Park etiquette

[bumbershoot]

As much as I like knowing the origins of things so I don't make mistakes (for example I don't use the phrase "I drank the koolaid" unless I am actually drinking some or I am in a suicidal cult and am letting my leader know I've poisoned myself) I'm not finding that origin of the word chivalry.

That said I simply consider it to be polite to open a door for someone immediately following ( was fun to open doors for men when I lives in SC) or offering a seat, and it's not reserved only for males.

But I also hope that no one judges a situation where a seat is not offered since no one ever knows why anyone's situation is. My husband looks big and strong but on our last trip he was injured and in tremendous pain. When he needed to sit he needed to sit.

In addition please don't ever be offended or weird if someone declines the seat. Even when very pregnant I would have declined a seat because it was WAY too hard to get back up. It wasn't at Disney, but people get ridiculous when they feel you should sit down and you won't. And I'll tell you, it ruins the polite offer when the person gets bent out of shape when you aren't complying with their offer.

 

[AuroraRora]

Hey, it's Words Mean The Same Thing They Did In The Thirteenth Century Week! These Limited Time Magic events are getting more and more obscure. I hope there's a cool ear hat for it.

It'd still be better than the Souperbowl!

 

[Missymouse18]

To the OP,
We leave in 19 days, also!!! I am already too excited to sleep! But to echo what some of the other posts have already said: in general, most people are friendly and polite. I have NEVER encountered any rude behavior waiting for a bus or on the bus. There have been the usual hyped up teens who want to jump line to catch up with their group, but after raising two boys, I don't let it bother me in the least. You will have a blast and you will be so happy to be in this wonderful World that even the bus rides will be part of your magical adventure

 

[HubbDave]

It's the evil men trying to keep us down!

My boyfriend makes countless sacrifices for me to work on my Masters, cooks for me when I work late and encourages me to do what's best for my career (which will result in me eventually making more money than him)...but he opens doors for me!! HELP!! I'M BEING OPPRESSED!!

My wife enjoys being repressed... Although this Sunday, when I was lying on the floor in agony after destroying my back, she did do the grocery shopping (my job). That was a big step for her.

 

[larryz]

Amazing how a single word in a clearly well-meaning post can be taken so wildly out of context.

I wonder if they'll be offering filets de cheval at Chefs de France?

 

[MyPrinceWillCome]

The only real issue I've had with rudeness and busses was last June at POR. Everyone was standing around and sitting on benches waiting for the bus to MK. As it pulled up, basically a mob approached it. One older man apparently felt I had cut him somehow. He grabbed me by both shoulders from behind and yanked me back while saying something about how I needed to wait my turn. I have no idea whether or not this man was at the stop before me but I told him to take his hands off me. He and his wife shot me Nasty looks on the bus the whole drive to the MK.

 

[mistysue]

Wait...what?!? How heartless!! He's just a hungry baby! I'm so sorry. I've never had anyone even acknowledge if one of our girls were upset, except for a "been there" smile from another mom.

Yeah it was... strange. We've had upset kids before and since and usually the response is more like you described or even people trying to help. One group of tourists (Brazilian teens at that) started cheering and singing to that same child the year before, that was fun and worked great! Part of me was waiting for a hidden camera show host to pop out on the one evil bus though.

 

[North of Mouse]

In all our trips to Disney, I don't think I've been the subject from intended rudeness from others. Just recently returned, and the worst that happened was a couple at the beginning of a long line waiting for a bus from DHS. They had a huge double stroller with 2 children plus multiple bags. They waited til the bus was there, then tried their hardest to load their stroller on the bus with the children.

The bus driver, of course, told them they had to fold it, and it made them mad. They tried to block the door while slowly unloading their bags and children. People in the long line behind were saying, "move to the side" but they just ignored everyone. Finally people started pushing by them and entered the bus. When they finally finished they put the stroller by the back door and left it there.

