Disneyland is getting filled with rude guests

[GailT]

I have been a Disneyland annual passholder for almost 8 years. And before I vent, let me just say that I really enjoy the park and it's cleanliness and the very helpful CMs. One thing I have noticed lately are the number of rude guests. It seems to be going up everyday! I was there yesterday, which was very busy, and rode several rides. While waiting for every single ride there was at least 2 or 3 people that would be coming through the lines saying "My friends are up there", "My parents are saving our spots", "I'm going up there where our group is" and similar stuff. I think you get the picture. I have come to expect this stuff at Knott's Berry Farm and Magic Mountain but not Disneyland. A couple of times while people passed, I informed them pleasantly that we are all in line here, and they would just look at me and again say the same thing. I make a point of not getting in line for rides or food unless my whole party is with me. Obviously not everyone does the same. Has anybody else noticed this recently at Disneyland?

The world is rude, I would say and this is my thinking 25% of the world goes by the rules the other 75% don't and they make out better then other 25% of people. Let's face it, it's just face it, it is what it is....I am not happy about the way things go but people can't be changed

 

[SnackyStacky]

Security should be called in if guests are acting crazy. I don't believe in Karma, instead I feel I need to speak up if someone is treating me unfairly. Not just at DL either, but anywhere. Anyway, to each their own. As a society we have to have fairness and rules. We also need to be held accountable for our actions. Without any of that it would be a very scary society!

I think that's the boldfaced portion is the point.

You seem to believe that people who don't call people on their rude behavior are doormats,

To me that is part of a healthy self esteem, to not be a doormat for others.

And that's simply not the case. I find the insuation that I'm a doormat because I won't call out others on their rude behavior rather offensive. We deal with things in different ways. Because my way is different than yours does not, in any regard, make me a doormat. I pick my battles. And fighting with some yahoo who cuts me in line just isn't a priority for me.

 

[arliepooh68]

looking at society as a whole, there are a lot more rude things we all see every day. . . just get on the freeway and watch the have to be first mentality. . .just yesterday watched a woman go from lane 2 one one freeway and jumped three lanes without looking mind you to hop on another freeway. . it is pretty sad when people are more shocked at the kindness of others than the rudeness of others. . .

as for the strollers. . having once been a stroller mom I know I am much more careful in crouds and actually try to help "the socked in stroller mom or dad" get out of the crowd. . .

the last time I was on a plane the minute it landed everyone started to jump up and grab their bags, yes the plane was late, but this one jerk and his SO were pushing everyone. . .he was just being a jerk . . . in fact he was laughing was he was doing this. . .

 

[Hound 109]

You seem to believe that people who don't call people on their rude behavior are doormats,

And that's simply not the case. I find the insuation that I'm a doormat because I won't call out others on their rude behavior rather offensive. We deal with things in different ways. Because my way is different than yours does not, in any regard, make me a doormat. I pick my battles. And fighting with some yahoo who cuts me in line just isn't a priority for me.

imo, they might not be doormats, but they MAY be enablers.

I won't call someone out on a freeway or a dark ally (for example) for safety reasons. In a public environment like DLR or a mall, I will.

Also in front of DS 8, I will do this (in a pleasantl way) as well. I want him to see that his father doesn't ignore inappropriate behaviour. (there are several reasons why I want him to observe & understand this).

Of course there are different levels of inappriopriate behaviour & my response would be a wide range from a glance to my son so he knows it was wrong....up to advising the one at fault that there are children, grandparents etc watching...and they need to move to the back.

I'm not saying other people should do as i do...I'm saying that some believe (like me) that the Karma response is not the preferred response by some of us.

 

[SnackyStacky]

imo, they might not be doormats, but they MAY be enablers.

See - this is my problem with your opinion, and everyone who shares it. Because I don't share your view point - it makes me an enabler, a doormat - or any other negative-toned word you care to associate with my choice of actions? Not so much.

