DIS is making me scared to go to Disney

[Aidensmom]

I have been to WDW many, many times, along with all the other theme parks in Florida, and always thought I was a pretty easy person to get along with and that I, and my family, was courteous and polite.

I am fairly new to DIS, and have gotten a lot of useful information from it. However, after reading a lot of posts on this board, I am not so sure I am going to enjoy my next trip as much, as it seems many people have a negative opinion about the normal things I do without thinking about (I have a child in a stroller, so I am out to just ram as many ankles as possible; I have sat in a bus seat, and even worse I have let DS have his own seat, so I am rude and inconsiderate; I drink alcholic beverages, so I am not providing a family atmosphere; my child sometimes misbehaves or cries, so I am not a good parent; etc.).

It really also kind of saddens me that it seems like a lot of people find children at Disney (strollers, children's behavior, parents disciplining their children, etc.) such a nuisance. After all, Walt wanted this to be a family place....I became a parent later in life, so have had plenty of experience at WDW without children and never had any of the complaints I have been reading, but maybe I have just always been off in my own little world and didn't notice....

I seriously am not sure if I will experience WDW in the same innocent way I always have. Does anyone else feel this way?

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I know what you mean but try not to let it bother you. There are what, 60K people on this board? You're naturally going to get all kinds of opinions. There's a lot to be learned but you have to take some things with a grain of salt.

Enjoy your trip and let us know how it went when you get back!

 

[sanapunk]

you're not alone, I never noticed any of those things until the DIS. I never offered my seat, cause 1) most of the time I'd been a child and 2)i always figured whoever got on the bus first got a seat, and whoever got on last had to stand. I never had any stroller experinces, and never saw anyone yelling at their kids. I was too busy thinking ONLY 3 STEPS CLOSER AND WE'RE AT THE PEOPLEMOVER!!!

Just like you, too much in my own little world to care

 

[UrsulasMyHero]

I think you have to take everything with a grain of salt. This is just a cross section of the world, so you're going to get may different opinions. Just remember to be courteous and know that in the scheme of things, what someone else thinks about doesn't really matter. If you aim ot have a good time, then you will deffinately have one.

 

[DMRick]

I think a lot of it is tongue in cheek. At least I hope so. I've actually been on both sides of the stroller..the rammed and the rammer. I think most people realize no one is out to get you, it's hard to navigate with crowds and tiredness. If you ram me, while I'm there...dont worry about it. I'll just shrug it off. If your kids a brat or cries, I really don't care, as long as I don't have to take them home with me. If you a re going to drink, just don't unchuck on my shoes, and we'll get along.

 

[Sorcerer Figment]

I seriously am not sure if I will experience WDW in the same innocent way I always have. Does anyone else feel this way?

I don't know you, but from reading your post (and your cute sig), I get the feeling that you are not any of those people you described. You have a stroller and you just may ram some ankles, but I'm guessing you'd quickly apologize and try to prevent it from happening again. But there are plenty of people out there who would just give a dirty look to the person they hit and continue on their way. After having this happen to me enough times, I've wanted to come here and vent too. But does that mean I think everyone with a stroller is out to get me? Of course not!

You have sat in a bus seat? So have I. But the difference is that I'm an able bodied college student. When I have the opportunity to give that seat to someone who needs it more, and I just give Granny the evil eye, that is a cause for anger. Call it the remnants of chivalry, but I think that would be wrong. That said, you are a mother. That is the hardest job in the world, I think a bus seat is not asking too much!

You enjoy the occasional drink? Good for you. The problem only comes when you get sloshed and start humping Mickey Mouse . (Which I sincerely doubt you've done.) Your child misbehaves or cries? Great, glad they are human. But you wouldn't let them go around hitting people, would you? And I'm sure if your child wouldn't stop crying, you wouldn't make the guests around you miss out on an entire show. But some parents do this all the time.

And as for people being sick of kids? It's not the kids' fault, it's the parents. Please don't get me wrong, I pushed my parents to their limit plenty of times. I know it's impossible to always keep kids under control. That is not the problem, it's the parents who don't care enough to pay attention to their child. The parents who will curse out CMs for asking them to pull their child off the building's facade. Does this sound like you? I don't think so.

Seeing a pattern? You are considerate. You think of others. The guests who are being ranted upon? They don't. They think the Disney World revolves around them, and if you and your family suffer for it? Well, too bad!

