CM insults child in stroller

[vatmark]

Hey I could care less if you want to put your healthy 9 year old in a stroller but you can't expect that you won't have people look at you funny and it doesn't sound like a very fun vacation to me if 3 perfectly healthy 9 year olds are that tired that they need strollers!

Annie

 

[MzDiz]

Where are these insulting CMs so I can avoid them? I have plenty thick skin because of what I've been doing for a living lately, but I'm not dropping this much money to get insulted, no matter who thinks it's fun. I get enough of that at "work", this is my vacation!

 

[sk!mom]

For us it's not about judging or commenting on what other families are doing, but it's about not being able to move around the parks as freely anymore because of all of the big kids in strollers - in the middle of the summer this makes for an unenjoyable day as I can't count the amount of times my 2 year old has been almost run over by strollers - kids racing strollers - if you're too tired to walk, then you shouldn't be racing! Or, adults running over all of our toes as they try and manipulate too very big kids in those darn double strollers.

This seems to be a very sensitive topic and with good reason. Despite the fact that some of you may think those of us who comment are trying to pass judgment (some may be, I guess), for my hubby and I it's about being altruistic. If my 9 and 10 year old kids being in strollers is going to cause problems for others - which I pretty much always see happening as feet hang out, too big for stroller, parents not being able to manipulate the stroller, arguments about being in the stroller, etc. - then we wouldn't do it, plain and simple. As well, these healthy kids are taking away strollers from the unhealthy kids. In my opinion, if they can't get through the park without a stroller, then something needs to be readjusted in the schedule to accommodate that - I'm sure many adults would want to go in strollers if given the choice, but it's not possible, so it shouldn't be for older kids either, IMHO.

Tiger

ITA- On our last summer visit, the number of strollers in use caused total gridlock. If those who are able bodied and over the age of 6 would walk then everyone could have a nicer experience.

 

[lsteadman]

As a mother we tend to pamper and spoil our children as much as we can. I am guilty of this as well. We tend to want to protect them and put their interest first. However, I wanted to share a non-judgemental opinion... kinda of a woman-to-woman or mother-to-mother comment.

I have a daughter that just turned 10 years old in August. However, she is almost as tall as me. I wouldn't dream of asking her to be in a stroller. Neither would she allow me to put her in a stoller. You cannot tell her she is not a big girl. Mini-Diva in training.

My daughter did get tired as we walked around the parks epecially EPCOT -World Showcase. When she got tired we just took breaks. We made a joke of it that we were testing out the benches for "Dave" in the Happiest Celebration video. When my daughter got tired she said "It's time to do a Dave!" We found the nearest bench and rested.

In my motherly opinion, if your children do not have physical disabilities they are way too old to be in a stroller. If they get tired take a break.....change the mentality that you don't have to get it all done in one day....you will go back to Disney. Sometimes on short trips we feel the need to pack it all in. However, are your children and yourself really enjoying the trip if you rush through each day and not enjoy the beauty of the Disney parks.

I hope the rest of your trip was enjoyable.

 

[Daxx]

Where are these insulting CMs so I can avoid them? I have plenty thick skin because of what I've been doing for a living lately, but I'm not dropping this much money to get insulted, no matter who thinks it's fun. I get enough of that at "work", this is my vacation!

Well, obviously, if you don't want to get insulted, then don't put your 9 yo in a stroller at MGM. You shouldn't have much to worry about if you follow those directions.

 

[lillygator]

On our recent extended family trip, we had a 4yr old and 9 yr old in a double stroller, and two other 9 yr olds in single strollers. We only had 3 days in the parks, and knowing how hard we were going to push ourselves we made the decision to help the kids out by renting strollers. When we passed by one of the CM's at MGM (who I guess is there to make jokes as a "vagabond" type person), he made fun of one of the 9yr olds. He said in a very crass voice "Hey kid, don't you think it's time you learn to walk. You're a little big for the stroller don't you think." We didn't think much about it at the time, but now that I think about it, I realize how risky that was of him to say. What if the child had some type of disability? I know he was just trying to be funny, but he probably should be made aware of what a terrible thing he could be saying to some child. A post I just read here discussing the appropriate age for children in strollers made me decide to tell my experience. To make matters worse, not long after the CM made his remark, a lady passed by us and made some rude comment about the kids being too big for the strollers. Of course, I have to admit they did look a little oversized for those pitiful strollers MGM has, but the other parks' strollers easily accommodated them. I can't imagine why anyone would concern themselves over this! If I'm willing to pay the money, should I not be able to push around whomever I want in a stroller?

