Havy you ever noticed?

[Indio]

I honestly don't know why these things upset people so much. When you are in a tourist location with thousands of other people, there are going to be issues with bumping, running into, people not paying attention, people being "too close", etc. Everyone is there to have a good time and most are caught up in the moment. Things happen...move on. I'm sure most people don't intentionally whack people with backpacks or bump into others with strollers - it's just what happens in masses of people. What's perceived as wrong to you may be perfectly normal in another persons culture so I don't think speaking up is always the right thing to do. Because as others have said, you don't know the other persons situation.

Anyway, if I get bumped or run over or whacked - I laugh it off and say "Whoops!" and move on. Vacations are too short to get huffy.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

I always wondered about this, in the US we drive on the right side and are trained in kindergarten to walk on the right side of the hall. But what about other country's? Most country's drive on the left, so on what side are they trained to walk? I sometimes wonder if we are both stepping away but still end up in front if each other in a two step dance?

When I visited the UK, people definitely walked to the left.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

I think you have me confused with another poster. I did not discuss anything having to do with escalators nor did you mention it in your original post.

I only addressed your specific scenarios and tried to offer solutions because that is what you asked for. An escalator involves safety concerns and that is obviously going to need to be handled differently.

As to your comment about my hitting someone in the head and would my son like it if he was hit in the head, I again think you may be confusing me with someone else. I never hit any one in the head. I noted in my post I accidentally bumped someone with my back pack while attempting to deal with my son. Hitting someone in the head and bumping them are two different things. However, I did tell you I apologized to that person. What I explained was that it was an accident due to my attempting to deal with my panicked son , who has autism.

I think you missed my whole point which was that all situations are not due to indifference or purposeful actions and to try not to think of them that way.

I think what you really wanted by this post was for others to chime in with their agreement and aggravation and for you to vent your frustration along with them, which is merited. However, based on your comments to me I don't feel you were really looking for solutions.

I hope your next stay is not as frustrating when you are dealing with the people in the parks.

The situation is at times frustrating, but beyond that we seem to disagree. Again, I say- my goal is to discuss solutions.

In order to discuss the issue, I first have to explain it. It is unfortunate that this struck a chord with you. You didn't hit me in the head.

Your tone seemed a bit dismissive in regards to an issue that poses real safety concerns for everyone. When crowds form, and guests don't know which way to go- the situation can be dangerous for everyone: on pathways, on escalators, in small spaces like theater rows. Further, irritated guests quickly become dangerous guests in cramped spaces. Yes, I fid irritating, I also see real danger.

I've been in MK after the fireworks, when folks are shoulder to shoulder, and our family couldn't move in any direction. I've been in the Land, going up on the escalator, when someone stops at the top- mesmerized by the lights, directional choices, who knows- and the people behind that person start stepping backwards to avoid them.

I've witnessed parents in a panic near BTMRR, because their child got lost in the shuffle. Turns out the child panicked and ran all the way to the front gate of MK before he was located. I think it happened, in part- because the layout of that area is confusing. People don't know which way to go. Many times, I've seen agitated guests in that area of MK.

Again I'll say, I posted looking for ideas. I said in my first post- me simply calling someone out probably isn't going to help.


Is there anything we- the guests can do?
Here's one thing I have witnessed as pertains to WDW. Once upon a time, all theater shows had live ushers. Living with the Land had live CM's. At some point, Disney did away with both. There were marked changes in guest behavior as a result. When live CM's are directing guests, folks are far more orderly. When the CM's disappeared- folks display more questionable behavior. Maybe if we work as a group- we could ask Disney to add more live CM's in critical areas of the parks.

Disney only works when very large groups of people are peaceful and calm. When flow is orderly.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

I honestly don't know why these things upset people so much. When you are in a tourist location with thousands of other people, there are going to be issues with bumping, running into, people not paying attention, people being "too close", etc. Everyone is there to have a good time and most are caught up in the moment. Things happen...move on. I'm sure most people don't intentionally whack people with backpacks or bump into others with strollers - it's just what happens in masses of people. What's perceived as wrong to you may be perfectly normal in another persons culture so I don't think speaking up is always the right thing to do. Because as others have said, you don't know the other persons situation.

