My experience with Wishes..Guarding your spot
- Thread starter Mackey Mouse
- Start date
DebbieB
DIS Legend
- Joined
- Aug 24, 1999
- Messages
- 55,382
It depends on the rope. There are areas where you are not allowed behind the rope because that is a walkway. Main Street is a good example. They do not put a rope on the curb, they put it about 4 or 5 feet behind it and you must be between the rope and the curb. Behind the rope is a walkway and you are not permitted to stop there, cm's freak even if you stop for a second to take a picture.
We also had an experience at the Candlelight Processional. On our last night, we got standby seats. We were almost at the of a row but there was a tree in front of us. So I sat on one side of the tree and my mom sat a little bit over, on the other side of the tree, closer to the end of the row. There was probably about a foot between us. 2 girls came in and sat down and the one kept pushing my mom over. My Mom stood her ground and finally the girl said "could you please move over?". My Mom said "no, that tree will block my view then". They must have had friends in the processional because they kept jumping up and taking pictures as the choir came down the aisle. Everytime the one would sit down, she practically sat on my mom's lap!
We also had an experience at the Candlelight Processional. On our last night, we got standby seats. We were almost at the of a row but there was a tree in front of us. So I sat on one side of the tree and my mom sat a little bit over, on the other side of the tree, closer to the end of the row. There was probably about a foot between us. 2 girls came in and sat down and the one kept pushing my mom over. My Mom stood her ground and finally the girl said "could you please move over?". My Mom said "no, that tree will block my view then". They must have had friends in the processional because they kept jumping up and taking pictures as the choir came down the aisle. Everytime the one would sit down, she practically sat on my mom's lap!
Ronda93
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 6, 2000
- Messages
- 2,064
Ropes and rails people, ropes and rails.
I've heard others say it, and I second that if you MUST have an unobstructed view of the parade you have to sit on the curb. Bring a towel. It is, after all, a sidewalk, replete with the detritus of a street. The curb is nearly bullet proof in the "no one in front of me" strategy. However, sitting halfway down Mainstreet the parade can be on you and past in a jiffy.
For maximum band viewing I'd suggest sitting at the entrance hub, facing the castle. The guest band always steps off way before the parade (10-15 mintues - ask a cast member, they'll know). Also, the band will come to the hub and, I believe, take a left, wrapping around in front of the train station before exiting beside the firehouse.
From here you can get a great shot of your band head-on. Flags, majors/ettes and banners included. They will turn in front of you and you can get some closer shots. Partner with another parent on the opposite side of the street (corner in front of the candy store) to get the other side of the band. Finally, make sure there's a picture taker on the train station... it won't be packed yet. We got such good pictures of a band from Pennsylvania several years ago that we printed some and mailed them to the school district. Got a nice note back from the music department.
The ropes, while nearly as good, are seen as open to interpretation by those I refer to as "cake eaters" (along the having/eating lines).
We've had people assume the 12 inches between the front of my knees and an imaginary plumb line from the rope is available. It's not. You can defend this space, but at a cost. If it will upset you to say, "excuse me, this is my space" don't try a rope. You'd think sitting right up under the rope would be a solution, but the four-year old ten feet away WILL eventually grab the rope and treat it like a jungle-gym. You will catch a rope in the forehead.
I love the Pecos Bill's ledge suggestion. It illustrates that you must have Disney helping you out with their rules, not just courtesy.
Enjoy your trip. It will be great!
p.m. For fireworks, curbs don't work. When the show starts people stop in the street and look up. IMO the best spot for fireworks is a spot facing the rail in front of the Plaza or Casey's. Again, use Disney's don't-climb-over-the-fence rule to your advantage.
I've heard others say it, and I second that if you MUST have an unobstructed view of the parade you have to sit on the curb. Bring a towel. It is, after all, a sidewalk, replete with the detritus of a street. The curb is nearly bullet proof in the "no one in front of me" strategy. However, sitting halfway down Mainstreet the parade can be on you and past in a jiffy.
