones who just don't care that are going to do what they do regardless of how it effects those around them.

That's why I think disney should put cell phone use locations inthe parks like smoking areas. Then if a CM sees someone using a phone outside of it they could ask them to please use it elsewhere.

The amount of positive responses to this post makes me think that it is indeed annoying to more people than it isn't.

I'm just asking people to think a moment about the enjoyment of those around them, Being polite in this manner is just like being kind not to run people over with your stroller/wheelchair/ecv while standing on main street taking a picture of the castle LOL it's just common courtesy.

I don't think there was anything rude in my original post...unless some here feel that asking opinions/ having one is rude?

As far as not being able to hear the other half of the conversation, that doesn't bother me at ALL. I don't want to hear any of the conversation! LOL And saying 'don't eavesdrop", well, the problem for me comes in when I have to practically yell to say something to my family standing next to me and be heard over the person behind us in line who is screaming what she did to her date the night before for all to hear.

Believe me, I'd rather not 'eavesdrop' on that.

Interesting the responses this is getting.

technology isn't always necessary 100% of the time.

If this isn't really a problem, why do I notice a lot of restaurants that I go to in my area now have "please turn off your cell phone" printed on their menues?

if people don't want to hear the phone at applebees then they definitely wouldn't want to hear it at the GF spa!

geek

Since you directed your entire defense novel here at my comment, I would like to shoot one back to you.

I agree with your first paragraph.

Your 2nd & 6th- some people find it annoying. You can't take a thread with 20 or so replies and base this on a nationwide opinion where millions are populated.

I have never been in a restaurant where they have requested phones to be turned of. Yes, we have Applebee's here, but that is nowhere on any menu I've been handed. I do see it in a doctor's office, but that is a no-brainer.

There is a right time and place for everything. I feel that using a cell phone in a park, zoo, Six Flags, etc is completely acceptable as long as you are not shouting, holding up lines or stopping in the middle of the walk-way to do it. The people in WDW with the wagons and strollers are much more inconsiderate and annoying than the ones on cell phones. I have had more people almost hurt my child in WDW because they will stop in the middle of a walk-way with that big !*^@!$&^@ wagon and my baby almost trips over them or somebody else has to stop abrubtly to keep from running into them, therefore almost hurting my child in the process.

Using your cell in a spa, crowded elevator, dr office and places of the sort...that is inconsiderate.