Crowd and walkway etiquette

[ronandannette]

There are probably of hundreds of these types of examples. In general terms, it seems like people who are in any public place need to be more aware of those around them. Far too many seem self-absorbed, act like they are the only ones on the planet, have their noise in their phone or always seem distracted. The unfortunate thing is those types of people never realize they are causing issues and would never read any of these recommendations.

I'm sure you're right, but I gotta try...DO NOT walk in a doorway/entrance and immediately stop to get your bearings. I shouldn't have to explain why.

Don't walk backwards to take a photo or for any other reason. WDW is not a good place to walk backwards.

...and if you don't want to have your perfect pose photo-bombed, hurry the frick up with it, would you please?

 

[Takket]

For the last several years, we've spent about 4 weeks January/February at DVC in Orlando. Often Saratoga Springs because we ike walking over to Disney Springs. This year seems much busier than the last few. Also, this year, for the first time in five years, we went to a park because friends visiting wanted to. The frustration dealing with crowds led me to the following etiquette suggestions:
*In the US, we drive on the right side of the road and defer to the right. Do that when walking on busy pathways.
*Don't walk more than 4 abreast and if four abreast takes up more than half the available pathway, walk two abreast.
*if you know you walk slower than most due to physical issues, walking with a child, pushing a stroller or just have your nose in a phone, stay on the far right of the path so regular-speed walkers can pass.
*If you feel the need to suddenly stop - child crying, phone ringing, shoe untied, discussion about where you are going - get to the far right and if possible behind an obstruction - a sign or corner that others have to go around anyway. Don't be another obstacle.
*If the shop or restaurant you are going to is on the left, work to the right, assess the incoming crowd and dart across. Don't meander around aimlessly.

I think these would be great reminders for airports, amusement parks, busy downtowns, festivals, etc.

Any more?

I have literally brought up ALL of these as pet peeves in the park. might I also add, and it seems crazy but this happens all the time... DON'T walk backwards!!!!!!!! I see this constantly, people are walking backwards, completely blind to where they are going, through huge crowds of people walking around them to take pictures, back up a stroller to go around something, etc...

 

[bcla]

I detest when I'm almost forced into a wall or off a sidewalk because a group just has to walk four to five abreast. But recently I went to a few basketball games. If one wanted to stand with a beer or food, there were plenty of places to do it, including some with stand up tables. But I saw plenty who were standing right in the middle of the concourse, seemingly oblivious that people were trying to get through.

 

[bluedolphin32]

I always get mad when a group walks side by side and plays chicken with my family. We get in a single file and still get jostled around. People can be rude.

I detest when I'm almost forced into a wall or off a sidewalk because a group just has to walk four to five abreast.

I feel like this happens to me a lot. It could be because I am a small person, they think I will just move. Sometimes I have to because apparently if you don't look people in the eye, they will clear the way! I've started experimenting with just holding my path and stopping when our paths meet and making them go around me. They are usually on the wrong side of the sidewalk walking with their party, looking at their phone when this happens. Boy are they surprised!

 

[dez1978]

Exactly! Nothing irks me more than when a bunch of people think they have to walk side by side and block the whole sidewalk or they think they’re the only people around and stand right in the middle of the way. I’ll admit on a few occasions as I’ve pushed my way through I “might” bump them a little to get their attention as I’m saying a snarky “excuse me”.

Man I have this issue going in to work every morning. Night shift will be leaving and 3/4 will be walking side by side taking up the entire sidewalk and I know they see me. But will not move at all. Drives me batty

 

[Timandalicia]

For the last several years, we've spent about 4 weeks January/February at DVC in Orlando. Often Saratoga Springs because we ike walking over to Disney Springs. This year seems much busier than the last few. Also, this year, for the first time in five years, we went to a park because friends visiting wanted to. The frustration dealing with crowds led me to the following etiquette suggestions:
*In the US, we drive on the right side of the road and defer to the right. Do that when walking on busy pathways.
*Don't walk more than 4 abreast and if four abreast takes up more than half the available pathway, walk two abreast.
*if you know you walk slower than most due to physical issues, walking with a child, pushing a stroller or just have your nose in a phone, stay on the far right of the path so regular-speed walkers can pass.
*If you feel the need to suddenly stop - child crying, phone ringing, shoe untied, discussion about where you are going - get to the far right and if possible behind an obstruction - a sign or corner that others have to go around anyway. Don't be another obstacle.
*If the shop or restaurant you are going to is on the left, work to the right, assess the incoming crowd and dart across. Don't meander around aimlessly.

