DL Etiquette

[Boiseboone]

Aside from the basic be-a-nice-human-being type of rules (as in, don't block the views of people behind you for parades, etc. if you can help it), are there any DL rules of etiquette I should know about?

For instance, if the lines for rides are really long, can my husband take the toddler to run around for a bit while I hold their places? Or is this considered rude? Should I ask permission of those around us first?

Thanks in advance!

 

[QueenBeeMB]

This is just my opinion so please weigh it in with any other responses you get:

I think that the entire family must remain in line together.

Some other tips would be when using your stroller, please remain aware of distance between you and others so no one gets bumped, including people bumping into your little one. And strollers in small stores and dining places. They do have 'stroller parking' but I can see why people dont want to use it, its a cluster. (I drive an ECV so these are tips I use myself when in the parks)

Parades and shows: If you have a child try to get here early to secure a viewing spot.


Bathrooms, I understand parents must bring their children in the rest rooms with them, but heads up, they have family bathrooms! this helps when you have multiple children and its large enough to bring the stoller into. I think this is a better option than mom and 3 kids taking the handicapped stall.

Also try to listen to your kids, they will say when they are tired, hungry, where they want to go next. Try your best to avoid the 'melt down'. But if it happens, don't loose your cool.


Non related kids tips; no flash photography use on dark rids and no cell phone use on any rides.

Most things are 100% common sense that seem to escape even the most polite people once they step through the gates.

Have fun with your family and focus on making memories

 

[nsiordia]

I personally don't think there is anything wrong with your husband taking your daughter around while you hold their place in line. It doesn't bother me when people do that and I completely understand why. Those lines can get long!!

as far as Family restrooms, I only know of one at Bugs Life land. I have yet to see one at Disneyland.

 

[Pinocchio #1 Fan]

I agree on the idea of having the mom or dad hold the place in line while the other takes the kid out of line. I'd rather let them back in line right before boarding the listen to the restless kid whine for a half hour. A few weeks ago I witnessed a kid misbehave for an hour in line for Space Mountain. He was loud, kept ramming his body into everyone around, and generally a pain in the rear. I'd rather that kid could go burn off his energy elsewhere. To me, the parent taking him away while dad holds the spot in line benefits the people in line as much if not more than it benefits the kid.

 

[skiingfast]

No cuts, no buts, no cocnuts. I learned this saying in elementary school.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

I personally don't think there is anything wrong with your husband taking your daughter around while you hold their place in line. It doesn't bother me when people do that and I completely understand why. Those lines can get long!!

as far as Family restrooms, I only know of one at Bugs Life land. I have yet to see one at Disneyland.

The family restroom is located on Main Street, to the left of the castle, behind what we call Carnation Gardens right now (don't know if construction is up yet), and to the right of the entrance to Rancho del Zocalo.

The restroom is in a structure all by itself, and is easily overlooked.

 

[yoyo93]

No cuts, no buts, no cocnuts. I learned this saying in elementary school.

Exactly.
It irks me when people run past me to catch up to family members/friends to get in line. I understand why people do it, but it bothers me. If your kid has THAT much energy, go do something else before hand so they're not bothering other people in line. When I was a kid, if I misbehaved in line my parents didn't just stand there they stopped me, unlike a lot of the parents now. If you have to bring a restless kid into the line give them something to do. Play games (word games, I spy, anything) even smart phones with apps keep them distracted.

That being said, another etiquette tip is don't do things in pictures that distract and take away from others experience. Bringing signs onto rides can ruin a picture for someone that's not in your party. Also, when you see someone taking a picture of something or someone don't just walk through the shot, I can't even begin to say how many times pictures have had to be retaken because someone walked through (knowing or not).

 

[Mugglemama]

Can I just start by saying....Thanks for even *caring* about etiquette at Disneyland???!! So many people don't, and it seems like it gets worse every year - so know that there are many of us who REALLY appreciate it when someone actually considers how their actions in the parks affect everyone around them.

While it wouldn't really bother me personally if it was just a Dad & kid getting in line at the last minute (as opposed to, say, half a dozen family members meeting up with the ONE who stood in line...), you might want to plan ahead which lines you are considering doing this for because it would be more difficult with some than others. For instance, the walkways up to POTC are kind of narrow until you get inside, as are others. And I would think Jungle Cruise would be really hard to use that strategy on, as well. Additionally, pretty much ALL of the FL rides have very narrow, zig-zagging queues that would make "catching up later" kind of a challenge, IMHO.