You've been in your own little world and not noticed these things? Great! This is something to celebrate, not lament. But should noticing these things make you lose your Disney innocence? Absolutely not! As long as you continue being a responsible parent and a considerate guest, you have the most reason of anyone to enjoy your vacation. So please don't let rude guests, or the odd complaint get you down. Go out and enjoy your vacation! (Just watch out for those ankle biters. )

 

[sleepydog25]

Sanapunk and Pea-n-Me are right--don't let the posts scare you off. I became a parent (again) later in life than most, and hadn't visited WDW with a small child until last August then again two weeks ago. By and large, WDW is still a happy, fun-filled, family-oriented place that you likely remember. The CMs still smile and interact well; nearly all parents smile knowingly when your child (and their own) run with reckless abandon to hug Mickey; people still say, "let your girl sit up here where she can see." Do not let negative posts affect your decision to go to WDW or influence how much you enjoy it.

My DW and I are the same as you and most other parents--we try to be courteous, kind, understanding, and patient. And we have a DD4 who is well-behaved. . .as a four-yr old can be. I'm sure you know what that means! We struggle with a stroller, wrestle with rides, and beat it to bus stops. I make my child sit in a seat since it's safer, though I give mine up if an elderly person or young child needs one. Alcohol? Four of us drained two bottles of wine one night, and DW and I drank dry another bottle on our own the next night.

Our culture is increasingly bent upon insulating ourselves from our fellow neighbors and friends (for example, we build decks out back not porches out front anymore) but that's still not the Disney way in my recent experiences. You will still find loving, devoted parents who want nothing more than to see the smile that could light a thousand homes appear on their DS's or DD's face. That some speak about the negative aspects only goes to show they are the exceptions, not the rule. Go, enjoy, drink, and be merry.

 

[O2BNWDW]

Married 10 years - No kids and no kids in sight. I think as with anything it is a courtesy situation. I don't think if I get hit with a stroller that I should call Dis911 - accidents happen and in a crowd it is unavoidable....now if you were ramming me, well then bets are off ! LOL but, you have to discern between rude and just crowd nature....I have accidentally run into people at WDW and I have NO excuse - no kids, no stroller no NOTHING!!! but a Castle!!


The only problem I have is someone who takes up a seat with a stroller and there are elderly people on the bus standing - that is just wrong!

For my two cents tho - Seats should be given up to elderly people and women with small children

 

[O2BNWDW]

Alcohol? Four of us drained two bottles of wine one night, and DW and I drank dry another bottle on our own the next night.

Go, enjoy, drink, and be merry.

Is that ALL!!!

Yes I believe you are corect in your observation!

 

[NewEnglandDisney]

I think it's EXTREME cases that people comment on.

For instance, someone who is stumbling/slurring drunk at Epcot, not just someone enjoying a beer or mixed drink.

Although most stroller users are courteous, just like most people who use ECV's, there ARE people out there who are not; these people think "because I am pushing a stroller" or "because I have an ECV" that everyone else should get out of their way because somehow it makes them more important.

Crying children are going to happen; I think people only get upset (and I know I do personally) when it's in something like "Philharmagic" or other shows and the kid literally cries from the moment it starts until the end of the show, ruining it for other people. Those are the times when the parent needs to consider everyone else around them and remove themselves from the show. I've seen it - kids crying for 5-10 minutes straight, or throwing a temper tantrum because they didn't want to experience this and the parents ignoring them so they can watch the show themselves.

As other posters have said, don't worry about what people here say. Don't you dare let it reduce the magic of your vacation. Just by posting this you have proven that you are a considerate person (the type of people who engage in the behavior I described above wouldn't care in the least and wouldn't think twice).

It sounds like you are going to have a magical trip, and I wish you well!

N.E.D.

 

[WaltD4Me]

I am not so sure I am going to enjoy my next trip as much, as it seems many people have a negative opinion about the normal things I do without thinking about (I have a child in a stroller, so I am out to just ram as many ankles as possible; I have sat in a bus seat, and even worse I have let DS have his own seat, so I am rude and inconsiderate; I drink alcholic beverages, so I am not providing a family atmosphere; my child sometimes misbehaves or cries, so I am not a good parent; etc.).

While I too have read some of the negative, sometimes heated threads about the "normal things" you are talking about, I never got that anyone was just talking about normal instances of normal things. Most of the time they are referring to extreme cases, which really could happen anywhere, not just at Disney. If there was a shopping mall discussion board, you'd probably would read almost the same negative comments, at least about stollers and misbehaving children, but again, the extreme cases.

