EPCOT... UGH!!! DOUBLE UGH!!!!!!!!!!!

[addicted2disney]

"However, what right have they got to get so drunk that I am almost knocked to the ground? I'm afraid that at that point if as a consequence of their behaviour I am hurt then that is unacceptable to me. Regardless of whether or not Disney accepts it.".....


I, and every person in my family, have been hit, scraped, bruised, cut, run into by sober parents pushing strollers. Especially in Magic Kingdom. We have been pushed by people with strollers trying to get out of the parks a little faster than everyone else. My daughter was RAN OVER by an old lady in a scooter who didn't so much as say she was sorry, or ask how she was as she was laying on the ground. What right do these adults have to be so irresponsible with their strollers and scooters that I, or someone in my party is injured or run into, or knocked to the ground?? If unacceptable behavior at Epcot due to alcohol is something Disney should do something about, then unacceptable behavior with STROLLERS is something that Disney should do something about too. I have been to Disney 40+ times since 1999. I, or someone in my party, is hit by a stroller every single day we are in a park. Ive NEVER been injured or pushed or run over by someone drinking in Epcot.

 

[DrunkJam]

I know all about Menieres disease because my sister has it along with vertigo, and drop attacks. It is a ghastly condition. She too has been mistaken for being drunk. In fact at one time I had to catch her young baby when she was about to collapse to the floor. I am fully conversant with this. I have another family member who has had a stroke with all the implications of that. To be honest you would have had to be there to appreciate the full picture, and if people want to be constantly questioning of the situation and my assessment of it that is fine. There is nothing more that I can add.

Sorry, I hadn't meant to question your individual account. If you are feeling endangered by the state of others in the park, then you have to take that up with WDW management, everyone has the right to enjoy the parks safely. I was talking more generally about snap judgements, of the kind previously discussed as to simply seeing people...

 

[TeresaWen]

If you go anywhere, including Epcot, looking for bad behavior you will probably find it. Some people consider a group having fun, laughing, joking, drinking, maybe even skipping or dancing behavior that screams "Drunks" That is a shame.

 

[Nancyg56]

That was me, and you didn't get my quote right. What I said was we don't go "a ton", I didn't say we really don't go. We go, but I say we don't go "a ton" because it's not something we do multiple times each trip, like riding PoC or something. We typically go with the kids shortly after it opens.

No, I have no belief that the WS turns into a frat party atmosphere at night, I'm 100% certain it doesn't. At the same time, I don't think all of these posts people have made about alcohol fueled behavior are fabrications either. In my oversimplified mind, I just don't see the reason for alcohol to be served in Epcot or the other parks. I just don't. In a place that beckons little kids to come see Anna and Elsa and has places everywhere for kids to do activities, I don't see it as a wise idea to put alcohol in those same places...which will create the ability to do a drinking around the world game. While most know how to drink respectfully, sadly there are those who don't. They come in all shapes and sizes, but I'd agree it's often those just at legal drinking age. We've all been there, including me...did some really dumb stuff in my youth, not child appropriate. Besides financial, what will it actually hurt to not have alcohol in the parks? If it lessens someone's enjoyment of Disney, then I guess we're different kinds of tourists.

I know it sounds like I have an agenda against alcohol, I don't. I just don't think it needs to be in WDW parks. I agree with someone else who posted that they should make a separate area for alcohol to be served...I mentioned that in my previous post. Disney Springs is the perfect spot, or make an area that's designated for serving drinks.

I also think I recall reading someone saying that if drunken behavior was a problem at Epcot, Disney would do something about it. As much of a Disney apologist as I am, I would say that's not correct. The behavior of some tour groups (not all, just like not all drinkers) is a well known and documented problem, but it's a cash cow for Disney, so they're not likely to stop it. I'd argue the same is true for alcohol sales. I'd bet it makes them a lot of money, so it's not something they have interest in stopping.

I think that if the sale of alcohol resulted in multiple lawsuit there would be a change.

I do not doubt that there are alcohol related issues, and I do not doubt that people have seen examples of these behaviors, but I do wonder if they were so widespread, why have we all not seem them?

 

[CarolynU]

Sorry, I hadn't meant to question your individual account. If you are feeling endangered by the state of others in the park, then you have to take that up with WDW management, everyone has the right to enjoy the parks safely. I was talking more generally about snap judgements, of the kind previously discussed as to simply seeing people...

