Kids on shoulders

[siskaren]

Good idea. Next time explain to the 4 year old that even though you could theoretically move to the side slightly and let him see that you will not do that because his parents did not put together a proper Disney touring plan and did not anticipate expected crowd levels and it's really just out of principle that you cannot move over. Nothing personal.

It has nothing to do with having a touring plan or crowd levels. You can't expect to show up 5 minutes before a parade starts and get a good seat. And again, at 5 minutes before a parade is due to start, I seriously doubt that it's going to possible to move over enough to let even a four year old in.

 

[maxiesmom]

Good idea. Next time explain to the 4 year old that even though you could theoretically move to the side slightly and let him see that you will not do that because his parents did not put together a proper Disney touring plan and did not anticipate expected crowd levels and it's really just out of principle that you cannot move over. Nothing personal.

If that family shows up a few minutes before the parade, there won't even be room for anybody to squish over and let them in. It isn't as if one person moving would let the theoretical child see the parade. A whole bunch of people would have to try and move. Into space that is usually non-existent.

The family's first hint that some waiting may be involved in order to get a good view of the parade would be more than an hour ahead of time, when people start sitting down to get their spots. If they don't do the same, and continue to ride rides or shop, then it is on them if their 4 year old can't see. But I get that it is easier to shift the blame to others, than for some parents to take it for themselves.

Btw, I have been know to let a child squish in next to me. But it shouldn't be demanded of someone to do so.

 

[Disney_Princess83]

Good idea. Next time explain to the 4 year old that even though you could theoretically move to the side slightly and let him see that you will not do that because his parents did not put together a proper Disney touring plan and did not anticipate expected crowd levels and it's really just out of principle that you cannot move over. Nothing personal.

I'm sorry, did you actually read my post? I'm copying one of them here for you.

Personally, I would let a child in front of me if we could (if we are kerbside for the parade, we can't since no one is allowed on the street) however I won't let their whole family push in front. They can stand a row back where they can see their child.

I literally said "I let children in front of me" What I said I wouldn't do, is let their parents in front, therefore blocking MY view. Someone elses 4 year old isn't my responsibility. Making sure they can see isn't my responsibility. That's why they have parents. If I can move over I will. Perhaps you've missed that the past 4-5 times I've said it in this thread?

 

[teambeaman]

Now I'm confused. I thought that this thread was about kids on shoulders. If you are in the very front row, then I assume a kid on someone's shoulders isn't going to effect you, so why is everyone chiming in about waiting in a good spot an hour in advance? If someone is in the front I doubt their child will be on their shoulders because it wouldn't be necessary. This "kids on shoulders" scenario clearly effects the people that are not waiting for their prime viewing spot well in advance of the parade and if everyone else's view has been "if your kid can't see that's your fault and you should have been here earlier", then if you are standing behind someone who has their child on their shoulders, tough, you should have got their earlier as well.

 

[Disney_Princess83]

I glanced through some of the responses...didn't et to read all..

However, as an adult at Disney (and being a parent or not really doesn't play in to this), I always give way for kids...especially little ones. If having your child on your shoulder (let's face it, unless Hercules or something, the kid would be 7 years old tops) makes it easier for the kid to see the parade - then let that's OK even if it can be annoying. I'm an adult and can be flexible and figure a way to see and if it's not the best view I can easily get over it. Whereas for a kid the level of importance for seeing is so much more...

This is a statement that I have an issue with as it's been stated many times on this thread from others. We travel from the other side of the world just to go to WDW. I'm not saying your child (or anyones child) doesn't have a right to see it, they have the same rights as I do. I pay for my entry ticket like everyone else. A child seeing a parade isn't more important in the scheme of things. It might be more important to the actual child or their parents. However we all have to coexist. A child seeing a parade doesn't trump my desire to see it, regardless of age. I would move over and let children stand in front of me, as long as it didn't block my own view. However their desire to be there isn't anymore significant than mine.

There are many times I would move from my curbside front row seat to let a child squeeze in. I would stand behind my son and the parents of the other child can stand behind theirs. As long as my kid can see I'm fine and I think other parents feel that way. So let the kids in the front..and if putting them up on your shoulders helps them see better that's OK because I don't think you're doing it to be rude to me, but instead to allow your child to see what they are so excited to see...

But it's not alright if you're blocking someone else. If you feel that way and are happy to stand back and not see the parade, show, fireworks, that is fine. However not everyone feels that way. I personally want to see that parade or show. It's not alright if you block my view because your child is excited. Guess what? I want to see the parade too! And if I have been there for 30+ minutes and someone waltzes in 2 minutes before and tries to block my view, it's absolutely not alright. If I say something and they brush me off what "Yeah well my kid wants to see" my response is "Well we would like to see it too!"

