Parents' behavior at WDW that makes your jaw drop . . .

[Deb in IA]

Just got back yesterday from 5 days at Disney World. Had a great time, as usual, did some new stuff (Primeval Whirl), and saw the Flower and Garden festival and the Davy Jones concert.

But I am always amazed at the behavior of some parents there.

Here's some latest examples:

1. In the Town Square area, over by Tony's, a kid (about 7 years old) tells mom he has some trash (an empty bag of chips, empty cup of pop, napkins, etc.). She grabs the trash and says, " Just put it over here!!" and dumps them into a DRINKING FOUNTAIN!!!

2. After we go into the Fastpass line at Big Thunder, two moms with 5 to 6 year olds blatantly cross under the rope from the stand-by line and jump in front of us, calmly walking to the front. At the point where the second CM asks for the Fastpasses, the moms act like they "lost" theirs .

3. The "Crowd Them Out of Their Parade Spot" technique. Over by the corner between Pecos Bill and the path to Adventureland, we found a spot for the "Share a Dream Come True" parade. I left DH and the kids there to get them some Mickey bars and Itsakadoozies. When I get back, I see a very large family of about 20 people where my family used to be. I find my family around the corner. DH says that although they were there first, the other family just kept coming in, steping on our kids, and physically crowding DH over until he decided to leave.


Now, tell me, is this the kind of behavior we should be teaching our kids???

 

[TiggerPiglet]

I have encountered the "crowd them out of their parade spot" before. When that happens, I just turn to the parents and say, your kids just stepped in front of my kids and now they can't see. The parents always get red in the face and tell their kids to get back with them. Sometimes I think these oblivious parents just need a little kick in the behind to make them realize what their kids are doing is wrong and I have no problem giving them that kick

 

[zakatak]

No.

I always make my kids throw out their garbage, no matter how small. Case in point (this IS kinda funny)... Me, ds 6, dd 4 and dd 2 are sitting on Main Street at the beginning of March. We are enjoying some cookies and muffin from the Bakery. Yummy. After we are done, I clean up each kid with a wipe, throw out the napkins, wrappers and wipe. Oops, I notice I left crumbs from my double chocochip muffin! So, I bend down and sweep them into my hands... now ds is laughing at me! But I said, "They weren't there when we sat down, were they?" He says, "no". So I say, "And they won't be there when the next person sits down!". He gets it now! It is only considerate!

Line jumpers... rude! Imagine them at home! Oye! Probably stepping into the express 7 items or less lane with 25 items and LOOK!

Parades... well, dh doesn't like them much so we can't wait around for them... we take what we can get *usually at the end of the route! Oh well! We still have seen all of them!

 

[Kissimmee JP]

Unfortunately, when you go anywhere there are crowds involved, you will run into idiots like that. As I've said on this board before, I have very little tolerance for rude and inconsiderate behavior out of my own kids, let alone someone I don't know. I have no problem telling parents about their kids' being rude. However, I also tell parents if I see thier kids being extra courteous or polite, as well.

The only thing you have to be careful of is making a scene or getting into a shouting match with the parents; you don't want to teach your kids that, either.

 

[Grog]

blatantly cross under the rope from the stand-by line and jump in front of us, calmly walking to the front. At the point where the second CM asks for the Fastpasses, the moms act like they "lost" theirs

I hope the CMs didn't let them in? I saw this recently at SM at DL. It was great to watch these people in front of us walk all the way through the FP line (and they KNEW it was the FP line from the way they were talking) and then get turned away...."but we had FPs!!!! We must have lost them" )

 

[dclwdwlover]

The adults are ALWAYS more rude than the kids. Kids usually don't realize that they're doing wrong - they're just modeling learned behavior and USUALLY when you say something to them they knock it off. But the adults - No Way!
They cut in line, get rude w/their mouths, push, don't clean up their spots, yell, swear, act rudely to children - theirs and others - etc., etc.
Usually, we just try to ignore people, but my kids even point out this behavior - adults & kids alike.
I do get aggravated, but I don't want to ruin my time or my family's.
I DO have to admit these two things that happened the last time that we were in WDW that made my husb. & I laugh - but thank GOD my kids didn't see it (unfortunately GOD DID & I did have to ask for forgiveness for my childish behavior):