No problem. Meniere's is very dear to my families heart as you can imagine. It's just that so many folks on here have questioned my every word, interpretation and I have felt as if I've had to justify everything over and over, and quite honestly if someone wants to disbelieve me there is no point in me keep repeating myself. If they want to think that I've exaggerated, misunderstood, got the wrong impression, or any other permutation then that's their prerogative. I can't add anything further. Oh and just to add. It was just one Saturday night. Not every night,and I didn't go looking for it. It found me!

 

[IrishNYC]

You guys, my son's stroller has cup holders on the handlebar! 2 of them! My husband and I are super excited to have a place to put our beer when we visit World Showcase next year! I'm also looking forward to the Parent of the Year award I will undoubtedly receive after the day is through.

Also, I don't much pay attention to other people. I get bumped into multiple times per day at Disney. A lot of people don't know where they're going, aren't paying attention, or are chasing little kids.

I also don't believe in shielding kids from everything in this world. They're going to find out about bad behavior, bad words, etc. at some point anyway.

I miss those days! When DD was just 4 weeks old we discovered the joy of this at a bbq. So convenient to put our beer bottles in those cup holders while we held DD's bottle of formula. (I got a Mother of the Year trophy for the formula, too. Both of those awards look so pretty on my mantle! I hope you have room for yours, too! )

I am headed to Epcot right now. To day drink. I'm going to live on the edge and get the extra shot with my Grey Goose slushie. Heck, I might even have two!

See you there!!!!

You are a downright HOOLIGAN! Have one for me, please!

 

[addicted2disney]

I miss those days! When DD was just 4 weeks old we discovered the joy of this at a bbq. So convenient to put our beer bottles in those cup holders while we held DD's bottle of formula. (I got a Mother of the Year trophy for the formula, too. Both of those awards look so pretty on my mantle! I hope you have room for yours, too! )


You are a downright HOOLIGAN! Have one for me, please!

I SOOO want a Grey Goose slushie.. and the orange Grand Marnier one!! YUM!!!!

 

[Nancyg56]

I'm still skeptical that in an interaction that happens in a split second any of us can judge drunk vs not drunk. Drinking doesn't always equal drunk, don't forget. As I said I'm clutsy enough that I have had trouble exiting the boat ride in Mexico and stumbled a bit. Could easily be what happened to the other poster.

I do not know if you can or you cannot tell in a moment, but I do think it is best not to guess. I may or may not be carrying my glass of wine, but I do not get intoxicated in Epcot. I do however fall. A lot. I fell up the stairs in Japan, and was to my mortification, captured on film by my DD. I fell into a baby stroller, again...DD had the stinkin camera ready. I bump into people, trip, and will sometimes stop suddenly. I have zero depth perception, and issues with my ankles. I do my best, but there are times I miss. In crowds it seems to happen more but I think it is simply because I don't have the room to wobble. Anyway, as I said, if I had my wine in hand some would think I was drunk. If I was in the MK others might think I indulged before i went. In the movies, I think folks just thought I was clumsy...but I am treated to the picture of popcorn all forlorn on the steps on the anniversary of that fall. Every year..... The kind folks in the theater took pity on an old gal and gave me another box.

Oh my - you never ask a lady her age.

LOL!

 

[GPC0321]

I haven't been to EPCOT in about two year and I thought the same thing then. This 'Drinking Around the World" is getting out of hand. Drunken,( and I mean the bride can't stand on her own or women trying to re live their Pop Warner days), bachelorette parties, guys with beer muscles fake fighting each other. It's pathetic.

See, I think that sounds hilarious. It'd be a draw for me. People-watching at its finest!

 

[lustergirl]

No I stated it exactly the way I intended.

Need to drink mid afternoon (to get drun) = drinking with the full intent of getting trashed and stumbling around World Showcase as many of these Bacherlorette parties were doing.


You can enjoy alcoholic beverages and not get drunk. In fact we had a couple at Trader Sam's yesterday, the day before I saw this mess at World Showcase.

As long as they are not bothering you, then what business is it of yours?

 

[whiporee]

But to be fair to the OP, the only people who find drunks amusing are either a) other drunks or b) the people who are the ones being drunk.

