I was shocked at AK

[lillygator]

Unrelated to the topic of Disney...in college at a Gator Football game--they have a rule of not throwing the cup lids. Someone asked me for mine (first game, I'm naive) and he tosses it. Police Officer gets both of us and puts us in "timeout". (Makes us wait in a spot that we cannot see the game.)

The PO proceeds to reprimand me for giving him the lid. The guy is even saying that he threw it that I didn't do anything wrong. (Seriously, no rule about not sharing the lids). But the PO was all--well had you not given him the lid.....

I was soooo embarrassed and was always reminded to not give my lids to other people after that.

GO GATORS!! We are heading up there next weekend!!

Sorry for the OT!!

 

[jeepgirl30]

I too read it as a one time noise a toddler made. Actually I read Achoo like a sneeze!

I'm wondering if the posters responding currently have toddler aged children? Sometimes its hard to remember the frustations and spontaneityof toddlers.

I completely agree you need to obey rules and respect the rights of the other vacationers it doesn't seem as if the OP was letting her child run around with no concerns.

I was at a pumpkin farm once and my DS got excited at the goat. He ran up to it before I knew what was up. I immediately went over to him and tried to keep him contained. This woman looked at him and said "shh, little boy use your inside voice". I was pretty irritated because we were outside on a farm. I said "yea little boy tell this nice woman that is your ONLY voice". My son is LOUD. We are constantly trying to calm him and teach him to whisper but I swear he doesn't have the ability. The harder we try the louder he gets. We do keep trying however.

Of course knowing this I don't take him to fancy dinners!

Another time I was at a seminar with DD and was told DS would need to stay quiet or he would be asked to leave. DH did not get home in time for work so I had no choice. This was back when DS was still under 2 and shy. He cooed once and they immediately came over and told me i needed to leave. it was pretty silly as there were teens in the room talking louder.

I think unless you were there its hard to say just how loud or out of hand the child was so to judge the behavior is a bit unfair. However rules are in place for saftey no matter how much money you pay to be there. The CM may have just been trying to warn against any further noises or may have misinterpurted the noise to begin with thinking the child was imitating the gorilla which may have provoked the gorilla.

 

[GEM]

I'm wondering if the posters responding currently have toddler aged children? Sometimes its hard to remember the frustations and spontaneityof toddlers.

I do, and if he's "spontaneously" loud in place he shouldn't be, then we move on quickly.

I think unless you were there its hard to say just how loud or out of hand the child was so to judge the behavior is a bit unfair.

I don't think anyone was judging the child's behavior. I certainly wasn't. We all know toddlers are noisy little critters The only thing I was put off by was the OPs reaction to a CM who dared point out that it was necesary to be quiet in that area, which I've heard them do many times, and what seemed to be her attitude of, "I paid a lot of money to be here, so I don't care if we're being disruptive". She was simply doing her job by trying to keep things in that area under control. I still don't see what is "shocking" or "rude" about that. Oh well.

 

[danalee]

When I read the OP, I got the sense that she was upset with the tone of the way the lady spoke to them.

Its kinda of like on here, sometimes people get bent of shape for nothing.

I dont know maybe they do, but if they want everyone to be super quiet then post it at the start of the attraction, so everyone will know

 

[flortlebap]

Firstly can I just say that I have a toddler who is as loud and boisterous as the next.

If I took her into an area that was meant to be quiet, I'd either keep her quiet or leave! It's only polite. I don't think it was impolite of the CM to remind you of that, either.

I agree with GEM - it does seem a bit like yet another case of someone who feels they've paid their admission and so should be immune to the feelings of the animals/other guests!

One thing on a similar note that annoyed me last time we went that so many parents (despite numerous warnings given by the CM's!) took their toddlers into It's Tough To Be A Bug. Do you know how many of those kids were screaming in terror!? Not only did I feel REALLY sorry for the poor little mites, but it was ruining the show for everyone else. I wouldn't take my DD in, same as I wouldn't take her anywhere where she is meant to be quiet if I thought that there was a chance she wouldn't be!!!

