Kids on shoulders

[SharonS]

I tend to agree with this. Maybe I am old school but I think parades like this are primarily for the children. I know some will disagree and throw out that "children of all ages" stuff but I personally think adults standing in the first row, especially those without any kids, should be ashamed of themselves and back off so that more little kids can move up. I would even make my teenage kids move back for smaller children. If there was just a little more common sense and courtesy, this thread would not need to exist.

I am sorry, but this is ridiculous! I travel alone to WDW, and if I want a good spot for a parade, then I get there in enough time to get that front spot. If it is that important for you to have your child see the parade...then do the same. I do not need to worry about your child's convenience and viewing enjoyment. I paid the same money to be there as you. I have been going to WDW since I was 12, and you know what, my Mom taught me the importance of getting our spot early if we wanted to have a front spot for the parade.

 

[SharonS]

Isn't that what I just said? Without kids and parents, there would be no Disneyworld. Disneyworld was created as a place for kids and parents to have fun. Parents support the world with their dollars and Disney keeps the fun rolling in. If Disney had to rely solely on the revenue of those adults without children looking to relive their childhood, the park would be bankrupt. So, it is not unreasonable to think that Disney probably bends over backwards to cater to their main audience. That being said, everyone should be able to appreciate Disney and have a good time. Maybe there should just be a little more consideration given to the 4 year old trying to watch their first parade as was probably given to you when you were their age.

Oh, I guess since I don't have kids, my money doesn't count. I have certainly supported Disney with 4 trips a year, each for a minimum of 7 nights. Look around...there are many adults who are childless who go to Disney. I do NOT have to give more consideration to your 4 year old wanting to watch a parade. Most likely, the child won't remember or probably doesn't even care.....it is often the parents who care more about their child having the perfect view.

 

[teambeaman]

I am sorry, but this is ridiculous! I travel alone to WDW, and if I want a good spot for a parade, then I get there in enough time to get that front spot. If it is that important for you to have your child see the parade...then do the same. I do not need to worry about your child's convenience and viewing enjoyment. I paid the same money to be there as you. I have been going to WDW since I was 12, and you know what, my Mom taught me the importance of getting our spot early if we wanted to have a front spot for the parade.

You've probably seen hundreds of parades. You can't move back a few rows so that a 5yo could see their first? Sad.

 

[livndisney]

I haven't actually stopped to watch a parade anywhere since I was a child. I am an elementary teacher and the mother of a 3yo. I find it sad and amusing that an adult that knows full well that these are paid performers in costumes is upset that a child that believes these ARE the actual characters dancing around in front of them believes they are more entitled to see this "show" than a child. Disney is absolutely for children. It ignites their imagination and wonder...they believe this stuff is REAL! It blows my mind that this conversation is even taking place. If you think that kids are worse these days, it's because adults are worse these days (and I'm not just talking about parents). I am teaching my child to be respectful and considerate of others, but often question why I bother when others are not respectful and considerate of him.

So only your child is learning to be respectful and considerate of others, you can judge others?

 

[natalieguy]

I haven't actually stopped to watch a parade anywhere since I was a child. I am an elementary teacher and the mother of a 3yo. I find it sad and amusing that an adult that knows full well that these are paid performers in costumes is upset that a child that believes these ARE the actual characters dancing around in front of them believes they are more entitled to see this "show" than a child. Disney is absolutely for children. It ignites their imagination and wonder...they believe this stuff is REAL! It blows my mind that this conversation is even taking place. If you think that kids are worse these days, it's because adults are worse these days (and I'm not just talking about parents). I am teaching my child to be respectful and considerate of others, but often question why I bother when others are not respectful and considerate of him.

Yes!! Exactly!! My son talks every day about "going to Mickey's castle house!" And about how he can't wait to hug Mickey and tell Mickey that he loves him. He, like all the little kids, BELIEVE that those are the real characters they dream about, the ones we read to them about, watch on tv, ect. There is a huge difference in kids not being able to see vs adults being able to see. It's sad that people even have to debate this.

 

[natalieguy]

Oh, I guess since I don't have kids, my money doesn't count. I have certainly supported Disney with 4 trips a year, each for a minimum of 7 nights. Look around...there are many adults who are childless who go to Disney. I do NOT have to give more consideration to your 4 year old wanting to watch a parade. Most likely, the child won't remember or probably doesn't even care.....it is often the parents who care more about their child having the perfect view.

To say that little kids probably don't even care and that you don't have any more consideration for a four year old...So sad, so clueless... I can only hope my kids don't grow up to be a sad adult such as yourself. Think about it next time you chose not to give more consideration to a four year old. Sad sad person!!

 

[SharonS]

You've probably seen hundreds of parades. You can't move back a few rows so that a 5yo could see their first? Sad.

