Disneyland is getting filled with rude guests

[JadeDarkstar]

wow your so positive, and nice I hope you have an awsome day and trip i will rember your words. I always say sorry and excuse me but thats just how i was raised.

 

[Pirate-Emery]

Bad experience - but not restricted to DL.
We had the same sort of experience at Disneyland with son, who is in a wheelchair(he is 7 years old). People would stop with their children and stare at my son. I have spent the last 7 years explaining to my children that we have to forgive these people for being rude, they have not been taught any better than to stare! I don't mind a child(or adult for that matter) asking a polite question, but the people (mainly adults) stopping and staring really irritates me, mainly because they stop right in front of my son which makes him stop and wait for them to get out of his way.... he usually gets a very exasperated look on his face and tries to go around them.

Ok, that being said. We had a very very pleasant experience with the CMs doing a great job of buffering park goers....
We did have Capt. Jack come to our rescue (of sorts). My DS and DDs met Capt Jack the second day of our trip. He stopped by while we were at the BBQ Bangel (he was on his way to the door out for a break) and he spent about 10 minutes playing and visiting with my son. The next day we were walking through New Orleans when we saw Capt Jack wandering through with a HUGE crowd around him for autographs. He stopped and yelled to my son (calling him by name) and come over to visit. Several people in the crowd got very upset because Capt Jack stopped to sign my sons orthotic (looks like a peg leg - true pirate - my son's comment - I am not being disrespectful to my DS) anyway.... these people actually starting complaining about how they had been waiting and they had to leave - apparently wanting Capt Jack to jump to their attention. The CM with Capt Jack very politely told the snarling park goers that when it comes to Capt Jack, he does what he wants, when he wants and if he wants to stop and chat with a child there is nothing the CM or the crowd can do about it. The CM was very very courteous to the crowd and the grumbling stopped immediately.
It was a wonderful moment that was saved by a wonderful CM!!

That Capt Jack is the best! I met him when I went in March. My father and I were down for the weekend, and were in line for my Birthday dinner at the Blue Bayou.

Jack walks into the entryway, walks over to the bottles of wine, takes one out and shakes it near his ear, puts the wine back and leaves. Everyone is screaming "Jack! Captain JACK!" but he doesn't even notice them or stop to sign autographs.

Though people have said that this sounds like a rude Character, I'd have to disagree: he was the best costumed character I've ever met at DL. He NAILED the character to the point that he was "rude."

Seeing the story regarding your DS, made me remember this guy. This Character isn't a cookie cutter guy in a suit: you seriously can't expect Jack Sparrow to stand around all day signing autographs for people in a line? If he wants to do something else, he'll DO IT! No regrets! He'll walk away from you without a moment's warning, and not feel obligated to say anything to you.

I am very happy to hear about this "adventure." The fact that Capt Jack not only remembered your son, but remembered his name reminds me of the true magic of Disneyland.

 

[Bsbllmom]

I agree with a pp, people are hot tired and down right cranky. But this doesn't give them an excuse to be rude. We have encountered several rude people at DL. I usually look them square in the eye and say "Oh I'm sorry I didn't realize I was in your way". Then just walk away.

Now on the other hand my DH gets a GAC when we go to DL. Usually we just do one land at a time when we go since we have APs. Well once in a while when we someone with little ones that want to ride a ride and the line is way too long he will ask if they want to go with him, with the parents, on the ride. The boys and I will just wait for them to ride and it makes us feel good and the family is happy.

 

[dizzyami]

I went to DL in June for the first time in over 25 years. I have been going to WDW every year for the past several years. I really don't seem to notice a lot of rude people. What I do notice is crowded hot parks and tired people with tired & cranky kids. I think what we all need to do is be a little more considerate and compassionate to all of the people we encounter in the parks. If you do something nice for someone and act polite it is usually contagious. If everyone visiting does something special or goes out of their way to be pleasant, then we will all have a more Magical time.

So what if someone cuts in line in front of you, so what if someone takes a kid to the bathroom while the rest of the family is waiting in line, so what if someone bumps into you and doesn't say excuse me. Trust me in the whole scheme of life it's not really that important.

The next time we go to Disney I will take along some stickers to give to little kids while waiting in line, help someone trying to balance a stroller, 3 kids and a food tray and bring extra snacks down to the pool for the other kids. And I'm sure I will have an awesome vacation!

