Line Etiquette?

[tiffjoy]

Thanks all. Sounds like we are all on the same page. I would never send hubs to get in line, then show up later. We would all be in line of course, but if we have to dash out for a potty break I wasn't sure if there was a specific Disney policy.

And it is just the 3 of us.

I totally get what you guys are saying about large groups of teenager. I myself would be quite vocal about that. I was more worried about these lines that are like an hour. That can be overwhelming wait for a kid, and bathroom trips totally happen.

Definitely potty breaks happen. I've never experienced anyone minding. But the overwhelming wait part of your question leaves me uncertain as to what you are getting at with that one?

My kids are 5 and 3, and we've been going since they were babies. DLR and WDW have singlehandedly taught them the rewards of patient line waiting. I still remember my two year old so patiently waiting for 45 min to meet Minnie and Mickey in their Halloween costumes at the MHP. She really wanted to meet them, but the line was very long. We explained that if she wanted to meet them, she had to wait. Not walk around. Not ask us to take her someplace, but wait there. She did. My DD3 waited 45 min to ride Pooh at WDW in January, which drove me bonkers as we never wait more than 5 at DLR for the same darn ride, but she was content to do her time to get her ride. I do believe that unless a child has a disability, they need to wait in line to go on the ride/meet the character (exception was the hours long wait for A&E last year). No shoving by people and hopping back in after mom or dad has waited for them. I understand some kids can't handle the wait, but then it's time to move to other rides- if they really want to go on the ride, then they should be able to wait like all the rest are doing. I'm not sure if that is what you are saying or not with that statement... likely not and I'm just misreading.

Again, the exception is obviously there for person with disabilities who cannot wait and need DAS- I absolutely get that and fully support it.

 

[SMD]

The one that I don't understand is when a large party all stops for the bathroom, then sends 1 person ahead to get in line, planning to have 4 or more people push into the line later. To save all of 5 minutes. Just wait until everyone is done, then get in line together.

 

[Malcon10t]

I totally get what you guys are saying about large groups of teenager. I myself would be quite vocal about that. I was more worried about these lines that are like an hour. That can be overwhelming wait for a kid

That is the great part about Disneyland. The long waits have a great reward. I have a daughter who is Aspergers and a son with severe ADHD. Both grew up waiting in lines. They knew if they wanted the ride/character/show, they needed to wait. I think your child will do better than expected. They often rise to the challenge. My granddaughter is 4, she knows if she wants to see Queen Elsa, she has to wait. If your son really has a problem, most lines that reach an hour have fastpass.

 

[bumbershoot]

My 8 year old will be so impatient waiting.

I think that most 8 year olds are going to be impatient waiting. But...it's part of Disney.

Bathroom breaks, OK, though for my own family we can't go back. DH is of a size, and I used to be of a size, where we can't just squeeze by. And it has been MOST uncomfortable when others have felt the need to squeeze past us. Not everyone is teensy, and some of the lines at Disneyland are not big! So since it has never been an option for us, if my son has to leave the line for the bathroom, we are now done with that ride opportunity. It once took us 3 separate tries (different days) to get on Jungle Cruise because of bathroom reasons. That's our rule, mainly born out of an impossibility for our family to easily get out of and back into line without smooshing others.

I've reminded my son many a time that he is not, at all, the only bored kid in a line. It's just not allowed, to act bored...you're either in line and making the best of it, or we can go back to the hotel, and if you're going back to the hotel you've ruined day of the parent (who is going with you), and so you're going back to the hotel with a parent who is mightily irked with you, so that'll be superawesomefuntime.

We aren't huge disciplinarians, do as I say, etc etc, parents at home, but at Disney...it's a bit different.

So we did we made our apologies and made it to a cast member, told her what had happened she directed us to a gate off the side to another cast member, we could see the boys almost at the front of the line, the CM asked me to describe the boys and their names - she then went and checked with the boys that we had been with them and that they knew us - she let us in the gate and we were able to ride all together

I like it.