I'm sure no one is talking about ALL people with strollers or misbehaving children or folks who drink alcohol or whatever. I would never bat an eye at someone having a drink at Disney World and I'm sure I've never read a thread from anyone that said "I couldn't believe it, I saw a guy drinking a beer!" but I'm sure I would definitely have something to say about someone being obviously drunk and might even post about it. There is a big difference between doing normal things and normal things being done in the extreme.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I don't know you, but from reading your post (and your cute sig), I get the feeling that you are not any of those people you described. You have a stroller and you just may ram some ankles, but I'm guessing you'd quickly apologize and try to prevent it from happening again. But there are plenty of people out there who would just give a dirty look to the person they hit and continue on their way. After having this happen to me enough times, I've wanted to come here and vent too. But does that mean I think everyone with a stroller is out to get me? Of course not!

You have sat in a bus seat? So have I. But the difference is that I'm an able bodied college student. When I have the opportunity to give that seat to someone who needs it more, and I just give Granny the evil eye, that is a cause for anger. Call it the remnants of chivalry, but I think that would be wrong. That said, you are a mother. That is the hardest job in the world, I think a bus seat is not asking too much!

You enjoy the occasional drink? Good for you. The problem only comes when you get sloshed and start humping Mickey Mouse . (Which I sincerely doubt you've done.) Your child misbehaves or cries? Great, glad they are human. But you wouldn't let them go around hitting people, would you? And I'm sure if your child wouldn't stop crying, you wouldn't make the guests around you miss out on an entire show. But some parents do this all the time.

And as for people being sick of kids? It's not the kids' fault, it's the parents. Please don't get me wrong, I pushed my parents to their limit plenty of times. I know it's impossible to always keep kids under control. That is not the problem, it's the parents who don't care enough to pay attention to their child. The parents who will curse out CMs for asking them to pull their child off the building's facade. Does this sound like you? I don't think so.

Seeing a pattern? You are considerate. You think of others. The guests who are being ranted upon? They don't. They think the Disney World revolves around them, and if you and your family suffer for it? Well, too bad!

You've been in your own little world and not noticed these things? Great! This is something to celebrate, not lament. But should noticing these things make you lose your Disney innocence? Absolutely not! As long as you continue being a responsible parent and a considerate guest, you have the most reason of anyone to enjoy your vacation. So please don't let rude guests, or the odd complaint get you down. Go out and enjoy your vacation! (Just watch out for those ankle biters. )

Sorcerer Figment, awesome post!

 

[GinaGrumpyDwarf]

I noticed this last time I was in Disney with my DD (2). People are RUDE...i understand that you paied alot of money just like me, but DONT push my child out of the way for a character greet....Most of the time i just try to shrug it off and think it's disney...there will ALWAYS be "trash" there.
The experience has shifted from ME having a good time, to making sure that my daughter has a MAGICAL time
We go pretty often and i guess i forget that sometimes people only go "once in a lifetime" and they spend alot of money.
We have time share, DH's cousin is a chef at Boatwrights, so we usually get in free. Our cost although still $$$ it isnt even NEAR what others pay.
That's why people "push" their kids to the limit...and want to get ALLLLLL of the experience they can.
Dont let the boards worry you...just the fact that you're even THINKING about it shows that you are a thoughtful and considerate person. Have a good time!

 

[milmore104]

I so know how you are feeling thoselooks you get from people on the bus because you brought a stroller and a child! OH MY GOD can you imagine the nerve of me bringing my FAMILY on a FAMILY vacation to a FAMILY destination! My DH and I have been going to WDW way before we had kids and my DH or I were always willing to give up our seat to a mother holding a child or even help a family on a bus that had a load. But now that we visit w/ our own little miricale we have a system I bring my DD own stroller that is the SUV of strollers but my DH is nice about it he is always the last one on the busif it is a bus full so that he may stand at the front and not take up to much room or if there are very few people on the bus he tries to get on first to move all the way back so as he may not hit people on the way by. I have always thought of myself as a polite person and I have to say on our trips to WDW my politness gets stretch as tight as can be. Don't get me wrong you do anything mean or hurtfull to my child and that string will snap!!! I find it sad but just the way the world works now adays. I can only say to you that just have another drink and forget about it. Don't let anything anyone could say or do ruin your lovely vacation w/ your family. I know at times it's hard but as all people on this site we all LOVE Disney and spend so much time planning the perfect trip everytime don't let a rolled eye get you down!!! Enjoy your vacation more the ultimate pay back!!!!

