Just back...the good, the bad, and the tour groups!

[WEDWDW]

I wonder if the Olympics has anthing to do with the low attendance this month?

The 15s are all headed back to school and the Super Greeters are preparing to leave as well .

 

[Kona65]

Very good report of your trip. I do agree with you that the CM's are not as professional as in the past. We have spoken with true Disney employee's and find that the one's that show the least amount of respect for the customer and their job are the one's that have a contract with another company instead of with Disney. These I would classify as the outsource group. They just don't seem to have the pride of working for Disney. They are just employed for the pay check, not the overall Disney Experience. The true Disney employee's are still a joy to be around.

 

[Klayfish]

Tour groups don't bother me at all. They are kids having fun. Does it annoy you when you hear kids screaming at the beach/park/etc. Ever been to Chucky Cheese?

What bothers us are the scooter users who allow their children/grandchildren to ride on their lap while maneuvering through the park. That is a lot more dangerous than a few kids singing in the park. Imagine being crushed by one of those things with a 600 lb driver.

Quite clearly you either haven't experienced many tour groups, you got extremely lucky when you did, or for you their behavior is acceptable. It's not just "a few kids singing in the park". It's 50-100 teenage girls with no supervision locking arms in the park, screaming chants in areas where being polite would call for you to at least have your voice at a conversational tone. I've said it a million times before, I don't think those girls have any specific malice in that they're intentionally trying to hurt anyone or upset other people. They're there to have fun, I get that. But they do it at the blatant disregard for those around them. I've dealt with it many times, when they try to cut in front of my kids in a line. Yeah...that didn't fly...their human chain gets broken very quickly. It's a heck of a lot different than at Chuck E Cheese, because there aren't 50 toddlers running in a single mass. We've Chuck veterans too, thankfully my kids are now growing out of that age. And yes, there are rogue scooter drivers in the parks. But their numbers are fewer, in my opinion, and it's one isolated person. I can't recall the last time I saw someone get "crushed" by one. Bumped, sure. But not flat barreled into or pushed out of the way. I can tell you about numerous times I've seen tour groups do it. I wouldn't have any problem with the tour groups being there if they were more respectful...and some of them are, but many aren't (sure you can argue what "respectful" means, but I think most people get the general concept).

 

[tony67]

the biggest problems with these SA tour groups is they don't have chaperones. they have tour guides. big difference. they aren't there to protect the kids and keep their behavior in line. they are barely older thanthe kids themselves and are paid big bucks to make sure these kids ave a good time. that is their #1 priority.

I agree..somewhat....but the Cheer/Dance/Football/(insert any group if high school kids) groups are not all that better to be fair.
Any large group of people at that age will probably be annoying.
In Ireland you get a lot of Spanish and Italian kids in tour groups to learn English..any they are doing the exact same thing chanting and annoying everyone while waiting in line to see some historical sight.

As for the Chaperones - they are really not doing as much enforcing as you would think - they are more likely to be in the bar drinking than doing what they should be at night. I've ran into plenty of them at hotels in Disney and around the country.
I've seen more than enough reports of the chaperones being more trouble than some of the kids.
I don't think I've ever seen the SA Groups cheering or playing football at midnight, but I have seen the other groups doing their thing at midnight and the chaperones not doing anything about it.

So although I am not a fan of the SA tour groups - I would not single them out as all the teen tour groups are equally annoying IMO - (unless they are 18+ cheerleaders - then that is ok)

 

[osopecoso]

Quite clearly you either haven't experienced many tour groups, you got extremely lucky when you did, or for you their behavior is acceptable. It's not just "a few kids singing in the park". It's 50-100 teenage girls with no supervision locking arms in the park, screaming chants in areas where being polite would call for you to at least have your voice at a conversational tone. I've said it a million times before, I don't think those girls have any specific malice in that they're intentionally trying to hurt anyone or upset other people. They're there to have fun, I get that. But they do it at the blatant disregard for those around them. I've dealt with it many times, when they try to cut in front of my kids in a line. Yeah...that didn't fly...their human chain gets broken very quickly. It's a heck of a lot different than at Chuck E Cheese, because there aren't 50 toddlers running in a single mass. We've Chuck veterans too, thankfully my kids are now growing out of that age. And yes, there are rogue scooter drivers in the parks. But their numbers are fewer, in my opinion, and it's one isolated person. I can't recall the last time I saw someone get "crushed" by one. Bumped, sure. But not flat barreled into or pushed out of the way. I can tell you about numerous times I've seen tour groups do it. I wouldn't have any problem with the tour groups being there if they were more respectful...and some of them are, but many aren't (sure you can argue what "respectful" means, but I think most people get the general concept).

I get what you are saying. I guess it just does not bother me. We live next to a house with 4 girls (twin 16 yo, 14, 12). When they have all their friends over on the weekend for a pool party, it gets very loud but doesn't really bother me. I think the little cheer girls are very cute. they gave my 2 year old a set of pom pom's to play with and a set of special ears. They also danced with her. I think it was my daughters favorite part of the day when we saw them at MK.

