Please answer a question for my brother re: saving spots in line

[Threehearts]

First- Thanks to all who helped me plan a first and probably last trip for my brother, his DW and yes, their SEVEN children. My SIL called to ask what would people think if 6 were waiting in line and one parent took the 5 and 2 y/o to the bathroom and then returned. Since there are so many of them, would people get very angry? I didn't really have a good answer but they have all but the 2 y/o paid for their ticket and several rooms at POR so they're not trying to take advantage but are being realistic about long lines and little bladders. Any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks, Susan.

By the way- these kids are perfect angels so those around them in lines will not be aggravated by wild, thoughtless behavior.

 

[DisneyDude10171]

I don't think many people would mind.. even if they did, I doubt they would say something out loud - and if they did, they would be acting rude imho.

 

[phillybeth]

I think most people would be understanding about the 2 YO needing to go ASAP. Not too sure about the older one.

 

[currycook]

Dont see it as a problem at all. However, if two were in line and 5 came I think you would see some unhappy faces.

 

[Threehearts]

Thanks for the replies. They are a very considerate family and I can't imagine it would be for more than the 2 little girls and even then only after a half hour or so of waiting. Susan

 

[Daxx]

When there are little ones, a potty break is acceptable. But don't haul 98% of the party out of line to go.

If we're in line and DS needs to use the bathroom, I usually ask (in a slightly louder voice, so people around me can hear!) "Can you hold it til we're done w/the ride?" and if he says "No" then I will say to DH "He really needs to use the bathroom ... we'll be back in a jiffy", again, in a louder than usual voice, so people know that we do have a potty emergency and need to go so he doesn't wet himself. I think people, in general, are going to want the child to get to a bathroom rather than have to stand near a stinky wet kid in line.

And, we'd never come back w/a drink or treats (no matter how much DS requested) b/c that'll only buy you dirty looks and people thinking "Oh, thought it was a potty break".

Most people realize that kids are kids and these things happen. I tend to ask DS if he needs the bathroom before we get into a long line. Sometimes, though, they think they don't have to go until they're in line for a few minutes!

 

[Clotho]

I would make a point to ask the immediate crowd behind me if it was alright if I took the child to the bathroom and returned. Then everyone knows you're on the up and up.

 

[jann1033]

when our kids were little we always made sure and did a potty break before long lines, whether they "had " to go or not, they had to try. that way it rarely happend that we had to leave a line. ( we were with a family once who never made their kid go and inevitably as soon as we got to the head of the line he had to pee so we all got out of line, very annoying...ready to strangle him or just hand him a cup by the end of the trip) the only problem i could forsee is you never know how fast the line would move ( or how long it might take to get a stall) and you could end up coming back and the rest already gone and those who were not in line when you got out of line might give you a problem thinking you were cutting

 

[BrianMonk]

When there are little ones, a potty break is acceptable. But don't haul 98% of the party out of line to go.

98%?

Where did that come from? It's not what was asked in addition to the fact you can't even get 98% out of a group of 9 (or 11).

 

[BrianMonk]

Threehearts,

Yes you can do that however on some rides it may be difficult to find your party again if it's a fast moving line.

I did this while waiting in the staging area for Little Mermaid as my 4-year old had to go. Unfortunately when she tells me she has to go, she's waited until she HAS to go, she wouldn't have made it through the show. I'm not sure if anyone cared or not when I returned, I didn't pay attention.

And don't worry about what anyone else thinks. If you feel comfortable doing it, and it's acceptble with the CM's, do it. Let the crumugeons stew, and throw a hissy fit on the DIS, if they don't like it.

 

[MinnieGi]

I think most people would understand an emergency potty break for little kids. I know I would having a 3 yo! I'm sure your brother's family will also try to all use the restrooms before long lines so to minimize the emergency treks to the restroom. They also though must be prepared for missing the ride though if the restroom is too far away from the attraction they are waiting for and the potty break occurs when they are getting close to getting on the ride.

I hope they have a great time - what a crew they'll make!

 

[dyingtodisney]

Just back from WDW in June, this happend a lot around us and we did it a few times and never heard any grumbles!

 

[Threehearts]

Thanks again. I'll remind them to take freq. BR breaks and to realize that some may miss the ride if they have to leave for the bathroom break. Thanks for the advice. Susan

 

[HookedOnDiz]

I say go ahead and do what you need to do... I would not expect anyone - child or adult - to wait in line if they really have to use the bathroom. And I wouldn't expect people to ask me for permission to get out of line to use the bathroom - if you have to go then you have to go....

 

[tci1212]

I totally agree with everyone, I can't see why anyone would care if you got out of line and went to the bathroom. You were in front of them to begin with. If there is long waits make sure you tell them about fast pass this is very helpful with all those little ones.

 

[Sandy Feet]

Well, I'm glad to hear bathroom breaks are ok! Especially before some of those scarier rides. My dd seems to have a homing device when it comes to bathrooms - has to use each one. (And no, its not a medical problem, I checked! LOL) Actually, by the time we get into a line, she might be all right!

 

[BoyLovesBuzz]

Personally line cutting does not bother me. Not sure why, because I am often high strung about a lot of things. On this particular issues I can't get worked up. I think its wrong to do under any circumstances, but the bottom line is I really don't care.

Havings said that....


Why don't people take thier whole party out of line? If someone has to go to the bathroom and can't wait. Everyone get out of line and go. Why should everyone else endure an inconvenience (albeit minor) that you yourself are not willing to endure.

 

[SnoWhiteRabbit]

Originally posted by Clotho
I would make a point to ask the immediate crowd behind me if it was alright if I took the child to the bathroom and returned. Then everyone knows you're on the up and up.

Personally, I wouldn't "ask." I've learned from experience, if you ask and are told "no" you should expect not to do it (You can guess what kind of trouble I got into with my parents when I was a teen

However, I agree with Clotho that politely acknowledging others is a good thing to do. I would go more for the explanation route, rather than actually asking. "Please excuse us - the little one(s) need to use the potty. Thanks so much," is respectful enough, I think.

If you say, "Do you mind if..." and they say "Yes, we mind" you are set up for a conflict. "Can we run to the bathroom?" "No." Now what?!

Anyhow, rest easy. Disney if for families and KIDS! Most people do understand if one parent takes a few of the little ones for a potty break!

Tell your borther to enjoy!!!

 

[Threehearts]

I think we may have wrapped this topic up. I can't imagine that it is necessary for an entire family to leave the line for one kid to go to the bathroom with a parent. Considering how this issue clearly rankles some DISers, I am going to advise my brother that if the 2 y/o needs the bathroom while in line that they(all 8 others) miss the ride and queue up again. I know they'd be terribly embarrassed if confronted by an angry person. Susan