No 4th of July "Tea Party Maulings" for us out at DL! DLR security is amazing!

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

Since there was so much talk about the Mad Tea Party incident on the show,
I had to tell you guys about what I witnessed in the 4th of July Fireworks crowd at Disneyland and how DL CMs and Security really stepped up to the plate!

We were waiting in the throng (or sardine can that is Main Street) for the holiday fireworks spectacular, and an argument between two "fathers" started to loudly escalate a couple rows behind us. Within seconds of the first call for security for a fight, there were 4 CMs, including a Lead, in the middle of the situation. Within another 30 seconds or so, and very subtly, I might add - there were at least 8 very large security CMs and they had set up a large white uniformed "human shield wall" of crowd defense around the parties involved.

For a situation that could have injured several small children and parents, they really stepped in to diffuse it nicely. All of us felt safe, despite the issues and I really commend them for their actions, especially in a thick crowd that still had to stand and wait for another hour for the show! That reminds me, I need to call City Hall and thank them. I'm sure they would like to hear something nice about Friday night! We thought the new show was fabulous, even though it was cut short due to winds. I am thinking about calling in with a report on what we did see, as this is supposed to be the new show for the next several years worth of July 4s. The full show would definitely be worth battling the night crowd for!

Hope everyone is having a great holiday weekend!
Nancy

 

[Allison]

Did the people arguing get to stay or were they asked to leave?

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

They were all escorted very quietly from our area and we never saw them again! I did hear the one family protest (as they were being moved) and then being told in response - "We have other seats for you." - a very open ended statement.

We were only about 7 feet from them and the whole thing was handled so subtley and quietly, that we couldn't figure out the whole story. Even the family between us and them had only partial details. Apparently, one family was trying to push their way forward through our area to get a better spot - in an area where people had already been camping our for almost 2 hours. Another family objected and the dad blocked them with an arm. That let to "Don't touch me" and then it escalated. A woman behind us yelled "get security - fight" and the people right in front of us (at a cut-through rope) got a cast member's attention. Before that guy even got through to the situation (maybe 12-15 feet), another 2 CMs had already come up from the back of the crowd. All the while, people around us were stating loudly to the feuding families that there were little kids all around them. I think it was really the first time that my "protect my babies" instinct really flared up, but I didn't feel overtly worried.

I was very impressed with the professionalism of how they handled it. They did everything they could to buffer us and keep the distraction to a minimum.

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

Sounds like they handled it perfectly...definitely contact Disney to give Kudos to the security staff!

 

[halliesmommy01]

That must have been scary. Sounds like Disney handled it very well. I would send an email or a letter letting them know.

Becky

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

I actually called City Hall this morning and let them know. They were happy to hear from me and were going to make sure management knew they had compliments and not complaints. I remember back in the day when we CMs had special pin awards for getting so many positive guest feedbacks, so I hope they still do that.

I also made sure to let them know how much we really enjoyed the fireworks that they were able to provide before the show ended early. The CM was also thrilled to get that feedback, as they had a lot of disgruntled guests that night...

I think we're going back tonight to see the Dream Home - If we leave by 6:30, it's plenty of time. The girls are currently gettting in a late nap so we might be able to stay for fireworks again!

Nancy

 

[Allison]

How far do you live from Disneyland?

 

[catycatcat4]

they need security like that at school

lots of fights wouldnt of happend like all the guys that jumped this poor mexican kid.

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

Allison,

We live in Burbank, about 10 blocks or so from the Disney Studios. That's about 35 minutes away from DL on a quiet Sunday morning and 45 any reasonable traffic time. On bad traffic days, can be up to 90 minutes (or 2.5 hours in the rain ). Mind you that is literally straight up the same interstate, but on the other side of downtown Los Angeles.

It's nice to be able to have our 3 yr old wake up on Sunday and then just decide to go because she asked....

We never did get there last night. They napped a bit too late. Maybe next weekend or Friday night!

Nancy

 

[DVCsince02]

Nancy,
I had a yellow poncho......

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

An I almost named myself DVCsince93! I did put it in my sig though... That's my favorite way to introduce myself when I talk to the DVC reps in the park! ....

I saw a post from you on another thread and thought - why didn't I do that - never occured to me to think about it, but I'm glad that my user name is really unique! Now all I need to do is figure out where everyone got their DVC pics for their sig files.... I need OKW and VB.

I actually have 2 of my yellow ponchos left. One traditional and one is the 25th Anniversary CM edition. Turns out the plastic gets brittle and tears really easy with age. My husband wants me to dig out one of our early photos with me in my poncho to use as my avatar.

Nancy