Is Disney just for kids?

[Kallison]

I don't think it is a childless or with kids issue, it is just plain rude people in general. We had the opposite happen, we were coming out of AK and stumbled across a character, the kids were lining up to take a picture and a grown woman, no kids came running up, jumped up and down had her picture taken while my kids were standing there literally dumbfounded with their mouths hanging open. By the time she was done, the character was swamped with other kids and families while my kids were pushed out of the way. We just shook our heads and walked away. My DD then about 6 at the time said "Mom why would a grown up butt her way in front of us?" Where we aggravated -- yes, but would I let it ruin my trip -- no?

 

[jeffemy]

I've also noticed this entitlement attitude some parents have. I have children albeit they are older. MY DS is 15 but my 10yr old DD still loves the characters, parades all the things the little ones adore. We encountered parents at the Lion King show whose son was around 5yrs, and the entire show they were trying to push him past us(I guess they thought he could be picked to participate even though others were already chosen). Anyway, he kept stepping on our feet and distracting us until I finally just turned to them and asked them to please keep him in his seat!

I agree that rude people are rude whether they have kids or not. The rude ones with kids are just passing it along.

My absolute worst experience though has to be in THE Muppets show when walking into the theater an older woman literally pushed me aside saying "get out of my way!". I was too shocked to say or do anything

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

Yeah, some people just don't appreciate the kindness of others either.
I remember one instance where I was waiting in line for a character (to get an autograph for my kids in their book... I rarely got any pictures of myself with the characters- only a select few. LOL) and they had two characters near one another with lines for each one. Well, when one child finished with one character he ran over to the character I was in line for (and next to go up to him) instead of going to the back of that line and the parent asked if he could get the autograph just real quick (she acted like she was embarrassed that her son had done that and started to call him back to her) and I said no problem (I really had no choice at that time- he was already getting the autograph! so I might as well be nice about it- atleast the mother didn't act like her child was ENTITLED to jump in front of the line like that.)

I stepped back to let him do so and then they wanted a photo so I stepped aside a little also so I wouldn't be in the pic since the lady was practically standing behind me to take his pic! But when he was done the next group of people (with children) behind me in line started going up there to the character! I said I'm sorry, I'm next in line and they said "you got out of line".
I beg pardon.. I did not! I was right there in front of them still and they had to practically shove me out of the way to get around me.

Needless to say, not being one to be shoved around like that I walked right up to the character faster than they did and asked if he could please sign my children's autograph book QUICKLY because the family behind me obviously was in a really really big hurry. (I kinda chuckled and the character acted like he was laughing also) I bet that family didn't get the hint though. They were mumbling and rolling their eyes and I heard atleast one comment about how the characters were for the kids anyway... what was I doing there in the line ALOOOONNNE.

*me rolling my eyes now just thinking about it*

As IF I'm supposed to lose my space in line just because the other child jumped in front of me from the other character? I don't think so!

 

[disneefamily]

Disnee Dad Says...............................You just need to play the game. We do. I'm all for getting kids the best views, and we always do this. We always block off more space than we need, so when we see the deer in the headlights parents, as in what do we do, at least the kids get a good view.
Use arms on hips, it can block about 5 feet of space.
We had trouble with a family from Brazil back in 2001. You gotta fight fire with fire. The more they tried to push in, the more I moved them to the left. Wife was my right flank, like mind reading, she knew what to do. Protect the right flank. Once we got them behind a streetlamp, wife slides in front of me, and we make room for 3 or 4 kids! And it all happened by pure chance of course, no planning at all! lol.... I should have been a general!

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

LOL
Bibbidy says... I always enjoy disneedad's posts.

 

[mzmickey]

It is such a shame to see that we all share similar stories. Too bad there wasn't some Disney Magic that could make rudeness disappear.

We never let these actions ruin our trip, after all, we're in Disney! But I will tell you this, it is some of the best birth control that you could ask for on your honeymoon. When we do finally have kids, respect will be a daily lesson for them as I never want to see my kids act in such a manner as some of the stories I have seen here.

Disneyfamilee, I love your plan of action and a lot of times we have had to implement a plan similar to that. But my problem with that is that I am on vacation, I am supposed to be relaxing, I deal with enough of that crap in the local mall or on the local parkway in rush hour, I don't want to have to fight for something that I paid a lot of money to enjoy, just as much as the person who is pushing me out of the way.

