Eyebrow Raisers

[mickeysaver]

By nature I am not a "kid person", and no way would I have let some kid wrangle their way in front of me....I might have had a hard time saying no if directly asked but I would have been fuming, and I am sure that has been the situation you have put others in....it's really inappropriate and to set your kids up to ask really is giving them some false sense of entitlement.

I like kids, but Gabby most definately is not a kid person. Someone sent there kids to get in front of us at a parade once at MK. Gabby was absolutely livid. I was not happy because I knew that the experience had been ruined for her by some RUDE parent that chose to send their kids down in front because they couldn't be bothered to wait for an hour for a spot, like the rest of us.

Now, I can say that we have also intentionally asked parents if they wanted to let their kids come down in front of us at times too. I don't usually mind sharing the magic, but I want to share it when I am in control of the experience. Maggie

 

[reallybadeggs]

Wow-you see lots of things at WDW, and many of them are adults acting
"territorial". I would always allow a child in front of us to view the parade.

Thank you!!!! Finally someone is understanding of my point.

I guess I did come across that I simply pull up to a parade spot and the first open curb just tell my kids to "squeeze" in.

Really, I've almost never walked up to a parade and DIDN'T have some parent (or myself to another parent) say, "Does your kid want to sit up there with my kid", assuming there is room on the curb.

The responses in this thread that are a bit troublesome are the ones that say, "Hey, maybe the adults want to sit on the curb." Really? Even when you know there is a kid behind you that could have an up front view???

I have gone to DL and WDW without kids and prior to having kids and still felt that it is all about the kids.

 

[Aquagirl]

Now, I can say that we have also intentionally asked parents if they wanted to let their kids come down in front of us at times too. I don't usually mind sharing the magic, but I want to share it when I am in control of the experience. Maggie

Very well said!

 

[H.E. Pennypacker]

Okay, I neglected to say that I would never and have never done this without asking first. However, I have my kids ask, which is a little underhanded I guess, because it's a lot tougher to say no to a kid.

But honestly, it's about the kids isn't it. If you were going to stand and watch the parade, would you mind if a couple of kids, who would otherwise have their views almost completely blocked, sat in front of you. I'd bet it would actually make you feel pretty good that those kids enjoyed the parade and got to interact with the characters.

Wait a second are you sure "not everyone is enamored of my kids".

I do realize that was a bit tongue in cheek, but in all seriousness, some of us aren't enamored with anyone's kids. Some of us are childless adults there for a little Disney magic, so it isn't always "about the kids." That said, if a well-mannered child politely asked if they could squeeze in, I probably wouldn't say no, but I don't think I should have to feel obligated to let them squeeze in just because they're kids.

 

[Minnie824]

Wow-you see lots of things at WDW, and many of them are adults acting
"territorial". I would always allow a child in front of us to view the parade.

That being said, we really don't plan on parades anymore. Sure, we may pause to watch or happen upon a good viewing spot; but we much prefer to get on the rides with no wait!

You also see alot of adults acting as if they're entitled to everything, as are their children. The adults acting 'territorial' most likely have sat there, planned out a spot, and waited for an hour to sit where they wanted. Not to have some people who didn't plan, or didn't want to wait, come up at the last minute and expect their kids to get a seat. If you want your kids to have a seat on the curb, get there an hour early like the others. I would never shove my kids in front of someone, or expect them to ask. If we couldn't see, we'd come back another time, or I'd lift the kids up, etc.

 

[allyphoe]

The responses in this thread that are a bit troublesome are the ones that say, "Hey, maybe the adults want to sit on the curb." Really? Even when you know there is a kid behind you that could have an up front view???

Ummm, yeah. Heck, *my* kid sits behind me for parades. I sit on the curb, she sits in her stroller, we can both see, and we take up less curb footage than sitting side-by-side. I'm not sure why you'd expect an adult to give up a relatively comfortable spot with a good view in favor of an unrelated child whose parents couldn't be bothered to hold a spot themselves. Particularly when a kid could stand behind that adult and get just as unobstructed a view.

If I wanted to be standing, I'd probably invite a kid in front of me. But IMHO, the person who gets there first gets to decide whether they'll be a sitting person or a standing person.

