Rude Behavior At Disney

[CanadianGuy]

Clearly we are going to have some great examples of folks being rude on the internet.... the way this thread is going.

Let's try to allow people to post their experiences without further editorial comment or name calling etc. If you feel a post crosses the line - use the report post button instead of creating a shouting match on the message boards please.

Thanks,

Knox

 

[WDWFreakOfOklahoma.]

Okay, me and my family were waiting for the bus at the transportation and ticket center or about 20 minutes and we werent sitting on the benches we were standing right by where the bus would come and stop well as soon as the bus came we were about to step on but a person was on a wheelchair and they had to them him on first and by that time there was about 50 people crouded around waiting for the wheelchair to get on so they could all get on.When the guy in the wheelchair got on everyone was pushing and shoving to get on and all the sudden we noticed the bus was leaving because it was full. We had to wait another 30 minutes and we made sure we got on that time. haha

 

[CanadianGuy]

Now that would be rude of them.



Unfortunately, the way ADA laws are written if he had a space still remaining on the bus for another chair he HAD to pick them up. If he had fully loaded the bus before hand, he would have had to ask people to get off the bus to accommodate the person in need. When it comes to stuff like that, we as a nation have no say. A group of well meaning, but sometimes stupid, bureaucrats, make laws that are anything but equal and almost never laden with common sense. They are just enacted to force a noble cause regardless of safety, fairness or equality.

Actually that bus driver was following Disney policy. If there is a spot on the bus for the ECV/Wheelchair guest, they are to be accommodated.

Unfortunately, far too often, when the bus arrives, there is no such spot available and the bus driver can not and will not ask for people to disembark to accommodate another guest. That can not and does not happen and if it does, that bus driver is NOT following Disney policy.

Knox

 

[ntsammy5]

Let's try to allow people to post their experiences without further editorial comment or name calling etc.

There you go again, trying to be rational!

 

[mrsksomeday]

Actually that bus driver was following Disney policy. If there is a spot on the bus for the ECV/Wheelchair guest, they are to be accommodated.

Unfortunately, far too often, when the bus arrives, there is no such spot available and the bus driver can not and will not ask for people to disembark to accommodate another guest. That can not and does not happen and if it does, that bus driver is NOT following Disney policy.

Knox

Thank you for saying that.

 

[inaminute]

What is "walking sideways", anyway?

Walking sideways is what happens when you are walking one way, but looking in another direction. Eventually you will walk in the direction your eyes are pointed. You may think you're walking straight forward, but if you're looking to the left you are walking forward and to the left.

I figured out this trip that this may be the biggest problem for those in ECV's. People are walking forward but simply not looking forward. They really don't the see the scooter right in front of them. So, I learned to watch people's heads. If they were turned, I knew they didn't see me. So, I simply stopped moving until they passed. Sometimes, they still nearly ran into me. Just not looking where they were going.

Now, if I could figure out what to do about people who I know do see me, but choose to ignore the fact and run out in front of me anyway. I'm sure it's because they know they can make it past, but I don't. I have no idea what they're doing and it startles me every time it happens. So, again I have to stop quickly and hope I don't hit them.

That said, there were a lot of good pedestrians this trip. Those who made an effort to be aware, those who were very helpful, and those who actually apologized because they thought they were being rude when they weren't. Thank you so much for making the effort!

Now, if I can make one tiny request. To the mothers out there. I know you have young children. I know it creates a problem when it comes to the bathrooms. I know handicapped stalls mean simply that a stall is handicapped accessible and not reserved. But, mom, please...have a little consideration for those who simply cannot use a regular stall.

The only stall I can use is the handicapped one. I have a knee that doesn't bend quite the way it should and I need the railings to help me up sometimes.
I waited ten minutes for a stall one day last week. All of the other stalls were empty, but the two handicapped stalls were being used by moms with children. The one that went in just as I arrived had two little girls and a stroller. Fortunately, it wasn't an emergency so I waited. After ten minutes one of the two stalls finally opened up. It was a mom and a little girl.

I could have given up and gone somewhere else, but, like I said, it wasn't an emergency. You know how something strikes you as odd and you just have to find out what the final outcome would be? That's what happend. I had to know how long it was going to take to get access to a handicapped stall. Only becuase this is fairly new to me and I was curious. So, I timed it. (Nope, I have nothing better to do while on vacation. ) 10 Minutes--and that stall was already occupied when I arrived.

