Does line jumping/saving bother anyone else?

[KimR]

Sorry if this comes across as harsh, but I see way too many people with very low expectations for their children. Children will surprise you every time...give them a higher expectation and eventually they will rise to meet it. It has never occured to my dd to not wait in line.

I agree with this 100%! I have 3 DDs and they have always waited in line with us. We've taught them from a very young age that there are times when they have to be quiet and wait - that's just the way it is. We don't let them run wild in restaurants, the mall, or any other public place. They've never had a problem with the lines at WDW and for the past 2 years we've gone during the summer and then at Easter.

That's just us, though. Everyone's parenting style is different and if a child has not learned how to wait patiently, I'd much rather one parent save a place in line. It doesn't really affect anyone else other than to make for a more pleasant wait.

 

[Bobb G]

Nope....doesn't bother me...unless they have nobody holding a place in line for them and try to cut in.

If one person is in line for a group of 6 or 8 other's, yeah...that can be a bit bothersome. If it's one ot two waiting on two or three others, I'll sit wait pretyy much the same amount of time.

There have been times My wife and one of out daughters, or me and one of them will wait in line while the other two are using the restroom, in a shop, or just need to sit down. Not a big issue.

 

[Figment_Faerie]

If my child has to go "potty" then they have to understand. They have to understand that we will not be returning to where "daddy" and "sissy" are. When we return from the "potty" we will be going to the back of the line. If the child really does have to use the facilities, he knows that he will make the right choice by getting out of line (because when you gotta go you GOTTA GO). But if the child is bluffing, only so he can show you the toy in the gift shop located next to the "potty", he will not budge. To solve this problem go to the "potty" before getting in line. If the child is "throwing a fit" to get out of line, he will not ride that ride. He will just have to let the other children enjoy, while he sits with "mommy" on the bench. If he stops crying and wants to ride, he knows he has to stay in line. If he doesn't then you can just go home, while “daddy” and “sissy” have a great time at the park. If you give in, you are only telling him that screaming, kicking and crying will get him anything. This is something you have to be patient with. Start out with lines at the supermarket, then the local fair, then maybe the TTA at WDW, then you can graduate to slightly larger lines.

I have used this tactic with my cousins whom are now all well behaved "line standers." When I first started taking them to the theme parks 3 years ago (Kings Island was the first), we did have to leave early a few times because of the children’s behavior. Now they have all successfully been to WDW without incident. I developed and started this plan when I was 14 and they were 2, 5 and 6. I am now 17 and they are 5, 8 an 9. Once they were wretched little children and now they are heavenly angels at the parks. They know that no means NO. I am proud of them and their parents are too.

I know... I know... “Why are we listening to parenting advice from a 17 year old?” Because I was once a child myself, I knew and did everything to aggravate my parents. I threw tantrums and I kicked, eventually I got my way. You do not want a child like me. I am trying to prevent 18 years of hell for you. Just be patient with your children and let them know who the parent is. It will work.

 

[Wishing on a star]

Ohhh good gracious... Now a trip to 'The Happiest Place On Earth' is the one big place to tighten the screws and teach all these heathen devil children a lesson????

This is just insane.

Some of the posters here who are sitting on their 'Holier than Thou' thrones, while their children are sitting there wondering if they can 'make it' long enough or not....

Then get all frustrated and unhappy and mad because others do not also inflict this self-torture...

The same goes for running into a nearby shop... Or grabbing a drink... or whatever.... It is none of your, or anyone elses business.

Sorry if some of you want to be controlling, AR, dictators to the world (WDW that is...) But, you are the exact reason I stated that I will do as I feel necessary, and do not feel ONE tiny ounce of inclination to ask for your blessing if you happen to be in line behind me.

I'll be having too much of a good time to let you ruin my day!!!

 

[imatoad]

If someone that is already in line needs to leave to go to the bathroom, I would gladly let them back in, they were in line to begin with. However, it's the one person saving a space for those friends and family currently on another attraction, or chowing on a turkey leg, that I have a problem with. If that were the case, maybe I'll start a business standing in line for people at $5 per person, per attraction. Let's say the average wait is 30 minutes, 4 ppl. x $5, hey $20/half hour, not bad.

 

[Figment_Faerie]

Are we pointing fingers?

 

[goofy4tink]

Ohhh good gracious... Now a trip to 'The Happiest Place On Earth' is the one big place to tighten the screws and teach all these heathen devil children a lesson????

This is just insane.

Some of the posters here who are sitting on their 'Holier than Thou' thrones, while their children are sitting there wondering if they can 'make it' long enough or not....

Then get all frustrated and unhappy and mad because others do not also inflict this self-torture...