I had to reread this after seeing it quoted again. Was this a vaction? Why the need to "push yourselevs" so hard? It seems as though since WDW is so much $$ these days it is becoming less and less a vaction experience for those who don't visit as often.

 

[Tiger926]

lsteadman - Excellent post as this is what we do with our 2yr. old and it works - not all of the time (sometimes she needs to ride in her stroller when it's very hot in WDW in July), but if a 2yr. old can understand that a stroller is not possible due to traffic, too many people, etc. than surely a 9 yr. old can!

Tiger

 

[allboyz]

I get funny looks when my 4 year old (will be 5) rides in a stroller sometimes. No one has ever said anything but I can see the way they look at him. Several have asked him how old he is as they give him that look. I really don't let it bother me. If someone said that to me I probably would have said, "Isn't it time for you to MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS" HA! Having said that I have a 7 year old and he is going to walk in Disney World. I don't plan to let them get to the point of being that tired. We are going to take breaks. Although I would not get a stroller for my 7 year old I would NEVER EVER judge someone else who did because it is none of my business.....

 

[Mickey Fliers]

Where are these insulting CMs so I can avoid them? I have plenty thick skin because of what I've been doing for a living lately, but I'm not dropping this much money to get insulted, no matter who thinks it's fun. I get enough of that at "work", this is my vacation!

If you can't take a little ribbing here and there then I suggest you stay away from the Whispering Canyon and 50's Primetime Cafe. Also, you are bound to find that some CM's have a pretty decent sense of humor and you are bound to find one that wants to poke fun once in awhile. Chill out, it is all in good fun!

 

[MzDiz]

Well, obviously, if you don't want to get insulted, then don't put your 9 yo in a stroller at MGM. You shouldn't have much to worry about if you follow those directions.

I'm thinking about renting a stroller for my teenage son and making an afternoon of messing with the first CM to throw an insult. No, wait... vacation.... *breathe*

I seriously can't believe people are getting their panties in a bunch over *someone else's* stroller use.

Ha, I've got it! I'm renting strollers for the whole family and we'll have races up and down the street by pulling ourselves along with our heels! All while getting extra points for rear-ending little old ladies and sweet little kids... *snort*

 

[Daxx]

I'm thinking about renting a stroller for my teenage son and making an afternoon of messing with the first CM to throw an insult. No, wait... vacation.... *breathe*

I am so glad that you saw the humor of my post!! I think it would be absolutely hysterical to see your teenage son in a stroller -- just make sure that I'm there to witness it!!!

I seriously can't believe people are getting their panties in a bunch over *someone else's* stroller use.

Like you, I'm amazed that so many have their knickers in a knot over this. As I said, this whole thread has me laughing hysterically!!!!!

Ha, I've got it! I'm renting strollers for the whole family and we'll have races up and down the street by pulling ourselves along with our heels! All while getting extra points for rear-ending little old ladies and sweet little kids... *snort*

Don't forget -- ten points for any characters you might take out while stroller racing (an extra 5 points if they're not face characters)!

 

[phamton]

I'm the mother of 5 kids and don't remember a time when my kids couldn't run circles around me. My husband and I are the ones who are tired from all the walking. I thought we were going to have to rent a stroller for my husband at Epcot just to keep him from whining about his feet hurting. I also went to Disneyland when I was 6 years old and I remember my parents being more tired than me. I was like a hummingbird on speed when I was a kid at Disneyland. I got tired of waiting for my parents to catch up. Now I'm the slow-poke adult with my kids pushing me to hurry up.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I think it's worth mentioning that WDW patrons aren't the only ones with hidden (or not so hidden) disabilities. CMs have them too, as do many of the population at large. I see this everyday in my work. It is possible that this CM, his coworker, friend or someone in his life is handicapped in some way and he's well aware of the difficulties the disabled face. But if his job is to heckle, he has to make a split decision as to what is appropriate to say, to whom. In thinking about this, I'd be curious to know, where do you draw the line between humor and offense? In an 8 hour day he is bound to offend someone. (BTW, I've never encountered anyone at MGM in this role).

