If you think people are rude at Disney........

[golfgal]

I'm confused as to why you think someone would give up a seat for a child

In fact, I would expect the opposite, that you would not use up a seat for a child, they would either stand beside Mom or sit on her lap.

Same here

Tough to do when mom can't get a seat either. But I guess using your logic, if the ship is sinking, screw the children, they are young enough to swim. I will stick with good old fasioned manners and values.

But you are wrong, old fashioned manners and values dictate that children give up seats for adults, not the other way around.

We spent a week in DC last summer and had no problems what so ever.

 

[lovemygoofy]

Tough to do when mom can't get a seat either. But I guess using your logic, if the ship is sinking, screw the children, they are young enough to swim. I will stick with good old fasioned manners and values.

I'm sorry you didn't have that great of an experience in DC. Unfournately most people coming in the spring especially first timers are having the same experience.

I've only lived here for a year now and yes some people are rude but overall I think people mean well. Being that is this is a huge hodge podge of every kind of culture known to man, things aren't going to always go like you expect.

As for the riding the metro, I don't think not giving up your seat for a 4 year old doesn't mean someone lacks morals and values. Honestly, I've rode the metro alot in the past year and I've seen alot of nice people give up seats when needed. Honestly depending on the time of the day, it is usually the locals that stand and the tourist that sit anyways.

I don't think it is any different than when people have to stand on the monorail or the disney bus. At least there are places to hold on to on the metro. I hope you have a better trip to the city if you come back.

 

[crashbb]

Tough to do when mom can't get a seat either. But I guess using your logic, if the ship is sinking, screw the children, they are young enough to swim. I will stick with good old fasioned manners and values.

Because standing on a bus and not getting a seat in a life boat are totally the same thing. Your argument loses any credibility it may have had when you resort to hyperbole.

I relied on the Metro when I was there for the marathon and, other than the complete mash on the way to the race start, never had a problem. Never had a problem with rude people at all, that I can recall.

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

OP - Please don't come to NYC and ride the subways. I don't get up for a kid either. Okay, in my defense I usually don't sit to begin with. I have had many men offer me a seat and I always decline. I don't go that far so there's no need for me to sit.
And every child I have ever taken on the subway loves to stand. It's like a game. I just try to get them to hold on at all. They feel like they're surfing.

Sorry you had rude people on your trip. I suggest you try again when it's less crowded.

 

[Iott Family]

Not according to literature. Not when talking about a 2 or 4 year old. A 12 or 14 year old definitely. But as a man, I will always give up my seat for women and children, and would feel like a cad not too. We are not talking about high school children, and the day of seen not heard has past. Asking a 2,3 or 4 year old child to try to hang on while on the metro, when a fully functioning adult has their can planted in a seat is just not in my make up.

 

[wdwfan16]

When I was a teenager in DC (born and raised in the city) we used to play "give the tourists the wrong directions"...we thought it was a great game.

I am sure I would have been right with you on that game.

 

[SundaeAfternoon]

Tough to do when mom can't get a seat either. But I guess using your logic, if the ship is sinking, screw the children, they are young enough to swim. I will stick with good old fasioned manners and values.

Did you give up your seat for your 4 year old? If not, why would you expect a stranger to do it?

Also, if they got seats, and some of your family members didn't...perhaps they were ahead of you in line? I would never expect someone to give up their seat to accommodate myself or my family if they were ahead of me in line. The world doesn't revolve around us.

 

[tchrrx]

I'm going to be in DC for the 4th of July. I can only imagine how crazy/crowded it will be. I'm traveling with Adventures by Disney though, so I'm counting on them to help me out.

 

[Sleepy]

Not according to literature. Not when talking about a 2 or 4 year old. A 12 or 14 year old definitely. But as a man, I will always give up my seat for women and children, and would feel like a cad not too. We are not talking about high school children, and the day of seen not heard has past. Asking a 2,3 or 4 year old child to try to hang on while on the metro, when a fully functioning adult has their can planted in a seat is just not in my make up.

That is strictly going by the way you were raised. There are many cultures and within those cultures, each family may have a different expectation on what you would call manners or values. I was taught to respect my elders. When I was a kid, that meant anyone older than me (be it 20 or 80). That is fine if that is not in your make up, but it doesn't mean that is the correct way to be. This has nothing to do with children being seen and not heard. There is nothing wrong with teaching a small child to stand and hold on. Heck, if they can do it on the playground merry-go-round, they can do it on a train.

 

[JessicaR]

I don't think what you experienced on the Metro was rude. That's the norm for many of us. I stand with my kids many times and lots of places! It really isn't a problem. Sure its nice to sit but sometimes that just isn't an option. The cursed, kicked and shoved issue is another story. That is rude. I have never experienced that. Crowds make things so much worse. It makes sense that those you deemed rude were likely tourists. Could be from anywhere.

I would say if you aren't opposed to the thought, you should try and visit again when its not so crowded. Sorry your visit wasnt so great.

