Just Back - ***TOUR GROUP RANT!!**

[Dan Murphy]

It's hardly reasonable to expect the CMs to do anything. If a tour group of 50 intimidates your party of 5, it is no less intimidating to a small number (or just one) CM.

Difference is, the party of 5 has no authority, the CM of one does, or at least has the ability to escalate to his/her supervisor/manager, or one who does have authority.

 

[tink20]

In a nutshell...

Aviod WDW in July,January..for tour groups. Any other months to avoid?

Which is worse: July or January (as far as quanity of tour groups) We were thinking of going end of Jan.

 

[spacemountainmom]

RickyMouseMom

You stated your case very well! I think I nominate you to write the letter to Disney for everyone to send!

 

[Tiger926]

Lets throw all these threads into one big pile - tour groups, cheerleaders, Pop Warner, large grand gatherings. May as well discuss it all.

That has been my point. Disney is not set up for large groups at all, period. It doesn't matter if it's a family reunion, choir group or cheerleaders, along with Brazilian teens, the parks are not set up for large groups. With large groups, may come large problems or the perception of problems, as evidenced by this thread.

If anyone as a guest of Disney feels there is a problem, they have the right to address that problem. Whether Disney believes it, sees it or feels the need to rectify it, remains to be seen. But, a well-written letter, would surely be welcomed by Disney, if indeed the problems are that major as some are suggesting.

Tiger

 

[KellyNY]

That has been my point. Disney is not set up for large groups at all, period. It doesn't matter if it's a family reunion, choir group or cheerleaders, along with Brazilian teens, the parks are not set up for large groups. With large groups, may come large problems or the perception of problems, as evidenced by this thread.

If anyone as a guest of Disney feels there is a problem, they have the right to address that problem. Whether Disney believes it, sees it or feels the need to rectify it, remains to be seen. But, a well-written letter, would surely be welcomed by Disney, if indeed the problems are that major as some are suggesting.

Tiger

I think if people who happen to get there and experience inconvenience would go right there and demand money return and not settle for extra tickets for future trips or FPs but plain MONEY RETURN then Disney would listen, otherwise, letters are welcome, but no more then that, JMO.

 

[DISNEY1975]

Like, I said, its in their culture...

I just went downstairs and saw a car pull up in front of my house and park at the end of my walkway. 2 guys got out of the car and started walking down the sidewalk..to a house 3 houses down.

As I stood there scratching my head as to why the would park so far away, in front of MY house, when the entire street is empty of cars, a light bulb went off in my head. At the side of my walkway is a tree that casts a shadow to the street below...they wanted MY shade!!

 

[OhioDisneyDad]

First, I can't help it that certain folks can't/won't be bothered to learn what's considered acceptable public behavior AND I don't care where you're from (this country or otherwise). Here's my personal viewpoint on the topic:

1. If you push me you will be pushed back.
2. If you push or step on my wife or kids you will end up on the ground.
3. If a group comes at me like they own the sidewalk/walkway and can't possibly be bothered to move, those in my path WILL be moved.
4. If you try to cut past me in line you will be stopped by me.
5. If you try to push me out of the way at the FP machine (good luck with that) you won't like the outcome.
6. If you act civilized and can behave like you have even a small amount of sense and manners you'll find that this large, imposing alpha male/dad can be very nice and respectful.

The lesson to be learned here is that, at least from me, you'll get back the same attitude/behavior you give out. I won't be concerned about your country of origin, how you were raised or the color of your skin. At the conclusion of our interaction you WILL have a better understanding of what I find acceptable. That's my gift to the world.

 

[DisneyFan32WI]

Chanting is the part that irks me the most. It really does take away from the experience.

Disney management really needs to listen to these valid complaints and do something about it.

 

[sleeping beauty 1]

That has been my point. Disney is not set up for large groups at all, period. It doesn't matter if it's a family reunion, choir group or cheerleaders, along with Brazilian teens, the parks are not set up for large groups. With large groups, may come large problems or the perception of problems, as evidenced by this thread.

If anyone as a guest of Disney feels there is a problem, they have the right to address that problem. Whether Disney believes it, sees it or feels the need to rectify it, remains to be seen. But, a well-written letter, would surely be welcomed by Disney, if indeed the problems are that major as some are suggesting.

Tiger

I definitely agree. I also always believe in providing some options for the parks to change as well -- that way it isn't just a complaint letter, but one offering alternatives to help rectify the situation. I think sometimes those get them to thinking about how to solve the problem.

The example given of no more than 5-6 in a group so divide up the large groups -- into smaller subgroups of that color is a great thing to suggest. The could have those additional numbers on their shirt to specify if one of the smaller groups is the issue.

Another suggestion could be that CMs at the FP machines do not allow the tour groups to get more than the 5-6 tickets at a time either. I know that GACs are limited to a group of six, so why not tour groups too? Why should they be able to stand there and get 100 tickets and no one else is able.

The chanting is definitely a problem (even at the hotels I have heard) -- so having a way to report and deal with the annoying chanting should be addressed.

I don't have the time to think of alternatives now, but I am sure they can be brainstormed.

