Holding a place in line?

[Mambo Junkie]

Except that you still used the option of holding a place for others as an advantage over guests that don't have this option. My kids at 3 had to wait or not ride.

Well, no. If someone complained that I was giving my space that I waited for to my child, then he wouldn't have ridden, but I would have since I waited for it. The line wouldn't have gotten any shorter because he didn't ride. I think you're missing the point. No one got put out because someone was in front of you and the line did not get longer because I gave my spot to my son. I do agree about the meet and greets, and a ride or attraction where adding an extra person will make a difference, but if there are 100 people in line, and I give my spot away to 1 person, it's still 100 people in line. I don't get where making my child miserable to make you happy is a good strategy for me, especially if there is no advantage to you. I am very conscientious of others, and would not take anything away from others, I wait my turn like everyone else, get to parades early to get a good spot, etc.
While we're on the subject, how does everyone feel about the people who park it on the curb for a parade for an hour with backpacks, clothing items, etc that sit there for most of the time to hold family members' spots? I have seen some of the same people who complain about a child cutting in line after a bathroom break talk about holding parade spots. Does that not apply?

 

[MrInfinity]

So many interesting views in here! Still nobody has found an official word on the Disney site or print materials about a actual policy on this?

Interesting point from the one guy above who said he would stand in a long line while his kids waited somewhere cooler. Isn't that the definition of FastPass? If the people who want to see the attraction are doing something else while they wait, that is what FastPass is for. I mean if you've got an hour wait to see Ariel, and your wife will take them for a snack, why not have your wife take them on the Teacups for a few spins? Text them when you're 10 people back and they join you? I would call that cutting in every way. To do other things while you wait in line is what FastPass is for, and you could do that with Ariel if that was the attraction you wanted to use your FastPasses on.

On the other hand, when A&E had their 5-hour waits at EPCOT, CMs were advising families that would run there at rope drop to have one person wait the half-day it would take, while the rest enjoy the park. This is the only case in which I've heard Disney recommend what the guy above is essentially doing... So it comes down to for me at least, whether there is a rule on this and it's either allowed or it's not.

 

[eeyoreandtink]

Of course there is no "official policy" on this. Its common sense. Line cutting is line cutting. Disney shouldn't have to tell us that any more than they need to tell us to form a line in the first place. I think character meets are different from rides because you are only taking up on "spot". If dad waits for the family and they join him last minute that doesn't effect the people behind him in the same way cutting a ride line does. It doesn't extend the wait of those behind him because there are still the same number of groups ahead of them.

 

[Cinderella's Slipper 2015]

For most attractions that have a standard line set up (not talking about attractions like Soarin' where it's just a sea of people), where they line holds maybe 2 people across, my mom and I will stand on opposite sides of the line facing each other when the line isn't moving and when it is, I'm usually standing behind her blocking the line in front of me. If a parent and child comes up behind us asking to get by to rejoin their party, I have no problem letting them through. If a bunch of teenagers or adults comes up asking to get through, we tell them no. That the rest of their party will have to wait for them up ahead and they can join them when we get to them. I'm not about to let people cut in front of me when I've been waiting for an attraction, just because they wanted to go do something else.

 

[MrInfinity]

Of course there is no "official policy" on this. Its common sense. Line cutting is line cutting. Disney shouldn't have to tell us that any more than they need to tell us to form a line in the first place. I think character meets are different from rides because you are only taking up on "spot". If dad waits for the family and they join him last minute that doesn't effect the people behind him in the same way cutting a ride line does. It doesn't extend the wait of those behind him because there are still the same number of groups ahead of them.

Right there is a perfectly good reason there should be a rule on it. On one hand you call it common sense that line cutting is cutting, but then you immediately ammend that with an exception that you consider okay. There are 8 pages of views here on where the line between okay and not okay is, so a rule seems perfectly warranted.

If the rule is that it is allowed to have one parent wait in line for a M&G (because you think it makes sense) then I would do this. It would be a massive time savings to do this if allowed. But I believe it is not allowed, thus I do not do it. If it's allowed, I want to know in some way more officially than what someone on the internet thinks is the way that makes sense. This is completely a gray area, and I bet there is a rule somewhere, I just haven't seen it yet.

