Disney to ban chanting?

[WEDWDW]

The chanting is usually a "argument" between groups from different areas, usually supporting their football/soccer teams. It is logical that it could be ugly if two teams with a real rivalry go at it.

Yes,it got REAL ugly in End Zone Food Court when Argentina AND Brazil were watching the World Cup Final!!!!

 

[elaine amj]

i understand it is part of their culture. i also tend to be sympathetic to teenage shenanigans and just like to see kids have a good time. And it's "innocent" fun compared to a lot of the destructive things kids can get involved in. I was next to a singing group while waiting for Wishes one night and thought it was cute and it did warm my heart to see them having a good time.

That said, it truly is getting excessive and it would be nice to see Disney move in to get them to tone it down.

 

[angierae]

It goes without saying I am sympathetic to any parent of a disabled child. I'm not a fan of the chanting. It certainly can be mildly annoying to some people. However, WDW is in America and they have a right to free speech and the chanting has never hurt anyone. A more interesting question is; what parent in their right mind brings a child with "major sensory issues" to a theme park of all places? If the child had a severe peanut allergy would you feed them a Snickers bar? Chanting by a group of teens has zero effect compared to all of the other sensory overload opportunities in a theme park. If WDW wants to make a no chanting rule they certainly can; but, I'm sure it will be more of a guideline than an actual rule and probably won't be enforced except for extreme circumstances or as a last resort.

Actually, "free speech" means that the government cannot jail you for what you say. It absolutely does not mean that privately (non-government) owned places like WDW cannot make rules for what they do and do not allow in their parks. If Disney wanted to throw out people for cursing, they could. "Free speech" does not mean "You can say anything you want anytime, anyplace."

 

[ravenclawtrekkie]

However, WDW is in America and they have a right to free speech and the chanting has never hurt anyone.

That isn't what 'free speech' means. A business operating on private property - which is what WDW is - can certainly make rules banning whatever kinds of behavior they want.

 

[gwb]

As others have pointed out Disney needs to control the loud chanting and yelling groups no matter where they are from or who they represent. DW and I go in early Dec and have repeatedly encountered the yelling cheerleaders and football teams from Pop Warner. These groups and their so call adult leaders don't care what they are told, I have been told by their parents and team adult supporters (mostly being drunk in the middle of the day) that "Disney would close up if it wasn't for them being there in Dec. And we are entitled to do what ever we want" So what can a CM do in the face of that? Call the security that's what.

 

[SharonLowe]

It's about time. I'm all for having a good time and people being happy but these kids are obnoxious. They deafened me a couple times in the line at Splash Mountain. I truly hope this isn't a rumor and they do something about it. Maybe they should go to Disnelyand Paris or something.

And, why should they go to Disneyland Paris or something? They have every right to come to WDW as anyone else. And, why is it okay for them to chant at Disneyland Paris or something and not at WDW?? I don't like the chanting either (especially from American cheerleaders who often travel in larger packs ;-)) but I certainly wouldn't make snarky comments about other parks or countries.

 

[serenitynow]

Pop Warner is AWFUL! We stopped going in December because of the chanting, screaming cheerleaders. The worst part was being trapped on a Disney bus with 25-30 of them screaming chants at the top of their lungs. One night the bus driver actually pulled over and stopped the bus due to the level of the noise assault. He told them when they quieted down, he would start the bus again. This lead to an outburst of applause from the rest of us tired, headache ridden, non-cheer guests. Frankly the adults with them were screaming the cheers as well. It was so stressful.

 

[serenitynow]

Oh but wait, how could I forget the clapping and foot stamping along with the screaming cheers! The noise was deafening. It was vibrating the glass in the windows.

 

[Jennasis]

ALL in line for the rides.

 

[goofy4tink]

They're not going to enforce anything, nor should they. It's not a big issue if you are walking by a group. Everyones constantly moving, so it's not like most people have to be around it for very long.

However, the only time it's truly annoying is if they are right behind you in line. THAT'S when a cast members needs to come over and get them to ****.