No...I WON'T move back. I go to WDW so I CAN see the parades and take pictures of them with my DSLR. If it is SO important for the 5 year old to see that parade, then their parents should get there early enough to ensure that they have a front seat. I don't enjoy sitting waiting for 30 or 40 minutes either, but if it is important to me...I will. If I don't feel like waiting and want to walk up at the last minute...then oh well, I will stand behind people and not be upset if I don't have a perfect view.

Of course, if that parent that feels their child is more important than me would like to cover the cost of my trip, then by all means I will move back.

 

[jimmysmom74]

Just my two cents, but after perusing this thread...it appears to me that rude and ignorant people come to WDW with and without children. The fact is many have cited rude behavior on both parts. And they are right. I have seen many parents do ignorant inconsiderate things in all walks of life. I also have witnessed some very rude adults chose to act incredibly irrational and inappropriate to children.

Here is what I have learned going from a single young adult to a married with children park goer...
1. All children that appear to be "misbehaving" in WDW are not evil! I remember seeing kids act up (pre kids) and thinking, "I would never let my kids do that." LESSON LEARNED: WDW and all very overstimulating activities tend to bring out the best and worst moments. I don't let my son do horrible things or hurt/annoy others, and he is always required to apologize if he has interfered with someone else's enjoyment, but I can say I pick my battles! And we sometimes discuss behavior, post episode, back at the hotel.
2. Parents are sometimes so focused on kids that they zone out. I am not making excuses...well kind of...but I want to let you know, I am a nice and kind person, and sometimes I don't realize I stepped in front of you, or short stopped on you. Again, I would always say I am sorry, but if I was doing something that I didn't realize was infringing on your good time. Just ask, I always try to be considerate, but we all make mistakes.
3. Kids are not little adults. They are learning the ins and outs of good behavior and caring about more than just there own needs. Adults have 20-80+ years of practice. Give the little ones a little slack. They are not sleeping in their beds(maybe for the first time), they are in a overstimulating environment, and they are off their schedules.

That turned into a bit of a novel, but to respond to the original issue. I don't have an issue with people putting kids on their shoulders, if they chose to do it in the back of the crowd with no one behind them. To do it with someone standing right behind you is inconsiderate. However, I would probably just adjust if it happened to me and not say anything.
I am always surprised at the degree of unhappy people at WDW. It's the happiest place on earth!

 

[SharonS]

To say that little kids probably don't even care and that you don't have any more consideration for a four year old...So sad, so clueless... I can only hope my kids don't grow up to be a sad adult such as yourself. Think about it next time you chose not to give more consideration to a four year old. Sad sad person!!

No, not a sad, sad person. I have watched many little kids who could care less. They play with their toys, pull on the ropes, and don't even watch the parade. It is not that I don't have consideration for a 4 yr old....I don't have to make sure they can see...that is their parents responsibility. And..if the parent has so much consideration for their child, then they will get there early enough to secure a good spot. Other people do NOT have to be responsible for ensuring that someone else's child has the perfect view.

If someone is behind me and they DO NOT ask for their child to get in front, I often will try and make room for the child to stand next to me. However, if they ask and are pushy...I will not.

I used to take my Mom in a wheelchair, and I can't tell you how many people were rude and inconsiderate to a person in a wheelchair. How many people allowed their 'little' child to literally walk over the wheelchair or stand directly in front of her, thus blocking her view. But, I guess since she was old, she wasn't as important as the 5 year old.

 

[smokeyblue]

Yes, all parents are horrible. They all encourage bad behavior and make excuses for the bad behavior of their children. Those are some pretty broad, general statements you make. None of the are based in reality, of course.

Most parents I know are doing a very good job with teaching their kids right from wrong in a world with idiots who disregard them, belittle them, in some cases, try to hurt them and show them no consideration. A much different world for parents to try to teach their children in with increasingly more difficult challenges.

Are there just bad parents and bad kids out there? Yep. I am actually surprised there are not more based on the population of adult morons out there.

If you want to talk "broad general statements" let's address the multiple times that you state that adults that go to Disney are trying to "relive their childhood". This sentiment couldn't be further from the truth for my adult-only party that has been gone to WDW/DL 10 times over the last 10 years. Your sentiments also don't apply to a large contingent of adults who go to Disney theme parks and resorts. We go to Disney as an entertainment venue for food, rides and other attractions. I could care less about reliving anything. We live in the now. Disney is for anyone willing to pay admission to get in the gates.

We are incredibly respectful of families at Disney and one of the fun things is watching the kids have fun. People watching in general is almost an attraction in itself.

As far as the subject at hand, I could care less if a parent puts their child on their shoulders. That's what parents do with their kids. We actually don't like parades and would rather ride rides while everyone else watches fireworks.