I could probably have used the companion bathroom. But so could the mom with children. Since I don't need someone to help me, nor do I have to assist anyone, using the companion bathroom just didn't register. It will next time, though. I started paying attention and noticed they seemed to be rarely used. So, if there are railings in there, I'll use it.

So, that's my complaint. I don't see it at particularly rude, just something that most people don't consider. Use the handicapped stall if you must--I certainly understand the reasons behind it. Just try not to take all day! Some of us don't have a choice.

 

[PaulaSB12]

I have to humbly admit to being (not happily either ) involved in a bit of rudeness. I took my nieces and nephew to wdw this year with their mum. When we where in AK one day there was a small boy playing in one of the fountains when my nephew pushed him out I did have a go a him and tell him off but his reaction was "well he shouldn't have been so gay" if my sister had not had been there I would have made him apologize after smacking him around the head (I really hate bullies) but my sister did nothing I am really sorry and if your child was that boy I hope it didn't spoil his day (and I am never taking them back again)

 

[shellybaxter]

Actually that bus driver was following Disney policy. If there is a spot on the bus for the ECV/Wheelchair guest, they are to be accommodated.

Unfortunately, far too often, when the bus arrives, there is no such spot available and the bus driver can not and will not ask for people to disembark to accommodate another guest. That can not and does not happen and if it does, that bus driver is NOT following Disney policy.

Knox

But the bus driver can ask people to vacate the lift up seats and move to other seats right? That way an ECV can be straped down. I thought that was disney policy?

 

[dizzydina]

I have a few pet peeves that always get me when I'm in WDW.

First, I hate it when people take flash photos on POTC and Haunted Mansion. It ruins the whole ride. I kindly ask people to stop, and they usually don't until a CM tells them.

I've also encountered a LOT of people smoking in non-designated areas, even in line before! I am really sensitive to smoke, and can't believe that people would smoke in line.

Last, it always drives me crazy when people stop in the middle of a walkway. I know that newcomers need to look at the map or you have to tell something to your child, but PLEASE step aside to do this. I always feel like the rude one when I run into people, but it's really unavoidable when the people right in front of you stop dead on a crowded street.

That being said, we usually still have a great time and just try to ignore the fun-spoilers. It's hard to stay annoyed too long in Disney!

 

[mrsksomeday]

But the bus driver can ask people to vacate the lift up seats and move to other seats right? That way an ECV can be straped down. I thought that was disney policy?

Yes they can, do they? Not so much, by the time people are in those seats there are usually many people on the bus and it is not safe for the wheelchair/ecv user to load into that spot.

I know it may seem rude or annoying to people that a wheelchair/ecv to just wheel up and seem to get on the bus, what people don't remember is there are only 2 wheelchair/ecv slots. How many able bodied people can load on a bus?

My b/f has Cerebral Palsy and is in a motorized wheelchair. We hear rude comments every time in line waiting for a bus.

Why do they get on first?
Why aren't they in line with us?
It's not fair, they are getting special treatment.
Oh look another wheelchair/ecv, this will take forever to load (complete with rolling eyes).

What people don't realize is it is WDW policy to load the wheelchair/ecv's first for safety reasons.

What people don't realize is WDW policy is to tell guests with mobility issues to rent ECV's.

What people don't realize is just because someone is overweight and in an ECV doesn't mean they rented it because they are lazy. They could be on medication that made them overweight, they could be overweight because of a disease that doesn't allow them to exercise. There could be many contributing factors.

What do I think is the most rude behavior in WDW? People that think it is ok to complain and belittle others when guests are using assistive technology to enjoy their vacation.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Some lady did the same thing with her child when we were there at the beginning of January. You know what we did... we said to them "OH NO you aren't... THAT is your carpet, THIS one is OURS... sorry." She looked at us like WE were the rude ones. We didn't care. NOT ONE BIT.

Good for you.

 

[rudetreehill]

You know, I was told that I'd hear a whole lot of responses to my posting here, but... geez, who knew our happy place could be so filled with rude behavior on the part of others?

but keep 'em coming! I'm starting to think I might have to do more than one article on the site. One about general rudeness, and another piece or two about some of the very specific issues being raised here.

Thanks a million, folks. And again, thanks to Webmaster Pete and the moderators for helping me with this.

Look forward to -- as much as one can, given the topic -- reading more!