DLR and WDW have singlehandedly taught them the rewards of patient line waiting.

Yes yes and more yesses. Since we homeschool, DS hasn't had ample opportunities to learn to stand in lines. (for the room, for lunch break, for the bathroom, for the drinking fountain, etc etc). But we have had Disney to teach him how to wait! Thank you Disney.

 

[Congo Queen]

Another thing that can help is doing your best not to be in a line that is over 30 minutes. Use all the FP's you can. Arrive at park opening when crowds are at their lightest and ride the rides then that will have unavoidable long lines later. Use single rider lines where ever you feel comfortable with that option.

 

[ludari]

As an adult annual pass holder that frequents the parks solo I completely understand your situation. I don't mind one or two people holding the line for a couple of other people/kids especially when it's obvious that they either went to the restroom or grabbed a quick snack/drink. What I dislike is a single person holding the line for 4+ people when it clear that they are only using the person to hold a spot in line for them. I don't think this is fair but I have yet to say anything. I may have given them a dirty look.

 

[Amommy21]

Bring a small toy or something for your child to do in line. The Hidden Mickey book is a good one. Lego Minifigures are also a hit. My little guy sometimes has a small bouncy ball or something in his hand, but be prepared to loose it. Honestly if your child doesn't have behavior issues waiting in line as Disney isn't a big deal. There is lots of excitement and often things to see, do watch. It's a great time to have all sorts of conversations and discussions about things boys love like super heroes, etc. Also you can bring a Nintendo DS or an old iphone with some games loaded on it to play. I have NEVER had an issue with my DS in line and he is now 13, been going since he was 2. I think I'm more likely to go crazy in line. I wouldn't plan to leave the line and get back in unless it's a bathroom emergency. As Disneyland some lines aren't big enough to do that easily and it will be annoying to people. Plan ahead! Also drinks and snacks are a good thing to have in line. We often have crackers, juice, water, a special treat tucked away in the backback and pull it out in a long line. PLAN AHEAD and you'll be fine! Have a good trip!

 

[Lionsy]

At least once a day, we encountered a line where 1 person would be waiting, and then all of a sudden, the whole "family" appears to join the queue. And the kids were not like 3 or 4 yo, there were like teenagers. I didn't say anything (probably because it was DLR)- I definitely would have said something in the "real world". One thing I found was great was that my DD9 had a bubble gun, and not only did it entertain her, but the other kids in the line loved it too! Entertainment for everybody! I was a bit of a cheap skate, so I bought a huge bottle of bubbles from Wal-Mart for 99c, and put a bit in a smaller bottle to bring into the parks, so I could top up the gun, and the bottle lasted the whole trip.

 

[Mousequake]

Just as a counterpoint to the last post: I would find a kid playing with a bubble gun in an enclosed place like a queue EXTREMELY annoying.

 

[AustinTink]

I agree with the prior poster. Please don't blow bubbles in line!! My son and I are highly allergic to the solution in bubbles. We both break out in a rash wherever it touches us. This is one of my biggest Disney pet peeves. Please, for the love of God, no bubbles.

 

[minnie mum]

Just as a counterpoint to the last post: I would find a kid playing with a bubble gun in an enclosed place like a queue EXTREMELY annoying.

I agree. Nothing more magical than having to stop and clean my glasses because some kid ( or his mother) are shooting bubbles all over everyone in the vicinity.

 

[LaurenDis]

We have a son who qualifies for a DAS and was considering trying out the lines first to see how he would do. However, after reading this we will go straight for the DAS. Good to know!

 

[JadeDarkstar]

I think its ok for a mother or father to take a kid out line, bathrooms, snacks, heck I've even been ok with a character greet that had a short line. A dad stayed the mom rushed the kid over, and they were back in line quick enough. I have even seen some long line rides, where a parent takes a kid to a quick moving line. I really don't have a problem with that.