Each and every one of us could be dead tomorrow. What is important is that we enjoy our vacation time with our friends and family. So lets all put a smile on our face and spread the Magical Moments!

Very beautifully put!!! I must say that while all the things mentioned by PP could tick me off beyond compare, I really try to ignore them, and not allow anyone to ruin my vacation. It is amazing the strange looks I get from people pushing through the line when I step back and give them a smile. It is not my business to judge whether these people are legitimately going to meet up with their family, or just rude kids. But when I am on vacation - I will not allow any of that crap to bother me. I relax, smile and try to have a wonderful time. I try not to let the little things bother me - I get worked up way to easy and if I ignore the rude people, my day goes a little better. I always go out of my way to use, if not overuse the please's and thank you's, and it is amazing, and sad at times how people seem surprised by them. I will never try to retaliate - but I will try to kill all the evil doers with kindness

 

[SunDevilDaddy]

So what if someone cuts in line in front of you, so what if someone takes a kid to the bathroom while the rest of the family is waiting in line, so what if someone bumps into you and doesn't say excuse me. Trust me in the whole scheme of life it's not really that important.

Thank you for saying this!!!

The bottom line is that in every aspect of life there are people and situations that are not ideal. Someone might be able to take your spot in line, or your chance to meet a character, or whatever. But the one thing they can not control is your ability to make a conscious decision on how you act in any given situation. There are two kinds of people, those that are reactive, and those whom are proactive. I'm sure that you find find the proactive people have a much more enjoyable time at the parks, and their decision to behave based on their own values rather than situationally goes a long way in making everyone else (reactive people included) pleasant and courteous.

Its like that volkswagon commercial...

 

[kiwitravel]

I never get hung up about things I can't control.... I never had a problem standing my ground and not letting people past, I suppose some of it is I'm 6 foot and solid, but also each time I just didn't say no but also explained why. I had a range of reactions and results though to be honest it didn't happen all that often.

Once in Matahorn a group of teenagers were trying to catch up with others of their party. When I stopped them they just told their friends to wait which they did, the CM let them short cut across the line once they had moved up to a position when they could do it with safety and everyone was all smiles including myself

Waiting in Peter Pan I had a couple of young kids (10ish) who were pushing through, I asked them to point out their parents so we could get them to go across the chains as that queue is very tight, they then changed their story "oh they aren't here" and then just stayed in the queue behind us. Never did see their parents...

Again in Matahorn had a mother with two teenagers pushing through, when I stopped them the father came back across the line to be with them when he could come across easily. Wouldn't say they were all smiles but no problems either.

Had a couple that just looked embarassed and left, for the most I got the impression that they were just trying it on till they were stopped, then they happily stayed and waited behind us. There were of course legitimate cases of young kid and parent trying to catch up to their party and we got out of the way, these were the ones that were saying "excuse me" and generally looking uncomfortable about having to go through.

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

Oh I never let it ruin our trips, we go often, so we always have a good time! But that doesn't mean I'm going to be a doormat to rude people either. I refuse to do that. I'm not going to encourage or pretend that such behaviors are okay. I think CM's should be watching the lines and also walking the parade crowds so that this behavior doesn't happen. It shouldn't be acceptable, and by people ignoring it or pretending that it is okay, it only allows it to continue and get worse.

To me it wouldn't be a good example for my son to show him that it's okay to let others treat you so poorly. I've taught my son good manners and to treat people fairly. But also a sense of self respect and esteem. Problems only get fixed when people DO something about them. Not ignore them. I wouldn't be behaving as my morals are if I just ignored someone treating me unfairly. So I have no problem speaking up or if I have to going to a CM about someones unacceptable behavior.

 

[Snookies]

I'm also pretty sure that I'm in the minority on this one ... but for what it is worth...

1. Many of the posted examples of rude and selfish behavior are entirely predictable and to be expected, particularly when the crowd is hot, tired, and irritable.