Thanks for understanding and letting me vent about this. It just came to mind because I finally uploaded that character picture and it reminded me of that whole experience.

 

[aunties]

I have only run into this issue once, many years ago. I was in line to have a character autograph a hat for my 7 year old niece who had just been diagnosed with leukemia. When little ones ran in front of me, I just smiled and let them go ahead. But, when this obnoxious father told me I had no right being there without little kids as this was for them, not adults and pushed me aside, I lost it. It didn't help that I was a chaperone for 70+ teenagers and hadn't slept in days. I asked him how he would feel if his little niece was was critcally ill and asked only for a hat autographed by the characters just in case she died before she got to meet them herself and he couldn't get it done because he met the most hideous and obnoxious person in the world. The response was amazing. Quite a few people told him off better than I did. The character came over and gave me a hug and made a big deal about signing the hat. And one little one also gave me a hug and told me to tell my niece to get better. The good news is, my niece is now 17 and heading to college in the fall.

 

[PamNC]

I couldn't agree with you more! We don't have kids and have encountered the exact same thing. Also, parents letting their kids hoop and holler in the resorts late at night and run through the halls screaming. My parents would never have let me behave like that.

PamNC

 

[TREEFROG00]

I agree that its not people with kids, its just rude people, whether they have kids or not.

Example, I was at EPCOt with a friend and we decided to sit on a bench 2 hours before the fireworks to secure a good seat. Thirty minutes before the show was to start a lady (in her 70's) came in and squeezed herself between the bench and the rail guard in front of us!! That's about what 10 inches? Why should she be intitled to a better view than I? Because she is older? Normally I would have given her my seat but, she could have had the same seat if she took 2 hours out of her day to wait too. Does this mean I will have to wait 40 years before I am entitled to a good view?

 

[Pirate Mickey]

Wow Aunties, I wish I could have been there to see his reaction. Great response but even better is the current news on your niece.

 

[gonga]

My husband and I do not have children and we love WDW as we go every year. We too have encountered many rude people. My biggest pet peeve is STROLLERS, they should not be used as a battering ram to push thru the crowds. Having children does not entitle you to pushing ahead, I have noticed parents actually pushing the child ahead of people while they stay in the background and catch up to them, using the kid as a pawn - nice maneuver (I guess they figure whos going to say something to a little kid)! Also, the large groups that insist on walking 7 or more across, blocking you in completely and walking at a snails pace. If I ever walked that slow I would be dead! Then they All stop walking and you almost knock them over. They do not care about anyone else or even realize there IS anyone else, it stinks when you are trying to get to the monorail. Since Disney draws people from all walks of life, the chances of encountering rudeness is much higher then say a shopping mall. We try to do the "Grown Up Disney" which I call it. Staying at the GF, I find there are less children, visiting in the early spring after recess and before school is out or in the early fall b4 Thanksgiving and dining in the sit down restaurants. Disney is for everyone, meaning kids of all ages. If you choose your strategy, you can reduce the rude factor.

 

[Pirate Mickey]

I'd like to second that snail-paced wall of people that seem to have no clue they are taking the entire walkway.

We are a family that uses a stroller and do not use it as a battering ram. We do however find that people see a stroller coming and use this as a chance to cut over in front of us as an opportunity to pass. I use the driving scenario since pushing a stroller through the large crowds reminds me of rush hour traffic. Everyone wants to be in front of the big trucks.

 

[eeyore0062]

Yes, we have encountered the "7 across" roadblock... or how about when the whole group stops dead in front of you to look at a map? If they get hit by a stroller, it certainly isn't the person's fault who was driving the stroller! Don't they see all of the nicely placed benches along the sidewalks, were they can go read their maps, make their plans, and not have to worry about clogging up the arteries or being hit by unsuspecting guests walking behind them.

 

[Claudia Kellenberger]

I have noticed quite a few times that a kid will cut in line by a few people, pause, and then cut in again by a few more people, until he cut way up in the line. Then Mom and Dad act like they need to catch up with the KID, instead of calling the kid to get closer to THE PARENTS ! I can't help but wonder if the family planned it that way. I've seen it way too many times !

