Disneyed out?

[Olaf]

We've just returned from our second visit this year. We took things slower this time. Had annual passes. Didn't feel the need to run around like idiots. However, I'm afraid to say we're Disneyed out. I think it's going to be awhile before we head back.

I guess I must be getting old, but I just have no patience with rude people and bratty children any more. Ran into a few of the Brazillian groups. They were teenage girls, singing at the top of their lungs. Why do they always do this when in the queue? They were wearing blue shirts, and we steered clear of a few rides just because of them. What has happened to being considerate of other people? My son is no angel, but when he steps out of line, I'm on him in a heartbeat.

I don't want this to sound like a holier-than-art-thou rant, but honestly, it's gotten out of hand. I don't know how the poor CM's put up with it. I was in the Art of Disney store at Epcot and a girl, about 6 or 7, pulled herself up on the counter while her parents were checking out. I mean she pulled her entire body up on the counter and sat there crossed legged. I just stared at her. The CM checking them out met my eyes and rolled hers. I wanted so badly to say to that child and her parents, "Do you think this is appropriate". But I didn't. I didn't want to cause a scene.

In Pecos Bill's, a child (about 4), was banging the wall with his stool. He then stood up on it and started hitting one of the framed pictures on the wall. Mom just sits there, and meekly says, "He never does this it home. He must be over stimulated". DS asked me if he could tell the boy to quit acting so bratty? I said absolutely not, that was his mother's job. But, in hindsight, perhaps I should have let him.

We cruised first. When we ate at Artist Palate, we were seated next to a family group with four woman and something like seven children. The chairs in that restaurant are very heavy and hard to pull out. The girl sitting directly next to my left side didn't want to wait until Mom helped her, so she lifted herself over the chairs (obviously a gymnast), plopped down, took off her flip flops, flipped them over her shoulders dumping them in a puddle over the back of her chair. I was incredulous. Mom was oblivious.

Don't even get me started on the Heelys. Children were zooming everywhere. I'm the meaniest "Mum in the World", because I won't indulge DS on that one.

I know I'm preaching to the choir here, but we need a break from WDW. Probably Vero next time.

I guess I need to learn how to ignore it and lighten up. The heat didn't help. Like I said, I'm probably just getting old.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

We've just returned from our second visit this year. We took things slower this time. Had annual passes. Didn't feel the need to run around like idiots. However, I'm afraid to say we're Disneyed out. I think it's going to be awhile before we head back.

I guess I must be getting old, but I just have no patience with rude people and bratty children any more. Ran into a few of the Brazillian groups. They were teenage girls, singing at the top of their lungs. Why do they always do this when in the queue? They were wearing blue shirts, and we steered clear of a few rides just because of them. What has happened to being considerate of other people? My son is no angel, but when he steps out of line, I'm on him in a heartbeat.

I don't want this to sound like a holier-than-art-thou rant, but honestly, it's gotten out of hand. I don't know how the poor CM's put up with it. I was in the Art of Disney store at Epcot and a girl, about 6 or 7, pulled herself up on the counter while her parents were checking out. I mean she pulled her entire body up on the counter and sat there crossed legged. I just stared at her. The CM checking them out met my eyes and rolled hers. I wanted so badly to say to that child and her parents, "Do you think this is appropriate". But I didn't. I didn't want to cause a scene.

In Pecos Bill's, a child (about 4), was banging the wall with his stool. He then stood up on it and started hitting one of the framed pictures on the wall. Mom just sits there, and meekly says, "He never does this it home. He must be over stimulated". DS asked me if he could tell the boy to quit acting so bratty? I said absolutely not, that was his mother's job. But, in hindsight, perhaps I should have let him.

We cruised first. When we ate at Artist Palate, we were seated next to a family group with four woman and something like seven children. The chairs in that restaurant are very heavy and hard to pull out. The girl sitting directly next to my left side didn't want to wait until Mom helped her, so she lifted herself over the chairs (obviously a gymnast), plopped down, took off her flip flops, flipped them over her shoulders dumping them in a puddle over the back of her chair. I was incredulous. Mom was oblivious.

Don't even get me started on the Heelys. Children were zooming everywhere. I'm the meaniest "Mum in the World", because I won't indulge DS on that one.

I know I'm preaching to the choir here, but we need a break from WDW. Probably Vero next time.

I guess I need to learn how to ignore it and lighten up. The heat didn't help. Like I said, I'm probably just getting old.