2. People from different societies and/or backgrounds may (and probably) do have very different definitions of what is rude or selfish behavior. For example, (the following is not meant as a defiant proclamation on the one hand or a confession on the other) but I have done things on trips to WDW without it dawning on me that someone may have considered my behavior rude. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not talking about streaking through the park but I am talking about doing something like a Hail Mary pass (as defined by the Unofficial Guide to WDW) when riding Dumbo with our child many years ago. In fact, it wouldn't have even occurred to me that someone considered this rude until I started reading the DIS. Another example just for fun: I was once on the receiving end of a screaming fit from a lady in London when exiting the Tube in suburbia and didn't have the slightest clue about why until SIL pointed out that I was carrying a green umbrella and this was regarded as a class statement in the part of the city we were in. My point is really nothing more than suggesting that because I consider it rude or selfish, someone else may not.

3. I agree with those that have posted that patience, kindness, and perhaps tolerance seem to have decreased, just as rude and selfish behavior seem to have increased. To each their own, but I often wonder what has happened to turning the other cheek.

4. I find that my trips to places like WDW and DLR are much more enjoyable when I mentally prepare myself in advance by telling myself that people are going to cut in line, that people are going to plop down in front of my very slight DD to see the parade (or alternatively, when my DD has patiently waited to see the parade or show from what she thinks is a good vantage point, someone is likely to hoist their child onto their shoulders, blocking her view and many others behind, etc.) If I'm not in the right frame of mind, these types of things have the potential to really bother me. What always works for me is to think of one of my favorite lines from the Unofficial Guide to WDW: "Predictably, there will be guests on whom the subtlety of floating streams is lost."

 

[tinkerbelt]

I know that at the Princess Fantasy Faire, they encourage one parent to wait in line while the other takes the kids to do other stuff. We always hear CM's telling people to do it (though we never do because it is usually just me and DD). It doesn't bother me so much when the guy in front of me steps out of line to go get a drink, but it can be irritating when one or two people are waiting in line and an hour later, five more people show up to join them. Overall, though, I don't let it get to me, because it's not going to make my wait *that* much longer.

 

[blackjackdelta]

I'm also pretty sure that I'm in the minority on this one ... but for what it is worth...

1. Many of the posted examples of rude and selfish behavior are entirely predictable and to be expected, particularly when the crowd is hot, tired, and irritable.

2. People from different societies and/or backgrounds may (and probably) do have very different definitions of what is rude or selfish behavior. For example, (the following is not meant as a defiant proclamation on the one hand or a confession on the other) but I have done things on trips to WDW without it dawning on me that someone may have considered my behavior rude. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not talking about streaking through the park but I am talking about doing something like a Hail Mary pass (as defined by the Unofficial Guide to WDW) when riding Dumbo with our child many years ago. In fact, it wouldn't have even occurred to me that someone considered this rude until I started reading the DIS. Another example just for fun: I was once on the receiving end of a screaming fit from a lady in London when exiting the Tube in suburbia and didn't have the slightest clue about why until SIL pointed out that I was carrying a green umbrella and this was regarded as a class statement in the part of the city we were in. My point is really nothing more than suggesting that because I consider it rude or selfish, someone else may not.

3. I agree with those that have posted that patience, kindness, and perhaps tolerance seem to have decreased, just as rude and selfish behavior seem to have increased. To each their own, but I often wonder what has happened to turning the other cheek.

4. I find that my trips to places like WDW and DLR are much more enjoyable when I mentally prepare myself in advance by telling myself that people are going to cut in line, that people are going to plop down in front of my very slight DD to see the parade (or alternatively, when my DD has patiently waited to see the parade or show from what she thinks is a good vantage point, someone is likely to hoist their child onto their shoulders, blocking her view and many others behind, etc.) If I'm not in the right frame of mind, these types of things have the potential to really bother me. What always works for me is to think of one of my favorite lines from the Unofficial Guide to WDW: "Predictably, there will be guests on whom the subtlety of floating streams is lost."

No comment!

Jack

 

[kiwitravel]

To say that rude behaviour is predictable and expected just because it is hot and crowded just doesn't wash with me. There is NO excuse for rude behaviour ever.....

I do not get even the slightest hot under the collar over line pushers etc especially as I have no control over what they do. Where I can have an influence I will exercise that influence as it is obvious the reason these people are rude and selfish is because they have been able to get away with it in the past and others have not pointed out their behaviour is unacceptable.