My last flight home I sat behind a pair of people who started drinking as soon as they could, and kept going the whole flight. Let me tell you, they thought they were hilarious.

If you're someone who is prone to get a little (or a lot) buzzed, you'll tend to have more tolerance for others who do the same. But that doesn't mean everyone does.

OP is right in saying that groups of drunk people tend to be louder, more overbearing and less observant and considerate of those around them than groups that are less drunk. It's also a little interesting that people are quick to condemn obnoxious and overbearing foreigner tour groups, but are more willing to give obnoxious and overbearing drunken groups the benefit of the doubt that they're just on vacation. I don't hear such tolerance for the cheer groups or the quinceañera -ians we run into.

 

[whiporee]

Just to point out that Walt's public image and private habits are conflicting. He drank, he smoked, he cursed. He was a regular guy with extraordinary talent.

OP's attitude is just an extension of North American puritanical attitudes to alcohol. Go to continental Europe and see how the alcohol flows.

True, and he had no problem with cocktails at dinner or that liquor would be sold in sites adjacent to the parks.

Just not in it. Thought it violated the image he was trying to create and promote.

You can argue the morality or the correctness of it, but it's interesting that some people see Epcot being portrayed as something in violation of that image. I don't know whetyher it really is like that, but reading OP, I thought it was an interesting contrast.

 

[lustergirl]

This thread is hilarious and brings back memories:

The very first time I set foot in WS I had drinks at 11:30am. Yes you read that right: 11:30am. And to top that off, recently I was cruising the menus on allears website to find out what stops had what drinks. They listed the extra booths that are being offered at the F&W Festival which I will be enjoying soon.

I guess I am going to he&*^&*^*^ll for drinking and I might even get a little tipsy but here is the most important things:

I am not bothering anyone
I am not driving home, catching a bus back to my hotel room
I paid the same amount of money to be in the park like everyone else

 

[whiporee]

This thread is hilarious and brings back memories:

The very first time I set foot in WS I had drinks at 11:30am. Yes you read that right: 11:30am. And to top that off, recently I was cruising the menus on allears website to find out what stops had what drinks. They listed the extra booths that are being offered at the F&W Festival which I will be enjoying soon.

I guess I am going to he&*^&*^*^ll for drinking and I might even get a little tipsy but here is the most important things:

I am not bothering anyone
I am not driving home, catching a bus back to my hotel room
I paid the same amount of money to be in the park like everyone else

I'm not criticizing you or anyone for drinking. But I want to ask you this -- do you know you're not bothering anyone? I've been around a lot of drunk -- or even tipsy -- people who think they aren't bothering a soul, when in fact they're being obnoxious and rude. When you're buzzed, you don't necessarily have the perspective to know whether you're being too loud, or inappropriate, or what. I'm not saying you -- or anyone -- gets like that, but I think everyone has to admit their consideration level goes down a bit when they've got a few in them. And in a venue like a crowded amusement park filled with children, that losing any degree of consideration towards others can be troubling.

 

[Mitzicat]

ONE:

If families continue to treat Epcot as the adult park, why shouldn't Disney offer adult enjoyment?

TWO:

I will never get why folks continue to say that Disney World was built for "families" and "children" ? Yes, Walt Disney did say about DISNEYLAND - "We believed in our idea - a family park where parents and children could have fun- together." and I believe Disney Co has stayed true to that with both Disneyland and Magic Kingdom. But everyone seems to forget some of Walt's other sayings including ... "You're dead if you aim only for kids. Adults are only kids grown up, anyway." And adults ALL have wallets.

Disney Company is a business, much different from when Walt was alive and while they are good about adhering to the spirit ...... they also realize that MANY of the guests are non-children. Most the time when I am at Disney (I avoid summer) there are way more adults of all ages than there are children. My "family" is all adults and we enjoy Disney way more now than when the kids were small. Adult groups spend lots of money and of course Disney is not going to ignore one of their most profitable demographics. Disney has basically kept Magic Kingdom "pure" and free of alcohol. There is zero reason for them to follow suit at the other parks. Not only do they need that cash flow, they would indeed lose many more guests than the few who will not go because it's there. And honestly at Disney drink prices, getting sloppy drunk is pretty expensive and I have rarely seen anyone outside the few at Epcot F&W who have crossed the line of sloppy.