 

[RadioFanatic]

then I you havent been to Washington, DC!! We took our four kids there this past few days and I cant even count the number of incidents we experienced!

I know where all the rude people on the monorail and busses get their training from. The metro rail in DC!! Not one person offered our 4 year old DD a seat while traveling on crowded trains. She had to hang on standing up and precariously braced against one of us while perfectly young healthy adults sat leisurely from stop to stop. Same thing on the tour bus we took yesterday. No one would move their bag from the seat to open up a place for our two youngest to sit and just looked at us like we were lepers when we asked if they minded.....of course they minded! What was I thinking???

And if you think WDW has the monopoly on tour groups, you are so wrong! We missed so many exhibits because of tour groups of 200 or more lining up and backing up the view of various exhibits for 2-3 hours a shot! They secority guards/proprietors at the musuems would post signs stating that you had XX minutes from this point before you could view said exhibit. The Star Spangled Banner was over an hour and half wait backed up just to walk by and view the display. Spring break is NOT the time to see DC for your 1st time. We think maybe October might bring better results!!

Also, public sidewalks are owned and blocked by whom ever chooses to walk in a shoulder to shoulder formation, and if they choose to stop then you better be prepared to brake and take a moment with them because if you say excuse me and try and move around them you get cursed, kicked and shoved I am so in love with humanity

I miss back home where people wave and say "hello" in passing whether they know you or not.

Yeah, you really picked a tough time to visit. We went last year the last week of August before Labor Day which was great - not busy at all. All of the guides said just the week before it was crazy.

 

[JessicaR]

Yeah, you really picked a tough time to visit. We went last year the last week of August before Labor Day which was great - not busy at all. All of the guides said just the week before it was crazy.

This is good to know - we're planning a visit!

 

[delmar411]

Not according to literature. Not when talking about a 2 or 4 year old. A 12 or 14 year old definitely. But as a man, I will always give up my seat for women and children, and would feel like a cad not too. We are not talking about high school children, and the day of seen not heard has past. Asking a 2,3 or 4 year old child to try to hang on while on the metro, when a fully functioning adult has their can planted in a seat is just not in my make up.

Well a 2yr old should be in a stroller for their own safety when riding Metro IMO. So they'd have their own seat. It would have been easily researched that spring break is not the time to head to DC, just too many people trying to cram in too many sights. (not being snarky, just can't imagine planning that trip since I know what it's like)

I've spent many an hour standing on metro during rush hours and never got a seat until the crowds thinned out 30+ mins into the ride. And that's while very pregnant. Never occurred to me to think that another just as tired person should get up and give me their seat.

And Indy area people are simply different from DC area people. It's a completely different mindset. Very pleasant when you are the one coming from the DC area to Indy but I guess a huge culture shock when going the other way.

Sorry your trip was rough, I'd suggest trying another trip right after school gets out here. The weather isn't yet humid in DC and their schools are still in session for nearly another month. You'll run into school groups at the museums but they are easily dodged. The zoo esp is really pleasant during early June and the metros pretty deserted during the day, stay away from rush hours though!

 

[Scurvy]

OP, I'm sorry you didn't have a good trip. It's been several years since I was in DC last but I remember it being a lovely place. It does get pretty chaotic in the spring, though!

I know where all the rude people on the monorail and busses get their training from. The metro rail in DC!! Not one person offered our 4 year old DD a seat while traveling on crowded trains. She had to hang on standing up and precariously braced against one of us while perfectly young healthy adults sat leisurely from stop to stop. Same thing on the tour bus we took yesterday. No one would move their bag from the seat to open up a place for our two youngest to sit and just looked at us like we were lepers when we asked if they minded.....of course they minded! What was I thinking???

I agree - the people who wouldn't move their bags were horribly rude! Seats are for people, not things. Those who didn't give their seats to children were not rude, of course. Typically the expectation is that children will sit on their parents' laps or stand in the aisle.

Tough to do when mom can't get a seat either. But I guess using your logic, if the ship is sinking, screw the children, they are young enough to swim. I will stick with good old fasioned manners and values.

Yikes! The train wasn't sinking. Getting a seat certainly wasn't a life or death issue. Traditional manners dictate that it is polite for people to give up their seat for those who they feel are more in need of it. Apparently those who were already sitting felt they needed the seat more than those who were standing. No one has the right to evaluate their reasons to see if they are good enough.

I know that having to stand on a moving bus, train or monorail probably comes as quite a shock to someone who isn't used to mass transportation. Unfortunately having to stand is the norm on most public transportation in busy cities or tourist destinations. If someone is unable or unwilling to stand on the train, then public transportation is probably not a good choice for them. They'd be better off getting a cab or renting a car. Individuals have to take responsibility for themselves when it comes to things like this. People aren't mind readers - if you get onto a bus when there's standing room only most people are probably going to assume that you feel you can stand. You assumed that many of those who had seats looked healthy and able bodied. They may or may not have been, but what's certain is that they were entitled to the seats just by virtue of claiming them first. Apparently they made the same assumption about your family that you made about them, and chose not to give up their seats. They had every right to do that; it doesn't make them rude at all.