Anyway, if I get bumped or run over or whacked - I laugh it off and say "Whoops!" and move on. Vacations are too short to get huffy.

Do you trust also trust that everyone is laughing it off?

To me, an agitated guest is a dangerous guest, and maybe there's more we could all do to improve the experience.

Maybe Disney could impose a stricter limit on backpack sizes or weights. (Currently glass and wheels are not allowed)

Maybe Disney could prohibit certain stroller types?

Maybe Disney could provide more crowd friendly wheelchairs. I saw several guests this trip with better, more crowd friendly wheelchairs. Maybe the ones WDW supplies should be replaced.

Maybe Disney - or another company- could improve scooter technology?

If everyone knew to move a foot to the right (or even left) at pathway intersections- the situation could be dramatically improved. Most of us have learned to use a cell phone pretty quickly....why can't we ALSO improve the rules on personal body conduct?

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Groups of tourists hiking in the back country and talking very loud to each other. I am trying to photograph wildlife and they are scaring the wildlife away.

I had a funny experience - kind of - along those same lines.

I was helping a group of preschoolers a few years ago on a nature walk.The kids were well behaved, but chit chatted a bit.
The Nature guide repeatedly YELLED loudly that the KIDS were making too much noise! She was utterly oblivious that she was the loudest, shrillest voice of all! She was hyper-critical of the kids, while setting a poor example herself. Putting a finger to her lips would've been FAR more effective.

Funny part was....lo and behold...we found a live critter! Just as we were about to end the walk, and turned the last corner- a large black snake was sunning itself on the pathway just in front of the tour guide as she was walking kind of backwards.

Guess which member of the group yelled the loudest at the sight of it?


Hey, what about that? Could we create a set of internationally understandable hand signals? Maybe a thumb to the right would help folks on pathways to move to the right?

Maybe when we encounter a five-wide group walking toward us we could hold our hand up - like a shark fin- to indicate our intended direction (like between two adults so they know to let go).

 

[mshanson3121]

Do you trust also trust that everyone is laughing it off?

To me, an agitated guest is a dangerous guest, and maybe there's more we could all do to improve the experience.

Maybe Disney could impose a stricter limit on backpack sizes or weights. (Currently glass and wheels are not allowed)

Maybe Disney could prohibit certain stroller types?

Maybe Disney could provide more crowd friendly wheelchairs. I saw several guests this trip with better, more crowd friendly wheelchairs. Maybe the ones WDW supplies should be replaced.

Maybe Disney - or another company- could improve scooter technology?

If everyone knew to move a foot to the right (or even left) at pathway intersections- the situation could be dramatically improved. Most of us have learned to use a cell phone pretty quickly....why can't we ALSO improve the rules on personal body conduct?

I really hope you're kidding on some of these. I mean, seriously - you expect Disney to inconvenience the mass majority of people, just so you don't have to get your knickers in a bunch, because someone was talking too loudly, or accidentally bumped you with their knapsack, or was in your way?

Stricter limit on backpack sizes -yeah, that's going to be real convenient for all those families with children, what with all the diapers, food, snacks, cameras, ponchos for rain etc... that they're struggling as it is to try and cram in a backpack. But, as long as you don't get accidentally bumped, right?

Also, these smaller backpacks with less storage will be REALLY great, when you try and limit the stroller sizes, too. I mean, sure, let's go for smaller strollers - after all, we know how much more comfortable those smaller strollers are for children, especially when they don't recline, and they're especially great for bigger children. And we all know they hold soooo much. So what if the poor children are exhausted and worn out, and can't have a comfortable spot to rest, right?

Though, I guess if Disney made a rule that all you're allowed to bring in with you is a camera and the clothes on your back this would solve #1 and 2, and your complaint. So, maybe that's the solution. Or, wait! I know - why don't we just ban children from the park that require strollers. That would REALLY free up some space in the park.

More crowd-friendly wheelchairs. I'm still trying to wrap my head around this one. Did you stop to think for one nano-second, that maybe those wheelchairs that you consider more convenient, aren't so for the people that need them? Or, do their needs/desires factor into your discomfort at all? But, again same thing, maybe we should jut ban people that require wheelchairs.