Other etiquette tips:

If your little one becomes really distressed in a show (like Aladdin) and gets really loud, it would be great if Mom or Dad could stand outside with him. We've only gotten to go into Aladdin once, and 3 or 4 different families were letting their kids howl through the entire thing and never made any attempt to take them out. I have 4 children myself and have spent my fair share of time walking theater lobbies so that my kid didn't ruin the show for everyone else - would love it if others would have the same kind of consideration!

My all-time pet peeve in the parks is parents who let their kids bounce around so much that they are repeatedly bumping into and/or stepping on people in line next to them. Again - I have 4 myself so I know kids can get wiggly....but still - it's not OK to let them repeatedly ram into other people.

Last time we were there (in January) a woman next to us let her little girl, about 3 years old, LITERALLY *lick* the entire length of railing along the whole queue of Alice in Wonderland. I hope I don't even need to explain why that would fall in the category of poor etiquette, LOL!!!

Hope your family has a fantastic time!!

 

[figment_jii]

For instance, if the lines for rides are really long, can my husband take the toddler to run around for a bit while I hold their places?

Note that for several of the rides, you can't see the inside of the queue, so you won't really be able to get in and out easily. You'll end doing the "excuse me, pardon me" thing as you try to squeeze your way out of and back into the line.

 

[Escape2Disney]

While it wouldn't really bother me personally if it was just a Dad & kid getting in line at the last minute (as opposed to, say, half a dozen family members meeting up with the ONE who stood in line...), you might want to plan ahead which lines you are considering doing this for because it would be more difficult with some than others. For instance, the walkways up to POTC are kind of narrow until you get inside, as are others. And I would think Jungle Cruise would be really hard to use that strategy on, as well. Additionally, pretty much ALL of the FL rides have very narrow, zig-zagging queues that would make "catching up later" kind of a challenge, IMHO.

I agree. Nothing bugs me more at DL than to have someone pushing past me in a tight line to get to their party. To be fair, I'm extra sensitive to these things because I have arthritis in my back and it HURTS.

The lines tend to have many switch-backs, so it's not really that easy to catch up with someone who is further ahead. Using fast passes, planning ahead, and having a plan to keep kids occupied always worked well when my kids were younger.

The fact that you are here to ask what you can do to be courteous leads me to believe that you are one of those people who naturally care about people around you. That's 100 times better than most people! As long as you are aware of the personal space of others, you'll be just fine

 

[Boiseboone]

As long as you are aware of the personal space of others, you'll be just fine

Thanks, I like to think so.

So it sounds like there aren't really any Disneyland-specific etiquette rules, just the basic think-it-through, be a decent human being, don't intrude on others type stuff. Although I guess after reading some of the stories here, that may be advanced-level etiquette for some? (LICKING the railing? Yikes. And eww...)

I wanted to make sure I wouldn't commit any DL-specific faux pas (you know, like trying to shake the hand of the Queen of England, stuff like that).

Good tips about the winding nature of the lines and the difficulty of catching up. I keep forgetting that this is DL I'm thinking about, not long lines at the grocery store or during Catholic mass. There's probably plenty of stuff for them to look at, and there will probably be enough walking and play-area exercise that we can make sure they're ready for a break before getting in any long lines.

We do our best to keep a close eye on the kids and they know that bumping into others, being rowdy in inappropriate places, and general unthoughtfulness is strictly prohibited. (And of course, my children never ever ever misbehave. )

It also sounds like the reaction is pretty mixed on the holding space in line issue, so I think we won't try it at the risk of bugging someone. I live in a sparsely populated state with lots of big families with kids, so line-holding is common here.

Thanks, everyone!

 

[Lissame]

I think, if you had a restroom emergency or something, the best strategy is to make sure that the person waiting in line waits in the outdoor queue area, so you could let the stragglers in quickly and easily. Like with TSMM...have the people wait at a corner and then just let them in the chained area. It annoys me to have people pushing their way through the line to get to the others in their party. I've waited right at the door to Buzz Lightyear for my emergency people to get back, letting people go in front of me until they got back.