 

[kaysmommie]

Apparently, if you want to vent around here you'll get worse than the gorilla lady gave you.

As a mom of a toddler, it is pretty annoying when you're in a child friendly place with exciting scenery and they want you to get them to act like they do at church. Not gonna happen!

Exactly it is a theme park people. Get over it the toddler made a small little noise. This is way blown out of proportion. I have a 2 YO and it sounded like the Zoo keeper was just a bit abrasive to me. Though if my toddler were very noisy we would just leave. My kids are very behaved but you can't control every sound a little one makes .

BTW my DS likes A Bugs life so he will be going to see tough to be a bug. If he is noisy we leave. My dd loved it when she was 2. Just depends on the child I guess.

 

[minniebeth]

I think what's important for ALL CM's at WDW to remember, whether they are attraction operators, restaurant servers, animal handlers, whatever... is that they are in a people/service industry. Everything that they say and do needs to be communicated to guests in a respectful and positive manner. There are ways of getting their points across that do not make people feel like they are little school children being chastized.
My children are really well behaved, but are never perfect. We all have situations where we just can't have absolute control over what they will say or do. My favorite response is... "would you like me to put a muzzle on them?"

 

[weirdpaintballr]

The CMs ask you to be quiet around the monkeys and gorillas because they are upset by the loud noises. And when they get upset, they throw poop. They have amazing accuracy. Now that would mess up your vacation.

 

[lovethattink]

I've visited the gorillas alot this summer. I'd say 50% off the time the cm with a microphone has asked guests to keep their voices down. I've also noticed the quieter people are, the more the gorillas will "perform". I had the pleasure several times this summer to watch them play together. For some reason, it is true that the gorillas get agitated at people making monkey noises. On Sunday, I got to watch the cm feed the gorillas. That was cool. She did ask us all to please remain quiet while she does this. It was funny, we were all standing there quietly watching her toss the food to the gorilla. He just sat there watching us. Finally when we all walked away, he picked up the food and ate it. We laughed, and he stopped and stared at us.

 

[PeachesDoesHair]

You know, I bet the OP felt flamed enough by the CM.


Really, we do pay a lot of money to go to Disney World. I do appreciate rules. Just because my child makes one noise, does not mean I am going to leave an area. Sorry. Now, if my child is throwing a tantrum or is obviously disrupting people repeatedly, I will leave. I don't need a condescending reminder from the CM. I think it is perfectly fine to do your job and remind people that the area is a quiet area, but they need to do it with respect and with tact. I don't think the OP was as bothered by the CM saying her child needed to be quiet as much as the way it was said.

 

[Jacksmom99]

I really think the CM was commenting on the type of noise the toddler made. Gorillas can get VERY agitated when humans imitated them and make "monkey" noises. This happened to some of my High School students on a trip to the zoo. Being teenagers they were imitating the gorillas and yes, the gorillas threw poop as well as charged at the glass enclosure.

The CM's are just doing their job. I know I get a momentary twinge of anger/embarassment when someone makes a comment on my child's behavior. I still get angry when I see the CM at the ESPN club who didn't know my DH could hear her when she was commenting about my DS's temper tantrum outside on the boardwalk. The ESPN CM was being rude, however, I think we need to cut the AK CM a little slack. She was really just doing her job.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

One thing on a similar note that annoyed me last time we went that so many parents (despite numerous warnings given by the CM's!) took their toddlers into It's Tough To Be A Bug. Do you know how many of those kids were screaming in terror!? Not only did I feel REALLY sorry for the poor little mites, but it was ruining the show for everyone else. I wouldn't take my DD in, same as I wouldn't take her anywhere where she is meant to be quiet if I thought that there was a chance she wouldn't be!!!

