Inspired by all the "holding" threads that are on several boards.

[disneyjunkie]

How do you feel about family and/or friends holding parade spots for others while they are off enjoying the park?

I've read about people doing this in the MK and Epcot. In Epcot people get a table in Mexico hours before Illuminations so that they'll have a great view of the show. A few family members stay at the table while the rest are off enjoying the park then they switch off.

I know the same thing happens at the train station in MK.

What about ground space for spectromagic? Is it really fair to hold space for others while they are enjoying other parts of the park?

On our last night at WDW in 2001, two young ladies got rather upset with me when DS and I sat in a space they were holding. There was a huge gap between them. (they didn't have anything in the space)They said they were waiting for 15others to show up so that they could watch the parade together. They said there were kids in the group, some eating and some riding rides.

Why do people feel it is ok to do this?

 

[safetymom]

I don't think it is right to hold spaces. If you want a front row seat then you should get there early and sit down.

I show up at the last minute and usually get a decent spot. It is good enough for me because I don't like to sit for any length of time waiting.

Isn't that what the front row is all about at parades, it's the ones that get their early that get the best spots? Not for people that show up at the last minute because somebody held seats for them.

I can't wait to see the responses for this one.

 

[CamColt]

Originally posted by disneyjunkie
I've read about people doing this in the MK and Epcot. In Epcot people get a table in Mexico hours before Illuminations so that they'll have a great view of the show. A few family members stay at the table while the rest are off enjoying the park then they switch off.
B]

You hit a sore spot with me there. Last year we had planned to have dinner at the Cantina(I was dying for Mexican food), and we got there before 8:00. There wasnt a table to be found. Most tables were full with people not even eating. If people were eating and finished up a little early and decided to wait, that would be fine, but these people were sitting there well over an hour in advance with no food. Some older people had coffee. Here we were with 4 kids trying to find a place to sit so we could eat and no luck. I think CMS should make sure people sitting there are eating there. The restaurant lost out on at least 7 cutomers because there were no seats, and not because they restaurant was busy.

 

[UKAnnie]

I think there's a world of difference holding seats for those who have just left for a few minutes to visit the bathroom or buy a snack before a show, but it's wrong to save seats for those who are away enjoying themselves on rides for an hour or so.

I always wish I had the nerve to just sit in the empty space and say 'tough'!

Re the tables at the Cantina - I would just ask a CM to clear me a space if I wanted to eat. Let them get confrontational with these people.

Ann.

 

[beattyfamily]

In a way this is similar to the line cutting where you are in line but leave to run to the bathroom and come back to the line; many say it's wrong as we saw in the other thread!

If a family of 4 arrives 1/2 hr early for the parade and 2 of them run to the bathroom or to get a drink, many might say it's wrong too...

I think it all relative. If there's 2 girls holding space for 15 girls, then I think that's wrong, but if it's two girls saving 1 or 2 spots for people who ran to the bathroom or to get a drink, I don't think it's wrong.

I must admit my family of 4 have done this. My DH and one DD will stay in the spots with our stroller and backpack to help save the spots while I bring other DD to the bathroom or to get a drink. Sorry if that offends anyone.

I definitely think what the other posters have described is going on in that restaurant in Epcot is very wrong and the restaurant should definitely crack down.

 

[kilee]

The Cantina/Illuminations thing is wrong. Those tables are there for the restuarant patrons not for Illuminations viewing. Disney really needs to enforce that.

As for parade spot holding. We are a family of 3. We always stake our spot about 45 minutes before the parade. We don't always all sit there. Usually we get our spot. Then I'll go to the bathroom and get drinks/snacks (as we always use this 45 minutes to snack). Then after our snacks are done, before the crowds begin getting thick, dh will go smoke--- then he returns--- and we all wait. Usually this is still a good 20-25 minutes before the parade.

I have never had anyone say anything to me about it. I know that doesn't mean they approve. I for one do it, I admit it, and I really don't think we are in the wrong. We use this as our time to rest and relax. I can't always "hold it" for the 45 minutes before the parade, and the 30 minutes to wait to get to the bathroom after the parade. I however, wouldn't hold all sorts of places for my family if they weren't coming back until the last minute and were going to have to push through all sorts of crowds.

 

[disneyjunkie]

I agree that holding a parade spot while others go get a snack or use the restroom is fine. I have a problem the idea of leaving grandma to guard a space while everyone else is off riding Space Mountain or Test Track.

