Line Cutting

[Wadecool]

Forgotten from the list...

Bets on how long the thread lasts

And the popcorn smiley.

Praying Colonel has set the over/under at 10. Place your bet.

 

[KSDisneyDad]

Oh, so you're one of those people who try to stay in a "line" for the holding rooms instead of "once you are in the room, please fill in all available space." I usually excuse these people as they must be on the attraction for the first time; however, you are suppose to FILL IN ALL THE AVAILABLE SPACE so that as many people as possible can enter the holding room.

But I'm glad you found amusement in this ....

Honestly, I don't care. I have in the past tried to push forward to be one of the first ones out of the door, but I have found that you miss out on some of the "magic" if your objective is simply to be the first one out of the door.

I found it amusing primarily due to the Commando family behind us in line who when we entered the holding room, joined arms and forced their way completely through the room to the other side. They were not subtle about it and were quite disruptive. They actually split our group of 7 up quite a bit as we had to step aside for their assault through the room to be first. It was led by Mom with three kids and a Dad who looked embarassed by the antics of his wife.

When the pre-show was done, we were only about three cars behind the commando family on Test Track. After Test Track, we walked leisurely over to Soarin' to use our Fastpasses. We waited for one extra flight of Soarin' just to be in the front row and when we were getting off of Soarin', we saw Commando family literally running away from the theater (probably heading off to Mission Space or Nemo to check off another ride).

It's just an observation as we too have done Commando style in the past, but our style now is to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. It's no longer a race to be first and check things off a list.

I realize that you are to fill in all open space and I don't think a line should be maintained. HOwever, to literally join your family together as one unit and force your way through the holding area is a bit rude & amusing IMO.

 

[KSDisneyDad]

Uuuuuuuuuuuuh, there's more than 2 options of to stand in line or to go get a table. Your party waits to the side while one or more people order (depending on how large your party is), and once you get your food, your party goes and finds a table. That's how it's supposed to work. You don't all have to stand in line. You can be looking for empty tables while you wait.

Last week, I had my DW and two youngest kids grab a table for us at the Counter Service restaurants at WDW. I guess we never considered this rude, but simply a way to help our younger kids relax before the meal arrived. Our purpose was not to reserve a table, but to enable the boys to sit down, review the park map, talk about what to do next, drink some bottled water and just chill out a little longer while the oldest son and I waited for the meal. The restaurants were never crowded (plenty of empty tables around us). I guess I could see this as rude if there were absolutely no empty tables. However, what's the difference between grabbing a seat early in order to sit and relax versus eating your meal and then sitting around at your table for another 15 minutes chatting and relaxing before heading back out again?

 

[goofyernmost]

PS I am British so maybe we have different ideas about rudeness!

No you are not wrong. It isn't rude...it is just plain common sense.

Well, then you have some who would rather everyone be together because of this scenario:

Two lines. One person per line. You choose line A. The person in line B is buying a burger and fries. The person in line A is ordering 6 value meals, making it to where there were 6 people ahead of you (when you think about your food being fixed and length of time to order), rather than one.

It's impossible to please everyone all of the time.

Uuuuuuuuuuuuh, there's more than 2 options of to stand in line or to go get a table. Your party waits to the side while one or more people order (depending on how large your party is), and once you get your food, your party goes and finds a table. That's how it's supposed to work. You don't all have to stand in line. You can be looking for empty tables while you wait.

Was there a table holding guide printed recently or is this just what you want it to be? And based on the end results that you described, exactly what would have been different if they had gotten a table while waiting for the order?

Common Sense folks, common sense! It makes no sense at all for a family to stand there like cattle, wasting valuable time, watching someone order lunch. You have kids, they are tired and hungry, you need to get napkins, straws, other condiments. You go...find a table...get the kids settled and by that time your order is arriving, you sit have your meal and get out, leaving the space for others that came later. As long as practically everyone does this, and they do, then it takes the same amount of space and time. Actually less time because the group is multi-tasking.

If you want to place blame for this problem...this would be the perfect opportunity to point our crooked little fingers directly at Disney. It's called over booking. Basically promise more spaces then they can provide. It's a first come first serve basis for counter service. If they got to the table before you it was usually because they got there before you did. So the phrase that all you FP lovers relish using when voicing your concern over the suckers in standby line...if you snooze you loose.