For maximum band viewing I'd suggest sitting at the entrance hub, facing the castle. The guest band always steps off way before the parade (10-15 mintues - ask a cast member, they'll know). Also, the band will come to the hub and, I believe, take a left, wrapping around in front of the train station before exiting beside the firehouse.
From here you can get a great shot of your band head-on. Flags, majors/ettes and banners included. They will turn in front of you and you can get some closer shots. Partner with another parent on the opposite side of the street (corner in front of the candy store) to get the other side of the band. Finally, make sure there's a picture taker on the train station... it won't be packed yet. We got such good pictures of a band from Pennsylvania several years ago that we printed some and mailed them to the school district. Got a nice note back from the music department.
The ropes, while nearly as good, are seen as open to interpretation by those I refer to as "cake eaters" (along the having/eating lines).
We've had people assume the 12 inches between the front of my knees and an imaginary plumb line from the rope is available. It's not. You can defend this space, but at a cost. If it will upset you to say, "excuse me, this is my space" don't try a rope. You'd think sitting right up under the rope would be a solution, but the four-year old ten feet away WILL eventually grab the rope and treat it like a jungle-gym. You will catch a rope in the forehead.
I love the Pecos Bill's ledge suggestion. It illustrates that you must have Disney helping you out with their rules, not just courtesy.
Enjoy your trip. It will be great!
p.m. For fireworks, curbs don't work. When the show starts people stop in the street and look up. IMO the best spot for fireworks is a spot facing the rail in front of the Plaza or Casey's. Again, use Disney's don't-climb-over-the-fence rule to your advantage.
Mackey Mouse: I think you handled your situation the best you possibly could.
KCMiller: Although there is no possible way to guarantee an unobstructed view of any disney parade, maybe you should consider consulting a cast member earlier in the day to make the best possible arrangements for viewing.
I've read all the posts and can find merit in most all of them. The bottom line is that there are no assigned seating for parades and fireworks displays(nor should there be). You are certainly welcome to stake out your viewing space in advance(although people staking out spaces too far in advance i.e 2-3hours beforehand happens to be one of my biggest personal peeves), but, because of the limited route of the parades and the large amount of people wishing to see them, don't be surprised that it gets crowded or that your view may not be as perfect as you would have liked.
I agree with earlier posters who note that its a matter of common courtesy. just ask: can you see? am I blocking your view? If approached in this manner, the situation usually goes better for both parties.
Also, people need to realize that some people are just rude and it doesn't really matter what you do or say, nothing will change that fact. don't let it ruin your trip...along those lines: what really ruins your trip more; someone standing to close to you? or you being pissed off about it for a month?
Our family spends alot of time at disney. we have averaged about 35 days per year since 1995. one thing that I have noticed is this: EVERYONE thiinks mainly of themselves or their immidiate group first! period! You can tell by all the pet peeves and complaints about others threads that are constantly on these boards. For some reason, we have created this whole disney magic and pixie dust mentality about going to disney world that if every little isn't exactly perfect, it ruins something....personally, I think alot of the comments(including my own) on these boards reflect a certain level of selfishness that we all have as human beings...we all want things our way.
Well, anyway, I wish I could find the proper words to express what I'm feeling about this subject but, since I'm not doing it particularly right; I'll just close with this: going to disney is just like doing anything else in life and should be approached with the two commons: sense & courtesy!!! When your presented with the odd case of the opposite; don't let it ruin your trip or upset you....be the bigger person and enjoy your vacation....you're at disney world!!!
sorry so long.
KCMiller: Although there is no possible way to guarantee an unobstructed view of any disney parade, maybe you should consider consulting a cast member earlier in the day to make the best possible arrangements for viewing.
I've read all the posts and can find merit in most all of them. The bottom line is that there are no assigned seating for parades and fireworks displays(nor should there be). You are certainly welcome to stake out your viewing space in advance(although people staking out spaces too far in advance i.e 2-3hours beforehand happens to be one of my biggest personal peeves), but, because of the limited route of the parades and the large amount of people wishing to see them, don't be surprised that it gets crowded or that your view may not be as perfect as you would have liked.