You are just witnessing what our society has become, only in megadoses. Sorry to say that parenting skills have become a thing of the past. Its easier to make excuses than to put the effort in to discipline. And if I get flames about this, so be it. I am a mother of 3 boys, all with different personalities, and NEVER have they acted like the children of today. But don't blame the kids, its the lazy parents who are to blame. Go at other times of the year if you can, when school is in session. It is definitely a different Disney world! Anymore, I speak up when a rude child or adult makes a scene. They don't care about you, its about time we remind them that we're not puttin up with it!

 

[CarolMN]

Can't say I've encountered anything like you describe - I do believe you, though.

FWIW, I think the time of year you visit makes a difference. We generally go in the fall (Ocotboer through early December). Less crowds, better weather and less "commando visitors".

After you take your break, try visiting at a less busy time (if you can).

(And thanks for the sacrifices you make as a military family so that the rest of us can be safe).

 

[eporter66]

Nope - I am with you, I hate obnoxious behavior. We have had pretty good luck at WDW and not run into the "groups" that everyone talks about, so maybe the fall is the best time to go.

I am afraid that parents are more concerned about being cool, and being their kids buddies than being parents.

I promise you that you wont see that from our child. I wont tolerate that behavior.

 

[MissSha]

Most of the behaviors I've seen is with younger children being hot, tired, whiny and cranky, while their frustrated parents drag them around, obviously not having any fun at all.

We waited to take our kids for the first time 2 years ago, when they were 10 and 12, and had a wonderful time. I do agree that there are some out-of-control kids at the world, but I haven't seen the extremes you've all described, thank goodness! I'm sure though, over time, we will!!!

And I know what you mean about those heelies

 

[skibum]

I agree that it is unbelievable what some kids do - and it is all due to the parents not being parents.
I do say things to these kids - and usually add (loudly) that "if your parents are not going to say something, I will", and tell them their behavior is not acceptable.
Sometimes I get looks, but other times other annoyed people thank me.
What really bothers me is the sense of entitlement some people think they have - and this is just not the kids!

 

[Slakk]

Preach on! My son is no angel but he is repectful and SEEMS like it at WDW. We went in June for the first time (usually we do January) and NEVER again...it seems like summer and the heat and the crowd make people really narcisstic - more than usual. We are trying October to see if that works as well.

 

[dwelty]

Can't say I've encountered anything like you describe - I do believe you, though.

FWIW, I think the time of year you visit makes a difference. We generally go in the fall (Ocotboer through early December). Less crowds, better weather and less "commando visitors".

After you take your break, try visiting at a less busy time (if you can).

(And thanks for the sacrifices you make as a military family so that the rest of us can be safe).

I agree, if you go during a hot crowded time of year, you will encounter things like this.

 

[AKV707]

I agree, if you go during a hot crowded time of year, you will encounter things like this.

That is true, but does it have to be? I think the issues here are societal and not limited to WDW. Parents need to be parents, not best friends to their kids. Disney could do alittle better job of working with the large tour groups that come in the summer. Singing at the top of their lungs in a line for an attraction diminishes the quality of the experience for hundreds of others in the same line.

And... ban the heelies!

 

[dbprimeaux]

Our last trip to WDW was the last week of May-June 4th. We have 3 kids (14 yr son, 5 yr son, and 2 yr daughter), and they are no angels, either, but when they acted up I just simply knelt down beside them, and said, "if you don't stop it we will go back to the room, and you will take a nap." That usually worked pretty good. Or, I brought them to the "restroom." I hate when parents/people don't correct their kids. I mean you spend thousands of $$$$ to have a fun time and you have people (and their kids) acting like animals! And, another HUGE thing that drove me nuts was "foreigners" cutting in line....acting like that they just didn't understand!! And, I have tons of friends that are another culture/american, and NONE of them act like that...I have actually heard them make the same comments...anyway....sorry for my venting

PROUD NEW OWNERS OF SSR!!!!!!!!

 

[Olaf]

After you take your break, try visiting at a less busy time (if you can).

(And thanks for the sacrifices you make as a military family so that the rest of us can be safe).

Thanks for recognizing DH's service. He's just back from the MIddle East and had his two weeks of leave. Scheduling leave is often difficult for him.

I'm sure you and the other posters are right about the time of year. It was much worse this go around, the heat and crowds were most likely a huge factor. However, DS will be going into the 7th grade this year, and I just don't feel good about taking him out of school anymore. There's so much to makeup and I suspect his teachers would be none too happy with me. I really envy the homeschoolers in this regard.