I have taken my infants and toddlers in with no trouble despite the warnings.

The only one who screams is me and that is when I forget to sit on the edge of the seat at the end (I have such a phobia for what happens and the first time I cried like a baby).

Sometimes you don't know how your kids will react. For those parents that do--sure they should have known better.

My oldest is also the one who looks terrified on the Tower of Terror. To the average observer, I'm a bad mommy for making her go on. What they don't here is the part where she says "can we go again " (yes with the teethy grin).

If my child is old/tall enough for an attraction--I will take them on it. But I also let them know what will happen (if they are old enough to comprehend that is). We believe in trying everything once. And typically--my kids like "silly scared".

I'm sure not EVERY infant/toddler was screaming bloody murder.

 

[Scraper]

I've got a story that I think can beat it!

I was at Conservation Station a few years back and leaned in to take a closer look at what a CM inside of one of the glassed-in rooms was doing, and apparently I was closer to the glass than I thought.

I banged my head into it - HARD. So hard that I had a red mark on my forehead.

A CM standing nearby came over to me, in front of a large group of people and reprimanded me for tapping on the glass. This was beyond a tap, but whatever - to him I was breaking the rules. To me, I was breaking my skull.

The glass needs one of those signs: "Items are closer than they appear". That's some thick glass! 'Sokay though; I have an even thicker head.

To this day, whenever I peer into a glass window, or especially when we go back to CS, my family warns me not to "tap" on the glass.

 

[all4fun]

If my child is old/tall enough for an attraction--I will take them on it. But I also let them know what will happen (if they are old enough to comprehend that is). We believe in trying everything once. And typically--my kids like "silly scared".

I'm sure not EVERY infant/toddler was screaming bloody murder.

Not to go completely but I have been in ITTBAB several times and seen little ones get completley freaked out by the show and parents also get upset because they didn't realize their kids were going to be that scared and babies are crying as they leave the theater. That's a little different than making an older child go on a ride one time that they're scared to go on and then be all grins and giggles when it's over. It's just not the same the thing.

Btw, it's fairly easy to avoid the bee sting, which IMO is what really is the most upsetting thing about that attraction to small kids. The show will clue you in to when it's going to happen so just put your kiddo on your lap or make sure they aren't leaning on the back of the seat and they won't feel it. hth.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Not to go completely but I have been in ITTBAB several times and seen little ones get completley freaked out by the show and parents also get upset because they didn't realize their kids were going to be that scared and babies are crying as they leave the theater. That's a little different than making an older child go on a ride one time that they're scared to go on and then be all grins and giggles when it's over. It's just not the same the thing.

Btw, it's fairly easy to avoid the bee sting, which IMO is what really is the most upsetting thing about that attraction to small kids. The show will clue you in to when it's going to happen so just put your kiddo on your lap or make sure they aren't leaning on the back of the seat and they won't feel it. hth.

My point was that I didn't make MY child do anything. She WANTS to do these things--still gets the scared thing going, but wants to go on...then wants to go again and the process repeats. So what looks like being scared is a child thoroughly enjoying herself. But to observers I appear like I am making her do something and I am doing no such thing. On Dinosaur we both ride with our eyes closed---I love the ride, but hate the end and the picture is sooooo funny b/c we have our heads buried. Rinse, Lather, Repeat. It is fun for us.

A parent who KNOWS their child is terrified of the dark taking them into the bug is absolutely know different than a parent taking a child on the ride they don't want to go on. The only difference--the toddler can't read the sign to notice that the attraction gets dark. Whereas the ride child usually can see and hear the ride they are being forced on. No different other than the child won't be terrified until the lights go out.

The first time i went to the show, I didn't know about the bee sting. I pay attention closely--hubby sometimes tries to make sure I don't miss it--but mostly I do. My kids think it is hilarious and are always asking "why are you doing that mommy?" with a big smile on their face.