 

[3girls4me05]

Ok so this is not as Disney but at the airport. We had just spent ten days at the magical World and had a great time. However we did have our share of people who would simply step right in front of our carriage. So my oldest is pulling our carry on wheeled suitcase. As she is heading to our gate (remember this suitcase is dragging behind her) a woman steps across the walkway and tries to go between DD and the suitcase she is pulling. Needless to say the suitcase clipped the woman's heel. DD tells me this and I made sure that she was not at fault. DH was with her and verifies her story. So later on we were in the bathroom and I am waiting for DD. Who happens to be there but the woman DD clipped the heel of. She notices DD and me and makes a big show for her friend of trying to wipe at her heel. It wasn't bleeding or anything. Her friend even said, "What are you doing?" She goes on and on about how she is sure she is going to have a scar from where that kid ran her over etc.. I was actually clueless until she left the bathroom and then I realized who she was. I just laughed. I guess she wanted me to know who she was so I could either a. apologize for my DD or b. reprimand my daughter. I did neither. If you are stupid enough to try to walk between someone who is dragging a wheeled suitcase and that suitcase then you deserve to get your heel clipped!

 

[catne]

I'vw never ever had anything happen at Disney that upset me. I guess I'm too mellow when I'm there.

Ditto...but then I did home child care for nearly twenty years, so it's really, really hard for me to get super excited about misbehavior, regardless of age.

I may be momentarily annoyed, but then I'm visiting the Mouse, for goodness sake.

It's all good

 

[Blueyed Girl]

Yes they can, do they? Not so much, by the time people are in those seats there are usually many people on the bus and it is not safe for the wheelchair/ecv user to load into that spot.

I know it may seem rude or annoying to people that a wheelchair/ecv to just wheel up and seem to get on the bus, what people don't remember is there are only 2 wheelchair/ecv slots. How many able bodied people can load on a bus?

My b/f has Cerebral Palsy and is in a motorized wheelchair. We hear rude comments every time in line waiting for a bus.

Why do they get on first?
Why aren't they in line with us?
It's not fair, they are getting special treatment.
Oh look another wheelchair/ecv, this will take forever to load (complete with rolling eyes).

What people don't realize is it is WDW policy to load the wheelchair/ecv's first for safety reasons.

What people don't realize is WDW policy is to tell guests with mobility issues to rent ECV's.

What people don't realize is just because someone is overweight and in an ECV doesn't mean they rented it because they are lazy. They could be on medication that made them overweight, they could be overweight because of a disease that doesn't allow them to exercise. There could be many contributing factors.

What do I think is the most rude behavior in WDW? People that think it is ok to complain and belittle others when guests are using assistive technology to enjoy their vacation.

Very well said.

 

[pwdebbie]

I think that Disney encourages the use of ECVs by some of their policies. My husband is "invisibly disabled." He can walk a golf course (and does, every day the temp goes above 40 and the snow is gone) but he cannot stand for a long time (such as in the pre-show areas). I have contacted Disney several times and asked if accommodation can be made for him to have a place to sit down until it is time to move into the attraction area and the answer I get repeatedly is "If he has stamina issues, he needs to use an ECV; the distance around the park is much greater than our queues." (Let me insert here, "Duh! Really?) They are missing the point! Walking and distance are not his problem. Standing still (especially on a slanted floor) is his problem and a simple sitting area for people like him would be such a simple solution.

And, yeah, he has endured the rude comments from people on the bus who are standing. He looks healthy but they have no idea what is going on inside his head (literally). He's a real easy-going guy but one day he did comment to a companion of a complaining lady as we disembarked, "I know your friend would have liked my seat, but had I given it to her, I most likely would have needed medics to get me off the bus and take me to the ER."

I did see once in a dining review (I contacted the webmaster and it was removed) a comment by a lady that when she came out of a restaurant the people just wouldn't get out of her way so she began deliberately banging people in the legs with her child's stroller. Seriously, why would someone be proud of that kind of behavior? I just don't get it. I raised four kids, did plenty of zoos and parks, and never felt I had a right to hit people with my stroller.

 

[NJFabFour]

Ok so this is not as Disney but at the airport. We had just spent ten days at the magical World and had a great time. However we did have our share of people who would simply step right in front of our carriage. So my oldest is pulling our carry on wheeled suitcase. As she is heading to our gate (remember this suitcase is dragging behind her) a woman steps across the walkway and tries to go between DD and the suitcase she is pulling. Needless to say the suitcase clipped the woman's heel. DD tells me this and I made sure that she was not at fault. DH was with her and verifies her story. So later on we were in the bathroom and I am waiting for DD. Who happens to be there but the woman DD clipped the heel of. She notices DD and me and makes a big show for her friend of trying to wipe at her heel. It wasn't bleeding or anything. Her friend even said, "What are you doing?" She goes on and on about how she is sure she is going to have a scar from where that kid ran her over etc.. I was actually clueless until she left the bathroom and then I realized who she was. I just laughed. I guess she wanted me to know who she was so I could either a. apologize for my DD or b. reprimand my daughter. I did neither. If you are stupid enough to try to walk between someone who is dragging a wheeled suitcase and that suitcase then you deserve to get your heel clipped!