I said it once, I'll say it again. It's a matter of picking your battles. And when I've spent a lot of money, and have very limited time, I'm not going to waste the precious time I do have to talk to someone about their rude behavior. It's been my experience that it CAN in fact be dangerous (you've obviously never witnessed a BRAWL break out because someone rude shoved in front of somebody else before a parade - I've seen it), and that it does absolutely no good.

I'm certainly not now, nor have I in previous postings, asked ANYBODY to alter their opinions or actions. I'm asking that in kind, you (collectively) refrain from telling me that my actions qualify me as a doormat or an enabler. And also to respect the fact that my course of action, while different than yours may be, isn't inferior to yours.

 

[kiwitravel]

imo, they might not be doormats, but they MAY be enablers.

I don't believe that we can be critical of people who don't share our view point, we all have to handle things as we see fit, while I don't agree with those that choose to ignore rude behaviour I do respect their right to it and certainly don't think we should view them as doormats or enablers....

All I ask is that they be open to our ideas just as we should be open to theirs, perhaps there have been times I have been too staunch on this matter and I could adopt their philsophy, I also hope they too will take something from this discussion and perhaps speak up when something over steps their boundaries...

We all have our boundries, I have seen defeatest attitudes on this thread where people have simply given up on trying to change the world, I don't believe one person can change the world, but each person can have an influence of those around them whether its family, friends or that person trying to push past you in a line.

I do echo another posters concerns over safety, DL is a safe place, the parking lot outside a 7/11 is not....

If you would like an example of what can be achieved then come to my home country of New Zealand, tourists have often commented on the friendliness and politeness of my people, we have a history of strong opinions of right and wrong, hence despite being a tiny country we were the first to give woman the vote, always gave our indigenous people the vote, the first to ban nuclear weapons, the first to ban hand guns (result being our cops do not have to wear guns), we sent troops to Afganistan (still there) and aid workers to Iraq.

Don't give up on people and the world, be tolerant to others and their opinions, do only what you are comfortable doing and above all stay safe doing it.

 

[SunDevilDaddy]

One of my favorite authors, and contemporary thinkers is a man named Steven Covey, famous for his 7 Habits novels. Anyways, he discusses a principle in which he suggests "think first to understand, then to be understood" and discusses a process he calls the circle of influence and circle of concern.

Covey describes his habits with what he calls the circle of concern and the circle of influence. The circle of concern represents the degree of focus we spend dealing with our concerns such as our health, family, problems at work and security in the post- 9/11 era. The circle of influence represents the degree of focus we place on doing things to influence some of our concerns. By determining the circle in which we spend the majority of our time and energy, we discover our degree of proactivity, and ultimately happiness.

The more time and energy people spend brooding or worrying about concerns over which they have no control, or complaining about barriers that they perceive they cannot overcome, the less focus they have to influence those who can make or sponsor change.

Reactive people tend to blame, accuse and focus on the weaknesses of others and things over which they have no control. Proactive people learn what things they can do something about, work on them and increase their value. As they do this, they increase their circle of influence.

- Using this model I commend those that choose to teach their children about right and wrong behavior. They are truly focusing on their circle of influence. However, choosing to yell at someone else because of their poor behavior seems to me to be focusing on one's circle of concern but much outside of ones circle of influence. Its a futile effort whom's only real result is to express frustration. I also believes it teaches our children that yelling is an appropriate way to express a difference of opinion.

Personally, I do tell my children that others behavior is improper when we witness it. But I also try and express this model of life thinking to them by letting them know that some people do bad things and they will ultimately have to answer for those things. But it's our job to make sure we are focusing on those things which we have influence over. That we make the world a better place. Helping someone in need is making the world a better place. Venting the injustices done to me, does not.

I agree with others that this does not make me a doormat. Because I have chosen to not let the line jumper, cutter, rude person change my values and behavior I have eliminated their ability to make me a victim. I also agree that ignoring certain acts can enable others to continue negative actions. However, it's anything but black and white. In the case of line jumping I can't agree that by choosing not to vent frustration is an enabler. (In fact I believe the opposite, by getting worked up at them I am ENABLING them to hurt me or effect my behavior) But again, I realize that this is a matter of opinion and NOT black and white.