 

[eeyoreandtink]

Right there is a perfectly good reason there should be a rule on it. On one hand you call it common sense that line cutting is cutting, but then you immediately ammend that with an exception that you consider okay. There are 8 pages of views here on where the line between okay and not okay is, so a rule seems perfectly warranted.

If the rule is that it is allowed to have one parent wait in line for a M&G (because you think it makes sense) then I would do this. It would be a massive time savings to do this if allowed. But I believe it is not allowed, thus I do not do it. If it's allowed, I want to know in some way more officially than what someone on the internet thinks is the way that makes sense. This is completely a gray area, and I bet there is a rule somewhere, I just haven't seen it yet.

I didn't say it wasn't line cutting. I guess I should have said that people's reaction to line cutting in that situation tend to be less intense. I still don't think we need a rule for everything.

 

[tjmw2727]

Of course there is no "official policy" on this. Its common sense. Line cutting is line cutting. Disney shouldn't have to tell us that any more than they need to tell us to form a line in the first place. I think character meets are different from rides because you are only taking up on "spot". If dad waits for the family and they join him last minute that doesn't effect the people behind him in the same way cutting a ride line does. It doesn't extend the wait of those behind him because there are still the same number of groups ahead of them.

I agree with most of your post but for me I don't see a difference between an attraction line or a meet and greet line. Everyone who wants to ride/meet/see the show should wait the line together. IMHO leaving and returning due to an emergency is an exception.

As for your example - even for characters sometimes it does extend the wait time. At the Studios meet & greet outside in the courtyard last year the CM was very vocal about having your entire party in line together and ready to meet. We were in line behind several families and when a group of about 8 kids and adults joined one of the parties ahead of us that absolutely did affect our wait time. They did several combinations of photos despite the CM asking them to pose as a group.

 

[disneypanda11]

I wouldn't do this. I would wait for my entire party to be together, then I'd enter the queue.
That being said, I wouldn't let this ruffle my feathers. It's not going to be my biggest fish to fry on vacation.

 

[MrInfinity]

Here's the closest thing I can find to a rule. At least it's from the moms panel on go.com...

https://disneyparksmomspanel.disney.go.com/questions.aspx?pgm=2&pid=94&cid=152&qid=257130

Can you hold your family's place in line?
all Guests wishing to meet Anna and Elsa are asked to stay together in-line whilst waiting their turn.

So even for a M&G, you are not supposed to break up or have some of your party hold a place for others.

 

[MickeyWaffles]

I personally think there's something valuable in being patient. You wait in line, you get the reward. My parents instilled it in me, and the anticipation was part of the excitement.

Ever since Fastpass started, people have become obsessed with not waiting in line. It's gotten ridiculous.

Holding places to ride other rides and kill time is truly trying to beat the system. I don't see a gray area. If it was acceptable behavior, there'd be family meetup checkpoints in line or something. The lines are simply not built or meant for ins and outs. It's hard enough to leave and with a child for a bathroom emergency (which I see as acceptable behavior). To do this to try and get more rides or just because some people don't feel like waiting? Not so much.

I think this is one of those issues that people who support holding places it will continue to support it and those who don't won't. No convincing will make either side flip.

I still maintain that it is not allowed, sets a terrible precedent and is not acceptable behavior.

 

[tjmw2727]

Well, no. If someone complained that I was giving my space that I waited for to my child, then he wouldn't have ridden, but I would have since I waited for it. The line wouldn't have gotten any shorter because he didn't ride. I think you're missing the point. No one got put out because someone was in front of you and the line did not get longer because I gave my spot to my son. I do agree about the meet and greets, and a ride or attraction where adding an extra person will make a difference, but if there are 100 people in line, and I give my spot away to 1 person, it's still 100 people in line. I don't get where making my child miserable to make you happy is a good strategy for me, especially if there is no advantage to you. I am very conscientious of others, and would not take anything away from others, I wait my turn like everyone else, get to parades early to get a good spot, etc.
While we're on the subject, how does everyone feel about the people who park it on the curb for a parade for an hour with backpacks, clothing items, etc that sit there for most of the time to hold family members' spots? I have seen some of the same people who complain about a child cutting in line after a bathroom break talk about holding parade spots. Does that not apply?