Perhaps, in their love of doing everything for the fewest people, Disney will design a FP system for lunch as well.

 

[hookedonears]

No you are not wrong. It isn't rude...it is just plain common sense.





Was there a table holding guide printed recently or is this just what you want it to be? And based on the end results that you described, exactly what would have been different if they had gotten a table while waiting for the order?

Common Sense folks, common sense! It makes no sense at all for a family to stand there like cattle, wasting valuable time, watching someone order lunch. You have kids, they are tired and hungry, you need to get napkins, straws, other condiments. You go...find a table...get the kids settled and by that time your order is arriving, you sit have your meal and get out, leaving the space for others that came later. As long as practically everyone does this, and they do, then it takes the same amount of space and time. Actually less time because the group is multi-tasking.

If you want to place blame for this problem...this would be the perfect opportunity to point our crooked little fingers directly at Disney. It's called over booking. Basically promise more spaces then they can't provide. It's a first come first serve basis for counter service. If they got to the table before you it was usually because they got there before you did. So the phrase that all you FP lovers relish using when voicing your concern over the suckers in standby line...if you snooze you loose.

Perhaps, in their love of doing everything for the fewest people, Disney will design a FP system for lunch as well.

Yes, you must not have gotten your copy. If the restaurant is not full and there are plenty of tables, there normally isn't a problem one way or another. As was posted here above, cast members were not allowing people at cosmic rays to sit without having there food at some point recently. This I'm sure is a result of the crowding situation, which is exactly what I'm talking about.

 

[YodaGirl]

Was there a table holding guide printed recently or is this just what you want it to be? And based on the end results that you described, exactly what would have been different if they had gotten a table while waiting for the order?

Common Sense folks, common sense! It makes no sense at all for a family to stand there like cattle, wasting valuable time, watching someone order lunch. You have kids, they are tired and hungry, you need to get napkins, straws, other condiments. You go...find a table...get the kids settled and by that time your order is arriving, you sit have your meal and get out, leaving the space for others that came later. As long as practically everyone does this, and they do, then it takes the same amount of space and time. Actually less time because the group is multi-tasking.

If you want to place blame for this problem...this would be the perfect opportunity to point our crooked little fingers directly at Disney. It's called over booking. Basically promise more spaces then they can't provide. It's a first come first serve basis for counter service. If they got to the table before you it was usually because they got there before you did. So the phrase that all you FP lovers relish using when voicing your concern over the suckers in standby line...if you snooze you loose.

Perhaps, in their love of doing everything for the fewest people, Disney will design a FP system for lunch as well.

If you had read the entire thread (or at least my other comments), you would be aware that the comment I posted was obviously playing devil's advocate with a hint of facetiousness. Hence, my "can't please everyone all the time" comment. Summerskye, who I was replying to, understood the context of my comment.

As I've stated several times in this thread, there is no reason why someone shouldn't be able to order while the rest of their party finds a table.

If you're going to call me out for a particular point of view, please ensure that you're aware of what point of view that I support (and have referenced more than once in the same thread).

Two of my previous comments, since you obviously missed them:

I have even less of a problem with this.



Personally, I'd rather be the one with food stuck looking for a table (been there, done that), than deal with everyone crowding around the registers/order windows.

Even during the busiest of times, I've never had an issue with being able to find a seat.

I know that there have been reports of CMs patrolling, but I've never seen this (we've eaten at Cosmic Rays on occasion, and we frequent Pecos Bill's). I guess we've just not been there during the right times. Obviously, I would follow whatever the CM said without arguing.

Theoretically, there should be enough tables and chairs to seat the capacity of the restaurant. Thus, it shouldn't matter if a family of 4 has the dad order while the other 3 find a table. Everyone still gets a seat.

I've yet to see a time when there was no seating available.

The "I have even less of a problem with this." statement was in response to hookedonears initial comment in regards to "holding" a table.

 

[focusondisney]

However, what's the difference between grabbing a seat early in order to sit and relax versus eating your meal and then sitting around at your table for another 15 minutes chatting and relaxing before heading back out again?

Excellent point! I find that more annoying than a parent sitting with young kids while the other gets the food. Especially when they can see several other parties looking for tables. Young kids often get cranky or tired before eating. Sitting them down to cool off & decompress helps make everyone's meal better.