Maybe this helps explain some of the views of others that might have felt like their beliefs were being attacked.

 

[Hound 109]

I don't believe that we can be critical of people who don't share our view point, we all have to handle things as we see fit, while I don't agree with those that choose to ignore rude behaviour I do respect their right to it and certainly don't think we should view them as doormats or enablers....

All I ask is that they be open to our ideas just as we should be open to theirs, perhaps there have been times I have been too staunch on this matter and I could adopt their philsophy, I also hope they too will take something from this discussion and perhaps speak up when something over steps their boundaries...

We all have our boundries, I have seen defeatest attitudes on this thread where people have simply given up on trying to change the world, I don't believe one person can change the world, but each person can have an influence of those around them whether its family, friends or that person trying to push past you in a line.

I do echo another posters concerns over safety, DL is a safe place, the parking lot outside a 7/11 is not....

If you would like an example of what can be achieved then come to my home country of New Zealand, tourists have often commented on the friendliness and politeness of my people, we have a history of strong opinions of right and wrong, hence despite being a tiny country we were the first to give woman the vote, always gave our indigenous people the vote, the first to ban nuclear weapons, the first to ban hand guns (result being our cops do not have to wear guns), we sent troops to Afganistan (still there) and aid workers to Iraq.

Don't give up on people and the world, be tolerant to others and their opinions, do only what you are comfortable doing and above all stay safe doing it.

I agree with every single word you said.

& although I don't agree with every word of SunDevilDaddy, I admire his beliefs & his strengths.

I didn't call the other diser a doormat, but used the enabler term. I don't consider the word enabler a bad word. My DW is an enabler (someone who would never confront someone or she would allow a transgression to occur with no comment). If the 3 posters above me will please read my above post, and please understand that I'm not trying to change them or insult anyone (including my wife).

I choose to talk to people (in safe environments) if I believe they've done significant wrong....and ask that they either "do right" or that they not do it again. I'm well aware of the HUGE grey area here & like Kiwi above, it's only when it's a clear right vrs wrong issue (to me) when i choose to speak. (Like when someone speeds on a street with children playing or when people are knowingly cutting in line or knowingly doing something rude).

Again, my intent is not to be rude or try to change anyone. I'm sorry if i offended.

hound

 

[SunDevilDaddy]

I agree with every single word you said.

& although I don't agree with every word of SunDevilDaddy, I admire his beliefs & his strengths.

I didn't call the other diser a doormat, but used the enabler term. I don't consider the word enabler a bad word. My DW is an enabler (someone who would never confront someone or she would allow a transgression to occur with no comment). If the 3 posters above me will please read my above post, and please understand that I'm not trying to change them or insult anyone (including my wife).

I choose to talk to people (in safe environments) if I believe they've done significant wrong....and ask that they either "do right" or that they not do it again. I'm well aware of the HUGE grey area here & like Kiwi above, it's only when it's a clear right vrs wrong issue (to me) when i choose to speak. (Like when someone speeds on a street with children playing or when people are knowingly cutting in line or knowingly doing something rude).

Again, my intent is not to be rude or try to change anyone. I'm sorry if i offended.

hound

I take no offense! I too admire your values and beliefs~

I understand what you meant by enabler, and on some levels I agree with you. There is a Pavlovian aspect to allowing someone to continually repeat a behavior without consequence. Chances are no one has ever stood up to the person before.

The flip side is that it would take a considerable amount of "conditioning" to break that behavior pattern, and one person saying something to them will most likely not accomplish the goal. Thats why I said I choose to not concern myself with their behavior and trust that chances are their lack of manners causes more negative in their life than positives.