I have been thinking about your point so I waited to reply as thoughtfully as I can. While I agree that your holding a spot for your child may not impact my wait time it may have impacted our experience. Your child can play at the playground, eat an ice cream or do another attraction while my child waits, sometimes in the sun; because they have decided they want to ride/meet xx. Then there is the explaining - why can't we go somewhere else and come back later too? My sister in law had this question from my niece after my example above in a prior post.

Of course I would never want you to make your child miserable (or any child)- not sure I understand that part; but if waiting in line does make your child miserable then maybe he/she really doesn't want to ride?

The only reason I quoted you is because you answered me via quote - this certainly isn't personal; it is just me giving my opinion !

 

[maxiesmom]

Right there is a perfectly good reason there should be a rule on it. On one hand you call it common sense that line cutting is cutting, but then you immediately ammend that with an exception that you consider okay. There are 8 pages of views here on where the line between okay and not okay is, so a rule seems perfectly warranted.

If the rule is that it is allowed to have one parent wait in line for a M&G (because you think it makes sense) then I would do this. It would be a massive time savings to do this if allowed. But I believe it is not allowed, thus I do not do it. If it's allowed, I want to know in some way more officially than what someone on the internet thinks is the way that makes sense. This is completely a gray area, and I bet there is a rule somewhere, I just haven't seen it yet.

I think there is no written rule on purpose. Disney doesn't want to anger all of the families with little kids who might need potty breaks. Telling them they would have to go to the back of the line would cause a lot of ugly scenes. However Disney also knows that not everyone is comfortable with leaving a line and rejoining it where they left, so it doesn't become a huge issue.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

On the other hand, when A&E had their 5-hour waits at EPCOT, CMs were advising families that would run there at rope drop to have one person wait the half-day it would take, while the rest enjoy the park. This is the only case in which I've heard Disney recommend what the guy above is essentially doing... So it comes down to for me at least, whether there is a rule on this and it's either allowed or it's not.

There are other exceptions as well: meal podium queues come to mind. Only one person is supposed to wait in the podium line. Especially at a place like 'Ohana. CM's direct extended family to sit in the area where they can order $10 sugar water drinks vs. staying together in line.

Some QS lines are the same. One person orders, but then they can't possibly carry three trays of food and drinks all at once.

Another exception- if you will- is the queue of the safari for families with strollers. Usually guests hand off their stroller to a CM, but sometimes guests have to actually park the stroller in a designated spot. Meanwhile, the rest of the family is told to keep walking, so that they aren't blocking the pathway.

Third, nobody should question an adult holding a place in line at the restroom for a limping grandma who is seated nearby. Limping grandma is also technically a line cutter.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

I think this is one of those issues that people who support holding places it will continue to support it and those who don't won't. No convincing will make either side flip.

I still maintain that it is not allowed, sets a terrible precedent and is not acceptable behavior.

Again, suppose a family is in line, and limping grandma decides she needs to sit for a moment, then rejoins the family a little further down the queue.

Is grandma displaying terrible behavior?

***********

One time we waited 30min to see Tinkerbell. Shortly after we entered her chamber, a Make-a-wish family was directed to the front of the line by the CM's.

The boorish, clueless woman who previously had been at the front of the line made a big stinking scene and started yelling loudly at the line-cutters!!!! HOW DARE THEY CUT IN FRONT OF her CHILD!

Folks tried to clue her in, but she wasn't having it! They were LINE CUTTERS!

 

[larryz]

Third, nobody should question an adult holding a place in line at the restroom for a limping grandma who is seated nearby. Limping grandma is also technically a line cutter.

That's up to the ladies to decide, but I've always believed that they're more tolerant of physical limitation than most men. Same applies to being in a long line -- those with more, shall we say, urgent needs can claim priority and move up in the line...

Or am I stereotyping here?

Again, suppose a family is in line, and limping grandma decides she needs to sit for a moment, then rejoins the family a little further down the queue.

Is grandma displaying terrible behavior?

Assuming the bench was in the queue line, Grandma was in (still is in) the queue. Everyone walking by her will have to recognize that.