The same goes for running into a nearby shop... Or grabbing a drink... or whatever.... It is none of your, or anyone elses business.

Sorry if some of you want to be controlling, AR, dictators to the world (WDW that is...) But, you are the exact reason I stated that I will do as I feel necessary, and do not feel ONE tiny ounce of inclination to ask for your blessing if you happen to be in line behind me.

I'll be having too much of a good time to let you ruin my day!!!

Sorry, no 'tightening of the screws' for us...we are just practicing plain ole common courtesy. A line is a line. I'm sorry if you feel like I am being a 'dictator' in trying to teach my child what's fair is fair. We wait in a line. We don't leave someone there to hold our place while someone goes to do a little shopping or grab a bite to eat. If that is what you choose to do, fine. Your life and you can do as you wish with it. But, please, do not put words in my mouth. I am not asking you to ask for my 'blessing' on your jumping out of line for any reason. Someone asked for opinions, and I gave mine. Why do some of us get so bent out of shape if someone disagrees with us. You do what you want and I'll do what I want for heaven's sake. But, my rules for my family are just that....my rules. I can dictate to my family whatever I choose to. Haven't had any complaints yet. In fact, I have been told what a pleasure my dd is to have around. Oh, and just an aside...my dd has never had to suffer from not being able to use the restroom. We just try to plan accordingly. After all, there will be times in life where she will have to practice some self control since there won't be a restroom nearby. Just another one of those 'life lessons'.

 

[NeverlandClub23]

My friend and I were in line and dying of thirst, I left to get us something to drink and when I was coming back through a "woman" (the nicest term I can use) puts out her arm to block me and says "You will NOT be getting in front of me" Her husband blocked the other side and would not let me through. I got out of line and just sat there waiting for my friend to come out. I was 16 when this happened. I was so shook up that someone could be that mean and I still remember exactly the tone of her voice. I don't mind one or two people going to rejoin their group because it doesn't really make a difference on how long I'll be waiting but when it's 8 people that's a little ridiculous. Just remember that you're there to have a good time and don't let little things bother you.

 

[LIFERBABE]

As far as the OP goes, I wouldnt find it a bother in that situation for Pirates, because the family goes on one boat together. Pirates is a great ride, and popular. It is a family/group ride and each group gets their own boat room.

There is really nowhere for a long line to go on the floor level at DQ, if that many people where to stand in line with their kids during busy times, the line would probably snake out to the gift shop or be so compacted it would be hot and stuffy as the corner for that ride line is very tight and narrow.

A family going on Pirates together, does not extend the wait for anyone else as long as they are occupying the same boat room, which is what makes Pirates so great in the first place.

Pirates is the one line, if long, I would allow my children to go and come back to while I waited. I dont see the point of all of us waiting when no other family is going to want to do Pirates with me, because it is a group ride. I know I would not feel comfortable in a small dark room with total strangers! LOL

Me standing in line and doing Pirates by myself is still going to take the same amount of time and contribute the same wait times for others whether my family joins me or not.

 

[Wishing on a star]

Exactly, Neverland Club!!!! That man and woman were the ones who were rude.

And, let me remind everyone here of the OP's topic. The topic was NOT "Is it okay for your family to do this..." It was 'Does it bother you when you see someone do this?"

I continue to have the opinion that It does NOT bother me... And, I could care less if it bothers anyone else or not... I feel that if this does bother somebody, then they are being a holier-than-thou, AR, controlling person, who deserves to be miserable if they let such things make them miserable.

Everybody there is 'waiting'... no matter what. Nobody is getting out of 'waiting'...

And, guess what... When we go an open-seating, first come first serve, fast-food type restaurant... While DH gets in line, we grab a table!!!! Or, maybe I take DS to the restroom... No matter how long the line is, my DS learned very quickly that he was going to put his behind in his seat and wait patiently and quietly while my DH was getting our meal. My sister has three kids, and they did not do this. I would have lunch with them, and with my DS following her older kids example there were four kids running rampant! Hanging from the rails, raiding the condiment bar, running over here and there to look out the window, etc... I feel that my way of handling this with my DS is MUCH preferable.... It has NOTHING to do with him being 'spoiled' or not learning to 'wait'. If my way of 'waiting' bothers you... so be it.

It is not the 'waiting' that is the issue here. It is those who become all hot and bothered cause somebody is not not doing something just the way that they think they should. Let it bother you... Just don't judge me... Just don't expect me to care.