I agree with earlier posters who note that its a matter of common courtesy. just ask: can you see? am I blocking your view? If approached in this manner, the situation usually goes better for both parties.
Also, people need to realize that some people are just rude and it doesn't really matter what you do or say, nothing will change that fact. don't let it ruin your trip...along those lines: what really ruins your trip more; someone standing to close to you? or you being pissed off about it for a month?
Our family spends alot of time at disney. we have averaged about 35 days per year since 1995. one thing that I have noticed is this: EVERYONE thiinks mainly of themselves or their immidiate group first! period! You can tell by all the pet peeves and complaints about others threads that are constantly on these boards. For some reason, we have created this whole disney magic and pixie dust mentality about going to disney world that if every little isn't exactly perfect, it ruins something....personally, I think alot of the comments(including my own) on these boards reflect a certain level of selfishness that we all have as human beings...we all want things our way.
Well, anyway, I wish I could find the proper words to express what I'm feeling about this subject but, since I'm not doing it particularly right; I'll just close with this: going to disney is just like doing anything else in life and should be approached with the two commons: sense & courtesy!!! When your presented with the odd case of the opposite; don't let it ruin your trip or upset you....be the bigger person and enjoy your vacation....you're at disney world!!!
sorry so long.
Bete
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 14, 1999
- Messages
- 6,521
We started going to WDW since our honeymoon in 1976 and I have to say it just gets worse and worse with parades and fireworks. We've been well over a dozen times since then and the lack of respect now-a-days astonishes me.
In the old days everyone looked out for the bashers (last-minute people) and as a group prevented it from happening. Everyone saving spots would be there and not wondering off or leaving strollers to save spots. We would talk to one another and become acquaintences before the show began. We all new who had been waiting a long time and protected it for each other. We would suggest to late-comers to come back and save a spot another day to get a better view. One time I saw a group lock hands/arms to prevent a party from barging in. If that's what you have to do then do it. Noone got rough but the late-comers got the point and left.
Now, the parks aren't even as busy but it's more of a zoo. We just finished a December trip and it was awful with rude people. I would think after all we have been through as a country we would be more civil with one another.
Also, Disney cast members were more strict in the past. We'd make a point of talking with them and being near one because it can help when the late-comers arrive; although, they can't really do much about it, either. It seems late-comers stay away from alot of the areas that the cast members patrol; so, that helps onto itself.
I think there should be more fireworks shows to begin with since they are so popular. You don't have to be a child to enjoy them, either. When possible, do an early and late fireworks show, too. Illuminations is on twice for New Years Eve; so, I don't want to hear they can't do it.
I will say I don't believe this problem is going to go away anytime soon. Also, I think if you are parents of children performing in any parade, etc. you should be given a special, viewing area. Finally, let me tell you that deluxe Disney package vacations include special viewing spots and the cast members control it; so, there are no bashers. Isn't it amazing that if you pay enough $$$ you don't have the problem or the wait. I know what I'm saying will not be popular but it's the truth.
In the old days everyone looked out for the bashers (last-minute people) and as a group prevented it from happening. Everyone saving spots would be there and not wondering off or leaving strollers to save spots. We would talk to one another and become acquaintences before the show began. We all new who had been waiting a long time and protected it for each other. We would suggest to late-comers to come back and save a spot another day to get a better view. One time I saw a group lock hands/arms to prevent a party from barging in. If that's what you have to do then do it. Noone got rough but the late-comers got the point and left.
Now, the parks aren't even as busy but it's more of a zoo. We just finished a December trip and it was awful with rude people. I would think after all we have been through as a country we would be more civil with one another.
Also, Disney cast members were more strict in the past. We'd make a point of talking with them and being near one because it can help when the late-comers arrive; although, they can't really do much about it, either. It seems late-comers stay away from alot of the areas that the cast members patrol; so, that helps onto itself.
I think there should be more fireworks shows to begin with since they are so popular. You don't have to be a child to enjoy them, either. When possible, do an early and late fireworks show, too. Illuminations is on twice for New Years Eve; so, I don't want to hear they can't do it.