HOWEVER if you disregard my child and block their view and muscle them out of their viewing area so you as an adult can see better or have no regard for my child while trying to push in and get a prime view for your child then I may politely say something if I can't find a way to adjust so my child can see.

I don't think anyone is suggesting pushing children out of the way. However being a child doesn't just trump an adults rights. Yes your child wants to see the parade. So do I. I travelled around the world from Australia to see it. It's why I've stood here for 45 minutes in the Florida Heat mid afternoon. If I can let a child in front, I will. However I won't let the adults join them, therefore blocking my own view. If I can move over, I will. However I wont allow my own view to be blocked, for adult or child. We have to all coexist, just like in the real world. If they want to make sure their child has a prime viewing spot, stake out a spot earlier like everyone else.

 

[Disney_Princess83]

Now I'm confused. I thought that this thread was about kids on shoulders. If you are in the very front row, then I assume a kid on someone's shoulders isn't going to effect you, so why is everyone chiming in about waiting in a good spot an hour in advance? If someone is in the front I doubt their child will be on their shoulders because it wouldn't be necessary. This "kids on shoulders" scenario clearly effects the people that are not waiting for their prime viewing spot well in advance of the parade and if everyone else's view has been "if your kid can't see that's your fault and you should have been here earlier", then if you are standing behind someone who has their child on their shoulders, tough, you should have got their earlier as well.

This happened to us at Dream Along with Mickey. We had a spot a little way back 35 minutes before the show. Less than 10 minutes before the show, a group of people came and pushed in front of us. They had children but they all sat down (we were standing) As soon as the show started, they all stood and 3 kids were suddenly on 3 pairs of shoulders. We couldn't move (it was crowded - how the group got through I dont know!) and we couldn't see! When we spoke up we were told "Yeah well my kid wants to see"

Apparently we had been standing there for 35 minutes for the sheer fun of it? When I told the gentlemen "Well we want to see too" he was really annoyed and rude about it. He moved over slightly but we had a really poor view.

Last trip, we arrived with 10 minutes until MSEP started. We were several rows back and didn't have a great view. We never said anything to anyone because it was OUR fault we arrived late and didn't get a prime spot.

 

[smokeyblue]

Anyone can enjoy a parade. I never said otherwise. I did say that the parades, theme parks, most Disney movies, television programming and merchandise are tailored primarily for children. It doesn't mean that adults cannot participate but let's not forget who the primary audience is. If you wish to debate that point , I am not sure it would be worth my time.

It probably wouldn't be worth your argument because just because you say it, doesn't mean it's true. It's your perception. Disney goes to great lengths to cater to adults. There is actually very little that kid-only, off the top of my head BBB, play areas. Rides and attractions are pretty much for everyone. There are so many things that are geared towards adults, F&W, F&G, tours, adult night spots, dining experiences, spas, golf, Richard Petty Driving experience. People go to Disney to get married and to go on honeymoons. Merchandise consists of jewelery and art in the hundreds and thousands of dollars. There is also kitchenware and decor. Thinking about it, only an minority percentage of merchandise in the World of Disney is for children. The majority is for adults.

You are discounting the appeal of Disney for adult travelers. For myself, I like the rides and attractions and the dining. The biggest draw for me as someone who designs signs and other installations is the engineering and architecture of just about everything at Disney. I could care less about the characters riding on a float, I want to look at it and figure out how they did that, what materials they used and sometimes think how I would have done it.

Your assertion that Disney is geared towards children is simply untrue and is just an uninformed opinion.

 

[BugsDaddy]

Well here's your problem, then. This seems to be the main premise on which you have based your child-centric attitude. I suggest you re-think it. Because you are WRONG. Disney parks were not tailored for children. They were tailored for families. And guess what- families come in all different configurations. Some of them consist entirely of adults. And aside from FP, Disney parks attractions are accessible on a first come, first served basis. That includes parades and fireworks. You want to see them? Then get there early. You don't jump queues because your child is more important than everyone else, do you? Or do you? When going into a show you don't require a family to move just because your child wants to sit in a particular seat, do you?

I totally understand that for you your very special (yes I'm going to say it) snowflake is the center of your universe. But he isn't the center of mine. The fact that you (and those like you) think that putting your child (and you) ahead of everyone else is perfectly fine, showing complete lack of respect and courtesy for those around you, is what caused this thread in the first place. It is the fact that you EXPECT your child to be given precedence over everyone else. Sorry, bud, but your inability to plan properly does not constitute an emergency on my part. If you want your child to get a curb side seat to watch a parade, then get there in time.