 

[goofy4tink]

I agree that with a lot of attractions it wouldn't really make a huge difference. I guess my buttons get pushed since we had a pretty unusual experience. We were waiting in line at Test Track. It was out the door but we really wanted to ride it. After about a 15 or so minute wait, about 8 young people came up and kept pushing toward the front of the line, saying.."We're trying to get to our family...thanks, excuse me!" Well, long story short they were not with a family. They got only so far before a rather large gentleman said..."Tough. THis is as far as you go!" THis guy was about 20 people ahead of us. The kids laughingly said..."Well, it got us this far, better than way the **** back there." So, do I get upset? Maybe a little more than I should. I think I'll just try to chill a little bit. You are all right..what's the big deal.

 

[crazee4mickey]

I honestly do not see a problem with "saving" a spot in line for maybe 4-6 people--its the people saving for an entire group are the ones who bother me! Just when you think, as you stand there with your own children, only 3 more guests to be seated-- all of a sudden 10 more come running from the sidelines!
I have also read about how children should be able to stand in line if they are "taught" to do so--I work with children and know that for reasons which may not always be visible to others some people, not just children, have a real inability to do this whether it be ADD, ADHD, or some other factor.
What do you mean "except those with special needs"? How can you tell? I work in a school and many times until I see the file or spend time with the person--I have absolutely no clue
Not all are visible to everyone and although someone may look like they have it "together" (in your opinion) doesn't necessarily mean that is always the case.
What you see is not always what you get.........................
I would rather accomodate others needs just in case, then to always think my needs should come first!

 

[kirbsam]

The people that feel like they are being judged are the ones that need to chill. Nobody is telling you how to parent and nobody is getting all hot and bothered. People are just sharing their issues on both sides of the issue. I have not read one person say they let this ruin their vacation. The question was does it bother you and some say yes. They are not judging. They are giving their opinion. It amazes me that the people who say that they do not let every little thing bother them are the ones who get are getting all bent out of shape and putting words in peoples mouths and calling them names(holier than thou??). Really stuff like that isn't needed. I did notice that even the people that are preaching tolerance do have a number limit of people they would be tolerant for. Interesting.

 

[meandtheguys2]

Not interesting... just a more relaxed view of life! I also think teaching my children to have patience with others is a virtue. I have a lot of tolerance for young people and old people and tired people and handicapped people. That is my nature. (My fault is that preteen maniacs drive me nuts!) Make you feel better?!

I also did my best parenting before I had children...when I was merely an aunt...

 

[paigevz]

I do think it's rude when adults or older teens do it, other than just one person trying to catch up with the family............I never mind that. But, for anyone with a child, it doesn't bother me, up until the kid begins to get all tall and gangly. I don't even care when I see group of kids around 12ish, wending their way through the "thrill ride" lines............as I know that's all they want to do, over and over, and it just doesn't bother me. I don't think I've had more than one group do that per wait, so it's only one more car.

As for my family, older ds went for the first time at age 4, so has always been in line with us........younger ds will too, and did on his first trip at 10 months.........but this last trip at 2 years old, we did occasionally take himout of the line to run a bit or see a character or sit on a bench, and then rejoin the other parent and his brother in a few minutes. It preserved our sanity! We have had times when older brother needs to run to the restroom all of a sudden, and when that happens, we stay in line and he rejoins us. I have had people get mad when we get to the end of the line, and dh and younger ds go ahead and get on, and then I wait for older ds and I've been letting people go ahead of me, and then older ds comes back, and then I get back in line with him..........I don't understand that at all, I was already in front of you, so what exactly are you mad about?

We have occasionally done the "chuck bubba relay" as UG calls it at those times, if we get to the end and he is still not back, dh and younger ds go on the ride, while I let people go in front of me until older ds gets back, then when they get off, dh passes younger ds back to me to ride again...........that's always fun, and I don't think it bothers anyone. It might, but again, we're already taking a car and he will ride right beside me, being only two, so it doesn't make them wait longer. Some folks may begrudge a two year old going twice while only waiting once, but again, I don't see why.............................

 

[jiminyml]

QUOTE=goofy4tink]Sorry, no 'tightening of the screws' for us...we are just practicing plain ole common courtesy. A line is a line. I'm sorry if you feel like I am being a 'dictator' in trying to teach my child what's fair is fair. We wait in a line. We don't leave someone there to hold our place while someone goes to do a little shopping or grab a bite to eat. If that is what you choose to do, fine. Your life and you can do as you wish with it. But, please, do not put words in my mouth. I am not asking you to ask for my 'blessing' on your jumping out of line for any reason. Someone asked for opinions, and I gave mine. Why do some of us get so bent out of shape if someone disagrees with us. You do what you want and I'll do what I want for heaven's sake. But, my rules for my family are just that....my rules. I can dictate to my family whatever I choose to. Haven't had any complaints yet. In fact, I have been told what a pleasure my dd is to have around. Oh, and just an aside...my dd has never had to suffer from not being able to use the restroom. We just try to plan accordingly. After all, there will be times in life where she will have to practice some self control since there won't be a restroom nearby. Just another one of those 'life lessons'.[/QUOTE]

And again, I say, Amen to this post.