I do not like more then 4 ppl joining a line. Kids ok 2 or 3 kids and one adult sure fine. The teenagers or packs of adults get on my last nerve. NO. I will stand up and say "No the line is back there" and point. Unless of course I have my paranoid times and don't want to get on there bad sides.
Its not ok to shove though the line with out being polite but many kids do that.

You will get hundreds of different answers here. Some will say No way no how in the world is it ok. Some will say just for bathrooms, others like me may be ok with it. As long as it isn't to many getting back in line.
Also you can tell when the group of teens or adults are packs or when they are actually having a problem like me.
I have bladder problems my self, so if a lines to long My hubby gets in and Ill be like "I'm going to the restroom and then take my son too if I go then he can try too and we normally make it the rest of the line."

 

[disneychrista]

Exiting the line for a bathroom emergency should be okay.
Not standing in line because your kid "doesn't want to" isn't okay. She has to wait like everyone else.

This is my though exactly.

If your child can not wait 20 minutes in line, then maybe they are not ready for a trip to Disneyland. You might think to either pick up the book Lots to Do in Line or Hidden Mickeys. That way you can both be entertained while waiting in lne.

 

[Lionsy]

bubble gun in an enclosed place like a queue EXTREMELY annoying

The bubble gun is not the problem. No more than queue jumpers, one family member "reserving" spots for the other 5 who have obviously gone and done a FP on Screamin' or something in the meantime, the people who invade your personal space and bump into you / your backpack 5 times a minute, or for that matter, those who hug all the plush toys and try on all the hats in the World of Disney Store whilst sweating like a pig on a 90 degree day (without any intention of purchasing any of those things). I fully understand that some people dislike kids with bubble guns, and I fully get it and respect it. And that's my point. Respect. Disneyland is a part of life, and part of life involves teaching your kids right and wrong. I don't teach my child Disney etiquette, as much as I have taught her "social etiquette". Bad / selfish behaviour is inappropriate anywhere, not just in a ride line at Disney.
Here is my thoughts on the bubble gun thing, and my DD9 knows this well, and fully respects the rights of others. She doesn't use the bubble gun:

1) When the line is indoors, because there tends to be tiles, etc. and people may slip on the soapy residue
2) When the line is outdoors, and there is no "breathing space" between guests
3) She never points the gun at anybody, especially at faces
4) She releases the bubbles slowly, and not just continuously in a great shower of suds
5) She stops if the kids around her start to get too hyper. It happened once when there was a young kid, who was already quite aggressive, and was trying to pull out all the poles that held the chains for the lines. The boy started screaming at the bubbles, so she stopped immediately.
6) She stops immediately if we ask her to, or if anybody else asks her to stop (which has never happened)
7) When the wind is likely to blow the bubbles in an unintended direction (ie towards other guests)

There are obviously lines where the bubble gun is not appropriate (eg. Storybook canal, Alice) EVEN if the line is outdoors. But there are also lines with long waits, where there is either open space, or a place for kids to shoot bubbles that don't hit other guests, such as Toy Story Mania (especially as the queue gets to the bit facing the Boardwalk games), Buzz Lighter (the queue is against the side of a cabbage / rosemary garden).

Teaching kids discipline and consideration if the key, because bubble gun or not, they have the capability of annoying those around them.

 

[Amommy21]

Lauren - best bet is to train your child and teach them about waiting in lines BEFORE the trip. Don't feel you have to go straight for a DAS. Even with a DAS there will be waiting. Seriously, Disney and theme parks waiting is just inevitable, everyone will have a much better time and you will be teaching your child to be a better citizen. And Disney is a GREAT place to do this because the waiting if worth it, it's for something fun. And the waiting can be fun depending on the area you are waiting and what you make of the time together. There is so much to se at DL and the queues at Disney often have a lot you can make into entertainment. Be creative.