 

[sleeping beauty 1]

First, I can't help it that certain folks can't/won't be bothered to learn what's considered acceptable public behavior AND I don't care where you're from (this country or otherwise). Here's my personal viewpoint on the topic:

1. If you push me you will be pushed back.
2. If you push or step on my wife or kids you will end up on the ground.
3. If a group comes at me like they own the sidewalk/walkway and can't possibly be bothered to move, those in my path WILL be moved.
4. If you try to cut past me in line you will be stopped by me.
5. If you try to push me out of the way at the FP machine (good luck with that) you won't like the outcome.
6. If you act civilized and can behave like you have even a small amount of sense and manners you'll find that this large, imposing alpha male/dad can be very nice and respectful.

The lesson to be learned here is that, at least from me, you'll get back the same attitude/behavior you give out. I won't be concerned about your country of origin, how you were raised or the color of your skin. At the conclusion of our interaction you WILL have a better understanding of what I find acceptable. That's my gift to the world.

This tends to be our rules in the park too. #2 is the worst with kids -- I watch so carefully around the unruly groups.

I also think the more tour groups the more rowdy. Last year in July their were about six groups in line at BTM at the same time and they were all annoyingly chanting against each other. So non-Disney to me -- they certainly can visit, but don't ruin it for everyone else.

 

[WilsonFlyer]

First, I can't help it that certain folks can't/won't be bothered to learn what's considered acceptable public behavior AND I don't care where you're from (this country or otherwise). Here's my personal viewpoint on the topic:

1. If you push me you will be pushed back.
2. If you push or step on my wife or kids you will end up on the ground.
3. If a group comes at me like they own the sidewalk/walkway and can't possibly be bothered to move, those in my path WILL be moved.
4. If you try to cut past me in line you will be stopped by me.
5. If you try to push me out of the way at the FP machine (good luck with that) you won't like the outcome.
6. If you act civilized and can behave like you have even a small amount of sense and manners you'll find that this large, imposing alpha male/dad can be very nice and respectful.

The lesson to be learned here is that, at least from me, you'll get back the same attitude/behavior you give out. I won't be concerned about your country of origin, how you were raised or the color of your skin. At the conclusion of our interaction you WILL have a better understanding of what I find acceptable. That's my gift to the world.

Ditto. Beware the wrath of WF. We arrive Aug. 1.

 

[Tweevil]

First, I can't help it that certain folks can't/won't be bothered to learn what's considered acceptable public behavior AND I don't care where you're from (this country or otherwise). Here's my personal viewpoint on the topic:

1. If you push me you will be pushed back.
2. If you push or step on my wife or kids you will end up on the ground.
3. If a group comes at me like they own the sidewalk/walkway and can't possibly be bothered to move, those in my path WILL be moved.
4. If you try to cut past me in line you will be stopped by me.
5. If you try to push me out of the way at the FP machine (good luck with that) you won't like the outcome.
6. If you act civilized and can behave like you have even a small amount of sense and manners you'll find that this large, imposing alpha male/dad can be very nice and respectful.

The lesson to be learned here is that, at least from me, you'll get back the same attitude/behavior you give out. I won't be concerned about your country of origin, how you were raised or the color of your skin. At the conclusion of our interaction you WILL have a better understanding of what I find acceptable. That's my gift to the world.

Me TOO! And, I am bringing my handy dandy boat horn. LOL
Seriously though... I live at/by/on the shore and I have never seen this here - lots of rude in other ways tourists - but not this variety. I truly believe treat others as you would like to be treated - if people want to treat others rudely I am certainly willing to abide by doing the same. Now, if someone is considerate I also do the same.

I am not intimidated by anyone (where you are from, gender, if you are green, big/small, or whatever) so it could be game on. I won't allow my family or myself to be walked on or over or any of the other foolishness that they do.

 

[WDW LOVR]

Here's my tour group story.

We were at Blizzard Beach. One of son's and I were waiting in line for Summit Plummet. Long line. One at a time. Hot.

There were about 5-6 Brazilians about one flight up the stairs in front of us and they saw some of their friends below and started screaming for them to cut in line to get up with them.

Everyone in line let them go past....until they got to us. Now I'm a pretty big guy and when the 4 young men got to where we were I stepped in front of them and wouldn't let them pass. They said something and pointed at their friends in front of us and I just smiled and shook my head no. They tried pushing past and that just wasn't going to happen. Their friends started kind of yelling, either at me or just in general and I turned around and smiled at them. That was as far as the group went.

I do have to say.....being a red blooded american male, I do enjoy their swim suit choices at the water parks!

 

[A Mickeyfan]

I think if people who happen to get there and experience inconvenience would go right there and demand money return and not settle for extra tickets for future trips or FPs but plain MONEY RETURN then Disney would listen, otherwise, letters are welcome, but no more then that, JMO.

You are totally right. Disney doesn't know anything but their bottom line profits. Right now, one can complain all they want, but nothing will be done about it. We can't change what is happening. Only Disney can & the only way they will is by seeing their profit shrink. That will not happen either, many here will not ask for a refund. The few that would are out numbered by the amount of tickets Disney sells to the tour groups (any tour group).