And no, I don't have young kids or travel with any. I'm just a middle aged woman with who likes to see others have a good trip. And before anyone asks, no we don't linger at our table after eating. In fact, if I see someone looking for a table & I'm only finishing my beverage, I'll give them our table. We can drink the beverage as we go!

 

[GinnyEmma]

Praying Colonel has set the over/under at 10. Place your bet.

Hahaha...lack of supervision taken into consideration I'm giving it lucky 13.

 

[Tara922c]

Last week, I had my DW and two youngest kids grab a table for us at the Counter Service restaurants at WDW. I guess we never considered this rude, but simply a way to help our younger kids relax before the meal arrived. Our purpose was not to reserve a table, but to enable the boys to sit down, review the park map, talk about what to do next, drink some bottled water and just chill out a little longer while the oldest son and I waited for the meal. The restaurants were never crowded (plenty of empty tables around us). I guess I could see this as rude if there were absolutely no empty tables. However, what's the difference between grabbing a seat early in order to sit and relax versus eating your meal and then sitting around at your table for another 15 minutes chatting and relaxing before heading back out again?

I don't see anything wrong with that situation unless the CS place is crowded, and you have to search for a table. Say I wait with my dh and dd in line, and we all order food which takes about 15 minutes. As we bring our food to find a seat, a mom and kid sit down to wait for her dh to wait for 15 minutes to get their food. Now my family and I are standing there with no where to sit, while that family has a table, but no food. We may have to stand there for 5 minutes waiting for the next table to get up. If the other family waited to the side for the dad, we would have had a table right away, and then that family would get the next available table once they get their food. Again, if the place isn't crowded, I would do the same thing, and I believe during peak seasons, CM's regulate the dining area, and don't allow people to grab a seat before ordering.

 

[jamieintx]

We saw people catching up to their families a lot and it never bothered us. Sure, there were occasional rude line cutters but we honestly didn't let it ruin our day.

One time, however, it was our turn in line to meet Alice and Mr. Rabbit. A little girl came out of nowhere and joined my daughters as if she were with our family. The dad just stood to the side taking pictures. When it was time for the "let's all look at the camera and smile" my husband looked over and said, "you know there's a long line of people behind us." He played stupid and left, but we could tell he knew exactly what he was doing. He got his photo of his kid hugging Alice without waiting. Unfortunately, that kid is in all our pics too (except the last few). RUDE

 

[goofyernmost]

If you had read the entire thread (or at least my other comments), you would be aware that the comment I posted was obviously playing devil's advocate with a hint of facetiousness. Hence, my "can't please everyone all the time" comment. Summerskye, who I was replying to, understood the context of my comment.

I know I should have been more specific. I wasn't responding to yours, I just had it in there as an example of how difficult it is to please, not just everybody, but anybody as well.

Sorry, my response was to the quote just below yours. I forgot that yours was there. I knew what your stand was and I was going to comment specifically, but in my haste, missed it.

 

[MYD714]

"Returning" to the line is not necessarily a problem for me.

What is a problem is when part of a group enters the line with the expectation that the rest of their party can just join them later by cutting in front of others.

I agree. If someone needs a potty break...fine by me. I hate it when part of the group runs ahead, gets in line, and then the rest of the group proceeds to push past me.

We get in line as a group. We wait until we're together. If people in our group get ahead, they kindly let people pass them until we're together again. It's just polite to the people you're with and the strangers around you.

I don't have a problem with a parent and child returning from the restroom. Or even one person getting in line with there group, whether they were in line to begin with or not. I personaly don't have a problem with a family getting in line and a fast pass runner joining them.

My problem is with one person running ahead to get in line and then the rest of the group/family of 5 or so joining them. Thats where the problem is too me.

Maybe I am going to upset a few. But, I always get in line and order food and drinks while my family grabs a table. To the people in line, I am sure they are glad that only one person is in front of them. It makes the ordering process so much easier. It would take longer to place the order, keep track of the kids, pay for the meal, clean up the spilled drink, etc. I don't see it as my family is cutting in line by grabbing a table. If this offends you, then I am sorry. It just makes more sense to me.

It's crowded and hectic enough in line. We don't need whole families standing around waiting for food.

It makes no sense at all for a family to stand there like cattle, wasting valuable time, watching someone order lunch. You have kids, they are tired and hungry, you need to get napkins, straws, other condiments. You go...find a table...get the kids settled and by that time your order is arriving, you sit have your meal and get out, leaving the space for others that came later. As long as practically everyone does this, and they do, then it takes the same amount of space and time. Actually less time because the group is multi-tasking.