 

[diskids2]

I do not find it "troublesome" that an adult would want to sit on the curb especially if they were waiting an hour before the show or parade. I have sat on the curb with my children on many occasions and I do not feel guilty about it. I sat there and waited for my seat...I do not think I HAVE TO nor do I think it is troublesome if I do that. The children that want to sit on the curb instead of me were having fun on rides while I was waiting.

I think of this as a choice. I chose to spend an hour waiting to sit on the curb for a curbside seat and watch the parade and someone else chose to ride the rides and come to the parade alittle later. It's all about choices.

 

[Jiminy'sGirl]

This is sort of funny, because #4 is the one that would bother me the least. Kids deserve the closest spots at parades...otherwise, how are they going to see over all the big people's heads??? It is always courteous to ask, and I think it is good that Bad Egg's kids are asking for themselves. whatever the motivation.

Well, I said #4 would bother me the least, but honestly, what do I care about the mug thing?? I am not a Disney stockholder. When I read the post I definitely expected that one to spark the most debate, but I guess that honor goes to the parade thing....

So, while I would not do much of the things lists by OP, with the exception of the dreaded #4, I am just a live and let live kinda person. OP and the rest of the Bag Egg family certainly aren't hurting anyone.

 

[mking624]

Okay, I neglected to say that I would never and have never done this without asking first. However, I have my kids ask, which is a little underhanded I guess, because it's a lot tougher to say no to a kid.

Speaking for me & DH, I know we certainly don't appreciate parents who use their children to guilt people into letting them sit in front of us when we made sure to take the initiative to get there early enough to get a good spot. And we would say no to a child. Some parents may think that's mean of me, but hey, which seems more rude? The person who got there early enough to get the spot? Or the person who waited until it was already taken and then expected it to be given up?

But honestly, it's about the kids isn't it.

Actually, no. It's not just about the kids. It's about everyone. Walt Disney did not create a place just for kids. He created a place for everyone to enjoy. And that everyone includes adults.

If you were going to stand and watch the parade, would you mind if a couple of kids, who would otherwise have their views almost completely blocked, sat in front of you. I'd bet it would actually make you feel pretty good that those kids enjoyed the parade and got to interact with the characters.

It doesn't matter how "good" someone feels. I feel pretty good when I get to sit in the spot I got early enough and enjoy the parade with my DH. I do NOT feel good when I see a parent using their children to guilt me into giving up my spot. In fact, I feel pretty irritated and believe it to be downright rude. If it's that important to you that your children get those prime spots, then either you need to do the asking yourself, or take the initiative and claim that spot early.

DH & I are unable to have children. And I don't believe we should be "punished" because someone with children believes they are somehow more important than us.

 

[dogluva]

Wow-you see lots of things at WDW, and many of them are adults acting
"territorial". I would always allow a child in front of us to view the parade.

Thank you!!!! Finally someone is understanding of my point.

I guess I did come across that I simply pull up to a parade spot and the first open curb just tell my kids to "squeeze" in.

Really, I've almost never walked up to a parade and DIDN'T have some parent (or myself to another parent) say, "Does your kid want to sit up there with my kid", assuming there is room on the curb.

The responses in this thread that are a bit troublesome are the ones that say, "Hey, maybe the adults want to sit on the curb." Really? Even when you know there is a kid behind you that could have an up front view???

I have gone to DL and WDW without kids and prior to having kids and still felt that it is all about the kids.

I am a kid person, I have six. I would never let a child not see a parade. Sorry, to me it is mean. I don't care if I sat there over two hours, which I would never do, not worth it to me.

We were in Disney in March. My husband sent many kids up to the curb to sit with my kids that couldn't see. I also moved many times so I wouldn't block a child's view. Maybe I dont get into the parades as much as some of the adults here. I just don't think I could enjoy myself knowing a child couldn't see. I would rather watch a happy child's face than watch a parade.

I had my son screamed at by an adult when he unintentionally stood next to a family when he was 8. I sent him to the spot, ignorantly not knowing what a bad thing I was doing. He scared my son and ruined the parade for all of us. I can't even imagine doing this to an innocent child. Yell at me, I was the ignorant one, not a child.