Do I allow children in front of me to watch a parade? Difficult at times, since I am in a wheelchair and that chair is usually right at the rope, but yes I do if possible. Do I allow their entire extended family? Forget that! And if you want to place your snookie ookums on your shoulders to view a parade or fireworks? Then have the consideration that you seem to demand from others-stand in the back so you aren't obstructing the view of those behind you.

Disney parks were not tailored for children? I am sorry but It is statements like this that make me wonder what planet some people live on. People in costumes, tea cup rides, the overall theming of the parks. It is all designed and tailored for the enjoyment of kids. Families, sure...but in Walt Disney's time, he saw a family as parents and children. Not a group of 40 plus year old adults. All that being said, there is no reason adults, single or otherwise cannot enjoy Disney and enjoy kid-type activities. It can be fun. But don't confuse that with thinking that Disney was designed with that demographic in mind.

 

[BugsDaddy]

It probably wouldn't be worth your argument because just because you say it, doesn't mean it's true. It's your perception. Disney goes to great lengths to cater to adults. There is actually very little that kid-only, off the top of my head BBB, play areas. Rides and attractions are pretty much for everyone. There are so many things that are geared towards adults, F&W, F&G, tours, adult night spots, dining experiences, spas, golf, Richard Petty Driving experience. People go to Disney to get married and to go on honeymoons. Merchandise consists of jewelery and art in the hundreds and thousands of dollars. There is also kitchenware and decor. Thinking about it, only an minority percentage of merchandise in the World of Disney is for children. The majority is for adults.

You are discounting the appeal of Disney for adult travelers. For myself, I like the rides and attractions and the dining. The biggest draw for me as someone who designs signs and other installations is the engineering and architecture of just about everything at Disney. I could care less about the characters riding on a float, I want to look at it and figure out how they did that, what materials they used and sometimes think how I would have done it.

Your assertion that Disney is geared towards children is simply untrue and is just an uninformed opinion.

Only a minority of a Disney merchandise is for Children? Unbelievable. Of course Disney provides adult activities but if you think that Richard Pettys driving experience and Downtown Disney are driving the revenue of the parks, you are disillusioned.

 

[Disney_Princess83]

Disney parks were not tailored for children? I am sorry but It is statements like this that make me wonder what planet some people live on. People in costumes, tea cup rides, the overall theming of the parks. It is all designed and tailored for the enjoyment of kids. Families, sure...but in Walt Disney's time, he saw a family as parents and children. Not a group of 40 plus year old adults. All that being said, there is no reason adults, single or otherwise cannot enjoy Disney and enjoy kid-type activities. It can be fun. But don't confuse that with thinking that Disney was designed with that demographic in mind.

Whether it so tailored to children or not (I disagree), it doesn't mean a child has anymore "right" to see anything than an adult which is what many people are arguing in this thread.

 

[sookie]

I haven't read this entire long back and forth thread...

I can tell you what happened during Wishes to my family during our very first visit. We were up against a fence by the left side of the castle.

We get to the point where the light show is starting, and a woman beside us has not 1, or 2, but 6 other family members come up and meet her. To make them fit, she literally pushes my children (11 and 6) out of the way. Back behind her are her very tall husband and the grandparents, and she put her kids up front where my children where.

To say I was very upset was an understatement. I did try to wiggle my kids back in, but that family was not budging. I finally turned to her and told her that my kids have been standing here for over an hour, and that while I know her family just arrived, my children needed their spot back. I also threw in that we had been there before she had arrived, so some courtesy would be nice.

They give me about 5 inches of room to squeeze in two kids. Nice.

My advice is to use the Magic Band access for all parades and firework shows. Worth saving all the hassle.

 

[amg35]

Disney parks were not tailored for children? I am sorry but It is statements like this that make me wonder what planet some people live on. People in costumes, tea cup rides, the overall theming of the parks. It is all designed and tailored for the enjoyment of kids. Families, sure...but in Walt Disney's time, he saw a family as parents and children. Not a group of 40 plus year old adults. All that being said, there is no reason adults, single or otherwise cannot enjoy Disney and enjoy kid-type activities. It can be fun. But don't confuse that with thinking that Disney was designed with that demographic in mind.

I can agree with this statement as one half of a 40 year old adult couple with no kids.
Especially in regards to Magic Kingdom. But I still love it there!

Epcot World Showcase, especially Food/Wine, now that is tailored for adults.

AK is my favorite park, and I definitely don't think it's tailored for little kids. Just the Dinoland part.

As a kid and an adult, I never bothered watching the parades anyway!