One particularly obnoxious incident comes to mind. Back about 4 yrs ago, my dd, then about 17, and I were walking thru DHS. We were in the widest area in front of the stage, heading toward the street. You could hear the noise coming, before you saw the cause. A group of about 20-25 young women (15-19ish) came up from the Voyage of the Little Mermaid area. They stopped, in the middle of the open area and started chanting, loudly. They were with a young man, probably early 20's....their 'chaperone'. He starts yelling 'louder', over and over. The girls join hands and start moving in a circle.....they would spread way out, then close it up, all while chanting. It was incredible. No one could get by easily...when they saw someone approaching, the circle would swell outward. It was a moving sea of obnoxiousness. Louder and louder. Nothing stopped them.
Yes, they are if a different culture. But, they're in this country. They need to abide by our customs. We shouldn't be forced to put up with this kind of behaviour.
All it will take is for a CM, or security, to tell them to stop, or they'll be told to leave the park. When that happens enough times, others will get the message.

 

[deakam]

But then you wold have to ban ALL tour groups. How about a youth church group of fifty strong? You can't ban one type of tour group and leave the others alone.

I agree that enforcing a ban of chanting would be difficult in the open areas but a ban in ride queues could be done. There are loudspeakers in those areas and a cast member could just announce over the loud speaker for the group to stop chanting.

Of course, selfie sticks are banned inside the parks and people get those in and attempt to use them.

Self sticks---Ha---I want them to stop the flash photography. It was so bad on our boat in Pirates that we were blinded and did not see anything but dots the whole ride.

 

[Skywise]

Pop Warner is AWFUL! We stopped going in December because of the chanting, screaming cheerleaders.

December? Uh-oh...
[checks calendar]
Yeah I'm there from the 11th -14th (in-n-out trip) and Pop Warner is from the 4th-12th this year (Probably why I couldn't get ADR's that friday night) How bad is it near the end?

 

[spinandmarty]

I wouldnt hold my breath on this one.... they make way too much money on these groups....

 

[serenitynow]

Not sure if it makes a difference beginning, middle or end. I can't really speak to that. But I want it to be clear -Pop Warner is composed of good old American kids chanting and cheering out of control.

 

[deakam]

WDW doesn't need the tour groups at all. Business is booming, the parks are full most of the year. And they certainly don't need obnoxious groups alienating lots of loyal, repeat customers.

If not an outright ban, it's time to get tough with them. One warning, and if they continue their behavior, they should be escorted to the exit. Eventually all the groups will get the memo that this crap won't be tolerated anymore.

Of course, chanting isn't the only complaint. They're also known to block walkways, cut in line, push and shove people aside, etc. At least they can't hog the fastpass machines anymore.

We actually left the Haunted Mansion after the stretchy room because they were chanting in the room plus getting into the room they nearly beheaded my 7 year old with the elbows locked door wide 14 deep line which miraculously split my party in half. I wasn't going to take the chance that we would be trampled when the door opened to the actual ride. Turned to the CM and said "we have had enough" please let us out. He did.

 

[Davey Jones II]

If I acted like that, I would expect to get summarily ejected from the park.

 

[DisneyOma]

It goes without saying I am sympathetic to any parent of a disabled child. I'm not a fan of the chanting. It certainly can be mildly annoying to some people. However, WDW is in America and they have a right to free speech and the chanting has never hurt anyone. A more interesting question is; what parent in their right mind brings a child with "major sensory issues" to a theme park of all places? If the child had a severe peanut allergy would you feed them a Snickers bar? Chanting by a group of teens has zero effect compared to all of the other sensory overload opportunities in a theme park. If WDW wants to make a no chanting rule they certainly can; but, I'm sure it will be more of a guideline than an actual rule and probably won't be enforced except for extreme circumstances or as a last resort.

The 'freedom of speech' part has been explained, but I'd like to touch on the 'major sensory issues'. WDW is actually one of the few places some families can go and experience some type of vacation. Children with autism, severe sensory issues, and a myriad of other disabilities can have fun with their families at Disney. FP+, DAS, noise cancelling headphones, strollers as wheelchairs, and so many other tools are offered so WDW is accessible to people who may not be able go to the average tourist destination. So many of the special needs kids I have worked with have gone to WDW and come back with new social skills, new experiences to share, and smiles on their faces. WDW is very doable for those with major sensory issues, as long as the parent does some research and planning. But to have a horrendous roar emerge from all around you, when you are least expecting an outburst from a crowd - well, you can't really plan for that, except to wear noise cancelling headphones all day. I don't think that should be necessary. Families are already planning sensory breaks, spending less time in the parks, etc. What else should they have to do in order to spend some time together at WDW, just like everyone else? Why can't these chanters just learn to be respectful instead?