If I happen to be enjoying something and a parent puts their child in the way of my viewing, I will just move. It isn't worth angering or embarrassing anyone. I think sometimes parents are just so anxious to show their kids a good time or protect them that they forget about the world outside their little bubble. We were at DTD on our last trip, it was raining hard and there were a ton of people waiting to board the resort bus. One of the parents quickly pushed their double stroller in front of the bus door. I was really ticked off because we were all standing in the pouring rain waiting for him to get the two kids out of the stroller and fold it up. I was thinking to myself, what a moron! Then I thought of how I really wanted to get out of the rain and that he probably just wanted to get those kids out of the rain ASAP and wasn't thinking of anything else.

 

[teambeaman]

So if kids shouldn't be allowed on shoulders unless they are in the back, does that mean that tall adults must also stand in the back? DH is 6'6" and always stands in the back so that he is not in anyone's way, but after reading these posts I think that the next time we go to WDW, we will watch a parade, and we'll get there 2 hours early, and then he'll stand up and block a bunch of other adult's views just because we got there early and he can, and when someone asks if could move or sit or squat I will tell them that we paid to be here and we staked our spot and if they wanted to see they should have got there before us.

 

[disney meema]

Isn't there a FP for the parades now? (( no winner here since both parties are correct, parents and non parents can be so kind and so rude at any given time, as well as children ... But we're all only humans, let's get along and let it go ))
" Let it go " like the song : )

 

[Angel Ariel]

I haven't actually stopped to watch a parade anywhere since I was a child. I am an elementary teacher and the mother of a 3yo. I find it sad and amusing that an adult that knows full well that these are paid performers in costumes is upset that a child that believes these ARE the actual characters dancing around in front of them believes they are more entitled to see this "show" than a child. Disney is absolutely for children. It ignites their imagination and wonder...they believe this stuff is REAL! It blows my mind that this conversation is even taking place. If you think that kids are worse these days, it's because adults are worse these days (and I'm not just talking about parents). I am teaching my child to be respectful and considerate of others, but often question why I bother when others are not respectful and considerate of him.

It's not that anyone is *more* entitled to see characters or fireworks or parades....it is that ALL WDW guests are *just as* entitled to those experiences as the children are.

I'm sorry, but it is rude to push someone out of line or to shove a child in front of someone else who is politely standing in an orderly character line. Yes, of course it is magical for that child to interact with the character, but that doesn't give anyone else the right to shove that child in front of another guest who has *equal right to be there*, regardless of what age the guest is or how many children they may or may not have.

 

[teambeaman]

It's not that anyone is *more* entitled to see characters or fireworks or parades....it is that ALL WDW guests are *just as* entitled to those experiences as the children are. I'm sorry, but it is rude to push someone out of line or to shove a child in front of someone else who is politely standing in an orderly character line. Yes, of course it is magical for that child to interact with the character, but that doesn't give anyone else the right to shove that child in front of another guest who has *equal right to be there*, regardless of what age the guest is or how many children they may or may not have.

Who said anything about shoving someone out of the way? I would never push my kid in front of anyone, adult or child. Like I said, I haven't even stopped to watch a parade for years. If my kid decides he wants to watch a parade, then I will try to find him a good viewing spot before the parade. However, while I'm watching if there is a kid behind me that can't see, I'll happily put that kid in front of me too, because I do think it's for the kids.

 

[BugsDaddy]

If you want to talk "broad general statements" let's address the multiple times that you state that adults that go to Disney are trying to "relive their childhood". This sentiment couldn't be further from the truth for my adult-only party that has been gone to WDW/DL 10 times over the last 10 years. Your sentiments also don't apply to a large contingent of adults who go to Disney theme parks and resorts. We go to Disney as an entertainment venue for food, rides and other attractions. I could care less about reliving anything. We live in the now. Disney is for anyone willing to pay admission to get in the gates.

We are incredibly respectful of families at Disney and one of the fun things is watching the kids have fun. People watching in general is almost an attraction in itself.

As far as the subject at hand, I could care less if a parent puts their child on their shoulders. That's what parents do with their kids. We actually don't like parades and would rather ride rides while everyone else watches fireworks.

If I happen to be enjoying something and a parent puts their child in the way of my viewing, I will just move. It isn't worth angering or embarrassing anyone. I think sometimes parents are just so anxious to show their kids a good time or protect them that they forget about the world outside their little bubble. We were at DTD on our last trip, it was raining hard and there were a ton of people waiting to board the resort bus. One of the parents quickly pushed their double stroller in front of the bus door. I was really ticked off because we were all standing in the pouring rain waiting for him to get the two kids out of the stroller and fold it up. I was thinking to myself, what a moron! Then I thought of how I really wanted to get out of the rain and that he probably just wanted to get those kids out of the rain ASAP and wasn't thinking of anything else.