 

[jeleebeene]

I am not really one for getting autographs, but I love getting my picture taken with the characters. Last year, I just HAd to get my picture taken with Stitch - I was a little nervous that someone would say something to DH and I since we didn't have little ones with us, but there were other adult only guests standing in line as well, so it put my mind at ease.

Everyone is entitled to whatever they want at WDW, wether it is an autograph or a picture. There is also something called waiting your turn, which some people need to learn all over again.

We just had a conversation at work regarding singles wanting to do something where children weren't present, that the company always does family things. HELLO - just what are they suggesting? The company gives us free local zoo passes and I personally don't call that a children's only place. We get to go to Dollywood for free, and that isn't a child's only place, either.

WDW isn't just for children and their families. It was created for children and children at heart to enjoy together. My eyes sparkle just like anyone's when I see the castle twinkling at night, or the fireworks blasting off into the night sky.

WDW is for everyone, children or adults alike.

I AM a child - at heart

 

[yesdisneyfool]

Originally posted by jeleebeene
WDW isn't just for children and their families. It was created for children and children at heart to enjoy together. My eyes sparkle just like anyone's when I see the castle twinkling at night, or the fireworks blasting off into the night sky.

WDW is for everyone, children or adults alike.

I AM a child - at heart

This is me.

My responses to rude is,
(To the Line cutter) It's OK with me if it's OK with those in line behind me. OR The lines back there, I missed it at first too.
(To the Stroller that accidently hit me) I'm sorry if I was walking so slow, you should have asked me to move.
(To the Chorus Line) I will walk up to the middle and politely say "Excuse Me"

DW says I'm just acting like the rude people buy doing this things, but it make me feel good and maybe just maybe they will be considerate to the next person.

 

[gonga]

yesdisneyfool, I know you are speaking of the innocent which of whom do not realize they are being rude. But then again isn't consideration actually realization of others around you?? When walking 7 across at a snails pace, do you not notice others trying to get around you? Or are you just choosing to ignore other guests trying to make their way? After waiting for 45 to 60 minutes on a long hot line for a 3 minute ride don't you find it almost absurd that someone does know where the end of the line is,espically in WDW where everything is "stupid friendly"? I think that rude people know that they being offensive, and they give it a try. The reason being is how many poeple call anyone out on being rude, pushing the line, cutting ahead....most likely the ones beining offended "suffer in silence" make a face or whisper a remark to their mate. I choose to politely say something, most people are shocked that you said something so while their mouths are gaping open, I go about my way and say Thank You. The only excuse for rudeness is selfishness. If we were all a little less selfish, there would be less rude people. Until that time comes, speak up politely, stake your ground, and do not enable rude behavior.

 

[Snoozan]

I just got back yesterday and ran into the "entitled children" phenomenon for the first time this trip. My DH and I waited about 45 minutes on the bridge by France for an unobstructed view of Illuminations. About 2 minutes before the show began, 2 strollers parked behind us and the Mom sent her kids up to the fence-to "get in front of those big people". Needless to say, I politely told the older boy I was not moving as I'd been saving my spot for quite a while. I didn't feel badly at all that the kids didn't get to sit in front on me. For years I've waited patiently with all my family members present on the curb to save our spots for parades. I would never have dreamed of expecting other people to part with their seats for my children.

 

[grinningghost]

Disney World is for everyone - from infants to great grannies. It's sad that there are people who can manage to be rude, even at WDW. I don't know about you, but when I get there, I instantly transform into a much happier person - it would be a real drag to put on a sour face and act like a crab. I wouldn't hesitate to let a child stand in front of me at a parade if I'm asked nicely, or I'd even be inclined to suggest a child stand in front of me so they can see better - but don't force it on me - that's just rude.

 

[zakatak]

Another rude thing... walking in front of you and your children, then putting a kid on their shoulders! Happens every time we try to watch the Castle Show... We leave our children in the stroller (below other's eye level) and then people walk IN FRONT of them, with balloons and put their kids on their shoulders! Hello!!! IF you want your kid on your shoulders, fine... stand at the BACK OF THE audience! Geez!

Oye!

Done.

Thanks for listening.

Karen