Parades are for kids....

[clukas]

My family is just back from a week at WDW, which included the MNSSHP last night and I am surprised by what we experienced. There are so many people obsessed with having everything that they fail to realize what Disney is really all about..........kids.

Last night while getting ready for the parade we witnessed many people lining up strollers end to end along the parade route to save space an hour before the parade. We finally found a place with less people and picked a place only to find adults pushing children out of the way for front places. In instance just before the parade started a child worked his way up to the front only to have a grown woman turn and yell "who's kid is this?" then make a comment about him getting out of the way or else. When the parade began the kids naturally moved towards the front to see (not blocking anyones view or ability to take pictures) and their was a lot of jostling for position by the adults who were very territorial and looking to push the kids out of the spaces.

The parade was not the only instance of this type of behavior. Throughout the parks there were many adults with the obsession of being first or just behaving like people who were not out to have fun, but just to have the best seat, first place in line, or whatever they felt entitled to.

Just my thoughts but Disney is for kids. Kids should have the best seats, first place in line, and most fun. I enjoy the DIS board and find lots of great information but can't help to think some people use this information in an obsessive way and forget the real mission of WDW......to provide entertainment for kids first.

 

[vicki_c]

Many people would not agree with your assessment that it's for the kids only or even mainly. Many go to the parks without kids and it's not really fair to think they should not have as much opportunity as a kid to do something, see something, whatever.

Of course, I disagree with poor manners & behavior, no matter who it's coming from - can't argue with that. But your overall assessment I wouldn't really agree with (and I do have kids).

And although I hate all the "Walt would have..." type posts - in this case, his mission was to make it somewhere for families to enjoy together, not just children, and there are ALL kinds of families.

 

[Chelley00]

I have to disagree a little. Disney is for families. When we go, we find out spot for the parade sometimes 30 minutes early so we can sit and enjoy. Why should I have to give up my spot because someone's parent didn't do that for their child?

 

[Sugar Jones]

Disney is for EVERYONE. Everyone pays the same amount of money to get in, so everyone deserves the right to the sit front of the line for parades, rides or whatever.


Nobody has the right to be rude though.

 

[summerlady]

I disagree, Disney isn't just "for kids". Nope. Of course I have no problem at all with little ones in front of me who need to get a good view of a parade, my problem is with the adults who accompany those kids and get in front of me. Disney is for everyone, not just children. Why do you think there are so many adults without kids vacationing there?

I have a feeling that this thread is going to go on and on and end up being closed after about 27,000 comments.

 

[Allison]

Rudeness is not excused at any age but I disagree with your main point.

Disney is for everybody-no matter what age.

 

[EastonCat]

I prioritize kids on my Disney trip, but Walt wanted to create resorts where families could come together and have great experiences together. For me, seeing a kid (any kid) enjoy something wonderful is more interesting than just experiencing something myself, which I think is what you are getting at. In our daily lives there's sarcasm and cynicism and so little wonder or surprise -- seeing little kids get delighted by something or get lost in a great experience is what makes Disney for me.

 

[HesATramp]

Well, since I'm my parents' kid, I guess Disney is just for me! I'm 30 years old, but I have absolutely NO problem letting a kiddo in front of me to see a parade, fireworks, show, etc. I'm a decently tall guy, so a little tyke is not going to hinder me experiencing the same thing that the little one does. In fact, we both get to experience more; me by letting the little one get a better view, and seeing their reactions, and them by gaining the knowledge that not everyone they meet has a "me, me, me" mentality.

On the same token, if parents want their children to have that type of experience, they're obviously going to plan ahead and know that they're going to have to stake out their spot in advance. If they do not feel the need to do that, then that's their problem, and they shouldn't expect me (or any other bigger kid) to give up their spot just because their children fall into the "children" category. Always remember, we're ALL someone's child!



Until next time,
John

 

[TandLMommy28]

At the MNSSHP, we sat on a platform around a tree in front of that shooting arcade. We got there first. The kids loved it because they could stand up and see and not be in anyone's way--and I used the tree as a nice back rest.