1) In MGM we got a place early on waiting for the parade off to the side on a curb & put the kids in front behind the cord. A lot of people started to come & of course we let all of the kids up front & all of us adults stood behind them. At the last min. a family (3 adults & 2 kids who didn't speak English - I don't think?!) pushed - and yes, I mean PUSHED - a bunch of the kids out of the way to get up front - then the parents started to do it. We tried to say something kindly to the adults but they didn't (pretended not to???) understand. So, after putting up with their kids going back & forth leaving the front & running around & coming back & pushing all of the kids out of their spots again - finally I blocked their way & when they tried to push thru for the umpteenth time I stepped on their feet & gave them a hand sign to stay back. They said something to their parents & all of them left. The rest of us all enjoyed the rest of the parade!

2) We were waiting in a long line for Alien Encounter & just as they were opening the doors a bunch of adults (8) who this time I KNOW did speak English but pretended not to (I heard them later on speaking English) jumped over the rope & rammed their way thru everyone to go into the waiting area first. You should have seen the look on everyone's faces that had been waiting 20-30 min. Some said "Hey, there's a line here" but the men just looked at everyone with a puzzled look & the women kept their heads down & followed. It was SO obvious that they knew what they were doing & were ignoring everyone & the obvious rules to get in. So..... I positioned myself directly in front of them in the waiting area (where the doors open) & stood my ground FIRMLY & when the doors did open I told my husb. to take the kids & I blocked their way (like a football player) & let as many of the people as I could who had been waiting in line before in before I allowed them to push me inside.
I'm not proud of my behavior, but these are the types of things that REALLY annoy me at the parks. However, most people are courteous & respectful I have found.

 

[RitaZ.]

2. After we go into the Fastpass line at Big Thunder, two moms with 5 to 6 year olds blatantly cross under the rope from the stand-by line and jump in front of us, calmly walking to the front. At the point where the second CM asks for the Fastpasses, the moms act like they "lost" theirs

I can see this becoming the norm for some people that don't want the inconvenience of waiting for the pass or to wait in line. I haven't seen this happen, yet. I really hope that the CMs are firm with turning them away.

Parades bring out the worst in some people. I personally try to avoid them. Many people complain about children and their behavior, but in my experience the worst behavior that I have seen at WDW came from adults.

 

[Wish Upon A Star]

I can totally relate . . .

Last July we staked out our spot for Spectromagic an hour and a half before the parade even started . . .in fact, I believe we were one of the very few people who were making themselves comfortable on the curb on Main Street . . .

DH got up and got us some refreshments and some people came over and ASKED if I was saving the spot and I told them yes DH would be right back . . .After DH got back, we were enjoying our drinks and relaxing a bit and DD had to stand up because now we've been sitting an hour and it was pretty hard on the curb. Not more than 4 minutes later, DD was still standing up right in front of where she was sitting when a woman, her husband and 3 kids moved on in . . .I was like ummmmm my DD is sitting there, I mean come on, DD was standing right there . . .The woman kind of mumbled something incoherent and I got really ticked off and started making inappropriate comments (mumbling under my breath) I then looked at DD and said "Sit back down so no other RUDE people try to take your seat" I know, I know, so babyish, but I was livid . . .

 

[olena]

This is why I don't do parades at WDW....ever. I learned my lesson. Waiting for a spot is a great strategy, but it's useless if no one respects it. When somebody pushes in on me, I get very angry and it got to the point where it wasn't worth it to even try anymore.