 

[Kathi OD]

And... ban the heelies!

Oh I sooo agree! Other places ban them, why not WDW, especially in the summer, where the opportunities for some kind of accident (due to either kids not being aware of their surroundings OR adults not expecting a kid to zoom up on them) are tremendous! I'm seriously thinking this is a liability/insurance issue.

 

[jcf]

"HUGE thing that drove me nuts was "foreigners" cutting in line"

This always drives me nutsssssssssssssss.

 

[CarolMN]

...(snip)....And... ban the heelies!

They are already banned from the parks - although enforcement is obviously less than perfect.

 

[AKV707]

I didn't know that. Here's to better endorcement.

 

[ACDSNY]

I guess I must be getting old, but I just have no patience with rude people and bratty children any more. Ran into a few of the Brazillian groups. They were teenage girls, singing at the top of their lungs. Why do they always do this when in the queue? They were wearing blue shirts, and we steered clear of a few rides just because of them. What has happened to being considerate of other people?

Last May we ran into a group just like this. They bothered my 6 yr old niece to the point we had to get out of line for RRC. We happened to be between two groups that were trying to see who could be the loudest.

I just don't have the patience for this anymore, so we try going in the off season as much as possible. Even then there's no guarantee.

 

[drakethib]

Will agree with most of this.

The part of the singing girls, well, I would be annoyed by this as well but they are singing and having fun. You are supposed to have fun at Disney. Maybe we are just becoming old and grumpy.

I am the parent of a 2 year old who has been to Disney I guess 4 times. She is "usually" well behaved, but the second she starts acting up, we quickly try to quite her down or we leave the restaurant or park that we are at because she is normally getting tired and we don't want to disturb others.

 

[Christy LOVES Disney]

I have to agree with yall about parents just letting their kids get away with ANYTHING and EVERYTHING. I will be 22 tomorrow and if I were to ever do anything like that (scream out, cut in line, be rude in general) I think my mom or dad would still do something about it right then and there. Heck I still get in trouble if I don't say sir or ma'am. But it's not just Disney it's every where you go, the grocery store, movies (kids screaming in them, i want to cover their mouth with duct tape) it's everywhere. And as previous people said a lot of it is the parents. Parents are trying to be their kids friends. I used to think that was what I wanted when I was a kid but that leaves no structure for the kid. My parents were strict but it has taught me to respect people. I don't know I just think there is no hope and the only reason Disney seems to have a lot of it is because there are just more kids there. well enough ranting for me.

 

[AKV707]

Will agree with most of this.

The part of the singing girls, well, I would be annoyed by this as well but they are singing and having fun. You are supposed to have fun at Disney. Maybe we are just becoming old and grumpy.

I am the parent of a 2 year old who has been to Disney I guess 4 times. She is "usually" well behaved, but the second she starts acting up, we quickly try to quite her down or we leave the restaurant or park that we are at because she is normally getting tired and we don't want to disturb others.

In regard to the singing girls: As part of my job, I direct a high school choir. When we go on bus trips, they sing the entire way. It doesn't bother me as we are the only ones on the bus. If we were to be in WDW, the choir members would be told directly not to sing in the parks unless they were performing. Yes, singing is fun, and WDW is about fun, but when one group's fun makes it impossible for other guests to talk to each other, or enjoy the pre show, it should be addressed by CMs.

 

[tacomaranch]

Flame suit attached and ready!

My DS is the worst. He is in a stroller at age 4, he cries, screams and throws fits. He does bump his head against things and will fling himself on the floor.

I have the child you all stare at and then stare at me like I am the worst mom in the world. I have seen the "look" and know it all too well. I get it more in Disney than out in town.

My DS has autism. He doesn't understand logical consequences. I have used ABA for over a year. I try to keep him under control. Hands to himself, use quiet voice, don't touch, again, don't touch that ladies bumm. I try, I keep trying and I end up crying at times because more than anything, I want a normal little guy. He will never be normal and I have disney because for a few short days the world just seems to have a bit more magic in it.

If you ever see us, please come up to me and ask if you could help me for a moment. Once a lady helped me carry a tray while pushing DS in his stroller. She found a nice table for me to eat at. She had children of her own and took time to help.

I am sorry, My child is not a brat, all though he seems to be, he is in fact autistic. It is a social and behavior disorder that won't go away no matter how much I may spank my DS. So, He gets a swat now and then but he doesn't even understand why, what or where.

Flame suit fitting well.

April