Parade/Fireworks Etiquette

[blondietink]

If you think the above scenarios are bad consider our family. Two parents pushing two young adults in wheelchairs. You could think the handicapped seating area would be ideal for us, right? WRONG! One year we went to see Spectromagic and arrived at the wheelchair seating area over an hour before the parade started. With about 15 minutes to go before the parade started, a man and his family tried to get into the seating area with no Guest Assitance card claiming his mother-in-law had a heart condition and needed to be in the area (where there are o seats). Also, the mother-in-law was not with the family. The CM told the family they could not stand there. A yelling match insued. For some reason the man picks on our family, yelling at us that we had "no right" to be taking up "his" spot? In the end, right after the parade starts, the man and his family sits right in front of my kids wheelchairs on the curb and complains about the foot rests jabbing his back. Another CM comes over and tells him to move. Swearing and more yelling and the man finally leaves. However, for the next 2 days, we run into this man and his family throughtout the parks and he continually makes snyde comments to us, until I finally let him have it on the ferry boat out of MK to the parking lot. The family could not move because of the crowd of people. Fast forward to the next day and we see the family again at HS and they run the other way!

The moral of the story is that there are jerks and rude people everywhere whose parents never taught them manners.

 

[mickaholic4077]

There is no such thing as being late for fireworks, it is not a movie theater, they did not close door. Just because you are infront of others, does not make you have more rights then others. If you kid wants to be on your shoulders, move to the back or hold her in your hands, not shoulders. It is simply about respecting people behind you.

Amen,sistah!!!!!

 

[Mickey&Mouse]

On our last trip, Nov 08, we found a bench to sit on that was just a few feet back from the rope for the parade. I was pregnant at the time and really didn't think I could sit on the ground too easily. So my husband and I sat on the bench with the kids in front of us, about an hour or so before the parade was to start.

Anyway, the craziest thing happened just before the parade started. A whole family went and sat on the little wall behind us. It was maybe a foot from the bench. Then they started leaning over the back of the bench, like resting their elbows or something. They were talking and carrying on with each other, while eating popcorn. The one woman's hand/arm kept brushing against my hair, and I could feel her breathing. Talk about invading someone's personal space! Then in the middle of her talking she actually spit out a piece of popcorn that landed on my thigh!!

This was just so crazy I didn't know what to do or say. So I didn't say anything. Oh well. It's kind of funny now looking back. The funniest part is that we thought we were "safe" from the whole mess of people fighting for good parade spots because we were pretty much at the back, or so we thought at the time.

 

[mickaholic4077]

WOW, vacation is about being relaxed, not a competition. If you consider getting a better place a victory, well... it is up to you. If you have your kid on your shoulders before show stars, I would never stand behind you but if you put her on your shoulders when it started and there is no way I can move, this is plain rude and I will politely ask you to take her off. Sorry but I do not believe in winning at others account, I believe in respect.

Amen again,Kelly!!!!!

 

[maxiesmom]

It's not purposely rude, Showing up late and expecting me to not do things because it obstructs you is rude. And if my daughter asks to be on my shoulders then that's what she gets.
If you don't want to be behind me and my shoulder riding kid show up before me.

How is it not purposely rude? If you are in front, you KNOW you will have people behind you. What reason could there be for putting your child on your shoulders? It IS rude to knowingly block others view when there is simply no reason to do so.

 

[Bullseye]

With all due respect, my husband and I are a childless couple and therefore the kids are not the ones we do all this for. We go to Disney regularly because we are kids at heart who found each other a little later in life and found our Disney passion at about the same time. We pay the same amount to get into the park as everyone else and therefore are welcome to enjoy all of the entertainment, including parades and fireworks. We do stake out space early for certain parades and fireworks shows because we love them and want a good view (giving up attraction or ride time to do so). Anyone else could make the same commitment if they want that same view.

Now, out of common sense, if I'm standing and a parent nicely asks if their child who is shorter than me can stand or sit in front of me, I always agree. If someone demands it, citing the oft quoted "Disney is for the kids", I'm less likely to oblige. And if I'm already sitting at the front edge of the rope/banister/etc, then it's likely their child can stand behind me and still see.