 

[minniecarousel]

When the Indiana Jones ride first opened at Disneyland, there was always a line out to Main Street! The CMs would stop the line and let people walk through Adventureland. Once, we were stopped & they let lots of people walk by until the line ahead had lessened some - so we should still be behind the people we were behind before we got stopped - right? We weren't - so I asked the people in front of us where they came from real loud so the CM could hear. They mumbled something about their friends holding their place - so bogus! I complained to the CM that they should watch the line better so that line-jumpers don't succeed - that's the only time I embarassed my kids! (I could have embarassed them sooo many times!)

 

[ead79]

I can totally relate to these stories too. I have also found, like many of you, that often adults are much worse than children. On my last WDW trip, we were watching the Share a Dream Come True Parade at the MK, and we were right behind the rope (and I mean right behind it, no room in front at all)--we actually lucked into this spot, because a bunch of people had already left the park, and they had moved the ropes before we walked up. Then this rude lady comes up and literally shoves her child in front of us. I thought it was rude of her, but I didn't mind since I certainly don't mind letting kids in front of me so they can see. Then she kept trying to shove me and my friend out of the way and kept yelling to all the characters in my ear. I got so fed up, that I put my hands on my hips so my elbow would be in the way every time she tried to shove me (and I've got bony elbows, LOL!)

I just remembered, this story REALLY tops it off....

We were waiting on a elevator at the Yacht Club. A lady with a stroller was evidently waiting on an elevator (but I wasn't sure, because one came that she didn't get on--I guess there wasn't enough room for the stroller on it). Well, the elevator right in front of me opens up, and I get on. I pleasantly comment after I get in, "Oh, I believe you were waiting, let me move on over so you can get in." She says, "Yeah, I was waiting" in this super sarcastic voice. I brush it off. Then the elevator gets to her floor. She starts to get off the elevator and has trouble maneuvering the stroller (it was a double stroller and really big). We all try to get out of her way, and she says, "EXCUSE ME, I am running late!" in this horribly mean, loud voice. It was so rude in fact, that another lady in the elevator (who we didn't know) says, "Well okay, (insert curse word here)" as she is getting off the elevator. It wasn't very polite to call her a rude name, but I have to admit, it did make me laugh!

 

[Blondie]

Out of all the different seasons we have been to WDW, I will say that the most vicious crowds I've ever encountered were during easter break! It can get bad during the heat of the summer, but nothing like easter(spring) break!

 

[kdibattista]

 

[Deb in IA]

Yes, Grog and Rita, much to my great pleasure, the 2nd Fastpass CM at Big Thunder DID turn away the line-jumping moms !! We then went by them with a BIG SMILE . (I wanted to say LOUDLY to the CM, "They don't have Fastpasses; we SAW them cut under the rope from the stand-by side!!!" and to the moms, "Shame on you! You should be setting a better example for your children! Cheating is never right!" but DH told me not to set them off . . .

olena, I'm afraid that we start avoiding the parades as well. Like you, we have ALWAYS experienced the worst behavior from people trying to get our spots during the parades. Sadly, it's just not worth it anymore . . .

 

[ILUVDXL]

We haven't seen a parade at the MK in years just for that reason. We did get to see the parade at AK in December, but few people were in the park because it had just finished raining. It's just not worth it to us to get pushed around because some feels entittled to have a front row seat.

 

[mhopset]

Last December at the "Stars & Motorcars Parade at MGM" we were sitting waiting for the parade to start. DW and Seth sitting on the curb and me in my scooter. This family comes up and sits down. The kids cant see. So the mother tells the 2 kids to sit on the front of my scooter!!!!! OH HELL NO!!!!!!! Look this scooter costs way over $5000. It is my only way of getting around at Disney or any other place for that matter, plus it was only 7 months old. I had to to tell the kids to get off of it. Then the mother got mad and left in a huff. I told DW if I seen her I was going to run her down. What an idiot. Oh BTW I was a leaning post for several people also.

HEY just becasue I am in this thing don't give you the right to touch me!!!!!!!!!! or my scooter!!!!!!!!!