I grin and deal with it. If the tour groups aren't there, there will still be crowds from just all the families. I know when I am on an attraction line, it doesn't matter to me if there are 50 from a tour group of 50 different individuals, it still amounts to 50 ahead of me.

 

[palmtreelover08]

First, I can't help it that certain folks can't/won't be bothered to learn what's considered acceptable public behavior AND I don't care where you're from (this country or otherwise). Here's my personal viewpoint on the topic:

1. If you push me you will be pushed back.
2. If you push or step on my wife or kids you will end up on the ground.
3. If a group comes at me like they own the sidewalk/walkway and can't possibly be bothered to move, those in my path WILL be moved.
4. If you try to cut past me in line you will be stopped by me.
5. If you try to push me out of the way at the FP machine (good luck with that) you won't like the outcome.
6. If you act civilized and can behave like you have even a small amount of sense and manners you'll find that this large, imposing alpha male/dad can be very nice and respectful.

The lesson to be learned here is that, at least from me, you'll get back the same attitude/behavior you give out. I won't be concerned about your country of origin, how you were raised or the color of your skin. At the conclusion of our interaction you WILL have a better understanding of what I find acceptable. That's my gift to the world.

I think I'm in love.. Have any single brothers?? My kinda guy!

 

[Karlzmom]

As I've commented on many times, we have witnessed more rude behaviour by Americans - both adults and teens alike. We were cut in line, banged into, and stepped on by rude American parents who were impatient this past trip. Not Brazilian teens...


Tiger

....ah yes, I forget that Americans have the market cornered on ill manners....

 

[Planogirl]

I always say that where there's smoke there's fire. There's no way these groups would have this reputation unless events occurred that made them stand out. They can be defended as being no worse than any other groups but I personally don't buy it.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

I definitely agree. I also always believe in providing some options for the parks to change as well -- that way it isn't just a complaint letter, but one offering alternatives to help rectify the situation. I think sometimes those get them to thinking about how to solve the problem.

The example given of no more than 5-6 in a group so divide up the large groups -- into smaller subgroups of that color is a great thing to suggest. The could have those additional numbers on their shirt to specify if one of the smaller groups is the issue.

Another suggestion could be that CMs at the FP machines do not allow the tour groups to get more than the 5-6 tickets at a time either. I know that GACs are limited to a group of six, so why not tour groups too? Why should they be able to stand there and get 100 tickets and no one else is able.

The chanting is definitely a problem (even at the hotels I have heard) -- so having a way to report and deal with the annoying chanting should be addressed.

I don't have the time to think of alternatives now, but I am sure they can be brainstormed.

Disney only limits the amount of guests on the GAC, not the amount of FP's those with the GAC can get, remember GAC's are not given in place of FP's, they are not supposed to be your ticket to the front line, but only to accommodate those with a disability, so you are not comparing apples to apples, but apples to oranges.

 

[maxiesmom]

The example given of no more than 5-6 in a group so divide up the large groups -- into smaller subgroups of that color is a great thing to suggest. The could have those additional numbers on their shirt to specify if one of the smaller groups is the issue.

So would you have Disney discontinue the whole Grand Gathering thing? Or should families be able to travel to Disney together, but only be able to tour the parks in small groups?

I also find the suggesting of tagging somone (anyone!) highly offensive. Not to mention it smacks of prejudice. How would you like for your family to have to wear numbers to make you identifiable? "I want to report Sleeping Beauty family #471, as they tried to cut me off by the Fast Pass machine! I demand you do something!" That just sounds so wrong!

 

[A Mickeyfan]

First, I can't help it that certain folks can't/won't be bothered to learn what's considered acceptable public behavior AND I don't care where you're from (this country or otherwise). Here's my personal viewpoint on the topic:

1. If you push me you will be pushed back.
2. If you push or step on my wife or kids you will end up on the ground.
3. If a group comes at me like they own the sidewalk/walkway and can't possibly be bothered to move, those in my path WILL be moved.
4. If you try to cut past me in line you will be stopped by me.
5. If you try to push me out of the way at the FP machine (good luck with that) you won't like the outcome.
6. If you act civilized and can behave like you have even a small amount of sense and manners you'll find that this large, imposing alpha male/dad can be very nice and respectful.

The lesson to be learned here is that, at least from me, you'll get back the same attitude/behavior you give out. I won't be concerned about your country of origin, how you were raised or the color of your skin. At the conclusion of our interaction you WILL have a better understanding of what I find acceptable. That's my gift to the world.

No offence, but what do you think will happen to you if you really were to become very physical with a bunch of teens who happen to be minors. It isn't worth what would happen to you.

1. you would be asked to leave the park by security
2. that minor you push/shoved/hit what ever it may be can pursue charges against you
3. from that point on you have just ruined your family vacation & may end behind bars

Physical altercations never solve a problem, they only tend to make it worse. It doesn't matter to the law, that they were trying to "cut you", what matters would be that you struck a minor.