If you have a FP runner...

[WendyWhy]

I would like DH (our runner) to still ride with us on the rides - should we just wait for him at the front of rides so we can ride together? Are there any rides where it would be feasible for us to get in line - and have him join us already in line? Tips and advice greatly appreciated!

 

[skiingfast]

It's more polite to get in the lines together. He can "run" faster than the group because he is alone. Also he can skip waiting for everyone to use the restrooms or the last person to finsh thier fries. Because some rides may have no queue he may miss out.

 

[bumbershoot]

I agree with skiing! (which is an odd thing to say, lol...like I agree with running)

 

[HydroGuy]

This subject is controversial. I am of the opinion it is OK for like one person to join a larger group in line when the line is exposed and not already into an internal line. For example most of Matterhorn's line is exposed and it is easy for someone to join your group in line. That does not bother me or most people.

What really bothers people is when one person holds a place in line and a large group joins the line. Or when the line has gone inside like at BTMRR and people have to walk past many others to "join their group". That always irritates me and we always subtly try to block those people to let them know we don't like it.

 

[smiles33]

Hi Wendy!

Depending on the rides, I would not expect DH to join you. On most little kid rides, the line may move faster than he can get back. I was the runner on our trip (he was in an ECV), so he took the two girls and rode Dumbo, teacups, the carousel, watched the Nemo submarines go around, etc. while I ran for FP. We never tried to have me join in line as it always ended up that it took me a while to get back from HMH, SMGG, etc. I grabbed our DCA FP while we ate lunch at Corndog Castle, so we only park hopped as a family (since he couldn't push the double stroller from his ECV).

Hope this helps!

 

[dnamertz]

This subject is controversial. I am of the opinion it is OK for like one person to join a larger group in line when the line is exposed and not already into an internal line. For example most of Matterhorn's line is exposed and it is easy for someone to join your group in line. That does not bother me or most people.

What really bothers people is when one person holds a place in line and a large group joins the line. Or when the line has gone inside like at BTMRR and people have to walk past many others to "join their group". That always irritates me and we always subtly try to block those people to let them know we don't like it.

You are correct...this is controversial. I don't see the problem with one person (not a large group) catching up to their group no matter where the line is, as long as they are polite and don't push past people. How do they know that you have created your own specific rules about when they can join in the line and when they can't. Maybe they don't know that what was acceptable when the line was outside is now something that makes them a jerk because the line has moved "inside".

By blocking, you're probably not letting them know you don't like it...in their mind, they are probably thinking "all these other people were nice and let me through, but now this rude person won't even let me join my family".

 

[Malcon10t]

I would like DH (our runner) to still ride with us on the rides - should we just wait for him at the front of rides so we can ride together? Are there any rides where it would be feasible for us to get in line - and have him join us already in line? Tips and advice greatly appreciated!

Rides where he could join you without pushing through a line (such as Matterhorn before it reaches the exit, Soarin before it enters the building, or Tiki Room) but once you are in an area where he can't enter where he isn't pushing past people (like Haunted Mansion, or Jungle Cruise, ) you should wait til he catches up.

 

[greenkai3000]

By blocking, you're probably not letting them know you don't like it...in their mind, they are probably thinking "all these other people were nice and let me through, but now this rude person won't even let me join my family".

I'm with HydroGuy on this one...if the line is exposed and it's just 1 person joining the party I don't mind anyone in front of me saving a space for their loved one. However, 2 or more people, jumping the line is unacceptable. If 2 or more people need to use the restroom, grab a snack, or whatever, then everyone else should wait with them before getting in line.

Now as far anyone thinking you're being rude for not letting them go in front of you to join their party, when all those other "nice people" behind you did, well that was their call, but that doesn't mean you have to agree with them. I think that's a given... you should only expect to get as far as the person in front of you will allow.

 

[jenpace]

I always think it's rude to barge through a long line of people to catch up, especially if it's because the person in question was getting FPs. Now if it was because a little one had to use the bathroom that would be different. Why can't everyone just wait for a few minutes to get in line once the FP runner gets there? It's not like it's a leg on 'The Amazing Race', no need for the Type A approach, it's Disneyland...

 

[HydroGuy]

By blocking, you're probably not letting them know you don't like it...in their mind, they are probably thinking "all these other people were nice and let me through, but now this rude person won't even let me join my family".

Really, I think in today's world in the USA that is considered taking "cuts". Not letting someone pass you in a line is the norm. A group of 4 people trying to pass you in the Splash Mtn "tunnel" line because "they are catching up with someone for ahead" is just plain rude. Their group should have waited for them. It is not for me to explain myself. They are the ones being rude.

On a related note, a mother or father with a small child is different and it is common courtesy to give them the benefit of the doubt. I don't think I am out of the norm on this.

 

[blackjackdelta]

This subject is controversial. I am of the opinion it is OK for like one person to join a larger group in line when the line is exposed and not already into an internal line. For example most of Matterhorn's line is exposed and it is easy for someone to join your group in line. That does not bother me or most people.

What really bothers people is when one person holds a place in line and a large group joins the line. Or when the line has gone inside like at BTMRR and people have to walk past many others to "join their group". That always irritates me and we always subtly try to block those people to let them know we don't like it.

I am with you Hydroguy. It gripes me and I do get in their way and am very direct about those individuals that "think" they are more privledged than the rest, but on the other hand if the line short and moves rather quickly I just give them the "whats up." Courtesy seems to vanish when they go to the parks.

Jack

 

[disneymom23]

I am with you Hydroguy. It gripes me and I do get in their way and am very direct about those individuals that "think" they are more privledged than the rest, but on the other hand if the line short and moves rather quickly I just give them the "whats up." Courtesy seems to vanish when they go to the parks.