One or two occasions of "bathroom emergencies" are not an issue. It happens. But to say that your child should not have to wait in the hot, long line simply because it "hot and long" and they would rather sit in the shade is not fair. Think about how many families are in the parks on any given day. If every family felt this way, lines and wait times would be very deceiving. At any given moment a stream of "daddies and child", or "mommies and child" would be added to the line in front of you consistently throughout your wait.

Now this is an extreme example, but it's to illustrate why I feel that what's good for one, should be good for all. No one would want to be anywhere near that line if the above scenario happened. If everyone let 1 or 2 members of their party wait elsewhere and come back, pandemonium would ensue. And if EVERYONE cannot enjoy that same luxury, then it is not fair for SOME to take advantage of it.

And in the spirit of other posters, I'm just stating my opinion, and I don't let incidents like this ruin my day, or my fun. But, you can still have fun, and notice behavior that you do not feel is polite, or fair.....

 

[lclark0621]

Ohhh good gracious... Now a trip to 'The Happiest Place On Earth' is the one big place to tighten the screws and teach all these heathen devil children a lesson????

This is just insane.

Some of the posters here who are sitting on their 'Holier than Thou' thrones, while their children are sitting there wondering if they can 'make it' long enough or not....

Then get all frustrated and unhappy and mad because others do not also inflict this self-torture...

The same goes for running into a nearby shop... Or grabbing a drink... or whatever.... It is none of your, or anyone elses business.

Sorry if some of you want to be controlling, AR, dictators to the world (WDW that is...) But, you are the exact reason I stated that I will do as I feel necessary, and do not feel ONE tiny ounce of inclination to ask for your blessing if you happen to be in line behind me.

I'll be having too much of a good time to let you ruin my day!!!

:thewave:

I 100% agree! Great post!

I bow down before you!

 

[lclark0621]

If my child has to go "potty" then they have to understand. They have to understand that we will not be returning to where "daddy" and "sissy" are. When we return from the "potty" we will be going to the back of the line. If the child really does have to use the facilities, he knows that he will make the right choice by getting out of line (because when you gotta go you GOTTA GO). But if the child is bluffing, only so he can show you the toy in the gift shop located next to the "potty", he will not budge. To solve this problem go to the "potty" before getting in line. If the child is "throwing a fit" to get out of line, he will not ride that ride. He will just have to let the other children enjoy, while he sits with "mommy" on the bench. If he stops crying and wants to ride, he knows he has to stay in line. If he doesn't then you can just go home, while “daddy” and “sissy” have a great time at the park. If you give in, you are only telling him that screaming, kicking and crying will get him anything. This is something you have to be patient with. Start out with lines at the supermarket, then the local fair, then maybe the TTA at WDW, then you can graduate to slightly larger lines.

I have used this tactic with my cousins whom are now all well behaved "line standers." When I first started taking them to the theme parks 3 years ago (Kings Island was the first), we did have to leave early a few times because of the children’s behavior. Now they have all successfully been to WDW without incident. I developed and started this plan when I was 14 and they were 2, 5 and 6. I am now 17 and they are 5, 8 an 9. Once they were wretched little children and now they are heavenly angels at the parks. They know that no means NO. I am proud of them and their parents are too.

I know... I know... “Why are we listening to parenting advice from a 17 year old?” Because I was once a child myself, I knew and did everything to aggravate my parents. I threw tantrums and I kicked, eventually I got my way. You do not want a child like me. I am trying to prevent 18 years of hell for you. Just be patient with your children and let them know who the parent is. It will work.

First, why are you "teaching" these kids "patients" and not their parents?

Second, when a toddler (especially one who is freshly potty trained), has to go, he HAS TO GO NOW. Not before we get in line, not after the ride, HE HAS TO GO NOW!

I will not make my DS cry because he has to pee, but you feel like I am ruining your day if my DH stays in line while I run my DS to the potty. You try telling an 18 month old he has to wait!

And I want my DS to have memories of having a wonderful time in Disney World, not being pulled from the park because he has a minor breakdown.

But that is my parenting style. And since I am a parent, I get to make those decissions for my DS.

 

[meandtheguys2]

jiminyml, some put way too much emphasis on fair. Who on earth ever said all would of should always be fair? Not something I teach my boys!

 

[jiminyml]

But this is certainly one of those situations where we CAN control the situation and make it as fair as possible.

Teach that one to your boys..............