I will say I don't believe this problem is going to go away anytime soon. Also, I think if you are parents of children performing in any parade, etc. you should be given a special, viewing area. Finally, let me tell you that deluxe Disney package vacations include special viewing spots and the cast members control it; so, there are no bashers. Isn't it amazing that if you pay enough $$$ you don't have the problem or the wait. I know what I'm saying will not be popular but it's the truth.
tjmw2727
DIS Legend
- Joined
- Feb 21, 2001
- Messages
- 11,952
I have been on both ends of this situation and to tell the truth my girls (7 and 9) now prefer to just skip most parades. A shame if you ask me!
Traveling alone with my dds makes staking out a good spot tricky. Both defending our space and having to give it up due to a quick emergency potty run. I have had so many people try and crowd in front, on and aside of us you don't even want to know. One woman tried to stand on my dd's lap in the stroller to take a picture, my dd was only 2 at the time. Another time after waiting 45-60 minutes, we left a great spot on main street to use the laides room only to return to several lectures on how we "should have come earlier". Even when asking politely if we could slip in behind or beside someone?? Don't assume that people are being rude or lazy if they come at the last minute. Some people are not savy and don't realize they need to. Others may have circumstances like mine and you would have no way of knowing.
Now we stick to the fireworks, and the Cinderella show. FWIW I find the parade at MGM much more manageable as far as getting and keeping a spot and finding a last minute spot.
TJ
Traveling alone with my dds makes staking out a good spot tricky. Both defending our space and having to give it up due to a quick emergency potty run. I have had so many people try and crowd in front, on and aside of us you don't even want to know. One woman tried to stand on my dd's lap in the stroller to take a picture, my dd was only 2 at the time. Another time after waiting 45-60 minutes, we left a great spot on main street to use the laides room only to return to several lectures on how we "should have come earlier". Even when asking politely if we could slip in behind or beside someone?? Don't assume that people are being rude or lazy if they come at the last minute. Some people are not savy and don't realize they need to. Others may have circumstances like mine and you would have no way of knowing.
Now we stick to the fireworks, and the Cinderella show. FWIW I find the parade at MGM much more manageable as far as getting and keeping a spot and finding a last minute spot.
TJ
Mackey Mouse
Me read the Navigator? I don't
- Joined
- May 21, 2000
- Messages
- 15,693
One last thought.. I just want to say for the record.. it was annoying but I did not lose sleep over it.. I enjoyed my trip immensely.. I put this person in the appropriate category in my mind....and now just laugh about it.. we had a wonderful evening after the fireworks, went to dinner with friends, and I am not sure I even mentioned to them what happened..
I was just sharing an experience with the posters on theme parks... a board I help to moderate....and it was just an FYI..
I was just sharing an experience with the posters on theme parks... a board I help to moderate....and it was just an FYI..
A
Alex
Guest
I have a favorite technique for this. Prior to staking out the spot purchase a large soda in a paper cup. Make sure it is something sticky like Coke. If they push in front of you? Oh well they wear it.
Make sure to accompany this with a comment such as "I can't believe you pushed me!!
If you aren't into that much fun try this. As they push in bump their foot with yours. Immediately howl in pain and start screaming "I can't believe you stepped on my foot!! I think you broke it!!" Make a BIG scene... then push in front of them.
Make sure to accompany this with a comment such as "I can't believe you pushed me!!
If you aren't into that much fun try this. As they push in bump their foot with yours. Immediately howl in pain and start screaming "I can't believe you stepped on my foot!! I think you broke it!!" Make a BIG scene... then push in front of them.
bjakmom
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 21, 2000
- Messages
- 5,050
KCMiller - I agree with kevind65 - explain your situation to a CM in the area - I have done this several times when taping a parade and they have gone out of their way to help me find a great spot (and hold it) -I love the hub at the front of MK because, if I plan it right, I can get the parade coming head on and then turning in front of me so I also get the side view. I have never had a problem when I've sat (firmly) on the curb or behind a rope line, but last year I watched a family stand in the street and then just push back into the crowd when the CM told them to move - unfortunately the people who were behind them just moved back automatically for them ( I think they were so shocked at the people's rudeness that they didn't realize what was happening until they were pushed out of place!) Check out your views while you're walking around that day and then talk to the CMs - hope you get a wonderful spot to view your kids from - how exciting!
