line cheaters at Princess Fairytale hall

[cakebaker]

I had a child who potty trained weeks before going on a disney trip. It was just like when she took a long care ride. You go before you get on line. We don't go on hour long lines. Its really quite simple. Just takes planning.

You parent your way, and I'll parent mine (or grandparent as the case may be), but I can't imagine sticking what is little more than a baby in a car seat and telling them to just hold it till we get where we're going. We don't get in hour long lines either, but whether you understand it or not, small children don't have the control older children do. Telling them to "hold it" is like asking them to do higher math. Telling them to go on cue is not something they've mastered yet. They go when they feel the need to go and sometimes that means 3 minutes after they went the last time.

Super parents who know everything are a particularly irksome thing to me. I often wonder who they're trying to convince how brilliant they are- me or themselves.

But, we have no issues at WDW with this. Apparently and thankfully, there aren't many who think as you do.

 

[Candleshoe]

Everyone on line behind them already sees them exiting and then re-entering and so I don't think most people would view that as cutting the line.

Yes, that's my point, too.

Getting BACK in line isn't the same as jumping in from the back.

 

[tooh8ful]

The ONLY character my kid wanted to meet was Jack Skellington, we got there an hour and a half before he officially started meeting guests. Guess what? He had a 2 hour line. We asked them if they wanted to wait, they did. We waited and I have never seen my kids be so patient. Not a single whine or complaint.

I didn't need SEVERAL reasons, just one. It made my kids happy.

But you're right, I yield to your superior parenting.

What I don't understand is how in the same comment you criticize parents who let their kids wait in 2 hour lines AND parents who don't think their kids should have to wait.

No reason to be nasty OZMom. You seemed to have SERIOUSLY missed my point. My children have been told, from the time they were old enough to understand, there are lines in Disney World, and if they want to do something they will wait in those lines. That means going to the bathroom BEFORE we get in the line (as a group) or forfeiting our spot.
If your children were old enough to make the decision to stand in a 2 hour line that is wonderful, 4 year olds are not in my opinion. That is what we are talking about here isn't it, opinions?

 

[Sharpdisney]

I thought I read here that it was alright for someone to hold a place in line for Fantasmic? Is that not appropriate?

 

[kaetra]

Depends on the scenario. There are definitely times when it's not a big deal at all, and other times when it is a big deal.

Our conscience is supposed to be our guide, and our manners. But some people don't have either of those.

 

[OZMom]

No reason to be nasty OZMom. You seemed to have SERIOUSLY missed my point. My children have been told, from the time they were old enough to understand, there are lines in Disney World, and if they want to do something they will wait in those lines. That means going to the bathroom BEFORE we get in the line (as a group) or forfeiting our spot.
If your children were old enough to make the decision to stand in a 2 hour line that is wonderful, 4 year olds are not in my opinion. That is what we are talking about here isn't it, opinions?

My younger son was 4 and made the decision to wait in line. That's my point. You make broad generalized statements about what parents should and shouldn't do based on your experience and it's borderline insulting.

 

[Gracie09]

You parent your way, and I'll parent mine (or grandparent as the case may be), but I can't imagine sticking what is little more than a baby in a car seat and telling them to just hold it till we get where we're going. We don't get in hour long lines either, but whether you understand it or not, small children don't have the control older children do. Telling them to "hold it" is like asking them to do higher math. Telling them to go on cue is not something they've mastered yet. They go when they feel the need to go and sometimes that means 3 minutes after they went the last time.

Super parents who know everything are a particularly irksome thing to me. I often wonder who they're trying to convince how brilliant they are- me or themselves.

But, we have no issues at WDW with this. Apparently and thankfully, there aren't many who think as you do.

Never claimed to be a super parent, far from it. I don't know why you are getting offended. We spend time and plan things. 99% of the time it works out. When you are driving several hours and there are parts where there is no safe place to pull off and use a bathroom, you plan on what you do. When you are in a line and there is no easy way to get out, you plan what you will do. Our plan is not to get in the really long lines. Our plan is to have the kids sit on the potty before getting in line and push the pee pees out.

 

[Gracie09]

The ONLY character my kid wanted to meet was Jack Skellington, we got there an hour and a half before he officially started meeting guests. Guess what? He had a 2 hour line. We asked them if they wanted to wait, they did. We waited and I have never seen my kids be so patient. Not a single whine or complaint.

I didn't need SEVERAL reasons, just one. It made my kids happy.

But you're right, I yield to your superior parenting.

What I don't understand is how in the same comment you criticize parents who let their kids wait in 2 hour lines AND parents who don't think their kids should have to wait.



Or you just don't have kids that want to meet hard to meet characters? There is no fast pass for 7 dwarves, Jack Skellington, Santa Clause etc. So how do you propose planning your way out of that? Or do you just tell your kids "no, sorry, you can't meet those characters"? I, personally, couldn't take the heart break on my kid's face if I told them they couldn't meet the ONE character they wanted to meet.

