Just back - a few observations

[danijake]

Another wonderful trip. Did notice a few things that if people used a little common sense, would avoid some issues that aggravate.

Scooter etiquette

- Putting two adults on a scooter along with 2-3 kids and driving around a crowded park is not a good or safe idea.
-Allowing young children to sit on your lap and steer the scooter also not a good idea.
-Parking your scooter overnight in the hotel's hallways creates potential hazards if an evacuation is needed. Take it into your room with you or park it downstairs with bell services.
-Leaving 2-3 scooters- with no one at all anywhere around parked lengthwise along the lake front or parade route to hold spaces for an hour or so for your family is rude. Some of us can and will move the unattended scooters and sit down. By the way - this was not in the scooter/wheelchair designated viewing areas so we were not encroaching into those areas.
-Smoking scootees- a scooter is not a free pass releasing you from all rules. If you smoke, scoot to the smoking areas, you don't get to scoot around and smoke as you drive and toss your lit cigarettes away- saw this 4 or 5 times and yes, I am a smoker who smoked in the designated areas.

Cell phones

-Should not need to be said, but using the cell phone on the attractions and in shows is extremely rude.
-Personally think there should be designated cell phone usage areas and ban thme everywhere else in the park!

CS restaurants

-When in line with your party of 4-8 people, the time to ask what does everyone want is BEFORE it is your turn to order.
-Changing dirty diapers in the restaurant at the table is disgusting. Watching you then eat a burger without washing your hands is sickening.

Hats

-When in a show, please remove your cowboy, mickey, goofy, tree hat so those behind you can see.
-By the way, if you choose to plop down in the middle of the row in the show with others coming behind you, yes the rest of us will walk and climb over you.

Smoking areas

-There are many more nonsmoking areas than smoking areas in the parks.
If you ar ea nonsmoker and sit down next to an ashtray surrounded by 6-8 people smoking and start complainig- you just look stupid.
Telling your children that the bad and nasty man is smoking is ignorant.
We smokers smoke in the designated areas and put up and shut up elsewhere. When nonsmokers enter the smoking area it is their turn to put up and shut up or move.

this was hysterical!!! really sad, but so funny. i can't believe the diaper thing.

 

[jt'smom]

I know I am going to catch **** for saying this....but we saw so many people that were just plain obese that just didn't want to walk. They could walk up the stairs to the resturants well enough. They could walk onto the rides well enough. They could ride and smoke very well too. I think Disney will end up having to make rules for the people who use the scooters to excess. The parking of them for instance...there were 50% more this trip than we saw two years ago. Some will run over you. They ride other members of their families on them too. I don't care a bit in the world to move over for the folks that really DO NEED this means of transportation.

Sorry to offend, but if you need them fine (just think of us walking folks & excercise courtesy) and if you CAN walk, but would rather ride (try walking, it is healthier).

[/QUOTE]


I totally agree with the original OP's points, but I always get tickled when this comes up about scooters. I happen to have a malignant brainstem tumor... yes, I'm terminally ill... I also happen to be fat, not just chubby, but pretty darn big, about 100lbs heavier than when I was diagnosed and had my first brain surgery. I won't bore you with my medical reasons for getting "plain obese", but suffice it to say you wouldn't notice the 96-stitch hockey stick shaped scar up the back of my head because I keep my hair over it. Anyways, my DH and I took my 12 year old DS to Disney for our "last big trip" this summer in August. Because of the things that I've read on this board about those, awful, lazy fat people using scooters, I refused to use one while I was there. The LAST thing I wanted my kid to remember was embarrassment from the way people looked and talked about me, you know, the fat lady on the scooter! In hindsight, I wish I had because it would made the trip so much more pleasurable (and a lot less painful). Since I'm no longer able to move around, I wouldn't have a choice now, but I know my Disney days are over anyway. At any rate, if I could do it all over again, I'd sit my big fat butt in a scooter and ride around with mickey bars in each hand, just so people like you could feel smugly superior!

 

[drew64]

Just want to say, I was not judging who needed/did not need a scooter which is none of my business. I think they need to be mindful of some things regardless of why they need it.

I did not mean it as a commentary on the validity of the scooter user at all.