 

[Serena]

You all would like what my h did then. We were in MK waiting for a parade and lots of people started coming and he made sure everyone sat down if they got in front everyone else that was sitting there. He wasn't too nice about it either. But everyone sat down and everyone got to see the parade.
I'm pretty sure our little area is the only area where people were sitting. I heard people complaining, but I also heard a lot of thank you's.

 

[MAC3]

I have witnessed this first hand myself. I have dealt with it as like everyone else. I say something when necessary. This year however I am going with my DSIL and I'll tell you, be afraid be very afraid.

I've watched this woman jump out of her truck 8 months pregnant and start yelling at some teenagers about throwing rocks at the vehicle. I can just imagine if anyone dares to cut or push her over.

Does anyone have a detailed map of where the rocks are in WDW incase I have to crawl under one?

 

[katerkat]

The only place I've ever had the urge to slap a child was at Disney. And I blame the parents for 1) not raising the kids right in the first place and 2) failing to do anything about their horrendous behavior.

My parents and I were at 1900 Park Faire (I think...) in October 2000. It was empty other than us and a large family group (aunts, uncles and cousins.) The children -- two girls and a boy -- were running around the restaurant, pulling the roses out of the vases and RIPPING THE PETALS OFF! From every single table. When the waitress said something to the parents, one woman said, "Well we paid enough to be here..."
The parents did some effective parenting: "Stop or we won't go on Dumbo tomorrow. Really, I mean it this time." Obviously the kkids had heard this before and knew nothing was going to happen. This continued for our entire meal, including vases spilling on the empty table and the parents berating the waitress for insignificant details. ("You didn't bring the ketchup out WITH the meals. You're horrible because you couldn't carry everything at once." )
When the kids ran out of flowers to ruin, they stopped near our table and eyed our vase. Luckily, apparently the looks they got from us convinced them that SOME adults have real issues with what they were doing. That was the point that I told my mom that if they reached their hand across our table, I was slapping it. HARD!) They then sat on the floor and ripped up the rose petals they had removed. All over the floor.
By the end of the meal, we spoke to the manager about the family AND tipped their waitress (it was quite obvious they didn't intend to tip her very much.) We also wanted the manager to know that the family was at fault, not the waitress, because they really looked like the type who would complain to get a free meal, despite the fact that the waitress had done NOTHING wrong.

 

[Beth E. (NJ)]

I have seen both good and bad behavior at the parks. My favorite tale of bad behavior -- and this is by grownup - is this:

This took place December 2001. On the trip were me, DH and DD (first trip and 5 1/2 at the time.) We saw the Magical Moments parade and then moved plenty early to get a spot to see Tinkerbell fly and the fireworks. I secured seats on the benches around the grassy island in front of the castle. Dh and DD decided
to wander and do some shopping while I held our spaces. Soon enough they came back with their loot. My husband and dd took the seats that I had saved for them and we waited for the show.

This is where my only gripe day occurs. We had been seated for quite a while - dd then me then DH - when a woman came and sat down next to dd. Then slowly but surely her party began to grow. The problem was that they kept moving over and encroaching on our space. My dd kept inching over to get away from them, because they were literally sitting right next to her, and then they would expand into the space she made. I finally told her to hold her ground and not move over any more. I would have switched places with her, but I knew that if I even had her get up for a second - they would have taken the space. So my tiny daughter held her ground - even inching over whenever she
could, but I was very annoyed by this. They had a big group with them and I heard them saying, "oh so-and-so sit here." One of them even sat down on the floor in front of me and sat on my foot! Though I'm sure she noticed, she didn't even move. DH and I were getting very annoyed and discussing this amoungst ourselves - slightly louder than we intended. Finally, one of the
men with the group noticed (or heard) our displeasure. He had one of the women get off the bench to give us back our space and then he moved the rest of his party over some (including the woman who had been using my foot as a pillow.)

I have seen some kindness too. There was a family who made room for our daughter to sit next to theirs when she got tired of standing and waiting for another parade.