 

[Planogirl]

It would depend on how the metro train is set up. On some forms of transport, just about everything you can hold onto is well above the reach of some small kids. They do need to be able to reach something!

I think that taking seats to hold bags is very rude though. I don't understand people like that at all.

 

[DisneyMim]

I grew up in a major city and used public transit throughout my childhood and young adulthood. I would never think of giving up a seat for a child. At the end of a long day people are tired and going home and most people don't even "see" people standing up, all they want is a seat themselves. Now for the old "bag in a seat" trick, this has been going on for eons. I would ask for them to please move their bag, or sometimes I would just move it myself and hand it to them. I guess it all depends on where you are from and what your experience has been. I know it can be a shock for people who aren't used to it. Sorry your trip wasn't what you thought it would be.

 

[Ohiodislover]

OP, I'm sorry you didn't have a good trip. It's been several years since I was in DC last but I remember it being a lovely place. It does get pretty chaotic in the spring, though!



I agree - the people who wouldn't move their bags were horribly rude! Seats are for people, not things. Those who didn't give their seats to children were not rude, of course. Typically the expectation is that children will sit on their parents' laps or stand in the aisle.


Yikes! The train wasn't sinking. Getting a seat certainly wasn't a life or death issue. Traditional manners dictate that it is polite for people to give up their seat for those who they feel are more in need of it. Apparently those who were already sitting felt they needed the seat more than those who were standing. No one has the right to evaluate their reasons to see if they are good enough.

I know that having to stand on a moving bus, train or monorail probably comes as quite a shock to someone who isn't used to mass transportation. Unfortunately having to stand is the norm on most public transportation in busy cities or tourist destinations. If someone is unable or unwilling to stand on the train, then public transportation is probably not a good choice for them. They'd be better off getting a cab or renting a car. Individuals have to take responsibility for themselves when it comes to things like this. People aren't mind readers - if you get onto a bus when there's standing room only most people are probably going to assume that you feel you can stand. You assumed that many of those who had seats looked healthy and able bodied. They may or may not have been, but what's certain is that they were entitled to the seats just by virtue of claiming them first. Apparently they made the same assumption about your family that you made about them, and chose not to give up their seats. They had every right to do that; it doesn't make them rude at all.

Well Said The OP is just upset that everyone didn't agree with his assessment of the situation.

OP--You do know you can always try waiting for the next bus/train to make sure you have a seat?

 

[solotraveler]

I wouldn't expect anyone to give a child a seat on a major city metro because the kids in that area are used to standing and commuting. It's a part of living there! Maybe it is not something you are used to, but I have seen the same thing in New York, Chicago, London, Rome, and Munich. It's a part of that city culture...

Exactly.

I'm sorry you had a bad experience in my city.

Having said that, it wouldn't occur to me to offer a seat to a 4 year old on the metro. I guess if I saw a tourist who was clearly anxious about their child standing, or a child who was falling asleep on their feet, I would, but a healthy alert 4 year old? By that age my 4 year old, had been commuting by metro to daycare for 2 years, and was delighted to be standing, twirling around the pole, walking up and down the train a little (didn't let him get too far from me of course). By 4 he also knew to give up his seat to moms with strollers (because it's nice to be able to be on level with your kid), or elderly people.

We take the PreK kids from our school on field trips on the metro frequently, and have kids standing all the time. There are bars within their reach on the back of every seat. It's also a train, not a bus, so there aren't sudden stops/starts, there's little side to side movement, and if they do fall, the floor is carpeted.

I would agree with this as well....

Spring break is always a tough time to visit DC. Of course I tend to think it pales in comparison to the insanity that comes into town mid-April to mid-May when every middle school in America brings their eighth grade class to town.

 

[sbell111]

then I you havent been to Washington, DC!! We took our four kids there this past few days and I cant even count the number of incidents we experienced! ...

The bulk of your post was about you thinking that people are rude just because they got somewhere before you did. They got a bus or train seat and you didn't, they were ahead of you in line, etc. I see these people as smarter, more prepared, or just plain quicker, but not rude. Would it have been nice of they gave you their seat or place in line? Sure. However, them not jumping to accomodate you doesn't make them rude.

It is rude for people to take up the entire sidewalk when there is oncomming traffic. However, I have been all over this planet and have never offended anyone by politely saying 'excuse me'. Methinks there is more to the story that caused you to get "cursed, kicked and shoved".

 

[sbell111]

It would depend on how the metro train is set up. On some forms of transport, just about everything you can hold onto is well above the reach of some small kids. They do need to be able to reach something!

The 4yo isn't riding alone. I assume that his parent would grab ahold of him.