TigrLvsPooh
Travel Channel's Ultimate Disney Fan
- Joined
- Jul 6, 2001
- Messages
- 12,074
I've never seen a parade from Main St. itself... we usually watch it from over near town hall, the barber shop, train station, etc. It's more roomy and not so tight. Also it's right near the exit for a fast getaway! 
Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!
Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!
Poohbear123
<font color=CCCC00>Will travel without lipstick<br
- Joined
- Jul 27, 2000
- Messages
- 16,433
I like ALL of these suggestions, and will try and use them when I go in Jan. I have NOT seen a Parade since 2001 due to bad crowds.
I have NOT seen a Parade since 2001 due to bad crowds.
A
Alex
Guest
There's a sad truth buried in this thread. I think most of the people here are reasonable and polite. It's hard to deal with people that just don't care!!! They want a spot and they really don't care if they are boorish, rude and obnoxious..as long as they get the spot. It's a form of sociopathy I guess.
The only way to fight that is with unconventional tactics.
The only way to fight that is with unconventional tactics.
I will tell you all my experience from earlier this month. I was dying to get some great photos of Wishes (and if you look at my Dec pics, you will see them). Anyway, I staked out my spot at 7:00 for the 9:00 parade and 10:00 wishes. I picked a corner at the hub that was roped off, and set up my tripod. I had a few people try and push there way in, but hubby just moved closer to the pole so they could not squeeze into that 1 inch space without a CM saying something. I did have a few people that came in late and said "can we squeeze in here?" and we let them in, and another couple with two kids that hubby let have his seat. But everyone was very polite, the guy beside me even ducked so I could get a shot of the wreaths on Main St. An older lady that squeezed in late was alternating photo shots with me so she wouldn't block my view, and I made some wonderful friends that night. So, it really does go both ways. And.... the tripod helps too!!! everyone thought I worked there.... lol
Julie
Julie
pjlla
DIS Legend
- Joined
- Oct 21, 2003
- Messages
- 11,654
Very interesting to read all of this. When we were last there in 01/2002 we staked out a spot early for Share a Dream parade. And although my legs and butt were sound asleep from sitting on the pavement for an hour, we had a great spot and no one tried to get in front of us.....(we were right up to the "line"). When we tried to catch Spectro at the last minute on our last night, it seemed like wall to wall people. Everywhere we tried to stop the CM's told us we couldn't.... we ended up backed up to a fence (so no one was behind us) with the kids on our shoulders (agony with a 4 year old on me for 30 minutes!). I barely saw the show, but it was more important that the kids did. But what really angered me was that as soon as the parade started, all those spots that we tried to stop got filled with people who were not told to move. If the CM had just told us that when the parade starts people are free to stand there THEN... then we would have just waited off to the side for a while. I guess I was mostly just frustrated with myself for not scoping out a better spot earlier.
Anyhow, we have rearranged our entire schedule to be sure we are in the parks for Spectro during our upcoming trip in Jan. And you can be darn sure I'll be one of those people securing "my" spot a good 45 minutes before the parade! PLEASE don't try to get in front of me.... I might cry!! Merry Christmas.............P
Anyhow, we have rearranged our entire schedule to be sure we are in the parks for Spectro during our upcoming trip in Jan. And you can be darn sure I'll be one of those people securing "my" spot a good 45 minutes before the parade! PLEASE don't try to get in front of me.... I might cry!! Merry Christmas.............P
Talking Hands
<font color=purple><b>|,,|/</b> DEAF DISNEY LOVER<
- Joined
- Mar 27, 2002
- Messages
- 9,711
I didn't get to see Wishes this trip. Why? My view was blocked by the castle. Being in a wheelchair I couldn't stand up and watch and I had to be in the spot close to the castle for the Christmas Show that was right after so I could see the interpreters. I asked a CM what to do and he was no help at all. Attitude was basically tough luck. So beautiful Christmas Show but no view of Wishes at all except for a few tracers that happened in front of the castle.