"Turning the other cheek" just is not appropriate here, these are people who don't know better and we need to stand up for whats right and not bury our heads in the sand.....

No flames here just old fashioned sense of right and wrong.

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

To say that rude behaviour is predictable and expected just because it is hot and crowded just doesn't wash with me. There is NO excuse for rude behaviour ever.....

I do not get even the slightest hot under the collar over line pushers etc especially as I have no control over what they do. Where I can have an influence I will exercise that influence as it is obvious the reason these people are rude and selfish is because they have been able to get away with it in the past and others have not pointed out their behaviour is unacceptable.

"Turning the other cheek" just is not appropriate here, these are people who don't know better and we need to stand up for whats right and not bury our heads in the sand.....

No flames here just old fashioned sense of right and wrong.

Well said, I agree! Especially with the bolded, you hit the nail on the head!

 

[SunDevilDaddy]

To say that rude behaviour is predictable and expected just because it is hot and crowded just doesn't wash with me. There is NO excuse for rude behaviour ever.....

I do not get even the slightest hot under the collar over line pushers etc especially as I have no control over what they do. Where I can have an influence I will exercise that influence as it is obvious the reason these people are rude and selfish is because they have been able to get away with it in the past and others have not pointed out their behaviour is unacceptable.

"Turning the other cheek" just is not appropriate here, these are people who don't know better and we need to stand up for whats right and not bury our heads in the sand.....

No flames here just old fashioned sense of right and wrong.

Not an excuse.. but it is a reality. Thats the point, regardless of how you or I or anyone may feel about people will do it.

And, to many someone telling a person off in front of a public crowd could be considered just as rude. And, could be classified under that old fashioned sense of right and wrong. Doing so, could also be presumptuous if you do not know the full reasoning behind it.

Also, if CMs are suggesting people hold line spots on certain attractions then the right thing would be to accept that as right and roll with the punches.

I do not condone or participate in line jumping/cutting/etc... But I just disagree with the "give em hell" attitude. I guess the end result is everyone will behave as they see fit. Personally I don't think its correct to bring up the lack of manners and values of someone else when we could be doing something considered as equally ill mannered in the minds of others. Its not turn the other cheek... for me its the same as the serenity prayer they recite at 12 step programs. I'll change the things I have control over, including my behavior, my kids behaviors, and how I react to the people around me. And for those things that I have no control over... water off a ducks back. But thats just my humble opinion.

 

[Saavy?]

If more people could incorporate the "Zen" attitude that SunDevilDaddy describes, this problem wouldn't exist in the first place.

But the reality check shows that some people have children they want, love, care for, and educate... and some people just breed.

People are responsible for their actions, whether they want to be or not.
No excuses. Parents are responsible for their children, whether they want to be or not. No excuses.

I just had the shift from hell dealing with the scuzzy, the "you owe me health care", the "I can afford drugs, but not food for my kids", the "well fix that nasty abscess that I got from skin popping drugs", and the dregs of society that undermine this nation.
But I was polite, gracious, kind, competent and caring.

I go to Disneyland to get away from this.
I am still polite, gracious, kind, and caring.
I am also not getting paid to put up with this crap.
However, I am still polite, gracious, kind, and caring.

"OFF WITH THEIR HEADS!" screamed the Queen of Hearts.
And her henchman happily thinned the population down with his axe.

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

Not an excuse.. but it is a reality. Thats the point, regardless of how you or I or anyone may feel about people will do it.

And, to many someone telling a person off in front of a public crowd could be considered just as rude. And, could be classified under that old fashioned sense of right and wrong. Doing so, could also be presumptuous if you do not know the full reasoning behind it.

Also, if CMs are suggesting people hold line spots on certain attractions then the right thing would be to accept that as right and roll with the punches.

I do not condone or participate in line jumping/cutting/etc... But I just disagree with the "give em hell" attitude. I guess the end result is everyone will behave as they see fit. Personally I don't think its correct to bring up the lack of manners and values of someone else when we could be doing something considered as equally ill mannered in the minds of others. Its not turn the other cheek... for me its the same as the serenity prayer they recite at 12 step programs. I'll change the things I have control over, including my behavior, my kids behaviors, and how I react to the people around me. And for those things that I have no control over... water off a ducks back. But thats just my humble opinion.