But, I agree with your "enabler" statements and do not take offense to them. I also recognize that there is always a possibility that speaking out could impact a person. I just don't think that some of the comments such as "the line is back there" Or, the "hey a--hole" catchphrases (which have been posted or implied on DIS) (Again, no offense to anyone meant) will do the trick. They are aggressive statements which more often than not will put a person in a defensive position. I'm sure comments like "next time you do that will you take a moment to consider how it impacts everyone around you" or something like that are much more effective. But, they don't allow a person to really vent their anger or frustration well... There in lies the catch 22. Are we in it for the good of humanity or for personal satisfaction?

 

[4bugzinarug]

It is fascinating to see the many well thought out responses to this issue. I can identify with parts of *almost* every poster's point of view.

But what really rings true is that we all have to be SO careful of how we respond to those we view as rude or careless. In this day & age, with all of the stresses that are heaped on top of ALL of us ... you just really never know when someone is going to go absolutely uncorked on you.

Not a situation I want my family to be around. I think that's one of the reasons we tend to lean more towards SunDevil's way of thinking. It's just not worth the aggravation - and in *most* cases doesn't seem to prove any kind of point.


P.S. Apologies if anyone was offended over my earlier post re strollers. That was not meant to be an "everyone with a stroller" issue, so much as a "select few" issue. My kids are newly out of strollers, it hasn't been that long ago. So I totally relate with the posts mentioned about trying to steer clear of people who you KNOW don't see the stroller. The funny/ironic thing is, since the stroller moms/dads are the ones with the small child that could be injured by falling tourists who might not be paying attention and THEN get angry with the STROLLER HOLDER, these situations tend to bring to mind the same ridiculous-ness level of why McDonald's has to post signs telling people that their coffee is going to be hot! I.E. "This Theme Park Is Full of Children and Strollers, Failure to Watch Your Step May Lead to Tripping".

 

[Hound 109]

I think one reason that alot of people find this site attractive (in addition to a love for most things Disney) is that most Dis'ers are nice people & non-flamers, & I doubt that any Dis'er would knowingly engage in the type of behaviour that is being discussed on this thread.

So i guess there's an aspect of preaching to the choir here. But I do enjoy reading everyone's opinion on all topics, & I am so glad the Dis board exists.

hound -

 

[alicenwonder99]

This was our first trip in MANY, MANY years that I didn't use a stroller. Wow! It was so much easier to get around the huge crowds! I did notice people practically stepping on the children in the rental strollers to get around them. That is just crazy! But the scary thing was trying to keep my children from getting lost in the huge crowds. During the day wasn't bad, but in the evening when Fantasmic and fireworks are ending, it was scary. People would push and shove so much that I would separate from the kids. But I don't think the majority of people did that on purpose. It's such a small space and there are so many people, that you just can't help but bump into people.

Our whole family noticed that everything seems alot more laid back in DL compared to WDW. At WDW, guests seem alot more stressed out and in a hurry to get to "wherever". At DLR, people weren't rude and obnoxious (well, maybe a few...lol). Also the CM's at DLR seemed much more friendly and courteous. The CMs at WDW are friendly and courteous, but it was much more obvious at DLR.

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

I certainly wasn't saying everyone who feels different from me is a doormat. For "me" that's how I'd feel if I didn't say something to someone who is cutting right in front of me. I can only speak for myself, and it's just MY opinion. Everyone is entitled to their opinions, and ways of doing things. I've never claimed that anyone should change how they deal with such situations, or that they are even wrong. I have just stated my own views and opinion on it.

On the same note though, just because some of you disagree with my view, speaking up doesn't make me (or those with the same view) a rude person. I find that offensive as well.

Speaking of picking your battles, I don't think this is worth debating. As I think it's fine for everyone to view it differently. So again, as I've said a few times now, to each their own.

 

[Quest4Kingdom]

Hi, it's a relief to know there are sooo many others who feel this same way and recognize it. Interestingly, someone assumed I was cutting when I walked up to the measuring pole to measure my daughter if she was tall enough to ride, and I was rudely told to get to the back of the line like everyone else, and I smile back with a look like "Chill out" I'm just checking if my daughter is tall enough to ride, that's all, don't trip out now. Whew!
I can only look from their perspective and assume they thought, "Aggghh another cutter!"