When the bus arrived at its destination, everyone had to literally squeeze past the stroller to exit - a very dangerous situation. They stayed on the bus til last, then removed the stroller. The driver couldn't see what they did as people were standing. Most people were upset with their attitudes of 'me ism' but didn't say anything 'directly' to them. Now, THAT was rudeness! It also could have resulted in someone stumbling over it and falling down the steps.

Just makes me wonder HOW they got to the park originally - or maybe they try that stunt on all the buses It should have been obvious that the stroller was too wide for the front door (or isle) anyway!

 

[North of Mouse]

Chivalry is nasty. Search online to find out how bad it truly was. Sexist, warmongering power-hungry quasi-religious men trying to control others.

I'd rather be a woman with rights than a piece of property, thank you.

OP, I've traveled on the public transport system in Boston many times - WDW can be the same, as you will find nice people and not-so-nice people in both places. It is what you make of it.

Oh, and I've seen both men and women give up seats to others.

I was comparing the phrase 'chivalry is not dead', which is more than a single word, and has a meaning that offends me. I refuse to be considered less than a man. The poster also insinuated that only 'gentlemen' would give up a seat to someone else. The archaic notion that women are weaker and inferior to men, combined with the fact that men start most wars on this planet, makes chivalry a really nasty thing. It was based on having wars to rob 'infidels' to gain wealth for the church, and insisted that women were too stupid to own/control property or wealth.

So, yes, as a woman, I take offense that giving up a seat, to be polite, is somehow chivalrous.

Wow, just WOW! Thankfully most females are not that uptight. I actually was raised to think this was the right thing to do, and I really appreciate the thoughtfulness.

 

[Enjoying Life]

Orlando is almost a part of the deep south. Asking people to move to the back of the bus down here is not the wisest move. Hahahah!!

 

[DRDISNEYMD]

And don't be surprised if, on a packed bus at the end of a park day, a young (or old!) gentleman stands up and offers you his seat. Chivalry is not dead at WDW!

~LOL.

I was comparing the phrase 'chivalry is not dead', which is more than a single word, and has a meaning that offends me. I refuse to be considered less than a man. The poster also insinuated that only 'gentlemen' would give up a seat to someone else. The archaic notion that women are weaker and inferior to men, combined with the fact that men start most wars on this planet, makes chivalry a really nasty thing. It was based on having wars to rob 'infidels' to gain wealth for the church, and insisted that women were too stupid to own/control property or wealth.

So, yes, as a woman, I take offense that giving up a seat, to be polite, is somehow chivalrous.

~Oh my goodness, Schmeck. Don't worry, I'm not going to burn you at the stake. However, I do feel your interpretation of chivalry is a bit archaic. The term has evolved quite a bit since then, and most people simply refer to it as a courteous act, especially from men toward women -- if that makes sense. I'm not trying to alter your personal convictions, this is just my attempt to convince you not to be *so* "offended" by the statement -- in most cases, people simply mean it as a simple act of kindness. That's all.

Really ?!! This is where this thread is going? Anyone who thinks that someone giving up their seat or opening a door for someone has anything to do with warmongering or being sexist or a woman as property is rather ignorant!

~I didn't read it as the poster being offended by the *act* of a kind gesture -- the poster just seems to express a certain disdain toward the *correlation* of politeness to chivalry. I'm sure she would appreciate it if someone held the door open for her or offered her their seat -- I know I would! I would say to myself -- "wow, that guy is such a gentleman! Chivalry is *NOT* dead!"

~ETA: I don't expect this but when it does happen, I really appreciate it.

 

[momofboyz3]

OOOH MY! I am the OP & didn't think I would even get a handful of replies. I just got home from work & enjoyed reading 'em all so THANK YOU! I'm raising my boys to give up their seats, let ladies go 1st, say please & thank-you & treat ppl the way they want to be treated. I give up my seat to someone in need. I look @ it as courtesy rather than "chivalry".
I posted this thread because I sincerely was curious about how ppl are in WDW! And now I know I need to leave my suit of armour at home & I can be less defensive on our vacation!!!!!! So Many Thanks to all of you who contributed!!!!!!