An older couple with a video camera joined us on the platform (it's pretty big, there ended up being 4 families on it by the end of the parade). Anyway, my kids were positively SQUEALING with delight during the parade. They were not being obnoxious or rude or anything, they were just completely in AWE and they were so excited.

The lady with the video camera kept giving us dirty looks. She was getting REALY upset with my kids for being HAPPY. I think what was going on is that my kids voices were carrying onto her video camera recordings. But too bad! We were there first for one. If she wanted a perfect video, she probably should have staked out a spot before the parade began, not 3 minutes after it started. And last time I checked Disney didn't have a rule about being silent during parades--quite the opposite, it would seem.

In that case, I have to say my opinion was "Chill out lady, this is for the kids." Just because she was acting like the very presence of children at Disney World was ruining her whole life--and she CHOSE to sit next to US. But overall, I don't believe Disney is just for the kids. In fact, I always thought th parades were "for the kids" and I was really surprised at how much I enjoyed them. In my other trips, we never bothered with the parades. We saw 4 different ones, I think, if you count the Block Party and the Move It Shake It thing. I liked them all!

 

[joviroxx]

Well, since I'm my parents' kid, I guess Disney is just for me! I'm 30 years old, but I have absolutely NO problem letting a kiddo in front of me to see a parade, fireworks, show, etc. I'm a decently tall guy, so a little tyke is not going to hinder me experiencing the same thing that the little one does. In fact, we both get to experience more; me by letting the little one get a better view, and seeing their reactions, and them by gaining the knowledge that not everyone they meet has a "me, me, me" mentality.

On the same token, if parents want their children to have that type of experience, they're obviously going to plan ahead and know that they're going to have to stake out their spot in advance. If they do not feel the need to do that, then that's their problem, and they shouldn't expect me (or any other bigger kid) to give up their spot just because their children fall into the "children" category. Always remember, we're ALL someone's child!



Until next time,
John

Additionally, my kids aren't thrilled with the parades but I LOVE LOVE them. Many times they stay with DH riding rides and I go stake my spot and watch the parade!

 

[TandLMommy28]

Additionally, my kids aren't thrilled with the parades but I LOVE LOVE them. Many times they stay with DH riding rides and I go stake my spot and watch the parade!

I have hilarious pictures during Move It! Shake It! of my son sitting in his stroller POUTING like the world was gonna end, my daughter with her arms crossed and a ticked off look on her face and my MOTHER out in the street dancing like there was no tomorrow with Goofy. So I totally know what you mean!!!

 

[OB1]

We don't have kids, so we travel as 2 adults. When we get a prime location for a parade because we staked out a place 30 minutes or further ahead, then that was our choice. Others choose to wait until the last minute and then try to push in. THAT SAID - we always ask parents if they want their kids to come in front of us. We can see over the top, so no problem there. If the parents really want their kids to see, then they can arrive early and stake out a great location.

 

[joviroxx]

I have hilarious pictures during Move It! Shake It! of my son sitting in his stroller POUTING like the world was gonna end, my daughter with her arms crossed and a ticked off look on her face and my MOTHER out in the street dancing like there was no tomorrow with Goofy. So I totally know what you mean!!!

LOL! My DS (12) just rolls his eyes at me cause Im so excited to see the Main Street Electrical Parade on our upcoming trip. He figures Ill cry! LMAO!

 

[duffy]

I'm 48, and I enjoy the parades too. Sorry.

 

[mickey&minniealways]

Yes Disney is for families of all sizes shapes and ages. But lets get real people. Most adults can see over the kids and people in weelchairs and ECV just fine.When you block the kids from viewing parents start putting the little ones on their shourders just to see. Not only does it make it impossible for others behind you to see but it is dangerous. My youngest "kid" is 15. She has a list of learning disabilities yet she will always let a younger child sit infront of her. I have always been of the opinion that there is never an excuse for being rude. No matter what the age. unfortunatley I see more and more rude behavior these days and it is mostly from the adults. What are we teaching our children.

Now that I have had my say I am going to sit back and watch the show. This looks like it will be interesting.

 

[TinkerBelle_325]

I strongly disagree with your comment.

My family is just back from a week at WDW, which included the MNSSHP last night and I am surprised by what we experienced. There are so many people obsessed with having everything that they fail to realize what Disney is really all about..........kids.