Doesn't happen too much anymore now that my kids are older, and it never bothers me if people are polite and do it this way too.

 

[nannyz]

Not really an etiquette thing, but I will share it anyway:
The last time we went to DL, my daughter was 6 months pregnant with twins. She was very large and looked much further along than she was.
We rented a wheelchair for her to use because she tired easily.
We were rolling along just fine when a young adult lady stumbled over my daughter's wheelchair. She looked at my daughter and said, "Who comes to Disneyland that pregnant"?
I had to bite my tongue to keep from saying, "Who comes to Disneyland that ugly"?
I couldn't believe anyone would be so rude.
I've been going to DL for over 30 years and only in the last couple of years have I noticed people aren't as courteous as they used to be. Very sad.

 

[cgh]

I actually find some of these suggestions rather humorous and nearly impossible to do. Ie. I can't imagine if every single family tried to do the family restroom? We look for those all the time and many times they aren't available. (ie. aren't any remotely nearby) I know in many places (not sure at DL) the changing table will actually be located in the handicap area. I do think, overall, the idea of etiquette wherever it is applied is for consideration-and I think that is at play in DL as well.

As for hopping back in line-I mostly agree with others. I think it is one thing with one parent and an under 3 or 4 year old to run out quick if they could get in easily, and another for a whole family to do it. I think also if it is something where all the missing people won't change things. (ie. everyone could fit in one car) then its less of an issue as well. I think it is good for kids to learn to stand in line. I do, though, wonder how we will handle hopefully a recently potty trained child in lines at DL. I would hope assuming we are being as considerate as possible that people will understand.

 

[pixiewings71]

I personally don't think there is anything wrong with your husband taking your daughter around while you hold their place in line. It doesn't bother me when people do that and I completely understand why. Those lines can get long!!

as far as Family restrooms, I only know of one at Bugs Life land. I have yet to see one at Disneyland.

As Mary Jo said, there is one next to the side entrance to Rancho, it's often referred to as the "secret" bathroom because people don't realize that's what it actually is.

Exactly.
It irks me when people run past me to catch up to family members/friends to get in line. I understand why people do it, but it bothers me. If your kid has THAT much energy, go do something else before hand so they're not bothering other people in line. When I was a kid, if I misbehaved in line my parents didn't just stand there they stopped me, unlike a lot of the parents now. If you have to bring a restless kid into the line give them something to do. Play games (word games, I spy, anything) even smart phones with apps keep them distracted.

That being said, another etiquette tip is don't do things in pictures that distract and take away from others experience. Bringing signs onto rides can ruin a picture for someone that's not in your party. Also, when you see someone taking a picture of something or someone don't just walk through the shot, I can't even begin to say how many times pictures have had to be retaken because someone walked through (knowing or not).

I can't tell you how many times I've done that.....LOL Seriously, sometimes you just don't see the camera until it's too late. I always say I'm sorry tho!!

Not really an etiquette thing, but I will share it anyway:
The last time we went to DL, my daughter was 6 months pregnant with twins. She was very large and looked much further along than she was.
We rented a wheelchair for her to use because she tired easily.
We were rolling along just fine when a young adult lady stumbled over my daughter's wheelchair. She looked at my daughter and said, "Who comes to Disneyland that pregnant"?
I had to bite my tongue to keep from saying, "Who comes to Disneyland that ugly"?
I couldn't believe anyone would be so rude.
I've been going to DL for over 30 years and only in the last couple of years have I noticed people aren't as courteous as they used to be. Very sad.

How rude!!!!!

OP I don't mind if you take a small child out of line for a bathroom break or something similar, but do keep in mind some lines are quite tight (PPF comes to mind) so it's almost impossible to "catch up" to your group again. I suggest bringing things to distract your little one, play games in line, have a snack, things like that. Some lines it's very possible to catch up, but other's it's just not.

 

[aussietravellers]

This is just my personal opinion

I am really not a fan of line holders (no matter now many there are, 2, 3, 4, 6). If every single family with a child/children decided to have the other parent hold the space in line and while the other parent with the kids was off doing something else out of line, then went pushing back through the line to find their other parent or the grandparent, it would be chaos.