I see nothing wrong with this. We always send one person for food, and one person to set up the table, especially if kids are with us.

 

[cm8]

I don't see anything wrong with that situation unless the CS place is crowded, and you have to search for a table. Say I wait with my dh and dd in line, and we all order food which takes about 15 minutes. As we bring our food to find a seat, a mom and kid sit down to wait for her dh to wait for 15 minutes to get their food. Now my family and I are standing there with no where to sit, while that family has a table, but no food. We may have to stand there for 5 minutes waiting for the next table to get up. If the other family waited to the side for the dad, we would have had a table right away, and then that family would get the next available table once they get their food. Again, if the place isn't crowded, I would do the same thing, and I believe during peak seasons, CM's regulate the dining area, and don't allow people to grab a seat before ordering.

I see the point you are making, but it is STILL first come, first served and it does not matter if you think they should give you the table and wait for another one once they have their food. Looking for a table in a crowded place is very stressful as well. Also I have noticed that some can see that you are waiting for a table but go and get another party to sit at the table you are waiting for. That is their right I suppose but it is not fair to the individual who was standing there waiting patiently for them to get up.


ETA: we actually had people this last trip try to force us to move while trying to finish up our meals. They said that we should just stand and finish the tiny bit we had left. That made my husband very upset and he stopped eating and told them to move from around our table and that they were not going to have the pleasure of sitting.

 

[hookedonears]

Which brings up another point, which is what the CM's at Cosmic Rays were probably doing. A family buys water from a vender in the street and then goes into a restaurant just to cool off and relax. The family (or better yet, a large tour goup) may take up several tables during the lunch rush in the middle of the summer. Would that be ok? Many would say no. CM's would have to control it, but the only way to control it is to not allow anyone without food to sit in the restaurant during busy times. It only makes since. (I can say we've done it. It was around 10:00 am in the morning, however and the restaurant was pretty much empty)

 

[YodaGirl]

I know I should have been more specific. I wasn't responding to yours, I just had it in there as an example of how difficult it is to please, not just everybody, but anybody as well.

Sorry, my response was to the quote just below yours. I forgot that yours was there. I knew what your stand was and I was going to comment specifically, but in my haste, missed it.

It happens. I was probably a bit harsh in my response to you. My apologies.

I see the point you are making, but it is STILL first come, first served and it does not matter if you think they should give you the table and wait for another one once they have their food. Looking for a table in a crowded place is very stressful as well.

If finding "a table in a crowded place is very stressful," I'm glad that I don't tour with you. My goodness! I'd probably be a nervous wreck by the time the day was out.

Also I have noticed that some can see that you are waiting for a table but go and get another party to sit at the table you are waiting for. That is their right I suppose but it is not fair to the individual who was standing there waiting patiently for them to get up.

It's not polite to intentionally grab a table that someone is fixing to take.

I'm confused, though. Are you saying that you were standing with food waiting for someone to finish when another group walked up and took the table? Are you saying that the table was empty and you didn't sit down in the time that it took someone else to go get someone else to take the table?

I've never (even in some of the busiest times) had an instance when I couldn't find a table. Was it the table that I specifically wanted? Maybe not, but it was a table. Ultimately, who cares? You're there to eat and leave. A table is a table.

 

[YodaGirl]

Which brings up another point, which is what the CM's at Cosmic Rays were probably doing. A family buys water from a vender in the street and then goes into a restaurant just to cool off and relax. The family (or better yet, a large tour goup) may take up several tables during the lunch rush in the middle of the summer. Would that be ok? Many would say no. CM's would have to control it, but the only way to control it is to not allow anyone without food to sit in the restaurant during busy times. It only makes since. (I can say we've done it. It was around 10:00 am in the morning, however and the restaurant was pretty much empty)

Then the issue that they are enforcing (i.e. the problem that Disney has with the situation) is non-patrons of a said restaurant taking up a seat as opposed to patrons of the restaurant waiting at a table for the group's representative to return with the food.

By that reasoning, Disney doesn't have a problem with "holding" seats. It just so happens that the only way they can enforce the policy of patrons only is to allow only people who have their food to sit. More of a one person ruins it for all rather than Disney being anti-table holders.