Well in that spirit then, I'll just say that I highly disagree, and leave it at that!

 

[JadeDarkstar]

well i can understand mom or dad taking kid to restroom. i can also understand if a cm is telling you tot ake your kids and do something..well then i would probley take them up on the offer. if ccm's are saying it then its fine..what i dont get are the ones who dont seem to have the volcabulary of sorry excuse me or any thing..ive said it once ill say it agine id say excuse me i say sorry if i ran in to some one..and i hope for the same respect

 

[Master Mason]

I think everyone just has a different level of tolerance for things. People cutting in line seldom bother me, people trying to get in front of me when I hae staked out a spot to watch a parade or show, gets compleately under my skin.

For the most part, my attitude is I went to Disney to be happy, and I will not let anyone deter me from that quest, so if they want to be rude, I try my best not to let it rain on my parade.

some times it is all I can do not to say something, like the group of teenagers that were singing at the tops of their lungs, standing up in the boat, taking flash pictures as we were trying to enjoy PotC, somehow I managed to hold my tounge, and I just went back around and rode it again.

 

[SnackyStacky]

There's a time and a place for everything. I don't believe a ride queue is the time and place to right the wrongs of society. Just as you folks feel that you're not going to tolerate rude behavior on vacation - I'm not going to take my vacation time to tell someone about themself. I don't get enough vacation time to worry about how others are behaving - let alone to take time away from my family and my fun to actually SAY something about them.

Karma WILL bite these people on the butt. And it will come back to them TEN fold.

(And please don't miscontrue this as a judgement on those who do say something. I think it's great that there are people who are willing to say something. You're part of that karma biting back! Just my own $.02 to throw into the discussion)

 

[4bugzinarug]

I don't get enough vacation time to worry about how others are behaving - let alone to take time away from my family and my fun to actually SAY something about them.

Exactly how I feel! I have my hands full just with my own situation. It doesn't *thrill* me to deal with rude guests, but far worse things have happened to far better people than myself ... and my hard earned and fought for vacation is not the time to stress over it Besides, a joyful attitude is just as contagious as anger, and much more healthy

BTW, absolutely LOVE the idea of passing out stickers to little kids in line. My kids would get a kick out of that, I think we will try it on our trip! Thanks for the idea!

 

[cjhampton]

This might be late coming in this particular thread, but we had an experience of rudeness this past week at DL that absolutely blew my mind. So, please indulge me a bit as I share...

Following the very good advice of the disboard members, we decided to see the second Fantasmic show (hoping for smaller crowds). We made our way over to the area right at 9:50 and placed ourselves in such a position so we could walk forward to the black, metal railing for front row spots when the rope was moved. The CM at the rope was WONDERFUL and explained how it all worked so that we could be prepared and not walk in front of other guests waiting.

As the rope is moved and we are walking (yes, walking) to the front railing, a woman and her stroller pushed her way in front of my DD16. So now in our party of 3, 2 are standing at the railing and my DD16 is pushed back in the crowd with the lady and her stroller taking up her spot. So, I motion to her to move up, planning to switch spots with her. I turn and the lady pushes her stroller in front of me. Now there is only my DD17 left at the railing, who happens to my smaller sized teen. As I am getting ready to say something, the lady pushes her stroller into the spot where my DD17 is standing and pushes her over the rail into the bushes!

Now I am pretty upset, but still haven't said anything and then I realize what she is doing. As I am getting ready to speak to her, the CM who talked with us earlier walks by and sees our predictament. She attempts to first tell her that she needs to make space so my DD17 can get out of the bushes, and then she needs to make space for the rest of my family. The lady looks at her and points to the sitting area and a family member tells the CM the lady wants to sit with the group. The CM kindly explains that there is space for the woman, but not the stroller. So, you guessed it!, the lady leaves the stroller right there!!!!

Now my DD17 is in the bushes, my DD16 and I are behind the stroller. I can't tell you how many other guests were just as speechless as we were. The poor CM looked so bewildered! Finally, another CM came and lifted the stroller out of the standing room section and took it somewhere else. This rude guest never said anything in appreciation to either CM or acknowledged what she did to our family.

Ok... I am over it now!
We still loved Fantasmic and were so impressed with the patience of the CMs!

Thanks for letting me vent a bit!