 

[crostorfer]

I'm not at all surprised about the "incident' on Main Street USA.

Guests have become increasingly less tolerant of the chanting the last few years.

For example,in July I was leaving Epcot after ROE and there was a large group of the Fifteens from Argentina chanting as they walked to the exit.

Just past Spaceship Earth a LARGE group of Guests began shaking their fists at The Fifteens and shouting-USA! USA! USA!-drowning out The Fifteens.

The Fifteens looked a little scared and stopped chanting or making ANY noise at all.

It was really an ugly scene.

I wonder if perhaps the articles got the park wrong, and that this was the incident that is being referred to.

 

[Hunterr]

What sucks is if you say anything or look at them dirty, you look like a Debbie Downer and not fun.
There's nothing fun about people screaming the same line over and over.

 

[busymommy2pink]

It goes without saying I am sympathetic to any parent of a disabled child. I'm not a fan of the chanting. It certainly can be mildly annoying to some people. However, WDW is in America and they have a right to free speech and the chanting has never hurt anyone. A more interesting question is; what parent in their right mind brings a child with "major sensory issues" to a theme park of all places? If the child had a severe peanut allergy would you feed them a Snickers bar? Chanting by a group of teens has zero effect compared to all of the other sensory overload opportunities in a theme park. If WDW wants to make a no chanting rule they certainly can; but, I'm sure it will be more of a guideline than an actual rule and probably won't be enforced except for extreme circumstances or as a last resort.

I actually feel it does not go without saying that you are sympathetic to a parent of a "disabled" child based on the condescending tone of your message. I also wouldn't label sensory issues as a disability, just a different approach in life. Now, as her mother, and I do assure you I am in my right mind, Disney is the ONE place we can go where she can be free and experience joy and magic. We can plan our days, we know what attractions she can and can not handle. We know her triggers, we know what her cues are. We take many planned breaks, we take many detours, we miss many fastpasses, sometimes we only get in half a day and she needs to go back to the resort and swim or chill in the room, but it's all ok, because she can enjoy the vacation just as much as the rest of us. We also get her a stroller, it's like a little cocoon for her. It's quieter, it's shaded, it has her security blanket and she can check out while we walk to the other side of the park. So yes, I also deal with the looks of disgust that my now 6 year old is in a stroller too. She looks "normal", she acts "normal" most of the time, so it's a good lesson to not judge anyone based on what you see Like the poster I quote below, loud, intimidating chanting groups are not something that's easy to prepare for. We actually AVOID those times of years specifically because of them. In four trips we've been lucky and not had an encounter. I was taught respect. I wouldn't use my "freedom of speech" to cuss off everyone I saw or use it as an excuse to be rude and obnoxious. I don't expect everyone to accommodate my child, we are teaching her what she needs to know to live in the real world. But I would appreciate a certain amount of respect in return. If she's melting down in line, I leave, I don't expect other patrons to deal with her behaviour. Chanting is just plain unnecessary.

The 'freedom of speech' part has been explained, but I'd like to touch on the 'major sensory issues'. WDW is actually one of the few places some families can go and experience some type of vacation. Children with autism, severe sensory issues, and a myriad of other disabilities can have fun with their families at Disney. FP+, DAS, noise cancelling headphones, strollers as wheelchairs, and so many other tools are offered so WDW is accessible to people who may not be able go to the average tourist destination. So many of the special needs kids I have worked with have gone to WDW and come back with new social skills, new experiences to share, and smiles on their faces. WDW is very doable for those with major sensory issues, as long as the parent does some research and planning. But to have a horrendous roar emerge from all around you, when you are least expecting an outburst from a crowd - well, you can't really plan for that, except to wear noise cancelling headphones all day. I don't think that should be necessary. Families are already planning sensory breaks, spending less time in the parks, etc. What else should they have to do in order to spend some time together at WDW, just like veryone else? Why can't these these chanters just learn to be respectful instead?

I just wanted to thank you for your post. You worded my thoughts and what I wanted to say so eloquently. And you are very right. We plan extensively, and actually only had one small melt down last trip (HUGE for us!!!) thanks to experience and planning.