I think these would be great reminders for airports, amusement parks, busy downtowns, festivals, etc.

Any more?

How would this be implemented? It appears that we have 2 choices: either get bothered every time things of this nature happens, or remain unbothered. I seem to find with things out of my control to do the latter. It is the only solution to what then becomes a non-problem.

 

[Mousemom234]

Now get off my lawn!

You can stand on the lawn as long as you like -- but get your sorry butts off the sidewalk !

 

[luvthatduke]

I agree totally with the OP.

Reminds me of a Seinfeld standup routine.
Jerry remarks that the people mover in airports
is NOT A RIDE!!
He explains that you are supposed to step on (like a flat escalator)
and MOVE TO THE RIGHT, PEOPLE!

 

[ttintagel]

They used to teach us pedestrian etiquette in elementary school, but I don't think they do that anymore.
When I worked on a college campus, the problem of a group of people spreading themselves all the way across a sidewalk was particularly bad. The way I handled it was to look straight at them and just stay on my path. If one of them plowed into me because they weren't paying enough attention to get over to their own side of the sidewalk, then so be it. I wasn't going to step off into the mud just to accommodate their thoughtlessness.

 

[linzjane88]

I think this goes into that pile of life rules that *feels* like common sense and "ya, duh" until you go out in public and realize common sense isn't that common......

Unfortunately the people that need this information are not the people that will be reading this thread

 

[Babs Johnson]

I always get mad when a group walks side by side and plays chicken with my family. We get in a single file and still get jostled around. People can be rude.

I detest when I'm almost forced into a wall or off a sidewalk because a group just has to walk four to five abreast. But recently I went to a few basketball games. If one wanted to stand with a beer or food, there were plenty of places to do it, including some with stand up tables. But I saw plenty who were standing right in the middle of the concourse, seemingly oblivious that people were trying to get through.

Play chicken right back at them like I do. Either standard still or continue to walk in the opposite direction. A strategically placed elbow or two makes them back down.

Once at the Animal Kingdom I was sitting on a bench when a group of 5 or 6 college aged young women were walking arm in arm across the path. They were shouting ”coming through” or similar and most others scattered out of their way. But one older solidly built woman stood her ground and refused to move. One girl crashed into her and fell like a ton of bricks. The others complaned and were yelling at the woman but she just gave a snarky response and walked away. I laughed.

One of the group tried to involve me but I said ”Sorry, sweetie, your friend got what she deserved.”

 

[SteveH]

Sounds like a typical day at my local theme park called: COSTCO!

I've gotten to the point I no longer weave or yield to those walking on the left, creates some fun interactions and deer in headlights look when I come within 2" of bumping their carts. Don't even get me going about entering the coolers for vegtablers with people that can't turn to the right like a roundabout. Oh wait I need to stop by the pharmacy to get some blood pressure meds

 

[kymom99]

Play chicken right back at them like I do. Either standard still or continue to walk in the opposite direction. A strategically placed elbow or two makes them back down.

Once at the Animal Kingdom I was sitting on a bench when a group of 5 or 6 college aged young women were walking arm in arm across the path. They were shouting ”coming through” or similar and most others scattered out of their way. But one older solidly built woman stood her ground and refused to move. One girl crashed into her and fell like a ton of bricks. The others complaned and were yelling at the woman but she just gave a snarky response and walked away. I laughed.

One of the group tried to involve me but I said ”Sorry, sweetie, your friend got what she deserved.”

Yep I’ve stood my ground before. They usually look confused.

 

[mrodgers]

So just wondering since this was posted yesterday... Has anyone noticed a difference in behavior from society today because of this post?