I absolutely have seen much worse behavior from un-parented children and the parents themselves. I have had multiple incidents of parents/children interfering and putting a damper on my visits ... every single trip .... and yet I have never had a drunk person impact my trip, not even at F&W.

I prefer this definition "people you love and love you back, not necessarily blood or biological, but you trust them and they trust you, and they take care of you and you take care of them."

It has nothing to do with age, children, two parents, one parent, generations, blood ............

AS ALWAYS vacation is priceless time, if you no longer enjoy it ... time for a new vacation destination. Since OP also was upset about Disney Springs, am thinking this ^ applies ... http://www.disboards.com/threads/disney-springs-ugh.3541503/

Yes I am going to type in all CAPS! THANK YOU!!!! THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!!! I'm so tired of hearing that Disney is just for families - which means for families with younger kids. I grew up going to Disney and now as a childless adult I love my time at Disney. I will be the first too goof around with kids at character meets. I've helped several moms and dads who needed an extra hand. Met many a lovely prince and princess on the bus ride to a park. BUT when the kids go to bed I wish there was more for adults to do.

Epcot tried a few years ago to do an after hours event. Which would have been cool if they made it 21 and over or even 18 and over. I read many reviews that said it was great, but there were cranky kids (which it's not their fault for being cranky - tired, hot, hungry) that spoiled the mood and atmosphere. If Disney is going to cater to families of shapes, sizes, ages, then they are going to need some additional adult only events.

I get drinks in Epcot that I don't normally order anywhere else. I've done Drinks Around the World, I've used the kids souvenir passport to get the CMs to sign, I've had the passports from the Drinks Around the World website. We do a monorail crawl every year. I've had to Lapu Lapu's back to back! Alcohol will never go away at Disney.

 

[Mitzicat]

I'm not criticizing you or anyone for drinking. But I want to ask you this -- do you know you're not bothering anyone? I've been around a lot of drunk -- or even tipsy -- people who think they aren't bothering a soul, when in fact they're being obnoxious and rude. When you're buzzed, you don't necessarily have the perspective to know whether you're being too loud, or inappropriate, or what. I'm not saying you -- or anyone -- gets like that, but I think everyone has to admit their consideration level goes down a bit when they've got a few in them. And in a venue like a crowded amusement park filled with children, that losing any degree of consideration towards others can be troubling.

I think regardless of a drink or not, people have lost all consideration towards others - in the park and out of the park.

What about the parents who change diapers on the tables at QS restaurants? Did they consider the people who might need that table after them?

What about the people who show up to a parade 5 mins before it starts and push people out of the way so they can get a good spot?

What about the people who allow their kids to have blown meltdown in the middle of a ride or the park? Did they consider how that if affecting others?

What about the people who use their flash on dark rides? Did they consider that they are ruining it for the other riders, even blinding them for a brief period?

What about the people who cut in line?

What about the people who run you over with a stroller or scooter?

What about the people who scream at CMs because they didn't get a free cupcake or whatever?

What about the big tour groups chanting through the parks? Are they considering others?

I have seen grown men be obnoxious and rude to the point security had to be called. We were in MK so I can only assume he wasn't drinking. But I don't know he might have a flask or drank before coming to the park.

I have been way too tipsy in park, and I know for a fact that I was not bothering anyone. We would giggle and laugh but nothing obnoxious or rude.

I think it is inappropriate and rude to assume that someone that is buzzed doesn't know what he or she is doing. I will be at Epcot in about 20 days. Just want to let everyone know so if they see me being obnoxious and rude they can tell me since I can't handle being buzzed.

 

[CarolynU]

Yes I am going to type in all CAPS! THANK YOU!!!! THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!!! I'm so tired of hearing that Disney is just for families - which means for families with younger kids. I grew up going to Disney and now as a childless adult I love my time at Disney. I will be the first too goof around with kids at character meets. I've helped several moms and dads who needed an extra hand. Met many a lovely prince and princess on the bus ride to a park. BUT when the kids go to bed I wish there was more for adults to do.

Epcot tried a few years ago to do an after hours event. Which would have been cool if they made it 21 and over or even 18 and over. I read many reviews that said it was great, but there were cranky kids (which it's not their fault for being cranky - tired, hot, hungry) that spoiled the mood and atmosphere. If Disney is going to cater to families of shapes, sizes, ages, then they are going to need some additional adult only events.