 

[Codymom1]

This is the first time I've posted but I had to register and reply. Why? DH and I discussed the same thing while we were there a week ago. I think most people here are talking about the just plain rude people. I too have been the rammed and the rammee. Difference? Most say sorry or excuse me and pay more attention. I watched as a lady rammed three people with a stroller before she got out of my sight and never once said anything. As for the bus, We do give up our seats if someone appears to need them and mostly give them up anyways just because I figure you never know who needs them. DH always stands with the stroller when the bus is crowded. We do prefer our DS (3) to sit but DS (5) can stand. We also accually had a bus driver tell people to sit because several people were standing and a few seats empty. So I think anyone who NEEDS a seat would be able to get one. The biggest thing is, you cannot get 100,000 people together and please them all!!! I am sure everyone - myself included has offended someone in some way at one point. You can't let it get to you. Even the very rude people I chalk it up to maybe not being able to come as much as we do. And think nothing more about it. Why? Because it will ruin YOUR vacation not theirs. As someone else said - the fact that you are thinking about it shows you are different.

GO have a very magical time and as a cast member once said remember it wouldn't be Disney if your not close to your neighbor.

 

[missypie]

I'm not a psychologist, but I bet that computer message boards provide a form of therapy for people. I think that lots of us accept a lot of what happens to us - on vacation or otherwise - with good grace and good humor (like being rammed with a stoller by a frazzled mom). But then when we're home, in front of our own computer, we feel free to vent a little bit. I don't think that's necessarily bad. It's like reading people's minds. I think that when you're actually at WDW, you'll find the experience the same as ever. Who knows? You may come home and vent on the DIS about something, too!

 

[Sorcerer Figment]

Sorcerer Figment, awesome post!

Thanks. I really should have been studying for my final today at 9 am (yes, on a Saturday!) But anything to help someone have a magical day.

After reading this thread, one might feel a little down about Disney. And it's true Disney brings out the worst it some people, but remember it brings out the best in many others. I suggest reading through "What nice thing can you plan and do for a perfect stranger when you get to WDW?" to get back into the happy state.

 

[Stitchfans]

Like everyone said take it with a grain of salt. Some people no matter where you are at make a federal case over the smallest thing. I try to take on the attitude of," that if it isn't life threatening don't worry about it." I try my best to stay upbeat and try to shrug off as much as possible. My husband's family is famous for finding fault in everything you do, and talking behind people's backs. At least here they are doing it in front of you. LOL
Not sure of the spelling but- Akuna Mata ta. NO WORRIES.

 

[WaltD4Me]

Our culture is increasingly bent upon insulating ourselves from our fellow neighbors and friends (for example, we build decks out back not porches out front anymore)

Sort of OT, but you can't always blame the "deck builders" for this trend, I mean you have to also ask WHY are people building their decks in the back? My sister and her DH had a beautiful front porch, but built a deck off the back because they live on a corner and were constantly disturbed while trying to enjoy their porch by incredibly loud music and bass coming from cars at the stop sign or by people walking by with blasting loud music or using foul language. So, maybe our culture isn't trying to necessarily insulate ourselves from our fellow neighbors and friends, but their increasingly selfish actions.

Same for Disney World, it's sad to say, but in GENERAL it does seem people have become more rude and less conscience of their fellow neighbors - what' wrong with giving up your bus seat to someone who obviously needs it more, even if you were there first? - and so people comment on it, but that doesn't mean they are saying ALL people are rude, it's just that the ones that are seem to be way more noticeable... and so talked (or posted) about.

 

[Aidensmom]

Thank you, everyone, you have made me feel much better! I have to admit, though, I am still haunted by posts about people feeling that strollers should be restricted to 'stroller lanes' in the park. Could you imagine the congestion!

Sort of OT, but you can't always blame the "deck builders" for this trend, I mean you have to also ask WHY are people building their decks in the back? My sister and her DH had a beautiful front porch, but built a deck off the back because they live on a corner and were constantly disturbed while trying to enjoy their porch by incredibly loud music and bass coming from cars at the stop sign or by people walking by with blasting loud music or using foul language.

And I had to comment on this. I live on the corner of a very quiet residential street, and another residential street that people think is a main street (especially out-of-towners, as I live about a mile from Busch Gardens) because there is a traffic light at the end of it where it hits a REAL main street. We are bombarded at least hourly by the incredibly loud music and bass, to the point where my ENTIRE house rattles, glad to know we are not alone!!! The worst part is that our backyard is about 7 foot deep, but our side yard is huge and we have a big deck in it with an oak tree growing out of the middle of it. People actually stop to look at it, including the annoying cars with the too loud music!