Waiting is just part of life. Start with grocery store. A fair or small theme park in your area, etc. Waiting and lines are kind of a big part of being ready for Disney. There will always be SOME waiting, even with a pass. Best to be prepared for it and plan.

 

[Amommy21]

Lionsy - What a good parent!

 

[AC7179]

OP, I have a pretty inpatient just turned 3 year old, and when we were in Disney World last month, we had to have her wait with us for one of the Harry Potter rides. (Okay, I realize that one was in US, but you get the point). Anyway, because the line was continuously moving, there was always something new to see and she was fine. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. I had to bring my phone out once or twice for other waits (mainly when she was tired or grouchy), but for the most part, she was really good in line.

 

[SMD]

The bubble gun is not the problem. No more than queue jumpers, one family member "reserving" spots for the other 5 who have obviously gone and done a FP on Screamin' or something in the meantime, the people who invade your personal space and bump into you / your backpack 5 times a minute, or for that matter, those who hug all the plush toys and try on all the hats in the World of Disney Store whilst sweating like a pig on a 90 degree day (without any intention of purchasing any of those things). I fully understand that some people dislike kids with bubble guns, and I fully get it and respect it. And that's my point. Respect. Disneyland is a part of life, and part of life involves teaching your kids right and wrong. I don't teach my child Disney etiquette, as much as I have taught her "social etiquette". Bad / selfish behaviour is inappropriate anywhere, not just in a ride line at Disney.
Here is my thoughts on the bubble gun thing, and my DD9 knows this well, and fully respects the rights of others. She doesn't use the bubble gun:

1) When the line is indoors, because there tends to be tiles, etc. and people may slip on the soapy residue
2) When the line is outdoors, and there is no "breathing space" between guests
3) She never points the gun at anybody, especially at faces
4) She releases the bubbles slowly, and not just continuously in a great shower of suds
5) She stops if the kids around her start to get too hyper. It happened once when there was a young kid, who was already quite aggressive, and was trying to pull out all the poles that held the chains for the lines. The boy started screaming at the bubbles, so she stopped immediately.
6) She stops immediately if we ask her to, or if anybody else asks her to stop (which has never happened)
7) When the wind is likely to blow the bubbles in an unintended direction (ie towards other guests)

There are obviously lines where the bubble gun is not appropriate (eg. Storybook canal, Alice) EVEN if the line is outdoors. But there are also lines with long waits, where there is either open space, or a place for kids to shoot bubbles that don't hit other guests, such as Toy Story Mania (especially as the queue gets to the bit facing the Boardwalk games), Buzz Lighter (the queue is against the side of a cabbage / rosemary garden).

Teaching kids discipline and consideration if the key, because bubble gun or not, they have the capability of annoying those around them.

Any activity in lines that isn't contained within your group isn't really being considerate of those around you. I don't have an issue with kids playing video games or watching videos on tablets in line. However, if the volume is loud enough for others to hear every word clearly from 2 switchbacks over, I think that's an issue. I know some people are against electronics in line. I think that's a personal choice, and. As long as it's not glaringly,loud and not causing a child to bump others, I think it's fine. I was once behind a group of CMs on their off time who were singing a bunch of Disney songs quite loudly. It was annoying. I wanted to clap my hand over the mouth of one girl who was particularly out of tune. Put on some headphones, mouth the words, but please, don't put me in the idle of your concert that I did not ask to be invited to. I do not want bubbles in my personal space at all. I don't want them popping on me, period. If there is a way that your daughter's bubbles can only pop on herself or the members of your party without splashing the solution, then fine. But I don't think that's possible, so in my opinion, bubbles are not an appropriate line distraction in any situation.

 

[Malcon10t]

We have a son who qualifies for a DAS and was considering trying out the lines first to see how he would do. However, after reading this we will go straight for the DAS. Good to know!

Be aware that even with a DAS, there can be lines. For example, we got our return time for Alice. When we returned, there were a lot of others returning at the same time. We waited in the return line for 25 mins.