But again, I guess you're just another superior parent.

In this case my plan would be not to go to the event until they were old enough to handle the lines to meet them. If they didn't know about it, they wouldn't be upset. We did it during a trip when the A&E line was 4+ hours. My daughters had no clue what they were missing and weren't heart broken.

 

[_Mickey_]

Child: Mommy, why does no one want to talk about people who hold places in line for other people?

Mother: Shhhh, Jimmy, shhh! Bad things happen when you mention line cutters!


Sorry just trying to lighten the mood! This thread has gone to the dark side *runs and hides*

 

[tooh8ful]

That's my point. You make broad generalized statements about what parents should and shouldn't do based on your experience and it's borderline insulting.

It's only "borderline insulting" if you went out of your way to be offended. If you'll go back and read my original posting, I was speaking about MY girls, a subject I DO happen to be an expert on. Nobody was making a judgment call on you. You can find someone else to be offended by now. Bye.

 

[Goofy_Disney_Dad]

Wow, it's been a while since we've had a line cutting or line holding thread. Brings back memories...

 

[minniemous]

Actually, it is. Whether or not I let someone pass me in line is entirely my decision to make. The circumstances at the time will determine how I make my choice.

I definitely feel that it not proper to hold a place for someone and that if it was common practice it poses all sorts of problems with everyone doing it and would cause such a mess.

But I think this position that you would make your decision and your choice is a bit highhanded. Really it would be up to a CM.

Honestly some people have no idea about this "Disney etiquette" and holding a place for your children and wife or child and husband would really not be something that many would ever think was objectionable. They are not necessarily bad people and trying to get away with something. My guess is that most of the people that do this are just oblivious and feel it is perfectly fine and have not considered the big picture. It is common place the idea of someone holding others place on line.

It is a vacation and people are way too uptight. The idea that I would ever make a stink about it or attempt to embarrass the people when they are probably not purposely trying to be rude and see nothing wrong with it is just crazy. When I see people calling people out like that in attempt to embarrass them or deny the family access to a parent ahead I just think they are the one looking like the fool.

To allow them to pass and politely informing them that it is not really the way things are done is fine. I have seen it done with a smile and kindness and every time the "cutter" had no idea what they were doing was objectionable and understood and promised they would not do it again or even offered to go back to the end of the line etc. When it is done with meanness and highhandedness it always turns into something ugly. Something that does not help anyone have a better line waiting experience and makes you feel the worse to have witnessed the "Disney Line Enforcers" bullying.

 

[OZMom]

In this case my plan would be not to go to the event until they were old enough to handle the lines to meet them. If they didn't know about it, they wouldn't be upset. We did it during a trip when the A&E line was 4+ hours. My daughters had no clue what they were missing and weren't heart broken.

That makes me really sad. It was literally the highlight of our trip and my kids handled the line PERFECTLY. My son still talks about meeting Jack Skellington. I agree with cake baker, you raise your kids, I'll raise mine.

It's only "borderline insulting" if you went out of your way to be offended. If you'll go back and read my original posting, I was speaking about MY girls, a subject I DO happen to be an expert on. Nobody was making a judgment call on you. You can find someone else to be offended by now. Bye.

*slow hand clap* Not making a judgement call on me personally doesn't mean you weren't making broad judgmental insinuations. I wasn't offended by you, just pointing out that your situation is not one size fits all.

In order to be offended, I would have to think I was doing something wrong.

My girls learned as soon as they were potty trained, you go potty before we get in line, because if you have to go while in line, we don't ride. I agree with the pp, I wouldn't have gotten in a 2 hour line when either of my girls were 4, for several reasons.
I'm kind of amazed at all the people (on the boards AND in the parks) who don't think their children should have to wait in lines. It's Disney World, there are lines!

 

[Candleshoe]

Honestly some people have no idea about this "Disney etiquette" and holding a place for your children and wife or child and husband would really not be something that many would ever think was objectionable. They are not necessarily bad people and trying to get away with something. My guess is that most of the people that do this are just oblivious and feel it is perfectly fine and have not considered the big picture. It is common place the idea of someone holding others place on line.

I joined the 'Dis' after our first two trips... about 3 months before our third trip. And there were things we did, or thought about doing but never did do (like *ahem* pool hopping! never found time to do it, but thought about it)... and when I joined I felt like I must have had a big, red, R on my shirt! (Rulebreaker. lol)

I was in rec.arts.disney-parks (iirc the hierarchy there) before our first trip but it was much mellower and much slower moving on topics so I was just learning the very basics. I also joined TGM prior to our first trip, but there were no forums at the time, and his articles never hit on the hot topics.

So for the newbies reading the threads, I would like to advise you to skim a bit the HOT ones and then avert your eyes. Go read the TIPS threads instead

Disney IS a Magical place, and you WILL have the time of your life. And you will be glad to have learned and planned before you go!

 

[cakebaker]

Wow, it's been a while since we've had a line cutting or line holding thread. Brings back memories...