The reason why I mentioned the scooters is that they can pose a danger to other guests in the park if not used properly (letting others ride on laps and speeding through crowds). We once saw a man get knocked over by someone on one of those scooters. We were walking towards him and his family and the lady just slammed into him. She said nothing and sped off. Luckily a CM at a vendor cart saw it and ran to the man who was scraped up. Not sure what happened with teh woman on the scooter. I have never seen a cheer crowd run someone over but I guess there is always a first.

 

[allaboard]

Believe it or not(I go every July for my Birthday),the Chanting/Singing is DOWN this year.

It is still very prevalent,but less than in past years.

You are right it is down ! We just got back recently, and my daughter even saw a CM go over to a tour group and ask them politely to stop the chant. The tour groups were much louder over at Universal, where I am guessing they have not already been asked to be quieter.

 

[Grumpy92]

I worked for WDW for many years, have visited WDW since 1972 and I definitely hear what the OP is saying. I have to agree the CMs are hit or miss. But they have cut the training time to less then half of what it used to be and it shows in their knowledge of the product and the service they give. Working for the mouse is not the same as it was say 25 or 30 years ago. Disney is like most companies when it comes to how they treat their employees.

Believe me the Brazilian tour groups have been an issue for WDW for years. When I was there CMs were given cultural awareness training regarding intl guest. But as one participant stated "you are not telling me how to deal with the upset Americans only the cultural differences of other guest from other countries who are visiting". The CMs internally groan when they see these groups coming.

I have watched as these groups fill cars of the monorail, begin chanting and then watch other guest board these same cars and quickly get off to wait for the next monorail. I wont even go into the destruction they have cost many of the hotels. Previously the groups were given videos regarding appropriate behavior to watch on the buses that brought them onto the property. We also heard rumors that the guides were part of a Disney training giving them the tools to handle these situations better. None of this seems to work.

Disney is making $$ from these groups. The decrease this year of Brazilian tourist visiting Orlando because of their bad economy is part of the reason for the downturn in attendance this summer at all the parks.

For us we found it is best to call them out. My pet peeve is the cutting in line. I don't play along with the "we don't speak English" thing either. A little threat to call security also seems to work too. But that is just what we are comfortable doing, the situation varies as to our response.

It is sad that we have to act this way, as I have been a guest in other countries. I try to speak the language and adapt to their culture. I want to be with the locals and enjoy the country the way the locals do. I get so much more out of my vacation. Unfortunately these children have not learned this valuable lesson about travel and we as fellow guest at WDW are going to just have to enjoy our vacations sharing the same vacation destination.

 

[CampbellzSoup]

I love the defense force for the tour groups - enjoy them because I'm certainly not going when they are there!

 

[WEDWDW]

Believe me the Brazilian tour groups have been an issue for WDW for years.

So Argentina,Ecuador,Chile,etc. get a "pass".

Most folks refer to ALL South American Tour Groups as "Brazilian" Tour Groups much like all tissue is called "Kleenex".

I always tell the Super Greeters that I feel sorry for Brazil because they get the blame for ALL the groups!lol

 

[WEDWDW]

I happen to have a picture of one of those "Brazilian" Tour Groups.

 

[dominiondad]

I think it's fair to point out how Brazil reacts to Americans who make noise in their country. Yesterday Brazil booed Hope Solo over and over because she raised concerns about traveling to an area with Zika. If Brazil thinks one person shouldn't speak, they should keep that in mind when they travel.

 

[hiroMYhero]

Now that this thread has become a generic tour group thread with photos that have been posted in many other threads that were current at that time, moving to TP Community where the discussion can continue.

 

[kandb]

We went last June 2015 and thought we would miss the tour groups...but we were dead wrong. The worst was trying to watch Illuminations. They chanted the entire time of the show. We could barely hear the music or the fireworks!!

This behavior is unacceptable. When one is trying to watch a show, people should not allowed to scream/chant/yell whatever. If the show was stopped temporarily and they were escorted out, I am sure word would get around and the behavior would stop.

 

[85glht]

I give you this checklist:
Are any of them drunk?
Hungover?
High?
Smoking or vaping?
Sexually assaulting each other or other guests?
Vandalism?
Theft/robbery?
Missing their underwear?
Showing unacceptable body parts in public?
Inappropriately dressed for the parks?
Selfie Stick?
Vevuzula?
Grandma on a scooter with 6 grandkids hanging off the sides? (Oh wait, that's us. Sorry)
Family reunion wearing matching T-shirts walking 5 across trying to visit and talk to each other and blocking the path? (Oh wait, that's us. Sorry)

Then I would say these are middle to upper class kids, raised right, who are having a good time on vacation.
You ask about chaperones- as a world traveler, no other country on earth has helicopter parents like the USA. It's unique to us. In France, elementary kids ride the subway to school in groups and there is not a parent. They do it. In Spain, they hang out in cafes without their parents. In every other part of the world, football/soccer is the global sport and with that, comes a chantsong that identifies their team or their country. It originates at a sports event foreign to the USA but found globally the world over. The entire rest of the world does it except us. Disney is a global company with international guests. Why would they stop it? It's an expression of every other part of the world.