 

[RayaniFoxmur]

Just want to say, I was not judging who needed/did not need a scooter which is none of my business. I think they need to be mindful of some things regardless of why they need it.

I did not mean it as a commentary on the validity of the scooter user at all.

No worries OP, I know I certainly did not get the impression that you were judging who needed/did not need a scooter.

 

[jt'smom]

Oh that's OK drew, I wasn't flaming you... I totally agree with you about people needing to be polite regardless of why they use them!

 

[M-I-C-K-E-Y]

 

[smidgy]

I think the OP meant "designated cell phone areas" toungue in cheek! there was a thread about "what is the weirdest/worst place at WDW your cell phone rang" and people responded with things like:
during the lion king show
in the middle of illuminations
during philharmagic
etc etc and they OFTEN said, "it was work, so I HAD to take it"
NO NO NO. turn OFF all cell phones DURING shows and attractions, including fireworks. put your phone on vibrate and return the call later. do NOT disturb others around you.

cell phone etiquette is a MUST.. everywhere. (as a waitress... when I am busy and have MANY table to serve, and taking an order,.. if someone's cell phone rings, I do NOT have time to stand at that particular table, in the middle of an order, waiting for that person to be through with thier cell phone conversation! ) and I definitely want to be causht up in the mood of the illuminations music, NOT hear you describing it, play by play, to your friend back home!

 

[angelmav]

OP, good observations. Doubt that were about to see a return to civility anytime soon, but you never know.

Its very sad that obesity has reached epidemic levels in this country and that there seems to be a skyrocketing use of scooters. We are not a very healthy nation, and I have my doubts about that changing anytime soon either.

 

[Disnsyncey]

I understand there are different types of "cell phone people" and some people use theirs different than me, but if I was on a trip with somebody, I would feel kinda ignored if my trip partners were on their phone most of the time (of COURSE I don't speak from experience ) but hey, at least I know who to travel with the next time!......yeah, if you are gonna be on the phone most of the time with people from home, why leave them in the first place?

oh, and about responsible use of things with wheels.....dude, I have gotten BRUISES on my shins and calves cuz of crazy stroller people!! I guess some people are oblivious to the world around them......

 

[mrsksomeday]

I do agree that there should be some designated places to park scooters and there DEFINITELY should be some better enforcement of more than one person riding an ECV. I've seen one of the three wheel ones tip with someone in them and a child in their lap. Talk about scary!

I think Disney can enforce the one person on an ECV rule if it is an ECV they have rented, they can't enforce it if it was rented from an outside company. I think it is very unsafe as well. Also children should not be driving them.

I totally agree with the original OP's points, but I always get tickled when this comes up about scooters. I happen to have a malignant brainstem tumor... yes, I'm terminally ill... I also happen to be fat, not just chubby, but pretty darn big, about 100lbs heavier than when I was diagnosed and had my first brain surgery. I won't bore you with my medical reasons for getting "plain obese", but suffice it to say you wouldn't notice the 96-stitch hockey stick shaped scar up the back of my head because I keep my hair over it. Anyways, my DH and I took my 12 year old DS to Disney for our "last big trip" this summer in August. Because of the things that I've read on this board about those, awful, lazy fat people using scooters, I refused to use one while I was there. The LAST thing I wanted my kid to remember was embarrassment from the way people looked and talked about me, you know, the fat lady on the scooter! In hindsight, I wish I had because it would made the trip so much more pleasurable (and a lot less painful). Since I'm no longer able to move around, I wouldn't have a choice now, but I know my Disney days are over anyway. At any rate, if I could do it all over again, I'd sit my big fat butt in a scooter and ride around with mickey bars in each hand, just so people like you could feel smugly superior!

I am so sorry for the ignorant people out there that try to speak about things they know nothing about. There are many medical conditions that could cause a person to gain weight, not be able to walk for long distances, and need an ECV. I am sorry you didn't feel comfortable enough because of judgemental people to get an ECV for your comfort on your trip.

 

[magicalfoursome]

The hat thing drives me nuts! Why does someone need to keep their hat on in an indoor show/3D movie? It is usually someone really tall and they never fail to sit in front of one of my children.

 

[bunnysmum]

I can't help but wonder if those people so opposed to others using ECV's would feel the same way if THEY had a hidden disability that caused others to look at THEM and say, "Why do they need a scooter? I just saw them walk onto the ride??"