We've been two times since then and I know parade rules now, although I still think adults should move so a small child can see.

 

[teethrdh]

I am just confused about #6, I don't know what you mean...

 

[H.E. Pennypacker]

Speaking for me & DH, I know we certainly don't appreciate parents who use their children to guilt people into letting them sit in front of us when we made sure to take the initiative to get there early enough to get a good spot. And we would say no to a child. Some parents may think that's mean of me, but hey, which seems more rude? The person who got there early enough to get the spot? Or the person who waited until it was already taken and then expected it to be given up?


Actually, no. It's not just about the kids. It's about everyone. Walt Disney did not create a place just for kids. He created a place for everyone to enjoy. And that everyone includes adults.


It doesn't matter how "good" someone feels. I feel pretty good when I get to sit in the spot I got early enough and enjoy the parade with my DH. I do NOT feel good when I see a parent using their children to guilt me into giving up my spot. In fact, I feel pretty irritated and believe it to be downright rude. If it's that important to you that your children get those prime spots, then either you need to do the asking yourself, or take the initiative and claim that spot early.

Amen! I like the way you think! You can come and stand in front of me any time.

 

[Aye Sea Turtles]

I don't think the issue here is whether or not to let kids see the parade...it's the parents who just come along at the last minute and guilt other people into letting their kids in. Why is that fair, and more importantly, what is that teaching the child? That they can go up to some stranger and act all cute and ask to stand in front of them because mommy said so and the stranger "can't possibly say no to a child"? To me that seems a bit arrogant, I'm sorry to say.

If you want a prime viewing spot, get there in plenty of time to stake out your own. That way you'll have your prime viewing locale and you won't have to put someone else out who has already been there for an hour. Plus you'll be teaching your kids that careful planning can reap great rewards.

Oh, and it's NOT all about the kids at Disney, it's about EVERYONE. And yes the parade experience is very, very important to some folks, young and old.

 

[inaminute]

But honestly, it's about the kids isn't it.

No. It's not.

It may be considered "terrirtorial." but there's a reason I'm parked where I am--and I guarantee it isn't to reserve a place for some strangers kid(s).

If you want your kids to sit on the curb in the front row, then get there early and hold your spot, just like I do.

 

[Ellasgirls]

Our first trip to disney was without kids and we sat on the curb for the night spectromagic parade and a family from England came up from behine us and their 2 kids stood behind us and my dh asked if they would like to sit by us on the curb. The kids (probably 3 & 5) sat right on our laps ....which was fine....BUT at the end of the parade my dh realized that the 3 year old had wet his pants!!!! The parents were sooooo embarrassed and offered to have us come back to the Poly with them so they could was his shorts . I still laugh about it 10 years later!

 

[pixiemel]

It's ALL about the kids.

 

[Aye Sea Turtles]

^If you teach your children to believe it is all about them, it will lead them into a false sense of entitlement that will not serve them well as they grow older and are forced to experience the real world.

 

[tasha99]

We've never stopped to watch a parade, but I find #4 shocking. I don't think it's good to teach a kid that it's okay to get in front of others who have been waiting, possibly for hours. If someone offered, that would be different. I think if you want to have a prime parade spot, you should wait for one.

 

[TinkerbellMama]

I figure this is a good time to present another eyebrow raiser, in hopes this thread doesn't deteriorate into an arguement. Years ago we took our 4 yo DS onto BTMRR. On his second time on the ride (he LOVED it), a woman in front of us said very loudly to her DH, "I thought there was a height requirement for this ride" and looked pointedly at our DS. Of course, he'd made the height requirement, but she wasn't convinced. I'm sure her eyebrows were raised.

You should have replied, "Yes, but there is no tact requirement!"

 

[disneyfantotheend]

I would undoubtedly shift back a little to allow a small child to see the parade, if I were in the front. But many would not, and I would not put my child in that position. Many people would be very agitated and maybe even have a few choice words for them.

I have 2 kids, even though they are now as tall as I am. It is not all about them. We go to Disney for the family. We all enjoy it just as equally. I would not expect my kids to have special rights over the adults at Disney. I think if everyone just respects everyone else, the world would be a better place.