Parade/Fireworks Etiquette

[mom2rtk]

I agree pushing kids or yourself infront of others is purely rude however I never could understand waiting for parade/fireworks for 2 hours. We always show up about 15 min before and we usually have a nice spot, not front but fireworks are pretty much up there, so we can see anyway. As for Illuminations, lagoon is huge, there are plenty of great spots for the very last minute. Maybe people get so upset with rude people because they actually waited that much. Sorry but I do not consider wasting 2 hours of park time a good planning. JMHO.

2 hours IS a long wait, and I have never done that. But it MIGHT be good planning if the party involved had been in the park all day and just felt like sitting on Main Street soaking in the atmosphere at the end of a long day.... coincidentally also securing a great viewing location for the parade/fireworks.....

 

[KellyNY]

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.

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.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

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.

Well, Wishes does start at a certain time. Someone stepping up in front of you after the fireworks have already started is kinda rude.

 

[KellyNY]

Well, Wishes does start at a certain time. Someone stepping up in front of you after the fireworks have already started is kinda rude.

I do not think I said anything about stepping infront of others.

 

[Hoopfamily]

The defense I'm hearing is that you want to show up whenever you want and not have me block you. Poo Poo I say. Do you also think that in kids sports instead of having a winner, everyone should get a participation award. It seems to me that when people have that argument, they are usually the ones who can't be bothered to make it on time or early enough. That is not my problem. I have the same attitude, I like things to go my way. But instead of looking outside my front door every morning for a pot of gold, I go to work. I make things happen for me and my family. If you are happy standing in the back and griping about your view that's cool it's on you. But seriously I should bow down to lazy? I don't think so.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

I do not think I said anything about stepping infront of others.

Oh, okay.... from my perspective, once Wishes starts, I don't want to be bothered at all, to deal with anyone, in front of or behind me.

 

[mom2rtk]

The defense I'm hearing is that you want to show up whenever you want and not have me block you. Poo Poo I say. Do you also think that in kids sports instead of having a winner, everyone should get a participation award. It seems to me that when people have that argument, they are usually the ones who can't be bothered to make it on time or early enough. That is not my problem. I have the same attitude, I like things to go my way. But instead of looking outside my front door every morning for a pot of gold, I go to work. I make things happen for me and my family. If you are happy standing in the back and griping about your view that's cool it's on you. But seriously I should bow down to lazy? I don't think so.

Do what you must. Just make sure that if you intend to hoist her up on your shoulders, that you do that from the time you arrive in your spot so everyone around you knows your intention and can make an informed decision about where THEY want to stand.

THAT's my only issue with it.

 

[maxiesmom]

I agree pushing kids or yourself infront of others is purely rude however I never could understand waiting for parade/fireworks for 2 hours. We always show up about 15 min before and we usually have a nice spot, not front but fireworks are pretty much up there, so we can see anyway. As for Illuminations, lagoon is huge, there are plenty of great spots for the very last minute. Maybe people get so upset with rude people because they actually waited that much. Sorry but I do not consider wasting 2 hours of park time a good planning. JMHO.

See, if I am at the parks with my dad, we don't consider holding down our parade viewing spot wasting time. We both love to people watch, and it can be very interesting watching people at DW. Plus, dad loves to meet new people, so he likes sitting and chatting up complete strangers. We have been to Disney World enough times that we don't feel we have to go go go go go. Sometimes sitting and taking everything in is enjoyable in itself.

I know that doing that doesn't work for everyone, but we like it.

 

[3prettyprincesses]

Wow, do you all really stake out a claim 2 hours before?? I'd never think to do that. I guess I have bad parade etiquette then!

Seriously though, we've usually strolled over the parade area about 15-20 minutes early and still were able to see well. I suppose it depends on what time of year you go too. Anyhow, this past Oct. we were at MNSSHP and came to the parade area. We were about 1 row back from the front viewing. I certainly didn't push my children up into other people's grills and guess what? A nice older lady and her hubby turned around to chat with my 3 DD's and then offered to let them stand in front! How sweet was she? And to top it off, she gave them all the candy out of her trick or treat bag. My DD's were thrilled and thanked this sweet woman and she hugged them all when the parade was over. They talked about her all the way back to the hotel and I told them how generous she was to let them go in front and give all her candy to them. Such a kind gesture. Now we weren't expecting it and I didn't think my kids were entitled at all.

But I'd certainly let other people's kids up in front of me (and have in the past) so they can see better. It just makes sense, they're smaller anyway so it's not like they're obstructing my view and even if they were, I'd think they'd enjoy seeing the parade more anyway.

 

[KellyNY]

The defense I'm hearing is that you want to show up whenever you want and not have me block you. Poo Poo I say. Do you also think that in kids sports instead of having a winner, everyone should get a participation award. It seems to me that when people have that argument, they are usually the ones who can't be bothered to make it on time or early enough. That is not my problem. I have the same attitude, I like things to go my way. But instead of looking outside my front door every morning for a pot of gold, I go to work. I make things happen for me and my family. If you are happy standing in the back and griping about your view that's cool it's on you. But seriously I should bow down to lazy? I don't think so.

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.

 

[JLVermillion]

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).

Well said, I feel the same way . My DH and myself are empty nester and recently had a DGS, we now go just to enjoy the magic for ourselves.As said above I would gladly share my spot with a small child , but I do not think it should be expected. When we do travel with kids we do not let them squeeze into peoples places DH or DBIL will usually put them on their shoulders to get the BEST view... teen can stand and act like they should YOUNG ADULTS .

 

[GraceLuvsWDW]

What was just as bad as this was the woman who let her child drip ice cream in my hair during the parade. Didn't even say I'm sorry! Didn't even move her child away-she actually LAUGHED!!!!! All this I suppose because I was sitting in front of her dd and she obviously thought I should move. I was appalled and aghast. Really spoiled the mood of the parade for me. Now, parades are for the aggressive ones-we sit out and do not get into the fray! Very, very SAD!!