 

[MattRyan]

If the parade is so important to your child then just do what you have to and sit on the curb an hour+ before the parade starts. You can't just show up 15 minutes prior and whine that your child can't see because you failed to plan properly, and you definitely shouldn't inconvenience others because of your poor planning.

 

[Disney_Princess83]

Disney parks were not tailored for children? I am sorry but It is statements like this that make me wonder what planet some people live on. People in costumes, tea cup rides, the overall theming of the parks. It is all designed and tailored for the enjoyment of kids. Families, sure...but in Walt Disney's time, he saw a family as parents and children. Not a group of 40 plus year old adults. All that being said, there is no reason adults, single or otherwise cannot enjoy Disney and enjoy kid-type activities. It can be fun. But don't confuse that with thinking that Disney was designed with that demographic in mind.

I just saw this quote from Walt Disney and had to share it with you. It's about their movie, not the parks but it feels very appropriate here. The parks speak to all of us in one way or another.

I do not make films primarily for children. I make them for the child in all of us, whether we be six or sixty. Call the child "innocence". The worst of us is not without innocence, although buried deeply it might be. In my work I try to reach and speak to that innocence, showing it the fun and joy of living; showing it that laughter is healthy; showing it that the human species, although happily ridiculous at times, is still reaching for the stars.
As quoted in A Walt Disney World Resort Outing : The Only Vacation Planning Guide Exclusively for Gay and Lesbian Travelers (2002) by Dann Hazel and Josh Fippen, p. 211

 

[smokeyblue]

Only a minority of a Disney merchandise is for Children? Unbelievable. Of course Disney provides adult activities but if you think that Richard Pettys driving experience and Downtown Disney are driving the revenue of the parks, you are disillusioned.

The only thing I am disillusioned with is your delusions.

 

[LilyWDW]

I never said it was only for children but it certainly is designed primarily for children. Your attitude is the one I disagree with. You would not let a 4 year old move up in front of you to see the parade even if it meant no worse view for you just because "you were there first"?

If you want your child to have a good spot at a parade, then bite the bullet and get your tush on the curb early. Have some personal responsibility instead of blaming everyone else for your short comings. Take care of your OWN child and leave the rest of us out of your problem.

I didn't get to go to Disney as a child. So I am experiencing most of this stuff for the first time as an adult. So if I want to see the parade, then I will get there early and I will hold my spot. Period. And I won't feel bad about it or fall for some guilt trip by a parent who couldn't take their time to do the same.

 

[teambeaman]

Thank you for teaching me some valuable lessons on this thread:
1. While I won't push in front of anyone to see a parade/show, I will not hesitate to throw my kid up on my shoulders so that he can see because if you are behind us that is poor planning on your part and I will not be responsible for your short comings, both literally and figuratively.
2. Disney is filled with a bunch of adults whose parents deprived them of this experience when they were children and are now overgrown children themselves.
3. While in the parks I will now carry the mentality that I payed as much to be here as everyone else so I will only look out for myself and my family and not consider how my actions affect others.

Thank you for those of you that have shaped my new understandings. I'm sure my touring experience will be much better now that I don't have to be considerate of anyone else in the parks with me.

 

[Sparkly]

Thank you for teaching me some valuable lessons on this thread:
1. While I won't push in front of anyone to see a parade/show, I will not hesitate to throw my kid up on my shoulders so that he can see because if you are behind us that is poor planning on your part and I will not be responsible for your short comings, both literally and figuratively.
2. Disney is filled with a bunch of adults whose parents deprived them of this experience when they were children and are now overgrown children themselves.
3. While in the parks I will now carry the mentality that I payed as much to be here as everyone else so I will only look out for myself and my family and not consider how my actions affect others.

Thank you for those of you that have shaped my new understandings. I'm sure my touring experience will be much better now that I don't have to be considerate of anyone else in the parks with me.

Except arguably Bugsdaddy's motivation is also entitlement, plain and simple. No matter how you slice, it, he believes his child deserves to see it more then anyone else. It makes his overall argument rather weak in the hypocrisy.

 

[ArwenMarie]

My advice is to use the Magic Band access for all parades and firework shows. Worth saving all the hassle.

Yep. I also like the Tomorrowland dessert party if it's in the budget.

Watching the fireworks from a nearby hotel is fine with us too.

It's just not worth the hassle to us and I'm not one to camp out on a curb for an hour or two beforehand, I'm lazy like that.

 

[lizzyb]

I never bother asking. My feelings are, if they're dumb and discourteous enough to do that in the first place, talking to them won't do any good. We just move.

I've got 2 little ones, and I would never do it. I like to think this falls under the common sense theme park etiquette of other things like taking flash pictures on dark rides, talking on attractions, etc. People are just rude and stupid.

I agree