No, Disney is not "all about kids." There are hundreds of thousands of adults that visit Disney each year without children....empty-nesters, college students, young couples, families with adult children, and they all pay the same money that family with young children do. Disney is for EVERYONE.

Last night while getting ready for the parade we witnessed many people lining up strollers end to end along the parade route to save space an hour before the parade.

This is common place, people save spots for parades. Let me pose a question though, if they were lining up strollers they must have had children, correct?

We finally found a place with less people and picked a place only to find adults pushing children out of the way for front places.

I'll agree that this is inappropriate, but never in my 30+ trips to WDW have I seen adults PUSH children out of the way. Plus, where were the children's parents? I wouldn't stand for my child being pushed by a stranger.

In instance just before the parade started a child worked his way up to the front only to have a grown woman turn and yell "who's kid is this?" then make a comment about him getting out of the way or else. When the parade began the kids naturally moved towards the front to see (not blocking anyones view or ability to take pictures) and their was a lot of jostling for position by the adults who were very territorial and looking to push the kids out of the spaces.

Um sorry, but kids pushing their way to the front is not acceptable. It is the fault of the parents for not getting there sooner and waiting for a spot. Teaching kids that it is ok for them to shove past others that have been waiting an hour is teaching them entitlement. If parents behind me ask politely of course I will allow their children to stand in front of my, if they try to push past me, nope, no way and no how. That is rude.

The parade was not the only instance of this type of behavior. Throughout the parks there were many adults with the obsession of being first or just behaving like people who were not out to have fun, but just to have the best seat, first place in line, or whatever they felt entitled to.

Just my thoughts but Disney is for kids. Kids should have the best seats, first place in line, and most fun. I enjoy the DIS board and find lots of great information but can't help to think some people use this information in an obsessive way and forget the real mission of WDW......to provide entertainment for kids first.

Once again, it's wonderful that YOU think Disney is for kids, however, Disney is a business and it is for the paying customer. I am 25, and have been going to WDW since I was 2. There is no way I would "push a child out of the way" but if I was in line for <insert attraction here> and a young family felt they should experience it before me "because they have kids" that isn't fair. I paid the same amount they did to enter the park.

Whoever arrives at the attraction or parade/fireworks area first should get the best seat. First come, first served applies to all. Teaching kids that they are "special" at Disney, only encourages that sense of entitlement that you dislike so much.

 

[okeydokey]

If you want your children to be in the front then you need to plan accordingly and arrive early. Just like everyone else.

 

[beansmom]

.

An older couple with a video camera joined us on the platform (it's pretty big, there ended up being 4 families on it by the end of the parade). Anyway, my kids were positively SQUEALING with delight during the parade. They were not being obnoxious or rude or anything, they were just completely in AWE and they were so excited.

The lady with the video camera kept giving us dirty looks. She was getting REALY upset with my kids for being HAPPY. I think what was going on is that my kids voices were carrying onto her video camera recordings.

and HOW wonderful that their delighted little voices will FOREVER be with her.

 

[LilyWDW]

Even Walt himself didn't think of his parks as just for kids (read the quote in my signature).

Besides, if Disney was just for kids, how do you explain:
Selling alcohol
Food and Wine Festival
Victoria and Alberts
Jellyrolls
Tower of Terror, Expedition Everest, Space Mountain, ect
And much more...

Disney is for families, no matter what your family consists of. It is as much for kids as it is for two adults on their honeymoon.

People with children have all the same rights in the park as people without. As such, they can find a parade space ahead of time as well instead of waiting until the last minute. If they are not willing to take the time, then that is not anyone's issue but their own. They could have had a prime spot, but it would have meant joining all the other people who started waiting 30+ minutes ago. They made their choice, everyone else made their own.

 

[dburg30]

If you want your children to be in the front then you need to plan accordingly and arrive early. Just like everyone else.

Please leave, there is no place for logic or common sense anymore!!!



And just in case anyone thinks I'm serious.. JUST KIDDING.. although I totally agree with this simple reply

Today's kids pushing to the front because they werent there in time, are tomorrows line jumpers