Jack

I agree. I don't like when a whole group of people try to catch up to their party. If it's just one, it's OK. I know we've been in that boat too.

I don't usually have my family get in line for a ride when someone is getting a FP. My oldest DD likes to be the runner. Either I or my other DD go with her. For the first FP of the day, we will head to SM at about 7:50 while the rest of the family rides something that she doesn't mind missing- like teacups or Buzz. Or if we're going to or from NOS, we'll run up and get TM FP's while everyone takes a bathroom break. It's not as difficult as it seems once you're in the parks.

 

[starshine514]

For those of you who block, do you actually make them stop behind you, or do you just hassle them and still let them pass? I've been tempted, but have never actually stopped anyone from passing me...

 

[jetskigrl]

This subject is controversial. I am of the opinion it is OK for like one person to join a larger group in line when the line is exposed and not already into an internal line. For example most of Matterhorn's line is exposed and it is easy for someone to join your group in line. That does not bother me or most people.

What really bothers people is when one person holds a place in line and a large group joins the line. Or when the line has gone inside like at BTMRR and people have to walk past many others to "join their group". That always irritates me and we always subtly try to block those people to let them know we don't like it.

This is how we feel about it too. I have no problem with a single person joining their group (also agreed, if it is an outside line). But we do get very irritated when a large group decides to use the "oh, we are catching up with our friend, dad, brother, etc".

To answer the OPs question, my DH is our FP runner and I take the kids on rides that he doesn't care for (tea cups, etc) while he is running. He does not try to find us in lines. If he makes it back before we go into a line (ex. we stop for a bathroom break first), he joins us. Otherwise he waits at the exit for us.

 

[WendyWhy]

Great to get all these opinions and experiences! Our plan will be to meet with DH at the front of the line - can't ride without him since we will need to use baby swap too.

 

[rentayenta]

Fur us it totally depends on the line. I wouldn't have him join us at Peter Pan or Indy because it's a total cluster but on the Matterhorn, sure. Anything with an easy line is fine but when you're having to juggle through people, not so much. We usually send DH right after we've eaten or hit the end of Main St upon first arriving. I think any outside line is easier to navigate through.

 

[ArchOwl]

You are correct...this is controversial. I don't see the problem with one person (not a large group) catching up to their group no matter where the line is, as long as they are polite and don't push past people. How do they know that you have created your own specific rules about when they can join in the line and when they can't. Maybe they don't know that what was acceptable when the line was outside is now something that makes them a jerk because the line has moved "inside".

By blocking, you're probably not letting them know you don't like it...in their mind, they are probably thinking "all these other people were nice and let me through, but now this rude person won't even let me join my family".

And how would a large group know that they are violating your rule about catching up to the rest of their party in line? And where do you draw the line, 3 people, 5 people, etc.?

When you are cutting in line (and that is exactly what you are doing), it is you who should be apologetic and okay if someone decides not to allow you to pass. After all, you are the one who is breaking societal rules. Even if it is to take your little one to the bathroom, or for whatever justified reason, you are asking to be treated differently than those around you. And that is okay as long as you are nice and appreciative. What rubs people the wrong way is when we make exceptions for folks and they are not appreciative or they are lying about what they are doing.

If everyone continually cut in front of others, the lines would soon be meaningless. So keep the cutting to a minimum. And if you really need to cut, be nice to those around you. It would make all the difference.

Disneyland will still be there if you have to wait 5 minutes for a FP runner to catch up to you.

 

[FlameGirl]

And how would a large group know that they are violating your rule about catching up to the rest of their party in line? And where do you draw the line, 3 people, 5 people, etc.?

When you are cutting in line (and that is exactly what you are doing), it is you who should be apologetic and okay if someone decides not to allow you to pass. After all, you are the one who is breaking societal rules. Even if it is to take your little one to the bathroom, or for whatever justified reason, you are asking to be treated differently than those around you. And that is okay as long as you are nice and appreciative. What rubs people the wrong way is when we make exceptions for folks and they are not appreciative or they are lying about what they are doing.

If everyone continually cut in front of others, the lines would soon be meaningless. So keep the cutting to a minimum. And if you really need to cut, be nice to those around you. It would make all the difference.

Disneyland will still be there if you have to wait 5 minutes for a FP runner to catch up to you.

It also says (without saying) "Your time is not as valuable as mine".

Personally, when my kid was younger, I would have just abandoned the line if she needed to use the restroom and couldn't wait. If we don't all get in line together, we don't ride together.

 

[narsel]

During our trip last August, we encountered a group while in the line for Splash. We had fast passes and were moving swiftly through the fast pass line to where it merges with the stand by line. We noticed during our journey a "family" in the stand by line that was working their way thru the line to "catch up with their sister" We lost sight of them after we passed them, but were then surprised to see them as they pushed past us in the line. At that point we were near the cast member that collects fast pass tickets, so the "family" stopped there. We then over heard their giggles about how they had passed all those suckers in line as they had no "sister" ahead that they were catching up to. Kinda put a bad taste in my mouth about letting people "catch up" with family ahead in line. I would never do it and have never done it. We wait until our group is together. Some people have no class.

 

[OnTheRoadAgain]

It also says (without saying) "Your time is not as valuable as mine".

Personally, when my kid was younger, I would have just abandoned the line if she needed to use the restroom and couldn't wait. If we don't all get in line together, we don't ride together.

Sometimes I feel that way. Except one hot, summer day we were waiting at Mickey's house to see it, I don't even think we knew at first that he was taking pictures at the end of the line. We had no idea what we were getting into, the line seemed like nothing at the front door, but they wind that line in that house tighter than a (insert cute metaphor here). About an hour later we made it to the screening room before the picture and one of the kids had to go. We were able to get back together before the picture room somehow.