See, the problem is - you're really the only one complaining here. The rest of us yes, agree that some of these things are annoying, but we're able to dust ourselves off and move on, and accept it as a fact of theme-park life. If these things are this upsetting to you, then maybe you just shouldn't go to theme parks or crowded places. Yes, in a rainbow and unicorns kind of world everyone would have perfect manners, everyone would be aware of every single movement their body makes, everyone would have perfect volume control, everyone would be perfectly neurotypical without any impairments, everyone would have the exact same cultural norms, so we would all behave in sync.

Thankfully, most of us accept that we live in the real world, accept that things like this happen and no, it doesn't mean we need to petition a billion dollar industry to make radical changes, and we don't sweat the small stuff, and we move on.

 

[LSUfan4444]

My post didn't mention any other cultures, that was another person. I've traveled to other countries, and don't recall having any more difficulties than in the USA. I'd even say some cultures excel at body space skills. Tokyo comes to mind.

I'm not talking about cultures from other countries, but rather cultural differences regardless of where you are from. Someone raised in urban NYC will be more used to confined spaces than possibly someone raised in Blanford, Indiana.

So, say the Smith family from Blanford is sitting on the monorail in a mostly empty car and the Dodge family from NYC walks in and sits right down on the monorail not leaving much space. What could be considered rude and an invasion of personal space by the Smith family is normal every day life for someone from NYC.

Again, the key is understanding that WDW is what we call in New Orleans a social gumbo. You've got a little bit of everything and the best way to make it work is making sure things blend together without one thing standing out over everything else. People need to be more tolerant of cultural differences, expect that they are part of the process and not take it personal. The vast majority of "instances" are not intentionally by nature, just a difference in what is considered "acceptable" by social standards.

 

[bocaj1431]

The situation is at times frustrating, but beyond that we seem to disagree. Again, I say- my goal is to discuss solutions.

In order to discuss the issue, I first have to explain it. It is unfortunate that this struck a chord with you. You didn't hit me in the head.

Your tone seemed a bit dismissive in regards to an issue that poses real safety concerns for everyone. When crowds form, and guests don't know which way to go- the situation can be dangerous for everyone: on pathways, on escalators, in small spaces like theater rows. Further, irritated guests quickly become dangerous guests in cramped spaces. Yes, I fid irritating, I also see real danger.

I've been in MK after the fireworks, when folks are shoulder to shoulder, and our family couldn't move in any direction. I've been in the Land, going up on the escalator, when someone stops at the top- mesmerized by the lights, directional choices, who knows- and the people behind that person start stepping backwards to avoid them.

I've witnessed parents in a panic near BTMRR, because their child got lost in the shuffle. Turns out the child panicked and ran all the way to the front gate of MK before he was located. I think it happened, in part- because the layout of that area is confusing. People don't know which way to go. Many times, I've seen agitated guests in that area of MK.

Again I'll say, I posted looking for ideas. I said in my first post- me simply calling someone out probably isn't going to help.


Is there anything we- the guests can do?
Here's one thing I have witnessed as pertains to WDW. Once upon a time, all theater shows had live ushers. Living with the Land had live CM's. At some point, Disney did away with both. There were marked changes in guest behavior as a result. When live CM's are directing guests, folks are far more orderly. When the CM's disappeared- folks display more questionable behavior. Maybe if we work as a group- we could ask Disney to add more live CM's in critical areas of the parks.

Disney only works when very large groups of people are peaceful and calm. When flow is orderly.

Wow, I really think you did not read anything I said. All the issues you are discussing above are not issues I spoke about in my first post responding to your thread. Again, I responded to your ORIGINAL post. The dangerous stuff you are speaking about came after my post. I would never encourage dangerous behavior. You never mentioned anything dangerous in your first post.

You obviously skipped past my explanation to you that the things you were suggesting I had commented on were In fact not contained in my post. You also have ignored my comment that although you had not spoken about safety issues prior to my original post and had discussed them after my post, that I of course agreed they were a separate issue. To add to that, you ignored my comment that you had a right to be frustrated. I have also been frustrated by some peoples actions in the parks; but, I don't let it get in the way of my enjoying my vacation.