I don't know about you--but those kids screams start way before that point anyway. And the entire theater regardless of age is screaming when the sting happens.

Saying that no infant or toddler should go on it b/c of all the warnings is silly. And they do not all scream and cry during the show. That was all I was saying.

 

[kimbac3]

Last Saturday while at AK, I had my DS 19 months in a stroller. We had just started going through the trail for the gorilla sanctuary. We made the first stop, and listened to the CM tell about black and white monkeys. While I was walking beside her my DS went aaahooo. The lady stopped me and told me I had to keep him quiet at the gorilla sanctuary, or he would scare all the gorillas away. She said we needed to use church like voices. They don't like noise. I just walked on and almost turned back. Then I thought of the money I had invested in this trip, and I sure wasn't going to let her stop me. Then I got around to the actual place where you watch the gorillas, and noone was quiet. The CM was using a microphone to talk about the gorillas, and all the people were oohing and aaghing over the gorillas. I understand that I needed to keep him quiet, but it was just her tone that honked me off. I wanted to tell her, that if I knew how to keep toddlers quiet, I would have part of this parenting a toddler thing licked.

Sorry I am done venting now.

I understand your point. I encountered a less then tactful CM at MGM on our last trip. It can be a major trip bummer. I'm glad you pressed on. Try to remember that this board is filled with different people and different opinions. Try not to take anything that is/was said too personally. Take what you need from the thread and leave the rest.
Kimba

 

[madalynns mom]

Exactly it is a theme park people. Get over it the toddler made a small little noise. This is way blown out of proportion. I have a 2 YO and it sounded like the Zoo keeper was just a bit abrasive to me. Though if my toddler were very noisy we would just leave. My kids are very behaved but you can't control every sound a little one makes .

BTW my DS likes A Bugs life so he will be going to see tough to be a bug. If he is noisy we leave. My dd loved it when she was 2. Just depends on the child I guess.

I totally agree!!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Exactly it is a theme park people. Get over it the toddler made a small little noise. This is way blown out of proportion

I wonder what the reaction would be if poop got tossed on her toddler?

Animal Kingdom is a tad different from a theme park--they have living creatures who deserve respect and that toddle could have been the 20th that day that was sqauking and it is part of the CM's job description to make sure guests stay quiet in that area.

But I'm sure if poop got tossed--it would be no big deal. After all it is a theme park and poop happens, right?

 

[ekball]

Unrelated to the topic of Disney...in college at a Gator Football game--they have a rule of not throwing the cup lids. Someone asked me for mine (first game, I'm naive) and he tosses it. Police Officer gets both of us and puts us in "timeout". (Makes us wait in a spot that we cannot see the game.)

The PO proceeds to reprimand me for giving him the lid. The guy is even saying that he threw it that I didn't do anything wrong. (Seriously, no rule about not sharing the lids). But the PO was all--well had you not given him the lid.....

I was soooo embarrassed and was always reminded to not give my lids to other people after that.

And another unrelated topic (sorry Dis police - I must respond to this post!)....Thank You Lisa loves Pooh!!! You just took me on a wonderful trip down memory lane. To the days of those awesome plastic gator soda cups & lids (remember the vendors, how they'd walk through the student section yelling...."mixers, chasers..." There was also one particular vendor who'd yell "whowantsthaticecoldcoke?" very fast and loud....I'll never forget that crazy fool). Anyway, I was getting all wrapped up in the judgemental responses about the lady and her poor little guy that was perhaps a bit too loud (damn toddler....that's a joke, I have a couple of them myself), when I found your awesome post. Voila!! Transported back to my college days in the Swamp!!! Thanks!! And Go Gators!

 

[missdramaqueen]

Wow!
I can't believe that happened. I mean I was shy when I was little so I was usually very quiet but making a Monkey sound is just a normal thing fro a toddler to do when they see a monkey. My brother would do that. I mean it's disney, and your baby sounds well behaved.