***********

One time we waited 30min to see Tinkerbell. Shortly after we entered her chamber, a Make-a-wish family was directed to the front of the line by the CM's.

The boorish, clueless woman who previously had been at the front of the line made a big stinking scene and started yelling loudly at the line-cutters!!!! HOW DARE THEY CUT IN FRONT OF her CHILD!

Folks tried to clue her in, but she wasn't having it! They were LINE CUTTERS!

Make-a-Wish is clearly an exception that DISers would have no issues accepting, much like an emergent bio-break.

 

[Jennasis]

Everybody gets in line and waits together.

 

[MickeyWaffles]

Again, suppose a family is in line, and limping grandma decides she needs to sit for a moment, then rejoins the family a little further down the queue.

Is grandma displaying terrible behavior?

***********

One time we waited 30min to see Tinkerbell. Shortly after we entered her chamber, a Make-a-wish family was directed to the front of the line by the CM's.

The boorish, clueless woman who previously had been at the front of the line made a big stinking scene and started yelling loudly at the line-cutters!!!! HOW DARE THEY CUT IN FRONT OF her CHILD!

Folks tried to clue her in, but she wasn't having it! They were LINE CUTTERS!

Re: the Make a Wish family, that woman is ridiculous and clueless. I would never in a million years oppose a CM escorting a Make a Wish family
to the front. That's not even close to the same thing we are talking about here.

Re: grandma: I mean, sure, whatever. I'm sure people can come up with a whole list of situations. So I was wrong, there's a gray area. I don't think she should do this on every ride though. The situation dictates the response.

I more have issues with the people who are holding spots for others who are riding rides or their kid just doesn't want to wait in line. Kid bathroom, grandma sitting, sure, ok.

 

[Mambo Junkie]

I have been thinking about your point so I waited to reply as thoughtfully as I can. While I agree that your holding a spot for your child may not impact my wait time it may have impacted our experience. Your child can play at the playground, eat an ice cream or do another attraction while my child waits, sometimes in the sun; because they have decided they want to ride/meet xx. Then there is the explaining - why can't we go somewhere else and come back later too? My sister in law had this question from my niece after my example above in a prior post.

Of course I would never want you to make your child miserable (or any child)- not sure I understand that part; but if waiting in line does make your child miserable then maybe he/she really doesn't want to ride?

The only reason I quoted you is because you answered me via quote - this certainly isn't personal; it is just me giving my opinion !

I certainly see your point and I respect your right to do things which work for your family but my son had some issues which would have made a long wait in the hot sun miserable for everyone around. I made sure our decisions did not affect anyone else and he certainly was not having a grand time doing other things while I waited but it would not have worked for us. The only alternative was to either not go to Disney or skip the experience.

 

[Ava]

I haven't read through the whole thread, but I agree with those who think everyone who wants to ride/meet should wait in the line together. Bathroom emergencies aside, I would not want to bring my child through a line full of people who have been waiting while she was off doing something else. All that teaches a child is that they don't have to wait their turn and are entitled to the "reward" without the "sacrifice." Not a very good lesson, imo.

We try to avoid long lines by having a good touring plan and using FP+, but my DD6 is old enough to understand that sometimes, if she wants to do xyz, she has to wait. The 2yo we just try to distract with snacks or games; luckily we've never had a major meltdown in a line, but if it ever happened one adult would just take her out of line and we'd meet back up after the rest of us finished riding/meeting.

 

[Catvondita]

Again, suppose a family is in line, and limping grandma decides she needs to sit for a moment, then rejoins the family a little further down the queue.

Is grandma displaying terrible behavior?

***********

One time we waited 30min to see Tinkerbell. Shortly after we entered her chamber, a Make-a-wish family was directed to the front of the line by the CM's.

The boorish, clueless woman who previously had been at the front of the line made a big stinking scene and started yelling loudly at the line-cutters!!!! HOW DARE THEY CUT IN FRONT OF her CHILD!

Folks tried to clue her in, but she wasn't having it! They were LINE CUTTERS!

I may sound like an awful person but limping Grandma should not be waiting on a line if she can't stand. She's not displaying terrible behavior of course but yea she is still technically a line cutter.