Come on, people! Ability / disability is not an all or nothing thing. It's not as if everyone can either walk just fine (with no pain, no muscle fatigue, etc) or they are totally unable to walk at all. There's a wide spectrum of ability.

Keep in mind, too, that some people have medical conditions that make it very hard for them to get exercise, resulting in extra weight.

Often times, it's a "which came first" scenario: am I riding a scooter because I'm overweight, and thus, just "too lazy to walk", OR am I overweight because I have a medical condition that prevents me from getting adequate exercise (and perhaps even causes weight gain and / or water retention)?

Just something to think about.

It always amazes me how quick others are to judge about this sort of thing, how quick we are to find find fault in others. For better or for worse, I am more inclined to give others the benefit of the doubt.

Incidently, I myself can walk just fine, a fact for which I am very grateful.

 

[quantumottle]

Another wonderful trip. Did notice a few things that if people used a little common sense, would avoid some issues that aggravate... <snip>

For the record drew64, I agree with basically everything you have said here. However, I think it's important to note that nothing on your list of observations is directly related to "Disney World" per se. Rather, I see your list is an observation of the further decline of American society.

People use cell phones inappropriately in movie theatres everyday, constantly. People are not thoughtful of others behind them in lines everyday, constantly. I could make this same statement regarding each comment in your list.

Sadly, you could see this type of behavior almost anywhere in our country today and everyday (OK, I guess you got me with the diaper on the table thing, but other than that). It's so very, very sad.

_____________________________


... Oh, and one more thing, to the person who commented about overweight people using scooters when they don't really need them - I'm not taking sides either way, but - am I the only one who had a image of the people scooting around on the cruise ship in Wall-E? I'm ashamed of myself for thinking that, especially when you consider that I am pooh-sized myself. LOL!

 

[mmmbop]

Last time I went to a movie (admittedly, it was a LONG time ago - around 1.5 years ago) there were several people using cell phones. Rude? Sure. But is it going to change? Doubtful. Would I expect any different at WDW than my local movie theater? Not a chance. But when I did go in Feb/March, there wasn't one person that talked on an attraction - around me, anyways. Sure, I'm guilty of talking to people as I'm walking around the parks. My calls usually are to family or friends who want to meet up or something. I'll talk in line to let them know where I am, and decide a meeting place. I would never think of limiting cell phone usage -- except during shows. But in lines? Sorry. Yes, the teen infront of you in line who has her cell phone glued to her ear can be annoying but I'm sure you (not directed to anyone in particular) did some obnoxious things when you were that age

And as for the ECV thing... I want to say so much, but as a PP said, hidden disabilities. My grandmother is large, but can only walk about 20 steps before having to sit down. Should she be deprived of her happy place because she CAN walk onto a ride, but not walk all over a park? Would she be allowed to use an ECV if she couldn't walk at all? The only place she feels "independent" is at WDW.
Y'know, except when people see my grandmother and notice she left a space between her and the person in front of her to make sure she didn't hit them - and someone moves in front of her to get one step closer to Space Mountain - then complain that an ECV hit them when they jumped in front of it.
And for the record, I've been hit more times with strollers than ECVs. Seriously, people with strollers, it won't make the person in front of you move any faster if you ram your stroller into their ankles a dozen times. Some lady rammed her stroller into me one year, causing me to fall and twist my ankle. That was a lovely day -- not even a sorry. Just kept going. Nice.


But, definitely ew to the diaper changing. Glad you had a good trip to WDW though

 

[Mr. & Mrs. Smith]

OP, I find it interesting that you stated you had a wonderful trip to WDW but instead of talking about what made it wonderful, you chose to focus on trivial annoyances that have already been discussed ad nauseum on this board. I, for one, would be much more interested to hear about the positive elements of your WDW experience. All that a thread like this does is conjure up old heated arguments.

I do have a problem with judging people to be "just too lazy to walk" because they're obese and using a scooter.

For the record, I agree. I am not obese but I am pregnant. Next month during our WDW vacation, I'll be 6 months pregnant. We already plan to rent a wheelchair for me. Many people might not agree with this and may certainly look at me funny. I don't care. It's up to us as individuals to do what we need to in order to be comfortable and happy.