Also, other countless times I noticed people disregarding lines and anything in the name of "order". But, it somehow all evens out for us each time, we still ended up in the better seats, for example watching the Aladdin Spectacular...
As my DH puts it, trying to cut in front of someone is like racing to a red light... you just get there one second faster but ya still gotta stop!

 

[YayDisneyland]

I didn't realise how deep and passionate this board actually is!
Whenever me and my family witness such rudeness in action, we always comment, "Yes, this is Disneyland- The Happiest Place On Earth"... C'mon yer gonna act like that here of all places?
This truly is a problem that transcends a Disneyland encounter, these are the same type of people who speed in a residential area after school, and right through the crosswalks!
Yes we can help the offenders... Why? because helping them will help us in return. And helping them I mean by this:

Stop the offender from offending, don't let this happen to you, or else it continues and someday this person may carelessly cause greater tragedy, God forbid. I'm not talkin' being rude right back, but what I call, "Lettin' 'em know what's up." But in a tactful way.
Thanks for listening. Had to vent.

 

[Albort]

This isnt really a "Rude" Guest, more of a so damn laaaaaame guest....

picture this... a 5 year old drinking Magarita... with the father pushing the stroller and the kid is for sure DRUNK...

I just stood there and just couldnt believe my eyes... :'(

 

[SunDevilDaddy]

As my DH puts it, trying to cut in front of someone is like racing to a red light... you just get there one second faster but ya still gotta stop!

Great quote!

 

[4bugzinarug]

This isnt really a "Rude" Guest, more of a so damn laaaaaame guest....

picture this... a 5 year old drinking Magarita... with the father pushing the stroller and the kid is for sure DRUNK...

I just stood there and just couldnt believe my eyes... :'(

Jiminy. People do all kind of idiotic things! I wonder if anyone reported that father. Could it possibly have been some kind of "fake" margarita?

 

[Quest4Kingdom]

This isnt really a "Rude" Guest, more of a so damn laaaaaame guest....

picture this... a 5 year old drinking Magarita... with the father pushing the stroller and the kid is for sure DRUNK...

I just stood there and just couldnt believe my eyes... :'(

I didn't know that alcoholic bevs were even available at the park!
Trying so hard to hold a good opinion, I would hope that was a "fake" Margherita... cuz my children can sure appear drunk as can be with no help at all!

 

[Danemom]

We just went to DL for the first time. We noticed a lot of rude behavior. I think it was because we went to DL during peak season and we've always gone to WDW in the off season.
There was a LOT of the "excuse me, I need to get to my group" cutting through the line. Enough that we commented on it. Since when is Disney okay with that?

We also noticed that many parents paid NO attention to their children. Either that or they just didn't care. I couldn't believe how many kids moved up through the line and stood with us. They weren't trying to cut - just wandering. And all the children that were climbing on everything! And I can't believe how many kids are just fascinated by the chains that create lines. Swinging, climbing, banging them. The poor CMs were constantly having to say something to people to keep the kids safe. I watched one boy (about 14) randomly unclip the chains separating the standby line from the fastpass line on BTMRR. He cackled everytime like it was some hilarious joke. His mother watched and said nothing.

My all time favorite "special" person (that is what we call the wonderful folks that don't have to follow rules) was the guy that walked up to a churro cart while there was a line of about 15 people. He just wanted sodas so he didn't need to wait in line, right? When the CM politely told him he would have to wait in the line he said, "SERIOUSLY?! FOR A SODA?!" in the nastiest tone. Then he tells the woman at the front of the line "You don't care if I go first, right." AND SHE LETS HIM!!!

As annoying as it was for other guests, I have to say I really got a new appreciation for the CMs - I can't imagine dealing with that crap all the time.
There were plenty of nice people, but it's amazing the behavior some people think is acceptable.