 

[lllGurulll]

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.

sorry but you get no sympathy from me on your plight. Good for you if you took the time to wait for the good spot and you are entitled to it if you dont' want to share it with other kids. You earned that right. But, when you are in the front you kids do not need to be on your shoulders period. It's just that simple. They already have the best view possible without being on your shoulders. You are just showing you are no better than the people that try to butt in front of you and going out of your way to tick off everyone behind you, some of which probably waited for over an hour as well. It is called consideration for others. You should try it sometime instead of thinking the world is all about you.

 

[InPerfectClouds]

haha What an interesting topic! I've never really thought about it, just because I'm usually not in that situation.

I'd say it's definitely a problem if your view gets obstructed, but if someone squeezes in at the last minute into a plainly open spot, not in anyone's way, and people still get upset, there's no need for that.

Fantasmic! is the best example of this... I love being in line for this hours before, but I've learned that it's not necessary because when I'm there about 30 minutes early, I always just walk down the center section and find at LEAST 2 empty seats. No one seems to mind me squeezing through either. I mean, it's their fault for not seeing it, right? So in a situation like that, where obviously no one is being inconvenienced, I say go ahead and be last-minute.

If it is something like Illuminations or Wishes where someone shoves in front of you at the last minute and you had a perfect spot, I'd get mad. I am a tiny tiny person, only 5'0" and not getting any taller. So the majority of people at Disney World are going to be taller than me, aside from children. The worst is when a dad walks right in front of me and puts a kid on his shoulders. What is he thinking?! I've had to ask people to please move, because I'm obviously tiny, or asked if I can stand in front of them instead. I think it's a sensible question, and most people should understand and not be rude about it.

I'd say it's about half and half with the reactions. Some people don't mind, and others have a temper tantrum.

 

[Art 1]

So here's my thing. I am early for EVERYTHING. I wake up every day way earlier than I need to, I leave for work way earlier than I need to, I get to the movie theater way earlier than I need to. It is an extremely odd event, If I am not the first person someplace. Ask me why I go early...Go ahead I'll wait.
Okay I go early, because I am a control freak. That's right I said it. If you're the type of person who goes through life with a la de da attitude, don't get mad at me when I won't move over 1 seat at the movies so you and your kids can sit together. Get there before me. If I stake out what I deem to be the perfect spot for a parade, or fireworks and you or your kids can't see because I'm in the way too bad. I'm 6'2" and I weigh 285 lbs, I'm more a door than a window. If i'm in front of you because I was early and you were not, don't get huffy because I hoist my kid onto my shoulders. I got to my spot early enough to ensure that my family and I get what we want. If you want a relaxing vacation that's cool, but don't mess with my trip

I agree with you 100%. And yes, I will not move over in the movies. My wife and I are usually the first there, if not, one of the first.

 

[lllGurulll]

The defense I'm hearing is that you want to show up whenever you want and not have me block you. Poo Poo I say. Do you also think that in kids sports instead of having a winner, everyone should get a participation award. It seems to me that when people have that argument, they are usually the ones who can't be bothered to make it on time or early enough. That is not my problem. I have the same attitude, I like things to go my way. But instead of looking outside my front door every morning for a pot of gold, I go to work. I make things happen for me and my family. If you are happy standing in the back and griping about your view that's cool it's on you. But seriously I should bow down to lazy? I don't think so.

You strike me as the person who loves to rub it in the losers face too. Be respectful to others and be humane to others as well. If you truly think your outlook and actions are not rude, well, as you so aptly put it

Poo on you.

 

[Hoopfamily]

You strike me as the person who loves to rub it in the losers face too. Be respectful to others and be humane to others as well. If you truly think your outlook and actions are not rude, well, as you so aptly put it

Poo on you.

Yes & No. All I'm saying is everyone has exactly the same opportunities as we do to get the "spot" they want. EVERYONE. If you choose to be lazy about your touring, don't hate us because we're not.

And Poo.

 

[lllGurulll]

Yes & No. All I'm saying is everyone has exactly the same opportunities as we do to get the "spot" they want. EVERYONE. If you choose to be lazy about your touring, don't hate us because we're not.

And Poo.

You are just a lost cause. Nobody has a problem with you having the front row. Those who wait benefit. There is no reason to put kids on your shoulders in the front. Simple as that.

I wash my hands of you now.

 

[livndisney]

Couple things....

I have seen CM's ask people in the front with children on their shoulders to either take them down or move to the back.

If we are on the curb/up against the rope with people behind us, there is no room for your child to "be in front" of me. So don't try and push your child in front.

If someone is sitting on a bench on the curb, you cannot sit on the curb in front of them-the bench sitter needs a space for their feet.

Do not use a stroller to "save" a place for your party. If you do, do not yell at the person who is sitting in "your spot" when your return later. They may have NO IDEA you parked a stroller there as a Cm moved it an hour ago.

 

[mariepapa]

I am an early bird kind of person like Hoop there, mainly out of compulsion. I like to get to places early, wait my turn, etc. Last week we waited for Illuminations for an hour. Waited for Spectro and Wishes for 1 1/2 hours, waited for Fantasmic for an hour (but had the reserved seating ). But my family and I understood that it seems to come with the territory that if you want a good spot you need to do this. And we let other children sit with us, because we were nice. But I would never want to block someone's view by putting my kids on my shoulders. I draw the line there. Heck, I am 6'1" already and am probably blocking someone's view as it is!


It does seems sad though that the waiting and madness (fighting) that goes along with it takes away from the magic. If people want to come last minute, let them. But they ideally won't have the front spots.