I myself have sat in the front row during a comedy show and was pretty embarrassed myself to the point that I would never make that mistake again. But I subjected myself to that willlingly. Walking around MGM is different. Some comedians pick on people. A friend of mine is a comedian and she thrives on poking fun at people. Maybe this "loose cannon" is something Disney perhaps needs to reel in a bit if people are offended by these "jokes"? Just wondering about this... thoughts?

 

[MzDiz]

Don't forget -- ten points for any characters you might take out while stroller racing (an extra 5 points if they're not face characters)!

Oooh! Character bowling! Forget those other high priced Disney activities! This one can be had for the price of a stroller rental.

(ok, and bail money once they catch you)

 

[lillygator]

Maybe this "loose cannon" is something Disney perhaps needs to reel in a bit if people are offended by these "jokes"? Just wondering about this... thoughts?

I like the street perfomers, and seriously, is WDW going to please every single person every day ~ NO! I DON'T think the OP, CM comment was a "loose cannon" type comment....at all....


I know when my step son was 10 he was taller than me and regardless of disability would have looked ridiculous in a stroller - his legs went on forever!!

I find it hard to believe that there are so many guests who visit WDW that don't shoot their DH a "knowing" glance when they see this type of thing. It's all well and good to type about not being judgemental, etc...and while I am sure many would never make a comment about it....

 

[Cbarr]

Oh my God a nine year old can walk! No wonder there are so many fat kids they can't even walk.

Exactly!

My very active, very healthy 9yo would be mortified if I even tried to put him in a stroller. If he gets tired we simply find a bench and take a break.

 

[dlf]

We will be travelling to Disney next month and have every intention of renting 2 strollers. One for my two girls who are 8 and 3, and 1 for my nieces - ages 7 and 11!!
They won't be using them all the time but will help when they need a rest. When we spend 12 hours in the parks it's a lifesaver. It's also very helpful for carrying the bags around - especially the large cooler bag we always end up taking!

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

A nine year old without a physical disability who rides in a stroller should be ashamed of himself. If he can't manage the walking, then he should be left at home with a babysitter. Kids that age should be able to walk for miles.

That said, I would never say anything to a child that age in a stroller, or to his parents, although I would be thinking that the kids are lazy.

I must disclose that I hate strollers, never used them with my kids (they walked everywhere on their own after they got too big for the backpack), and find the number of strollers in public places to be a menace. Especially the ones being pushed by children whose parents find it amusing when their little darlings crash them into people and things.

 

[Mickey Fliers]

A nine year old without a physical disability who rides in a stroller should be ashamed of himself. If he can't manage the walking, then he should be left at home with a babysitter. Kids that age should be able to walk for miles.

That said, I would never say anything to a child that age in a stroller, or to his parents. The cast member was wrong.

Of course we would never say anything to a parent or child, but the CM was just doing their job. They are street performers who are supposed to point people out, engage with the guests, etc. If they had seen a very large man in a t-shirt that was three sizes too small that said "I stop for roadkill", they would have singled that guy out as well. It just so happens that this particular CM saw a kid who was most likely too big to be riding in a stroller and that became his "mark". Come on people, it is all in good fun. We need to learn how to take a joke now and again.

BTW, I have three boys, 8,6 and 3. Only the 3 year old rode in a stroller the whole week we were in WDW last month. Even then, we rented a stroller and DS3 had to walk to and from the BC to the IG and all over the Boardwalk.

 

[lillygator]

The cast member was wrong.

The CM is not WRONG....he/she should have said "oh did you get the pack and play too"?







IN JEST!!!! People, lighten up.....soon WDW will become too PC to visit...unless of course you are perfect.