Talking Hands
<font color=purple><b>|,,|/</b> DEAF DISNEY LOVER<
- Joined
- Mar 27, 2002
- Messages
- 9,711
One last thought! If you are touching , leaning on or using my wheelchair as a spot to prop your child on you are too darn close to me. My wheelchair is my personal space. Please do not touch it without my permission especially when I am in it. Also if you are walking close be aware where my controller is located because if you hit my hand more than likely the wheelchair clip you in the ankles or run over your foot. This includes hitting my arm on that side as well.
Almost took out Pooh's feet this last trip because he came to hug me before I could turn the controller off and didn't realize I have a left handed wheelchair.
Almost took out Pooh's feet this last trip because he came to hug me before I could turn the controller off and didn't realize I have a left handed wheelchair.
Fantasmic303
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2003
- Messages
- 1,928
After many parade and show experiences in WDW, I have to agree with all the previously mentioned peeves. I also agree that it's not so much a matter of personal space or "entitlement", but more an issue of respect for others. I love little kids but don't always travel with them, for example, so if I'm at a parade an hour in advance and a parent approaches me 10 minutes before showtime and asks if his toddler can scoot in front of me, chances are I'm going to let her. What I do NOT appreciate are the folks who push their kids OR themselves in your direct view with no regard for others.
In regards to Wishes, we were in WDW in October, just a couple weeks after Wishes debuted. There was a professional camera crew standing in a roped off area at the entrance end of Main Street, presumably doing promo footage, so my sister and I thought we'd have a fantastic view. And we did, until a GIGANTICLY tall couple stood directly in front of me and proceeded to put their daughter on the GIANT father's shoulders! Not only was my view shot, but I definitely heard the camera person comment on the child who was in her frame for the majority of her shot. These were tall people with a young child watching a fireworks show - I'm quite sure that cradling her on either of their hips would've done the trick.
Anyhoo, after that experience, I was thinking that Disney should make a general announcement prior to showtime requesting that parents do not put children on their shoulders out of courtesy for others. Perhaps they should designate roped off areas for shoulder carriers. Something. ANYTHING to make these people aware of how frustrating it is for the rest of the kid and short adult world!!
In regards to Wishes, we were in WDW in October, just a couple weeks after Wishes debuted. There was a professional camera crew standing in a roped off area at the entrance end of Main Street, presumably doing promo footage, so my sister and I thought we'd have a fantastic view. And we did, until a GIGANTICLY tall couple stood directly in front of me and proceeded to put their daughter on the GIANT father's shoulders! Not only was my view shot, but I definitely heard the camera person comment on the child who was in her frame for the majority of her shot. These were tall people with a young child watching a fireworks show - I'm quite sure that cradling her on either of their hips would've done the trick.
Anyhoo, after that experience, I was thinking that Disney should make a general announcement prior to showtime requesting that parents do not put children on their shoulders out of courtesy for others. Perhaps they should designate roped off areas for shoulder carriers. Something. ANYTHING to make these people aware of how frustrating it is for the rest of the kid and short adult world!!
-
Susan Egan Goes the Distance as Disney Destiny Godparent
-
First Look Inside De Vil's Piano Lounge Onboard the Disney Destiny
-
Pride Lands: Feast of The Lion King Brings Live Music and Storytelling to the Disney Destiny
-
First Look Inside the Dr. Strange Lounge Onboard the Disney Destiny
-
The New & Returning Disney Springs Holiday Cupcake Flavors
-
A FIRST LOOK at the Hero-Themed Staterooms Aboard the Disney Destiny
-
FIRST LOOK: Disney Destiny Brings Wakanda to the High Seas
Receive up to $1,000 in Onboard Credit and a Gift Basket!
That’s right — when you book your Disney Cruise with Dreams Unlimited Travel, you’ll receive incredible shipboard credits to spend during your vacation!
CLICK HERE
That’s right — when you book your Disney Cruise with Dreams Unlimited Travel, you’ll receive incredible shipboard credits to spend during your vacation!
CLICK HERE