 

[Mysterian]

I have one more thing to add to your list. If you are going to pass someone, let them know. I use the same phrase I do when biking "on your left" to prepare them for being passed on their left side. It can sometimes be startling when a person/group whips around you, and helps to prepare you, especially if you were getting ready to turn.

That's the Captain America in you.

 

[Travel60]

How would this be implemented? It appears that we have 2 choices: either get bothered every time things of this nature happens, or remain unbothered. I seem to find with things out of my control to do the latter. It is the only solution to what then becomes a non-problem.

No "implementation" necessary. Etiquette is a matter of social convention and expectations that make life more comfortable for everyone. Kindness and consideration are key.

We should behave better and teach our children better.

A hundred years ago, we would have been kicked off the social register for using the wrong fork to eat fish. Today, we struggle with RSVPs to invitations and Thank You notes for gifts.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Etiquette is a matter of social convention and expectations that make life more comfortable

A hundred years ago, we would have been kicked off the social register for using the wrong fork to eat fish. Today, we struggle with RSVPs to invitations and Thank You notes for gifts.

The irony is very strong here. You've kinda obliterated your point by saying these things. Social norms change as times change.

I actually didn't disagree with some of your points but you've lost me when you bring up things that are seen as antiquated as time goes on. Yeah we don't get written off to live our lives in social shame because we are so inadequate in our upper crust knowledge of which fork to use but neither do (en masse that is) we if a hand written in cursive thank you note snail mailed doesn't occur.

 

[tzolkin]

Don't forget escalators! Stand right, walk left! We have signs on some escalators where I live, but people don't seem to understand the concept. Especially annoying during rush hours.

I think the problem with escalators and moving walkways is that many people have no idea that others walk on them. The majority of people I see believe that you stand still and ride it, so they are completely oblivious that others may want to pass. I have even witnessed these same people who are convinced that their method is correct and will purposely try to block anyone from walking because they believe the walkers are being rude.

No "implementation" necessary. Etiquette is a matter of social convention and expectations that make life more comfortable for everyone.

But you do have to make those social conventions and expectations known for people to be able to follow them. Ideally, parents would instruct their children about what behavior is appropriate and considerate to others. Unfortunately, many make it to adulthood without realizing, so sometimes it takes getting called out or even some public shaming for people to learn that their behavior is not acceptable.

 

[Travel60]

The irony is very strong here. You've kinda obliterated your point by saying these things. Social norms change as times change.

I actually didn't disagree with some of your points but you've lost me when you bring up things that are seen as antiquated as time goes on. Yeah we don't get written off to live our lives in social shame because we are so inadequate in our upper crust knowledge of which fork to use but neither do (en masse that is) we if a hand written in cursive thank you note snail mailed doesn't occur.

Perhaps the point I was trying to make was not clear. My point is that knowing which fork to use is not etiquette (which as you note, changes with the decades). Etiquette is a set of customs that promote a more considerate and comfortable community.

But, yes, if I send an invitation (written or evite) that clearly states RSVP, and you don't, you are not likely to be invited to any future events that need a head count.

Similarly, if I don't get a thank you for a gift, you are not likely to get another- does not have to be cursive on Crane note cards. Can be a heartfelt verbal "I know exactly where I will put it, wear it, serve it". Can also be a messaged photo/video "thank you for the new book, I'm looking forward to reading it....outfit/wearing it."

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Etiquette is a set of customs that promote a more considerate and comfortable community.

And my point perhaps wasn't clear, customs change as society changes. Your example was like that.

I think we all agree about a level of courtesy such as not stopping in the middle, etc although those are not about customs that change over time. But to bring up social norms in the context of using the correct fork or a thank you note are IMO poor examples. Times have changed and those things have been deemed no longer as important to society at large. Instead of a handwritten in cursive thank you letter mailed to someone you may get a text thank you instead or a thank you given down the road you may get an e-mailed RSVP message back or a text rather than a phone call. Our social expectations have changed on things. You say struggle without realizing that it's just our times evolving.