To toss out a different quote, "Poor planning on your part does not constitute and emergency on mine." Editted from how I usually say it for these family friendly boards. It's a life lesson kids might as well learn as early as possible (and many adults could stand the reminder).

Amen. I also agree with you robyn, especially the part about if you don't plan ahead and make the sacrifice to get/save a good spot, then don't expect one one for you or your children. I have children and I don't push them in front of anyone. We either get there in time to get a good spot or we just enjoy as much as we can from farther back. I'm sorry kid if you're parents have no common sense, but no you can't just squeeze into an area already occupied by another family.

 

[crazycatlady]

How is it not purposely rude? If you are in front, you KNOW you will have people behind you. What reason could there be for putting your child on your shoulders? It IS rude to knowingly block others view when there is simply no reason to do so.

Absolutely correct!!

 

[DisneyMim]

This is why we never wait for parades or fireworks anymore. Way too much stress and just not worth it. If we happen to catch some of a parade by being in the right spot at the right time we enjoy it. Same for fireworks. Fireworks seem easier as there are more places to watch them. As for the old kid on the shoulder trick I have to agree with some of the posters. There is never a good time for this. My husband never put one of our children on his shoulders. You ALWAYS block someone. Don't try and kid yourselves into believing you are not. It's just rude.

 

[lllGurulll]

This is why we never wait for parades or fireworks anymore. Way too much stress and just not worth it. If we happen to catch some of a parade by being in the right spot at the right time we enjoy it. Same for fireworks. Fireworks seem easier as there are more places to watch them. As for the old kid on the shoulder trick I have to agree with some of the posters. There is never a good time for this. My husband never put one of our children on his shoulders. You ALWAYS block someone. Don't try and kid yourselves into believing you are not. It's just rude.

There are places that you can put children on your shoulders. You just have to be willing to be at the very back of Main Street by the train station or behind everyone at your chosen location. This also includes anyone that may be watching from a window too. Just because they are not outside does not mean they are not watching. Just be aware of your surroundings. You will know if it is the right place to shoulder your kids or not. It's common sense.

 

[mousireid]

if I wait and save a spot and we are all sitting, cool. Mostly the kids sit down and we stand behind them. If small children come along and sit (when there is room) no worries. If small children come stand behind us and there is room I say to the adult in charge of them, would the KIDS like to sit up front. I would never intentionally block someone's view, I would only put kids on shoulders if I were in the BACK of everyone. of course, I wouldn't put any of My kids on my shoulders PHEW!
I have had the kidness extended to me that my kids can come up front, even in their strollers as parents have moved behind theirs to allow us in. We stood behind OUR strollers and passes on some light sticks to others around, especially the family that let us in and made our day! We DID get there early but not early enough!
I have had folk push their way into lines/queues/parades and mention kindly the scene. Hope for the best!

 

[J3nn78]

This is a major WDW pet peeve of mine too. We always stake out our parade spot early so we have curb seats. My boys are fine with hanging out in their stroller to wait it out. Every single time, we have had people try to push in front of us at the last minute using their kids as the excuse. I do NOT allow it. They could have done exactly what we did. But, they chose not to, not my problem.
A couple years ago, I had a woman use her child to save a spot. I guess some woman thought I looked trust worthy. She left her 5 year old child alone sitting next to me and walked off. Said to me, "I'll be right back" Before I could say no, she was gone. She was gone for 45 minutes! I was just about to turn the child over to a CM when she returned. I have no idea where she went or what she was thinking? Who would do that?

Anyway, bottom line is, if you want a good spot, get there early. Otherwise, be prepared to watch from the back with an obstructed view.

 

[lllGurulll]

This is a major WDW pet peeve of mine too. We always stake out our parade spot early so we have curb seats. My boys are fine with hanging out in their stroller to wait it out. Every single time, we have had people try to push in front of us at the last minute using their kids as the excuse. I do NOT allow it. They could have done exactly what we did. But, they chose not to, not my problem.
A couple years ago, I had a woman use her child to save a spot. I guess some woman thought I looked trust worthy. She left her 5 year old child alone sitting next to me and walked off. Said to me, "I'll be right back" Before I could say no, she was gone. She was gone for 45 minutes! I was just about to turn the child over to a CM when she returned. I have no idea where she went or what she was thinking? Who would do that?