 

[Wadecool]

It happens. I was probably a bit harsh in my response to you. My apologies.



If finding "a table in a crowded place is very stressful," I'm glad that I don't tour with you. My goodness! I'd probably be a nervous wreck by the time the day was out.



It's not polite to intentionally grab a table that someone is fixing to take.

I'm confused, though. Are you saying that you were standing with food waiting for someone to finish when another group walked up and took the
table? Are you saying that the table was empty and you didn't sit down in the
time that it took someone else to go get someone else to take the table?

I've never (even in some of the busiest times) had an instance when I couldn't find a table. Was it the table that I specifically wanted? Maybe not, but it was a table. Ultimately, who cares? You're there to eat and leave. A table is atable.

I'll give you a real world example of what I think is being described. One day around lunchtime in MK we had gotten our tray of hot dogs and Cokes and were standing outside Caseys waiting for a table along with numerous other families. Now I cannot say where we were as far as next in line to get a table as I was balancing my expensive tray of hot dogs and sodas, trying not to drop it. An older lady comes up to me and asks if we'd like their table, since they are about to leave. We say sure and walk over. They wait until we are literally placing our tray of food on the table before moving, so that no one else can get it. I asked the lady why they gave the table to us, and she pointed to her husband and told me that he looked at the crowd and said "let's give it to the big guy." I thanked them profusely and we enjoyed our meal. When we were done, I looked the current crowd hovering nearby and picked a family and offered our table to them. I don't think that was wrong because those people who gave us a table didn't know us and therefore had no preferences one way or another.

 

[Stitches]

Hey, haven't had a straight-up line-cutting thread in a week or two! How about that!

When I started this thread late last night I had no idea it would generate so much reaction. I hoped to get some response, but it was quite a shock to come back today and see pages of responses already.

Anyway, I'm only part way through, but I noticed a number of people commenting about how this is a frequent topic. Sorry to disturb those of you who are "regulars" to Disboards. I just started using these boards again recently as it had been over 5 years since my last Disney trip. Back then I don't remember this topic and I had not seen it posted in the last few weeks, so I didn't realize this might be annoying to some people.

 

[wcpamotm]

Common Sense folks, common sense! It makes no sense at all for a family to stand there like cattle, wasting valuable time, watching someone order lunch. You have kids, they are tired and hungry, you need to get napkins, straws, other condiments. You go...find a table...get the kids settled and by that time your order is arriving, you sit have your meal and get out, leaving the space for others that came later. As long as practically everyone does this, and they do, then it takes the same amount of space and time.

But not everyone does.

Like me. On my last trip, I was a solo traveller and so could not have anybody waiting at a "saved" table for me after I got my food. And working my way through the Earl of Sandwich queue, noticing the number of tables with people but no food, I was afraid I'd be stuck drifting around with food but no table. Thankfully, Earl has a few deuces which are understandably not popular with families.

It has also recently happened to me at Sassagoula Floatworks in Port Orleans. The food court at the Land used to be bad before the seating area was expanded.

To be clear, if there are ample tables available I do not care if you use one to play bridge at! (And this happens at a local QS restaurant.) All I would ask is that you be aware of your surroundings and have a little consideration for those who are in a different situation than you are.

 

[YodaGirl]

I'll give you a real world example of what I think is being described. One day around lunchtime in MK we had gotten our tray of hot dogs and Cokes and were standing outside Caseys waiting for a table along with numerous other families. Now I cannot say where we were as far as next in line to get a table as I was balancing my expensive tray of hot dogs and sodas, trying not to drop it. An older lady comes up to me and asks if we'd like their table, since they are about to leave. We say sure and walk over. They wait until we are literally placing our tray of food on the table before moving, so that no one else can get it. I asked the lady why they gave the table to us, and she pointed to her husband and told me that he looked at the crowd and said "let's give it to the big guy." I thanked them profusely and we enjoyed our meal. When we were done, I looked the current crowd hovering nearby and picked a family and offered our table to them. I don't think that was wrong because those people who gave us a table didn't know us and therefore had no preferences one way or another.

Oh, okay. I don't see a problem with that at all.

I was thinking more along the lines of Party A is at a table. Party A sees Party B coming to sit at table next to Party A's table. Member from Party A gets up to get additional members to quickly take empty table before Party B can get to the empty table.

I was confused. Thanks for the clarification!