 

[jeffemy]

Originally posted by CamColt
You hit a sore spot with me there. Last year we had planned to have dinner at the Cantina(I was dying for Mexican food), and we got there before 8:00. There wasnt a table to be found. Most tables were full with people not even eating. If people were eating and finished up a little early and decided to wait, that would be fine, but these people were sitting there well over an hour in advance with no food. Some older people had coffee. Here we were with 4 kids trying to find a place to sit so we could eat and no luck. I think CMS should make sure people sitting there are eating there. The restaurant lost out on at least 7 cutomers because there were no seats, and not because they restaurant was busy.

Just curious, but if you had found a table before 8:00, would you have remained there even after you were finished eating to watch the illuminations? As far as the people who weren't eating, how do you know they hadn't been and just finished a few minutes before you arrived? I mean what exactly is the appropriate amount of time where it would be justifiable to remain at your table not eating-1/2 hr., 1 hr ? Sounds more like a case of people not having the foresight enough to arrive a little earlier and then crying sour grapes.

I will say we ate there around 7:30, after the meal, the kids had churros, while DH & I had margaritas. Suffice it to say we spent our share of dineros at the Cantina and we stayed for the illuminations. Some of the people around us ate, some just had drinks, some had nothing at all. IMO, that is the way it is, you know it is like that, it is your choice if you want to get there earlier or take your chances. Obviously the people who eat there that late, do so with the intention of watching illuminations from that area, so if at 7:30, we didn't get a table, we would have just moved on instead of begrudging someone else because they beat us to the punch. JMO.

 

[peachgirl]

Since there's no rule regarding either saving spots for parades or minimum order requirements at the restaurants, I don't see a problem.

Everyone knows up front that if you want prime viewing spots for the parade, you have to stake out your spot long before the parade starts. I figure if 1 person in a group of however many wants to sacrifice themselves to hold a spot for hours...they earned it. It's the people that come in at the last second and toss their kids in front of me without even bothering to ask that bother me the most. That and those who think if there's a 1 inch space between me and the curb that it's enough for them to wiggle into.

 

[kilee]

The space takers really irk me too. I mean I'm not going to take up prime curb space with my bags. So please don't insisit on having your thighs or your childs sticky fingers on top of me because you seem to think your 40 inch hips are going to fit in the 6 inch opening! I've been there for an hour those few inches to the side of me are personal space.

 

[CamColt]

Jeffemy, what you did was absolutely right. You were using the table for what its there for.

That was my plan. Knowing my kids we would have been over an hour eating thats why we timed it around then. It wasnt that I didnt have the foresight to get there early. I wouldnt have minded sitting there for 3 hours, however I feel that would have been very rude of me, if we were only eating for half that time.

Maybe I didnt know "it is like that". If the tables were in a public area in the park, then I wouldnt have a problem with it, but I was under the impression the tables were for the restaurant and what got me was that the majority of people there were not eating...and there were people(more besides us) who wanted to eat and couldnt. Nevermind the whole Illuminations thing, we were hungry, LOL!

And we did see some people finishing up and removing trash from their table. They then returned to sit at their table and they werent budging(this was now about 8:00). IMO at any restaurant, whether you are waiting for a view of something, or not, to totally finish your meal(dessert, drinks etc..) and tie up a table for over an hour is just rude. But, thats JMO, so take it FWIW.

 

[Eeyore2U]

I think if you can hold the spaces you need for a parade, go for it. If someone leaves and you lose the space, oh well. This reminds me of the "Chalk People." It's wrong to draw a chalk circle and think you own the space. I think spreading your junk out is just as wrong.

I have an issue with people thinking that just because they have toddler that I should move since it is their god given right to show up 5 minutes before the parade and get the space I've been for an hour.

 

[MPLsDad]

What about people who are at Fantasmic 2 hrs early in line holding spots for others...Is it so different than those holding tables at the World Showcase? Yes, the WS tables and benches are mostly in food areas, but technically you can purchase food and snacks in Fantasmic too.

On the other hand, isn't FastPass doing the same thing as a physical body waiting in line. FastPass allows you to return and get in front of all those who have come after. Isn't Disney encouraging this behavior?

But isn't cutting in line not tolerated at the parks. If someone is in line, and others are not, how can those who come after be allowed in?

What is the answer?

I do not know - However, if any tour groups attempt to get in front of my family, then someone is going down and it won't be anyone in my party!

 

[peachgirl]

I have an issue with people thinking that just because they have toddler that I should move since it is their god given right to show up 5 minutes before the parade and get the space I've been for an hour.