That is what makes our country unique. We don't follow the rest of the world. When visitors come here, they should learn our culture. When I visit their country, I try to speak their language and try to blend in. I don't expect them to make an exception for me cause I am a foreigner.


I have seen the good and the bad from tour groups. Unfortunately, some here have only experienced the bad and it is understandable why one would be cautious when the tour groups are around.

We have definitely experienced lackluster CM's as well over the past few years. It doesn't really bother us nor does it ruin our vacation. We also have experienced tour groups. The chanting doesn't really bother me as much as the lack of personal space does. I understand there is a different personal space perimeter abroad but it really does bother me when someone is "backpacking" me. I'm hot, and sweaty and so are you. Why do you want to get that close to someone when its 90 degrees out. I have definitely noticed a decline in the chanting over the years. I wonder if the Olympics has anthing to do with the low attendance this month?

Personal space.... Don't go to Europe either (Disneyland Paris) They have no concept of personal space. When the CM say fill in all empty space, they really fill in all empty spaces.lol.

 

[smidgy]

if your behaviour ruins the intended experience for other paying guests(one example: the haunting sounds of haunted mansion instead of chanting, which ruins the entire purpose of the ride)you should .. all of you.. be ejected from the park.. all the other guests should be allowed to ride again .

 

[smidgy]

some people might not be able to come back for years. and were SO looking forward to their kids experiencing the haunted mansion ride.. HOW IT WAS MEANT TO BE .. NOT a south american group chanting and yelling back and forth to each other. not acceptable at all! I don't care about "cultural differences" or "teens having fun".
when I was a teen in the 70's and we did wrong things to have fun, we suffered the consequences.
|

that's ok grandkids. maybe in a couple years when you can afford to come again we will be able to enjoy the ride I remembered from my youth. but at least these SA american kids got to "have fun"!! they are just teens, give them a break. they're just having fun.

and disney puts up with this cause these groups pay them money.. and the rest of us are just chicken liver and our money doesn't count.

 

[diamondcharl]

That is what makes our country unique. We don't follow the rest of the world. When visitors come here, they should learn our culture. When I visit their country, I try to speak their language and try to blend in. I don't expect them to make an exception for me cause I am a foreigner.


I have seen the good and the bad from tour groups. Unfortunately, some here have only experienced the bad and it is understandable why one would be cautious when the tour groups are around.







Personal space.... Don't go to Europe either (Disneyland Paris) They have no concept of personal space. When the CM say fill in all empty space, they really fill in all empty spaces.lol.

Yeah.... no! I don't think I could handle that one lol

 

[Sophiathe1st]

As a dance team captain some of what is said about the tour groups upsets me. My team and I will be going to nationals at Disney for the first time this year and I'm saddened that a few disruptive tour groups will cause many guests to think negatively of my team. I know how amazing my team is and how respectful we will all be of the other guests, I only hope the other guests will respect us as well despite what previous tour groups have made them feel. As a Disney enthusiast I know how upsetting it can be when large group disrupts my family's trips. I hope my team can help eliminate some of the preconceived notions and inspire other young girls at the park through our leadership and respect for Disney and everyone in it.

 

[smidgy]

As a dance team captain some of what is said about the tour groups upsets me. My team and I will be going to nationals at Disney for the first time this year and I'm saddened that a few disruptive tour groups will cause many guests to think negatively of my team. I know how amazing my team is and how respectful we will all be of the other guests, I only hope the other guests will respect us as well despite what previous tour groups have made them feel. As a Disney enthusiast I know how upsetting it can be when large group disrupts my family's trips. I hope my team can help eliminate some of the preconceived notions and inspire other young girls at the park through our leadership and respect for Disney and everyone in it.

I'm so happy to hear your team has you (and others like you) are great chaperones! bless your hearts and thank you!
we are talking about those tour groups who don't actually have chaperones.. only "tour guides" who are paid big bucks to make sure the kids have FUN, at the cost of everyone else. and generally they are from SA. (and it is not just a "few" . this is why this subject comes up often on the boards,.. around July, and then again around January.)

an official looking CM in dress clothes, on a segway at our resort "informed" us that "July in Latin month at Disney.. THEY are OUR guests." at 2 AM after we called numerous times to have the group quieted down(not sent to their rooms, mind you, just quieted down), and soccer balls kicked against our window. numerous other incidents.
my husband was threatened by a "chaperone for smoking in th DSA at the resort. the group kept taking our towles and books off our lounge chairs and usurping the chairs for their group.. I could go on and on.

 

[WEDWDW]

I'm so happy to hear your team has you (and others like you) are great chaperones!

I "think" she is part of the team and not a chaperone.