I get drinks in Epcot that I don't normally order anywhere else. I've done Drinks Around the World, I've used the kids souvenir passport to get the CMs to sign, I've had the passports from the Drinks Around the World website. We do a monorail crawl every year. I've had to Lapu Lapu's back to back! Alcohol will never go away at Disney.

Well it's a loss that Disney chose to knock down The Comedy Club, Adventurers Club and all the clubs in general that were situated on Pleasure Island, which did have a drinking culture but were also great fun at the same time. PI catered almost exclusively for adults and I for one miss it. Of course though knocking that area down, replacing it with shops and restaurants and moving the drinking to Epcot is a win win for Disney, and yes before anyone says I am aware that Disney is a business and is responsible to its shareholders. I just mourn PI and the time I spent there laughing until I cried!

 

[Mitzicat]

Like

Well it's a loss that Disney chose to knock down The Comedy Club, Adventurers Club and all the clubs in general that were situated on Pleasure Island, which did have a drinking culture but were also great fun at the same time. PI catered almost exclusively for adults and I for one miss it. Of course though knocking that area down, replacing it with shops and restaurants and moving the drinking to Epcot is a win win for Disney, and yes before anyone says I am aware that Disney is a business and is responsible to its shareholders. I just mourn PI and the time I spent there laughing until I cried!

I mourn PI as well. I remember roller skating at the one bar. The bar was in the middle - had to be 21 to get in, but they could see me roller skate around through the big glass windows. I remember the same night going to the under 21 club. And as an adult I remember hanging out at the Adventurers Club. Gone are those days...

 

[Angel Ariel]

A follow up on my Disney Springs post.

We had an okay week down here, fighting through the rain. Managed to do Frozen at 2 minutes before closing with about a 13 minute wait. Mine Train broke down during our FP period, no time to go back to it so no Mine Train yet again. Test Track broke down during our FP, we had to leave so no Test Track.

But this post is about my disappointment in EPCOT. We were there last Sunday, hardly any rain, no crowds and we had a nice day.

We went back today(Saturday) to take a stroll through the World Showcase and hit some attractions(TT) that we missed on Sunday.

Oh boy.....

It sickens me to see every other person walking around with beer, wine, shots. It is completely ridiculous. Even more annoying were the(no exaggeration either) 25+ bridal/bacherlorette parties I seen strolling around, drinking every chance and every spot they could. Not to mention the groups or millennials there obviously just to drink. Treating World Showcase like a St Paddy's day pub crawl.

AND ALL OF THIS ON A SATURDAY AFTERNOON???
I'd hate to see what the night looks like.

I will never visit World Showcase on a weekend again, and after seeing this garbage, I don't think I'll be back for a loooooong time. I know the F & W festival had become a drunk fest, but now every weekend is as well. I'm out, and yes, I will be writing an e-mail stating my dissatisfaction even though I'm not the type of person that usually would do that. In fact I think I have done it one time before and coincidentally it was to Disney about the MNSSHP, when they started over selling it.

I'm sorry you had a poor experience. We've been there twice, during food and wine, and haven't noticed the issues you've raised here (and yes, that includes weekends). I'm not saying you didn't experience it, or diminishing your experience at all - I truly am sorry that your experience was negatively affected. But I would hope you can also understand that what you observed is not the experience everyone else has had, and until it becomes a universal problem it's not likely to be something Disney changes at all.

 

[Lesverts]

True, and he had no problem with cocktails at dinner or that liquor would be sold in sites adjacent to the parks.

Just not in it. Thought it violated the image he was trying to create and promote.

You can argue the morality or the correctness of it, but it's interesting that some people see Epcot being portrayed as something in violation of that image. I don't know whetyher it really is like that, but reading OP, I thought it was an interesting contrast.

One could argue that Walt Disney World is a complete violation of Walt's original idea and plans for The Florida Project. I think in the end it just comes down to the very American idea that drinking alcohol is not family friendly. Which is not how the majority of the world views it. I would rather be around drinking as it is in Epcot and on Disney property than the binge-drinking, unsafe alcohol consumption that is the norm for many people in their 20's.