Good times....

 

[Gracie09]

That makes me really sad. It was literally the highlight of our trip and my kids handled the line PERFECTLY. My son still talks about meeting Jack Skellington. I agree with cake baker, you raise your kids, I'll raise mine.


*slow hand clap* Not making a judgement call on me personally doesn't mean you weren't making broad judgmental insinuations. I wasn't offended by you, just pointing out that your situation is not one size fits all.

In order to be offended, I would have to think I was doing something wrong.

No need to be sad for them. They were thrilled to meet just about every other character in the park and ride every ride they could and end the day at the pool. They had no expectations of meeting them, so they weren't sad in the least. They have since met them twice thanks to fp+.

 

[hookedonears]

I'm not gonna punish a small child for having to pee. It literally hurts no one for one parent to take a child to the potty and the rest of the party to wait.

But what if Johnny says; mommy I've got to pee, after leaving It's A Small World and mommy says, lets go get in line for Peter Pan first, daddy will hold our place and then I'll take you to go pee. This kind of thing happens ALL of the time, which ruins it for other people.

 

[_Mickey_]

@Goofy_Disney_Dad

Nightmare inducing memories?

 

[cakebaker]

But what if Johnny says; mommy I've got to pee, after leaving It's A Small World and mommy says, lets go get in line for Peter Pan first, daddy will hold our place and then I'll take you to pee. This kind of thing happens ALL of the time, which ruins it for other people.

I don't know how you know this happens. I've been visiting WDW since 1987 and seriously, I've never overhead that kind of conversation.

 

[Fratthouse]

Two things bother me about this:

1 - The inconsistent way castmembers handle the "line cutting" situations. A previous posted told a story about a castmember who refused to allow a lady's family to join her in line for a character meet and greet and the lady went crazy with rage at the castmember. But I have had the EXACT OPPOSITE experience. In November, I held the spot for my family at the Buzz Lightyear M&G at MK, while my mom took my DS (3) to the restroom. They waited over by the exit, and when it was my turn, I said to the castmember, "The rest of my party is over there at the exit. Is it ok if they join me from that side?" The castmember said "Of course!" and motioned them on up to meet Buzz. While I now understand many people's perspectives that this is "line cutting", that was not my intent. I was simply utilizing a strategy I had observed MANY people doing - and with permission from the castmember. To be clear, I don't make a habit of line holding in indoor / enclosed ques, and don't think I have a general "entitled" attitude. Had the castmember told me no, I wouldn't have made an ordeal about it. But I think when castmembers enable this process, it sends mixed signals to people in line about what is acceptable and what is not.

Another time, I witnessed a group of teenagers ducking under a rope to cut around the line at Jungle Cruise. A castmember saw them and went to stop them. They told him they were meeting up with the rest of their party that was near the front of the line. The castmember simply told them to not duck under the ropes but to find a castmember and they would unite them with their party. He then escorted them up to the front of the line where they met up with the rest of their group.

I understand Disney is trying to make each person's experience magical. But when you are managing crowd control for tens of thousands of people every day, the process and standards for "line jumping" should be very clear and every castmember should know the appropriate way to address the situation. And it should be consistent across the board. Otherwise it just leads to frustration on all sides.


2 - For the people who really think it's wrong to leave and return in a line with a toddler / young child who needs to use the restroom......ummmm.....seriously???

First of all - why would it matter at all? If they were in line in front of you, step away for a moment to let their young child go potty, then return in line - how does this increase your wait at all? It doesn't. If they had to leave the line and not return to their spot, it would mean you would have a SHORTER wait - so are you hoping to capitalize on their bad luck? And why should they have to return to the end of the line and wait the entire length of time again? This just makes no sense.

Second, Disneyworld was created / intended to be a place for FAMILIES. This doesn't mean that adults can't enjoy it, too. But it does mean that we should make reasonable accommodations for people of all ages to be able to enjoy the attractions. If that means allowing a 3 yo to go potty in the midst of an hour long wait, by all means, why not???

Third, there is medical evidence that it is very unhealthy for young children to "hold it" while their bladders are still developing. It can lead to many complications down the road. Obviously holding it one time while in line at WDW isn't going to be the tipping point. But for preschoolers who are in the process of or are newly potty trained - we teach them not to hold it. To "stop and go right away" (in the words of the infamous Daniel Tiger - you parents of preschoolers know what I'm talking about!!). This is not just to prevent "accidents" - it's to protect their bodies and their still-developing systems. To suddenly change that message because we are in line at WDW is inconsistent, confusing, and destructive.

And don't tell me that I should just wait to bring my toddler to WDW when he's older. That goes against the ENTIRE PURPOSE of WDW - it's a place that families OF ALL AGES can enjoy together.

Sorry for rant. I may be a little sensitive to this topic because I am planning a mommy / son trip with my 3 yo next month and am feeling a little anxious about it. The idea that other people are going to be judging or angry at me if my little one has to go potty is making me feel a little defensive.