Doing a nice thing?

[revdon64]

Before I ask the question let me explain why I ask it. DW and I were in EPCOT one day near the end of June this year when it started raining. Rather than bolt for cover or the exits, we found a place to sit out of the rain, but still outside while we enjoyed an iced coffee. As we sat there I noticed one lone stroller with peoples' belongings in it sitting in the rain getting wet. I imagined that the owners were probably in one of the character spots in line and didn't know that it had started to rain or even that it might rain as the stroller was uncovered. Knowing how I'd feel if it were my wet stroller that my son would have to sit in, I set down my coffee and moved the uncovered stroller 15 or 20 feet so that it too was under some cover and out of the rain. To me, while I knew that it was unseemly to touch someone else's stuff, it just seemed like the right thing to do. We never did see the owners come out but I wondered how they might have felt.

So, have you ever done "the right thing" at Disney even if you knew you could get some flak for it? If it had been your stroller would you have been thankful or disturbed? Interested in the conversation.

 

[CAS239]

As long as it was still nearby to where it originally was and not out of sight then I don't see anything wrong with it. The only issue imo is if the family came back and couldn't spot the stroller within a few seconds.

I'd move it over to being out of the rain if there was cover nearby and I saw the owners weren't around

 

[Disney_traveler]

Ooofff im in a tough spot on this one.

On one hand I would want to do the right thing, but don't think I would move the stroller. What if a person that speaks a different language ran out accusing me of stealing it? What if they saw me move it and then realized something was missing and accused me of THAT? What if they didn't know where to look? Too many what ifs. I might just try covering it with a poncho (I buy the dollar store ones and carry an extra).

 

[Jadyreen1282]

Well, I always try to do something nice for people down there especially if they have cranky kids (glow sticks and such come to mind). That said I would never touch anyone's things. They could get you kicked out or there could be a reason it's abandoned. Sometimes it's just better to let nature takes it's course. My 2P on the subject.

 

[msk]

I probably would have moved it also. I would want someone to do that for me

 

[revdon64]

Like I said, I only moved 15 or 20 feet, just enough under an overhang to be out of the rain. I did hang around the area for another 15 minutes or so, but never saw the owners come back before we moved along.

 

[Mrs~Incredible]

If I was sitting there relaxing and took notice of it, I would have moved it.

If it were my stroller, I probably would have assumed a CM did it.

If I saw you doing it, I would have profusely thanked you- in words or miming if you spoke a different language.

The world can always use more random acts of kindness.

On one trip our very well secured stroller cover went missing during a rainstorm and all of our stuff got soaked. The thought that someone may have taken it really soured the day for us. Having the opposite happen (you) is in my opinion the best in human nature.

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

I think it was super nice of you. I wish the world were filled of people like you.

Somebody did similar for me to my wheelchair outside one of the rides and I was very pleased! They took my poncho on the back on the wheelchair and covered the seat. Saving me a very wet bottom for the rest of the day! I always wondered who that Fairy Godmother or Father was. If you are reading thank you so much!

 

[EagleG17]

I definitely would have thought a CM did it.

 

[Mom2darlingboys]

I would - and have - moved a stroller out of the rain and even covered one with an extra poncho in my bag. I'm fascinated by the reasons cited for not doing it - no judgement, just insightful. And more than a little sad at the world we have created that people feel the need to check themselves before doing the right thing. Not going to let that stop me though.

 

[gap2368]

what a nice thing to do as a few others have said I would have thought a CM moved it

 

[docwoodstock]

Perhaps you could ask a CM to move it. The truth is if it was raining it should be obvious to any observer, or the owners for that matter, the reason you moved it. If it was mine, I would appreciate it.

 

[gatormom2tots]

The way strollers are moved around by CMs at the park, i don't think the owners would have thought twice about the stroller in a different location. Thanks for spreading the pixie dust!

 

[yaya74]

There must be something in the water at WDW. 99% of people (visitors and CMs) whom I met during my stay were so super nice. Maybe we should pipe that water around the world to make the world a better place.

To the OP, yes, I would think that my stroller was moved by a CM. If I did see you moving my stroller, my first reaction would be something defensive but would definitely thank you and appreciate your kind gesture once I figureout your intention. My double stroller was soaked in the rain when it was parked outside of BOG during our lunch.. The combination of a wet stroller and cranky kids was no fun.

 

[toolmanjan]

There must be something in the water at WDW. 99% of people (visitors and CMs) whom I met during my stay were so super nice. Maybe we should pipe that water around the world to make the world a better place.

99% is a little high I think. More like 85-90%

Rev you did the right thing! It's sad when you have to think of the negative ramifications before you do the right thing or something nice. Just do it!

 

[nicolebridget22]

I would have done the same. I would have wanted someone to do something kind like that for me too.

 

[SillySallySews]

That was a very thoughtful gesture and I would have been thankful. CMs move parked strollers around all the time so I think most people get used to it. I actually can't recall very many times we left our stroller anywhere in Disney and found it in the exact same spot. Once we ate in 50's PTC and apparently it started raining while we were in there and someone covered all the strollers with plastic bags. We were very thankful to whoever did that!

 

[Huff]

I'm mixed on this. Similar thing happened with my niece but not at Disney. She was waiting for the school bus while it was raining. Another girl had sat her backpack on the ground while she was off playing with others. It started raining. My niece moved the backpack out of the rain as it was getting soaked with books and all. The other girl saw and came running screaming and started a fight. Both girls were suspended for fighting. Sometimes being nice isn't appreciated.

 

[mickeyfino]

I think it was a very nice gesture and would have appreciated it.

 

[tsme]

It was a very nice thing for you to do. But I probably would not have done it. It's been my experience, people today, are more likely to jump to a negative conclusion if they saw you moving it. Just not worth the trouble or a confrontation when trying to do the right thing. It's sad really.