I wish I had said that! You know, I think the next Disney trip I make, I'm going to borrow someone's 2 yr old to take with me.


On second thought......nah..

On the other hand, isn't FastPass doing the same thing as a physical body waiting in line. FastPass allows you to return and get in front of all those who have come after. Isn't Disney encouraging this behavior?

Yeah, and isn't it great? Officially sanctioned line cutting! I love it!!

 

[jeffemy]

Camcolt,

Hope I didn't come off as being too abrupt. We've watched illuminations from the Cantina several different times now, and each was similar in that some people only used the tables for the sole purpose to view the show. We've always eaten there, because I would have felt funny if we didn't, but when so many don't, I have no problem with sitting there however long if that is what I choose to do. I'd much rather people stake their spots early than rush in at the last minute expecting to have prime viewing areas, they are the ones IMO, who are being rude when they try to push themselves into your space. I do see your point about simply wanting a place to sit and eat, and to that I can commiserate with you. If it makes you feel better, I have read about families who have a PS for the Rose & Crown and finish their meals well before illuminations, yet remain over an hour to view the show. (whether that is a fact, I can't say)

If we decide to watch a parade, we get our spots early so we have a good view. If someone else chooses to ride the attractions 15 mins prior to parade time and than expect to get a good spot, than they are SOL. That is the way it is! I traded off by waiting for a better seat as opposed to taking in attractions. Some people just want it all, and what's worse, think they are entitled at other's expense!

 

[MPLsDad]

I payed handsomely for 3 Fantasmic dinner packages last Christmas - got plenty of food from Mama Melrose's and got an okay seat for Fantasmic.

On another night, we had PS for R&C, got waterside table and idled for about 45 minutes after our meal, perhaps spending an extra couple of dollars on a pint waiting for IllumiNations! to start.

Hmmmmm....

You guys are confusing me! But I'm participating in this thread in the spirit of fun and harmless banter!

 

[baloo722]

my family goes & gets a spot 1 & 1/2 hours before some parades. we sit down, have a snack & a drink. we have 3 little ones (7,5,2) we then take turns either going by our selves for a mental health break into the stores or potty or taking the little ones to do some browsing in the stores or to the potty. The person or people behind saves the seats. we were there 1st, & we will be there when the parade starts. nothing wrong with it, & we will not be nice to those who squeeze in our kids at the last minute, either.

 

[jeffemy]

Originally posted by MPLsDad
I payed handsomely for 3 Fantasmic dinner packages last Christmas - got plenty of food from Mama Melrose's and got an okay seat for Fantasmic.

On another night, we had PS for R&C, got waterside table and idled for about 45 minutes after our meal, perhaps spending an extra couple of dollars on a pint waiting for IllumiNations! to start.

Hmmmmm....

You guys are confusing me! But I'm participating in this thread in the spirit of fun and harmless banter!

I see nothing wrong with either side!

 

[jacncaitsmom]

My 2 cents.....

I have a problem with the people who butt in after I have been sitting there waiting patiently with my children for the parade or fireworks. We may take turns to wander about here and there or in the past my husband has taken my son on Space Mountain while my daughter (to small) and I held the spot for the parade. But I don't appreciate the rudeness of people who come 5 minutes before the parade starts and squeeze into a spot that is not really there. They push and shove my children and others to make a spot. What does this teach our children? BUT, that being said...... we have the opportunity to go quite often. I smile and hope that these people are here for the first time in their life and probably will never be back. I move aside and give them the opportunity to see the parade/fireworks that we have already seen numerous times. Am I too nice? Maybe....but I guess I follow the "do unto others". And I am much happier in the end because I do not get all worked up and angry over something I can't control.

 

[musicmom3]

I was at Spectromagic about an hour early in February so that I would be in good position to photograph DD's marching band as it strode toward the castle. About ten minutes before the parade, a mother pushed to the street, placed her three young children sitting in the road, and went to stand directly behind me. Eventually the kids were told to move out of the street by CMs, but they didn't actually move, just scooted back hard into my knees. More CMs came by and told them to move, and then told ME to move them, assuming I was their mom. I told the CMs I wasn't their mom, and then helped explain to the kids that for their own safety they HAD to get out of the street. Oh the looks from the kids! One even asked me if I would move so they could sit down. Meanwhile, the mom of these kids was behind me pretending she didn't know the kids. After the kids were sent back to their mom by the CMs, the mom started to bang me "accidentally" with her shopping bag. I'm talking seven or eight times before I finally turned around and asked her to stop. At that point, I saw where her kids had learned "the look."