 

[DakotaRose]

Rope drop is interesting. There are people who speed walk and run at soon as the turnstile opens, however they are a small minority. And thank goodness. I saw one tall fellow trip on the front wheel of a stroller that he cut off in his haste. Most, instead, were walking at a normal bright pace to avoid bumping small children and strollers.

 

[White Rose]

I went to a philly high school and took public transportation too (Frankford El and buses!)

In my experience, queueing up is the norm in WDW...but you might have to push past people once they are on the bus.

There are many cultures where there is no such norm for them, and it is not rude, it's just how it's done. Patiently waiting your turn in their home country would mean a very long wait while locals swarmed in and just got business done!

Just keep in mind that WDW does bring people from many different cultures!

 

[Bullseye]

Op don't worry most of WDW is civil and well-behaved. You will rarely or only occasionally run into rude folks there. Most people are just chilling and having fun like you!

p.s. chivalry is not dead, long live rock, go Blackhawks!

 

[smidgy]

QUOTED: Except strollers, you would think people would know to take the kids out of them.

I actually saw on a site recently, on a thread about transportation and car seats,someone posted that your kids will be fine because Disney lets you leave them in their strollers. so obviously many people don't know this rule.
(I was going to correct them, but there was this complicated sign in process. I think it might have been Trip Advisor?)

 

[smidgy]

Hey, it's Words Mean The Same Thing They Did In The Thirteenth Century Week! These Limited Time Magic events are getting more and more obscure. I hope there's a cool ear hat for it.

the DIS needs "like" buttons!

 

[mummabear]

This is almost right. At the moderate and deluxe resorts themselves they do not have lines where you wait for the buses to come pick you up. They have shaded bus stop depots, with benches and soft drink machines. No roped off lines though! Only on the way back to those resorts do they have actual queues.

I agree generally people are friendly but as a PP mentioned I find that when the buses come people don't give any thought for who was waiting at the stop before them and everyone just rushes to get on, doesnt bother me as long as there is room for everyone. Where I live though a line would form based on I know I arrived after you did but before he did....

 

[WDW in Pearls]

The only real issue I've had with rudeness and busses was last June at POR. Everyone was standing around and sitting on benches waiting for the bus to MK. As it pulled up, basically a mob approached it. One older man apparently felt I had cut him somehow. He grabbed me by both shoulders from behind and yanked me back while saying something about how I needed to wait my turn. I have no idea whether or not this man was at the stop before me but I told him to take his hands off me. He and his wife shot me Nasty looks on the bus the whole drive to the MK.

I consider myself pretty calm and collected considering the region I'm from, but I would have went completely Brooklyn if this happened to me. I don't even like people touching me in a friendly way that I don't know (you know those women who touch your hand or shoulder when they're telling a story). I have no idea what I would have done if this happened to me, but my boyfriend is worse than I am and is very protective. This wouldn't have ended well. This is the absolute rudest thing I've heard someone do in Disney ever, let alone on this thread.

Can you tell I'm a little fired up? People have nerve!!!

 

[maxiesmom]

I agree generally people are friendly but as a PP mentioned I find that when the buses come people don't give any thought for who was waiting at the stop before them and everyone just rushes to get on, doesnt bother me as long as there is room for everyone. Where I live though a line would form based on I know I arrived after you did but before he did....

If it is busy, it is almost impossible to remember who was at the bus stop before you and who came after you. And quite frankly I'm in vacation mode and more concerned with interacting with my family than I am trying to keep some sort of mental tally on who arrived at the bus stop when, and then trying to figure out what park bus they need.

Obviously there should be no pushing and shoving. And no way should anyone grab another guest! That is just insane! I'm glad I have never seen any of that crazy behavior at the bus stops.