The only time I think it's ok to push in line (which is what anyone is doing if they themselves have not stood and waited in that line like everybody else, wether there is a friend or family member waiting ahead or not), is if they have been waiting in line and have themselves or a child that need to race out to the toilet. To be honest though, even then, they really should have gone before, (but with really little ones, even saying before the ride "lets have a toilet break before riding" , they can still not need to go until the last minute ). So for potty breaks, to leave the line and come straight back is ok. Any other cutting in line is just unfair to others.

I agree with others about stroller etiquette. I can't tell you how many times I have been walking along and been wacked in the heels by a stroller behind, or had my feet run over with stroller wheels. "Excuse me" will work if you want to get past (although I know, some still don't move )

I guess I always go by treat others how I like to be treated and have respect for others.

 

[indygirl99]

I am much more tolerant of a restless toddler than I am of some of the pre-teen/teen nonsence. Maybe because my kids are in their 20-30's and the grandkids are toddlers?

The grands (ages 2,2,6) are pretty good about saying "sorry" or "excuse me" if they bump into someone. Sometimes they need a little prompting to say sorry but they usually will.

DH and I are going next week with NO kids or grands and are expecting the occasional bump from restless little ones. We know we will hear the sorry or excuse me from many a parent and maybe some little ones. We will smile and say no problem. The ones who don't excuse themselves will still get a smile because we know we too will unintentionaly bump someone.

We know we won't have to make excuses for our kids this time.
Of course any of you catching me throwing a temper tantrum are more than welcome to call me on it.

 

[rowan1813]

I think everyone else has posted really good opinions and I do agree with them. I can understand when a parent and a little one needs to rush out to the bathroom at the last minute but holding the line for your entire group who just ran over from another ride really irritates me. ITA about not putting your child on your shoulders too when there are people behind you. We are pretty tall people (DB is 6'8"!) but when you put your kids on your shoulders you have just turned into a 7' person that even we can't see around so imagine what its like for everyone else who wasn't blessed with our height. I have a pretty easy going attitude though when I am at DLR; we're all there to have fun right?

However, there are a couple of things that I noticed this last weekend when I was there that really irritated me. One, a younger child (I guess about 5 or 6) was screaming at the top of her lungs right next to us while we were waiting for Main Street to clear out after the fireworks and F! #1. She was screaming in short bursts in that high-pitched scream kids like to do for fun ; not when they are hurt or scared (you guys know the one I'm talking about right?). She kept doing it even though her mother was right next to her, not paying any attention to her. My poor DM was right next to this child and kept trying to shush her (to save her eardrums) and finally the mother turns around and says "Don't you shush my child!" DM (who won't take anything lying down ) told her that she was trying to save her ears. The mother and child walked away after that but I just couldn't believe that.

2nd thing - Please don't talk on your cell phone during shows, even if it outdoor ones, in areas where people are trying to watch it. Case in point - sitting at Plaza Gardens watching RDCT with other familes and a woman proceeds to talk on her cell phone through half of it. I know more about her life and her doctors visits than I would have cared to!

3rd thing - I know that during outdoor shows, especially those with standing room only (F! in this case) we all like to scrunch in so everyone can see it and I have no problem with that. I do however have a problem when I am standing about 2 inches away from a stroller in front of me (obviously there is no more room between me and that family) and somebody tries to scrunch in between me and that stroller. Hello? I am standing right here - Am I invisible?

Just my few cents. I think if you go in with a polite consideration for others in the park and they have one for you, we'll all get along spectacularly like the kids on IASM.

 

[seagodess]

I am really not a fan of line holders, then the others (no matter now many there are, 2, 3, 4, 6). If every single family with a child/children decided to have the other parent hold the space in line and while the other parent with the kids was off doing something else out of line, then went pushing back through the line to find their other parent or the grandparent, it would be chaos.

I agree with this. I think if the child can stand in line with no to little fuss, then they should. If they need a few minutes to get out some energy, fine, but make sure you have a way to call the other parent watching the kid to let them know when the line is moving. I also think for kids who are old enough to understand, parents should talk and practice before hand about waiting in line.

 

[nana50]

I'm going to mention your original question. If you have a toddler and your husband steps out with him because he's restless (as toddlers certainly get) I have no problem with him coming in at the end. Most people won't. Like everyone said it is the big families or groups of teens who irritate me to no end. Have a great time, use common sense and your best manners and you will be fine.