Need a better line

[kwdw]

"Just you" can create a negative connation for many people - so I do think a better way of asking is needed. I've heard - "Dining solo today?" and that sounds better to me as a clarifying question. "Single rider?" is another phrase that works at rides.

But, yes, I've heard a lot of "Just you?" at Disney. Since I'm proud of that fact - I usually say something back in a happy, perky tone. But the word "just" negatively diminishes the word after it - so "just you" is like hearing "so just little ole me isn't good enough?" I get that the CM is just doing a number check and that's part of their training - and they are trying to be casual and light-hearted about that check - but I'm actually a bit surprised Disney hasn't trained them away from "just you."

 

[FCDub]

There's probably a better way to express it, but also a better way to not let something like this get to you.

 

[Lilsia]

I go to WDW solo all the time and don't remember anyone every saying "just you" to me. I still always get "how many" when it comes to rides. As for restaurants, I can't even remember what they say. I am sure that I have had "by yourself?', or "party of 1". Someone might have said "just you" to me at some point. None of it bothers me. Maybe because I have worked with the public for 30 years and know that everyone uses a different phrasing for the same thing. I care more about their tone and attitude then the phrasing they are using. I agree with the other poster, it sounds like if you are a bit insecure, this would bother you.

 

[bryanb]

I actually know this not to be true. One of the cast members at Blizzard Beach noticed me making the rounds on the lazy river a few times. Cast members do notice and remember more than you realize, but they don’t always have luxury of time.

I can agree with it in a couple of cases. If you have a distinctive look or style, I think CMs are definitely more likely to notice (which isn’t a bad thing, as I think the intention in that case is to stand out from the crowd). Or if you happen to be wearing distinctive clothing. But the average person who doesn’t want to stand out, and keeps their style generic can totally blend into the crowd. When I got to WDW, I might be in different moods, so I’ll usually bring some non-descript shirts and maybe a few fun vacation novelty clothes (shorts with penguins, t-shirts with funny sayings or my alma mater. It’s always fun to get college program kids from my school get excited to see that.)

The other thing I have noticed is that they watch guests like hawks at the water parks. I have done solo trips for the lazy river, and do get self conscious there. Maybe because I’m a solo male floating in a sea of kids splashing around me, and they just need to be aware. Maybe they watch everyone that way to ensure we’re all safe . Not sure, and it hasn’t ever been a bad thing… but I have been conscious that the lifeguards are giving individual attention to me every time I pass by.

 

[Lilsia]

I can agree with it in a couple of cases. If you have a distinctive look or style, I think CMs are definitely more likely to notice (which isn’t a bad thing, as I think the intention in that case is to stand out from the crowd). Or if you happen to be wearing distinctive clothing. But the average person who doesn’t want to stand out, and keeps their style generic can totally blend into the crowd. When I got to WDW, I might be in different moods, so I’ll usually bring some non-descript shirts and maybe a few fun vacation novelty clothes (shorts with penguins, t-shirts with funny sayings or my alma mater. It’s always fun to get college program kids from my school get excited to see that.)

The other thing I have noticed is that they watch guests like hawks at the water parks. I have done solo trips for the lazy river, and do get self conscious there. Maybe because I’m a solo male floating in a sea of kids splashing around me, and they just need to be aware. Maybe they watch everyone that way to ensure we’re all safe . Not sure, and it hasn’t ever been a bad thing… but I have been conscious that the lifeguards are giving individual attention to me every time I pass by.

I have worked with the public for over 30 years and I agree with what you said. We don't remember 99.9% of people, even if you just spoke to them. If they are distinctive, then it is a bit easier to remember. If you think about it, how can anyone's brain remember even a fraction of the people that pass by them, especially someplace like WDW when you get 100,000s of people a day. They are all just trying to do their job and get people through.

 

[goofyernmost]

It is amazing that it isn't obvious that people are impossible. Some get upset when asked. "how many in your party" when they have to answer "one". now if they say something as innocent as "just you?" it is an bad connotation. Who is thinking that, how paranoid have we all become or as dependent on other people that we feel singled out if someone thinks we are alone when no one really gives a damn. All of us have our own lives to live, get over yourselves thinking that you are a shining light that everyone is focusing on. As individuals we are all but one single speck on the massiveness of humanity. The point is when they ask how many in your party, the only two answers are (whatever number it happens to be) or "just me". Try to keep life simple.

Perhaps a better line might be.... "Excuse me sir/ma'am but might I inquire if you are here as an individual or have you come with a number of friends or family and if so how many might that be so I can hurriedly get that ride loaded and on it's way".