Anyway, bottom line is, if you want a good spot, get there early. Otherwise, be prepared to watch from the back with an obstructed view.

Seriously? WOW!!!! I definitely would have gotten in touch with a CM on that one.

 

[mom2rtk]

This is a major WDW pet peeve of mine too. We always stake out our parade spot early so we have curb seats. My boys are fine with hanging out in their stroller to wait it out. Every single time, we have had people try to push in front of us at the last minute using their kids as the excuse. I do NOT allow it. They could have done exactly what we did. But, they chose not to, not my problem.
A couple years ago, I had a woman use her child to save a spot. I guess some woman thought I looked trust worthy. She left her 5 year old child alone sitting next to me and walked off. Said to me, "I'll be right back" Before I could say no, she was gone. She was gone for 45 minutes! I was just about to turn the child over to a CM when she returned. I have no idea where she went or what she was thinking? Who would do that?

Anyway, bottom line is, if you want a good spot, get there early. Otherwise, be prepared to watch from the back with an obstructed view.

Did she at LEAST bring you back a Mickey ice cream bar????

Seriously, I would have contacted a CM after about 15 minutes. I was at the post office one day and a lady left her small child (maybe 4???) and a BABY in the car with the engine running. After about 15 minutes, I called the police. What are people THINKING???

 

[desert_starr_57]

Wow...such horror stories!

This is our first time going as a family (I am the only one who has ever been before) and I will make sure we get a spot early on. I don't mind if other children come up front (provided they ask) just as long as my kiddos can see too. I will keep all of these stories in mind though!

 

[SnowandMittens]

I think the biggest point here is to be polite. It seems most of the posters are more than kind and willing when the parents or people are polite about it. All of us only seem to have problems with the rude people.

 

[goofy4tink]

I would ask you to remember that disney is at heart for kids...And if you can help someone experience the disney magic by simply sitting down, it would be wonderful. And you do know thatdisney magic works like karma...you make it...then it somehow finds you in return.

Also...the folks who line up the strollers along the parade route then don;t remove them once their party arrives annoy the crap out of me. I find it to be rude and most definately passive aggresive. There are lots of people trying to view...and it does help when everyone is on the same page...And that page is "The Kids are to ones we do all of this for...Not the adults"

I'm really not picking on you specifically, but it was the first post I came to and I stopped reading after a page or two since I knew where it was going.
But....where is it written that WDW is primarily for kids? I go, at least once a year, on my own, and meet up with a bunch of other adults. No kids are involved. We have a terrific time.
Yes, it is a wonderful place for children. But, I have to tell you...if I get a spot for either a parade or fireworks, way in advance, then no, I am not moving aside so someone's child can move in front of my family. I wouldn't ask anyone to move aside for my family if we arrived late, so I don't expect anyone else to move for me.

The last time I made a bit more room for a small child, next to us on the curb, his dad moved in right beside in, and stepped in front of me in order to get clear shots of the parade coming down Main St. He ruined almost 100% of my photos.....those shots were the reason I got to that spot 40 mins early. This guy had absolutely no issue moving out, in front of me, in order to get the 'perfect' shot...which meant I had to take my photos when the parade was right in front of me...not a good thing. Much nicer to have the shots of the parade as it comes at you.

I have had people shove in front of me at every fireworks show..even had one dad come along, late, and stand right in front of us, and then put his daughter up on his shoulders!!! Are you kidding me??? You should have heard the muttering going on around us. Many were not so happy to have their fireworks view marred completely.
Or the guy who had to hold his kids balloons....all three of them...in the middle of the Wishes watchers on Main St. Man.....that sure ruined a lot of photos...all I had were balloons in most of the shots..no way to crop them out they were so close.

People just don't stop and think. I'm sure they would never think of doing anything that rude outside of WDW. But for some reason, common sense and good manners go away when you walk through the gates.