Essentially you are making an issue with me where there is none. I again will share with you that my only response to your seeking advise is that there are those who do not purposefully do those things which are upsetting you. Some people have psychological or medical issues. Some are just not aware and you can simply let them know, in a nice way, there action is upsetting you or you can walk away. Finally there are some people who are just plane rude and if there actions are really infringing on your enjoyment of the the parks or are dangerous, then you can find a CM to help you.

I am not sure you are going to be able to enjoy your vacation if you take this subject matter so seriously. Have fun! If there is an emergency situation then deal with it . Otherwise, as others have said on this post try to " laugh it off", "politely ask if they can stop the behavior that is upsetting you", "walk away" or if it is serious get a cm. Problem solved.

 

[bocaj1431]

I really hope you're kidding on some of these. I mean, seriously - you expect Disney to inconvenience the mass majority of people, just so you don't have to get your knickers in a bunch, because someone was talking too loudly, or accidentally bumped you with their knapsack, or was in your way?

Stricter limit on backpack sizes -yeah, that's going to be real convenient for all those families with children, what with all the diapers, food, snacks, cameras, ponchos for rain etc... that they're struggling as it is to try and cram in a backpack. But, as long as you don't get accidentally bumped, right?

Also, these smaller backpacks with less storage will be REALLY great, when you try and limit the stroller sizes, too. I mean, sure, let's go for smaller strollers - after all, we know how much more comfortable those smaller strollers are for children, especially when they don't recline, and they're especially great for bigger children. And we all know they hold soooo much. So what if the poor children are exhausted and worn out, and can't have a comfortable spot to rest, right?

Though, I guess if Disney made a rule that all you're allowed to bring in with you is a camera and the clothes on your back this would solve #1 and 2, and your complaint. So, maybe that's the solution. Or, wait! I know - why don't we just ban children from the park that require strollers. That would REALLY free up some space in the park.

More crowd-friendly wheelchairs. I'm still trying to wrap my head around this one. Did you stop to think for one nano-second, that maybe those wheelchairs that you consider more convenient, aren't so for the people that need them? Or, do their needs/desires factor into your discomfort at all? But, again same thing, maybe we should jut ban people that require wheelchairs.

See, the problem is - you're really the only one complaining here. The rest of us yes, agree that some of these things are annoying, but we're able to dust ourselves off and move on, and accept it as a fact of theme-park life. If these things are this upsetting to you, then maybe you just shouldn't go to theme parks or crowded places. Yes, in a rainbow and unicorns kind of world everyone would have perfect manners, everyone would be aware of every single movement their body makes, everyone would have perfect volume control, everyone would be perfectly neurotypical without any impairments, everyone would have the exact same cultural norms, so we would all behave in sync.

Thankfully, most of us accept that we live in the real world, accept that things like this happen and no, it doesn't mean we need to petition a billion dollar industry to make radical changes, and we don't sweat the small stuff, and we move on.

 

[ArwenMarie]

I've found that the best thing I can do to keep myself from being stressed about crowds and space is to stop being in such a rush myself. Not talking about the parades and things where you are standing still, as those are different issues.

If I give myself enough time to get where I want to go, it makes a huge difference.

I noticed this in particular with dealing with ECVs and strollers. Whenever I have had a near-miss, it was because I was trying to walk briskly. Not saying this is ideal, obviously, I would love to dash around but I think when it's crowded, it's a necessity to slow down a bit. Especially at MK.

 

[LSUfan4444]

I've found that the best thing I can do to keep myself from being stressed about crowds and space is to stop being in such a rush myself. Not talking about the parades and things where you are standing still, as those are different issues.

If I give myself enough time to get where I want to go, it makes a huge difference.

I noticed this in particular with dealing with ECVs and strollers. Whenever I have had a near-miss, it was because I was trying to walk briskly. Not saying this is ideal, obviously, I would love to dash around but I think when it's crowded, it's a necessity to slow down a bit. Especially at MK.

Those who find the most success in dealing with other people are the ones who learn to adjust themselves rather than trying to change the other person!

 

[WhispyPixie]

It is always a problem. In fact watching one of my toenails grow off now because of a mom that had NO CLUE where she was pushing her stroller and was determined to get where she was going.