Glad to see this kind of post!! Even though it veers a bit from behavior at WDW, it is certainly a common place for vacationers to experience rude behavior!! When we were returning from our trip to WDW last summer, we were sitting toward the back of the plane and sitting across from a young woman and her mother with 3 small children with them. A couple sitting in the back practically threw open the overhead before the plane was stopped, nearly leapt over the hundreds of people ahead of them, knocking other people down and out of their way and ran all the way to the baggage claim. DH and I just shrugged wondering why they didn't realize that their luggage wasn't going to instantaneously be there anyway! Well, it was even worse at the carousel when the couple shoved through a crowd of people still waiting for luggage from an earlier flight. Within a few minutes, the woman was screaming at an airport attendant that she needed her luggage NOW! How ridiculous!

 

[Megsmachine]

Yeah the strollers and ECV's drive me nuts when people smash into youe legs constantly while trying ti leave the parks. Get over it people we are all trying to get home!!

As a stroller pusher, this goes both ways. When the stroller pusher tries to leave a little bit of space in front so not to run into the legs of people, you would not believe how many people squeeze in that space. Then turn around and glare when your stroller touches them.

 

[ScrapperBelle]

Have you ever witnessed Karma coming back to bite these rude offenders? We have and although I hate to admit it...it gave me a little joy.

1st time: We are in MK at rope drop. There is a young family behind us and when the rope drops everyone takes off for Space Mtn. Dad pushes past us and leaves Mom (pushing a double stroller) to fend for herself with 2 little ones. He keeps turning around and yelling at her to hurry up. She is doing all she can to push this huge stroller with 2 pretty big kids in it. He is telling her she is lazy, fat (really...she was about a size 5), stupid. He's just nasty. She is almost crying begging him to wait. As he is looking back over his shoulder shouting abuse at her, he trips over one of the flower bed borders and busts his behind. Everyone starts laughing and pointing at him. He starts screaming the F word at everyone and crying like a little girl. I felt bad for the wife and kids but felt like he got what was coming to him.

2nd time: We are on the boat going from the YC to DHS. We make a stop at the Swan/Dolphin. There is a family with a child in one of those large wheelchairs that look like a recliner. (I don't mean to be offensive in that description...I just don't know the proper name and I want everyone to realize what sort of wheelchair it is because the child is obviously very ill). There is a man and his family behind them and he is being really obnoxious about how long it is taking them, how he has spent his entire trip waiting on wheelchairs, etc. He just pushes past them and gets on the boat. They go sit on the back where it is open. We are in the last seats on the inside and we can hear him out there complaining about people in wheelchairs and he makes the comment to his family that he IS NOT coming back to WDW. He makes the ignorant remark that from now on they will go skiing or do something active because he knows THOSE people can't do those sorts of things. DH was ready to say something to him and out of nowhere a seagull attacks him. It followed him for the whole trip. It just kept diving and pecking at his head. The whole boat is laughing at him and the best part is the family with the ill child turn him around so he can see it. When the boat docks at DHS, the bird disappears...but as soon as this man is off the boat and walking toward the entrance, the bird comes back and makes a huge "deposit" on him. I was laughing so hard I thought I would throw up. Classic.

Sorry this was so long...just wanted to let you all know that rude people don't always get away with it, and sometimes the CMs don't have to do anything!

 

[C&G'sMama]

I have no problems with this thread. I think it's a safe way to blow of steam as long as we don't get nasty to each other.

We generally take the "let everybody go" route as a previous poster said. 99% of the time we all end up in the same place.

We had one instance though that wasn't only rude but down right dangerous. We wanted to sit on the monorail. You know that one day when you are so tired, you'll wait for the next monorail just so you can get a seat. So we did. By the time the next monorail came we were in the front of the line and the line was a few people deep. Well this woman has her daughter who might be 10 and probably weighed 50 pounds if that and was pushing her to the front trying to get past everyone. DP and I are not small people. We saw the child and very carefully situated ourselves so she wouldn't get hurt. But what if weren't worried about the child's safety. She could have been trampled or push over edge.