When I referred to adults going to DW to relive their childhoods, that was a direct quote by a childless adult who responded earlier in the thread about her reason for going to DW and why her getting to watch the parade up front was just as important as a 4 year olds.

 

[Angel Ariel]

Who said anything about shoving someone out of the way? I would never push my kid in front of anyone, adult or child. Like I said, I haven't even stopped to watch a parade for years. If my kid decides he wants to watch a parade, then I will try to find him a good viewing spot before the parade. However, while I'm watching if there is a kid behind me that can't see, I'll happily put that kid in front of me too, because I do think it's for the kids.

I stated earlier that I have had that happen to me personally more than once before I had my daughter. I think it is absolutely ridiculous that there are those that do not seem to a acknowledge that parents can often be the aggressors, and the ones in the wrong. That is the ugly side of the "but Disney is all for the children" philosophy.

It's not wrong for an adult to want to aee a character. An adult may know it is an actor, but that doesn't mean it isn't a special interaction to them.

It's not wrong for an adult to want to *sit* front row at a parade if they want to. Please note the emphasis on sit.

It's not wrong for an adult to want to see the fireworks unobstructed also. There are multiple ways to help children still see, without being on shoulders, as have been pointed out in this thread.

Wanting to do these things does not make an adult entitled.

 

[BugsDaddy]

I don't think any side of the argument is suggesting that it is ok for anyone, kids or adults to push out someone else to get a preferred spot to view a parade. At least, I don't think so. What this really comes down to in my eyes is that some of us feel that the parades have been designed primarily for the entertainment of the children, not the adults and that although we all realize everyone paid to get into the park, it might be a good gesture to allow a child a spot ahead of you and more than likely not even blocking your view in order to see their favorite characters. We fully recognize that you are not obligated to allow the children to watch the parade, even if it only costs you a momentary discomfort in having to scoot over. We still appreciate you humoring us with the possibility that you are a decent human being with basic common sense.

 

[teambeaman]

I don't think any side of the argument is suggesting that it is ok for anyone, kids or adults to push out someone else to get a preferred spot to view a parade. At least, I don't think so. What this really comes down to in my eyes is that some of us feel that the parades have been designed primarily for the entertainment of the children, not the adults and that although we all realize everyone paid to get into the park, it might be a good gesture to allow a child a spot ahead of you and more than likely not even blocking your view in order to see their favorite characters. We fully recognize that you are not obligated to allow the children to watch the parade, even if it only costs you a momentary discomfort in having to scoot over. We still appreciate you humoring us with the possibility that you are a decent human being with basic common sense.

This. Amen.

 

[MmmSuite]

Wow! This thread is intense, but I've learned a lot. I agree that it is magical and different for kids! However, I do think Disney is just as much for me as for them! I've never been but I've always wanted to go. I want to see the parades just as much as my kids will want to.

I really hope that in my wonder I don't make a mistake or mess up someone's experience even in a small way. Being 5'1 I get why some people get upset about kids on shoulders. I just didn't think it was this serious. I often have to move and move again with being so short. My second son is a 6 year old who could easily go for 3 so I worry about him being able to see and enjoy even has he ages. His brother is 17 months older and can ride even ride at Disney. So we often get caught up in trying to balance things out for him. Like arguing that he could ride the teacups last year at Six Flags(when he was tall enough the year before and turns out she was using the wrong measuring stick). I probably didn't do the best job of thinking of those also waiting in line to go on behind me because I was so caught up in trying to make sure he had a great time.

I do think childless people cannot understand the point of view of parents. And I believe parents are so used to giving up things for their children it's hard when their bubble is bust when everyone doesn't do it for their kid. Both sides are always on the defensive.

I agree with those who said that it's hard teaching your kid to be the considerate one when it seems like that's not of value anymore. The parent cheering their son as he tackled my son(the goalie) for blocking his goals. Then having my son ask why they were so happy he got hurt. That was a hard one to explain.

But if nothing else, they'll be great friends, spouses, and parents!

I'm so glad I didn't just go to Disney like I do Hershey or Six Flags. I would have missed a great deal. But gee these boards make a Mommy sacred to go too! Lol

 

[Disney_Princess83]

I speak up now, especially if we were there first. We had a prime spot for Dream Along with Mickey 20 minutes before the show. 5 minutes before the show, several families came along and pushed in front of us. As the show started, all the kids went up on the shoulders. I went to each one and politely said that we now couldn't see. Most people were fine, one man was really rude about it. His response was "Yeah well my kid wants to see." So I replied "So do I and I can't standing behind you with your child on your shoulders. However, if you'd like to come and stand behind us, that's fine." (we're short) He declined and moved away.

I actually feel this is a safety issue. If a parent gets pushed and falls, the child will go flying. Potentially they could hurt someone else in the process too. I don't think it should be allowed especially in crowds, likes parades and shows