Solutions: Count to 10 an start again.. Kill them with kindness is our family rule..haha

 

[mickeyluv'r]

I really hope you're kidding on some of these. I mean, seriously - you expect Disney to inconvenience the mass majority of people, just so you don't have to get your knickers in a bunch, because someone was talking too loudly, or accidentally bumped you with their knapsack, or was in your way?

Stricter limit on backpack sizes -yeah, that's going to be real convenient for all those families with children, what with all the diapers, food, snacks, cameras, ponchos for rain etc... that they're struggling as it is to try and cram in a backpack. But, as long as you don't get accidentally bumped, right?

Also, these smaller backpacks with less storage will be REALLY great, when you try and limit the stroller sizes, too. I mean, sure, let's go for smaller strollers - after all, we know how much more comfortable those smaller strollers are for children, especially when they don't recline, and they're especially great for bigger children. And we all know they hold soooo much. So what if the poor children are exhausted and worn out, and can't have a comfortable spot to rest, right?

Though, I guess if Disney made a rule that all you're allowed to bring in with you is a camera and the clothes on your back this would solve #1 and 2, and your complaint. So, maybe that's the solution. Or, wait! I know - why don't we just ban children from the park that require strollers. That would REALLY free up some space in the park.

More crowd-friendly wheelchairs. I'm still trying to wrap my head around this one. Did you stop to think for one nano-second, that maybe those wheelchairs that you consider more convenient, aren't so for the people that need them? Or, do their needs/desires factor into your discomfort at all? But, again same thing, maybe we should jut ban people that require wheelchairs.

See, the problem is - you're really the only one complaining here. The rest of us yes, agree that some of these things are annoying, but we're able to dust ourselves off and move on, and accept it as a fact of theme-park life. If these things are this upsetting to you, then maybe you just shouldn't go to theme parks or crowded places. Yes, in a rainbow and unicorns kind of world everyone would have perfect manners, everyone would be aware of every single movement their body makes, everyone would have perfect volume control, everyone would be perfectly neurotypical without any impairments, everyone would have the exact same cultural norms, so we would all behave in sync.

Thankfully, most of us accept that we live in the real world, accept that things like this happen and no, it doesn't mean we need to petition a billion dollar industry to make radical changes, and we don't sweat the small stuff, and we move on.

I'm sorry if thinking about ways to improve WDW are troubling. It seems my suggestions upset you. I'd hoped to have a constructive thread exploring ways to improve WDW for everyone. If you wish to accept the status quo, so be it. Not sure why you chose to post.

It baffles me that a short list of potential improvements could be interpreted as, "you expect Disney to inconvenience the mass majority of people."

I've been to WDW with every possible configuration (just about) of extended family: young, old, disabled, teens, strollers, non-strollers, scooters, two scooters at once, double strollers.... so I've seen many sides of the scooter/stroller debates. I'm always very careful to avoid hitting anyone, or being hit. Suffice it to say, others have not reciprocated.

Indeed, a family member of mine whose confined to one permanently has himself often discussed with us ways his experience could be improved. They don't stop on a dime. Cobbled walkways and curbs are a real problem. Corners can be a challenge. Oh, and they aren't supposed to be out in rain!

Traveling via WDW bus or monorail with a scooter is a nightmare. I've seen adult strangers crying trying to get theirs on the monorail, where the reason they couldn't get on was because other folks wouldn't make room. Maybe someone has a constructive way the experience could be better for everyone.


Even with 11 people in our group and twins in diapers, we didn't carry a 50 pound backpack. Suffering a concussion (okay, technically that was at the airport a few days after WDW) goes a little beyond just being 'bumped.' I suspect you've not experienced it. I hope you never do, because the headache was terrible. I wouldn't wish it on anyone.

For the record, I've always tried to be very considerate towards those around me. Many times, I've offered my seat to others, offered chairs, given away stickers, given away FP, explained how FP worked, helped many families plan trips to WDW, been the tour guide for folks I know, donated unopened food and water. We've given away items like a stroller, a coffee maker, a balloon, stickers.

I'd just love to see some ways to improve awareness in the parks. We all bear some responsibility to pay attention to the space and other people around us.