Last Dec, as my friend and I stood in the crowd by Liberty Tavern (across the street from there actually, in front of the Hall of Presidents, at the corner there), we waited for the parade to come along. I can't remember if it was the holiday parade or spectro. In any case...next to us there was a balloon dad but at least he moved back, trying to stay out of the way. There was a young family, with two kids, one in a stroller. They were right next to us. Well, along came the latecomers, trying to squeeze in so as to be right up front. Now, we were about 3 rows of people back, next to stroller dad. His wife had taken their dd up to the front, and squatted down on the curb. This other mom came along and was complaining that her dd, about 5, wasn't going to be able to see from where they were...about 2 rows of people behind us. So, this dad, with the stroller, told this mom to take her dd up to the front and the little girl could sit next to his dd, with his wife. There was barely enough room for the one child, but she squished over. Well, this late coming mom was nuts...she kept trying to get to the front, to be with her child..she kept saying..."I can't see my daughter, what if she needs me??? I can't get to her. I have to get to her." She could easily see her but if she had moved to the front, there would have been no room for her. But, she persisted. As did the other latecomers..mostly adults..who tried to shove past those who had patiently waited there. That poor dad, with the stroller, found himself being shoved further and further away from his wife and dd. He really got angry at one point. ...not with the kids trying to see, but with the adults.

I have to tell you....I no longer wait to see any parade. I will stop and watch as I walk along. But, I don't try to get up close anymore. It's just not worth the aggravation. I won't even go into the time when a mother shoved her daughter, past my dd, in order to grab a picture a CM was handing to my dd, from the parade at MK. That little girl jumped right in front of my dd, grabbed the picture and ran off, with her mother right behind her, yelling at her to go faster!!! The CM had the most shocked look on her face. My dd just shrugged and rolled her eyes. Oops, I guess I did go into it, didn't I?

 

[Disney0010]

I would ask you to remember that disney is at heart for kids...And if you can help someone experience the disney magic by simply sitting down, it would be wonderful. And you do know thatdisney magic works like karma...you make it...then it somehow finds you in return.

Also...the folks who line up the strollers along the parade route then don;t remove them once their party arrives annoy the crap out of me. I find it to be rude and most definately passive aggresive. There are lots of people trying to view...and it does help when everyone is on the same page...And that page is "The Kids are to ones we do all of this for...Not the adults"

Not when I don't have kids. When I get to my spot 1-2 hours before the show, I do not expect some rude inconsiderate parent to shove their child in front of me. You want to see the show? Get there before me.

To the OP, I would not care what I look like to those type people. They are the inconsiderate ones, not you.

 

[MommyPoppins]

Also...the folks who line up the strollers along the parade route then don;t remove them once their party arrives annoy the crap out of me. I find it to be rude and most definately passive aggresive. There are lots of people trying to view...and it does help when everyone is on the same page...And that page is "The Kids are to ones we do all of this for...Not the adults"

Just curious what are you supposed to do with your strollers? Our little ones always sit in their stroller at the rope(we get there ahead of time) to watch the parade...I didn't realize that was a no no.

 

[Andrea73]

I see Disney as being for adults and kids. My aunt and her husband went to Disney several times a year and they did not have children. She LOVED Disney. From her Mickey phone to her Disney clothes and movies. She spoke of Disney like she was talking about a friend rather than a place or corporation. She died last year. I often wonder if she was a part of these boards. I have no idea what her username would have been though I would ask her DH but more than a year later he is still having a hard time. I doubt if he will ever set foot in Disney again. It was their "place". When I told him I was going he said we should stay at the GF. I LOL and asked if my Auntie Terri had set up a Disney trust fund for the kids because that was the only way we were going to pay for 10 nights there! I so wish I was planning my kids 1st trip with her instead of all over the net. It just doesn't seem right.

I SO got off topic. This trip makes me so happy and so sad at the same time. I am hoping I don't breakdown as soon as I get to MK.

 

[goofy4tink]

Just curious what are you supposed to do with your strollers? Our little ones always sit in their stroller at the rope(we get there ahead of time) to watch the parade...I didn't realize that was a no no.

It isn't a 'no-no'. I have no problem with a family that has strollers with kids in them, at the curb. But, maybe he/she is talking about a situation where there were empty strollers, holding basically double spots (due to the stroller size) and then when the family came, no one was put in the strollers?