 

[kmvand1]

I couldn't agree with the OP more on the scooter issue. This past September, the abuse of scooters was the worst I have ever seen it at Disney. So many aggressive drivers literally running up on people's heels, stopping suddenly, carrying children around blocking their views, it was horrible. I am sorry, but if someone runs up on me or my family member's heels, they are going to hear from me!

 

[MikeyUVM]

I'm going to add my two cents even though no one asked for them...

I personally don't care if someone uses a scooter around the parks. I'm well aware of hidden disorders that can necessitate the use of a scooter, but wouldn't be made apparent unless you have a personal relationship with the person in question. However, I do preach for the responsible use of scooters. A couple of the posters have highlighted individuals who have hopped on their scooter after a show and nearly hurt people in the process due to disregard for the crowd that surrounds them.

I have to share one anecdote about the scooters though that really irked me. Last year I was in the parks a few days before the marathon. I saw two marathon runners (clearly were, I'm not stereotyping, I am a marathon runner!) riding along in scooters with complete and utter disregard for the crowd flow; weaving in and out of people and expecting people to get out of their way. Frankly, very dangerous stuff. I just have to add that I'm running the marathon this year and will be in the parks the full week prior to race day and I have zero intention of renting a scooter. It's just that I found that to be disgusting and rude. Those are the types of people who use the scooters that give a bad name to people with hidden disorders who really need them, and make other people look at scooter riders with a more critical eye.

As for cell phone use. If you're in a dark ride or a show, treat it like you would at the movies: turn it off, turn it on vibrate, or for the love of god...DON'T PICK IT UP. With that being said, I think a cell phone can be very useful to have so you can pass the time in some of the lines; especially if you have a phone such as a blackberry. A lot of the time you and whomever you are with can find entertaining things on the internet that don't necessarily bring you out of the moment. Furthermore, you can often use it to plan your next step. For instance, I have all my ADRs and park schedules programmed into my calendar in my phone; something that my messy handwriting wouldn't allow for me to carry around a piece of paper.

Long winded, yes. Good points? Well, maybe.

 

[RMulieri]

I have to agree on the op assessment of cell phone use in attractions.On my trip in Sept i went on Soarin, the guy nest to me talked on his phone( or tried to) the whole RIDE! I say tried to because it was loud in there so he resorted to yelling into his phone.It was very rude , and inconsiderate. I also saw this behavior by a woman on POC( which other riders effectively ended the converstion for her).You can't restrict usage in the parks...but phones in the rides,theaters, and even in the restaurants is rude and distracting.I once had a woman flip on me because she was talking on the cell phone in the bathroom, and I flushed the toilet ,interrupting her conversation!

 

[MKhead72]

Just a few quick things about all of this....... the smoking sections thing is one that gets me too. I am a smoker, and always use the smokers section and try to stand far away in it as possible to keep my smoke away from the non smokers as I can. Just to have someone walk by and give the rude look or the rude comment, kinda gets under my skin. I'm trying not to bother you with the smoke, that's the best I can do. , The other thing is the scooters, I believe if you need it, then I'm glad you have it to make your trip more pleasent for you. I know if I needed one I would be glad to use it as often as I could. But on the flip side, I have also seen the scooters used often without respect and have had my ankle run over by one, while I was taking a picture of the wishing well, and was told by the driver " well, thats not a good place to just stand " So if you do have one, use it, but use it with respect and enjoy your time. And one last thing, am I the only one, or do some of you feel like cattle being herded when your in front of a stroller ? I mean sometimes it's like they are pushing you to go faster, the faster you go the closer they get. People with strollers also please try to be respectful, remember it's for the comfort of your child and yourself, not a battering ram, or a cattle herder !
And as far as the diaper thing I'm not even going there....

 

[ChrisandDon'sMommy]

Hello, the scooter scene in Wall-E was placed there for a reason.

Of course, if you have a true disability (diagnosed, not imagined), you are not the point of discussion; but, if you are the "lazy" stereotype, the implication is on you. While pregnancy can be uncomfortable at times, it's not a disability, ladies. IMO, a wheelchair is a bit much, stop and sit, if necessary.

The OP's points are hilarious and seriously illustrative of this country with regard to social norms now. Ignorance and ill manners are totally in,