Running at the rope drop -- why I hate it

[WonkaKid]

There are at least three good reasons not to run at the rope drop, as follows:

1. Safety. Cast members tell me they see people fall commonly when they run at RD -- once a week, on average.

2. It's unfair (I'll go so far as to call it cheating) to the people who walk. We all want to get to Peter Pan first. The best way to do this is to arrive early and head there at RD at a safe pace. When you run, you incite others to do the same.

3. It's a rule. For the reasons mentioned above and probably others.

This morning I was on the RD front line. When it went down, I headed at a fast walk for PP. I hate when people run and pass me not because it's important that I be first on my chosen ride. I hate it because it offends my sense of fairness. People who obey the rules and respect other guests' safety shouldn't lose-out because someone else chose to ignore them.

So: about the time I hit the castle "driveway" (??) I hear people running up behind me. No, I'm not going to let them pass me and take my place. You're not supposed to run. Again, to me it feels like cheating. So I quicken my pace. And then run a few paces. I know I shouldn't but I simply won't be cheated in this way. Ultimately I arrive at PP and am the first in line.

The group of four or five behind me -- a mother and her children -- are second. The youngest daughter says something along the lines of "Well, we're second. That's still pretty good." Her mother then proceeds to talk to me through her daughter -- something along the lines of "We're second because some people ran. You're not supposed to run. Some adults -- so to speak -- should know better." This irked me because the only reason I ran was because her kids were trying to get ahead of me (a group of five. I'm only one person). The daughter then replied "Yes, but we ran too, mommy." Exactly. The daughter seemed to understand this better than the mother did.

Now: I'm generally a very kind, considerate person. Especially to kids. I love them. When the daughter seemed disappointed that they were second, I was going to offer to let them take my place (I didn't want to penalize a child who perhaps let her enthusiasm get the better of her (although I thought it was her mom's responsibility to monitor that)). However, since her mother berated me indirectly, that offer was not made. She seemed to think that if they weren't first, it was inherently unfair. I can't get on board with that.

I realize not everyone's going to agree with me. But this is my stance.

Rob

 

[lwanthony]

There are at least three good reasons not to run at the rope drop, as follows:

1. Safety. Cast members tell me they see people fall commonly when they run at RD -- once a week, on average.

2. It's unfair (I'll go so far as to call it cheating) to the people who walk. We all want to get to Peter Pan first. The best way to do this is to arrive early and head there at RD at a safe pace. When you run, you incite others to do the same.

3. It's a rule. For the reasons mentioned above and probably others.

This morning I was on the RD front line. When it went down, I headed at a fast walk for PP. I hate when people run and pass me not because it's important that I be first on my chosen ride. I hate it because it offends my sense of fairness. People who obey the rules and respect other guests' safety shouldn't lose-out because someone else chose to ignore them.

So: about the time I hit the castle "driveway" (??) I hear people running up behind me. No, I'm not going to let them pass me and take my place. You're not supposed to run. Again, to me it feels like cheating. So I quicken my pace. And then run a few paces. I know I shouldn't but I simply won't be cheated in this way. Ultimately I arrive at PP and am the first in line.

The group of four or five behind me -- a mother and her children -- are second. The youngest daughter says something along the lines of "Well, we're second. That's still pretty good." Her mother then proceeds to talk to me through her daughter -- something along the lines of "We're second because some people ran. You're not supposed to run. Some adults -- so to speak -- should know better." This irked me because the only reason I ran was because her kids were trying to get ahead of me (a group of five. I'm only one person). The daughter then replied "Yes, but we ran too, mommy." Exactly. The daughter seemed to understand this better than the mother did.

Now: I'm generally a very kind, considerate person. Especially to kids. I love them. When the daughter seemed disappointed that they were second, I was going to offer to let them take my place (I didn't want to penalize a child who perhaps let her enthusiasm get the better of her (although I thought it was her mom's responsibility to monitor that)). However, since her mother berated me indirectly, that offer was not made. She seemed to think that if they weren't first, it was inherently unfair. I can't get on board with that.

I realize not everyone's going to agree with me. But this is my stance.

Rob

I'm right there with you Rob. It's just another sign of the times.... People are so self centered they are more worried about their own happiness than following the rules, or fairness, other peoples feelings or safety......

 

[beachdreamr1229]

Agreed. Running is not good.

It's a pet peeve of mine because of past jobs I've had where I had to tell people to stop repeatedly. It's a safety issue above all. Forget fairness. No one wants a broken leg from slipping on the still-damp ground to start their day.

 

[Kindermouse]

I have never run, but I am guilty of doing a brisk walk-not a run-not a jog- a quick walk...and then my son chimes in "mom slow down or you are gonna hit one of the "stoppers" with the stroller" .

Those people who suddenly stop in the middle of the street to rethink their plan wih their 5 friends and create a sudden unexpected solid wall of humanity aren't any safer.

People are just clueless in general that there are other people in the park with them I think.

 

[WonkaKid]

I'm right there with you Rob. It's just another sign of the times.... People are so self centered they are more worried about their own happiness than following the rules, or fairness, other peoples feelings or safety......

Thank you!

 

[beachdreamr1229]

I have never run, but I am guilty of doing a brisk walk-not a run-not a jog- a quick walk...and then my son chimes in "mom slow down or you are gonna hit one of the "stoppers" with the stroller" .

Those people who suddenly stop in the middle of the street to rethink their plan wih their 5 friends and create a sudden unexpected solid wall of humanity aren't any safer.

People are just clueless in general that there are other people in the park with I think.

It's true. As someone who manages to keep the momentum going despite having 3 kids and a double stroller, it is inexcusable to me when people stop in the middle of a walkway. I always thought it was common courtesy to move to the side if you need to stop. Silly me. And then I get dirty looks when they stop in front of me and I accidentally run into them. I'm sorry, but I do not stop on a dime.

 

[GatorChris]

I really like being there at rope drop so that we can do as many rides as we can. But really, it sure does kill that magic of entering when everyone is moving fast to get that first in line spot. Of course, by the time I've gone through security, the magic is gone anyway.

 

[mom2rtk]

Does it really matter if you're first? I mean if a couple people pass you, it's not likely to add much to your wait.

 

[Frozen2014]

Totally agree. Not everyone can run (e.g. I have back issues and running is likely to put my back out with the impact)...and not fair to those that got up early and stood in line. Or, some have younger kids who may not run as fast (nor do they want to have to run at that time). Guess the issue is, they cannot keep a single line from the entrance to the rides. But I get what you are saying...quite frustrating.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Wow, that's really unsafe! People will not change their behavior unless there are consequences (you know something like a warning from a CM, and CMs should be backed up by some uniformed security first thing in the morning for dealing with guests who ignore CM's warnings). I have heard CMs yelling don't run before. Disney should enforce their own rules for the safety of all guests. @WonkaKid , I would write to guest services because you seem genuinely upset about this (and I believe you are upset with good reason, guest safety should not be an after thought). CMs do as management says, if the right person in management finds out things are getting out of hand you mind find a safer rope drop experience next time. (One guest fall from running at rope drop per week is out of hand in my opinion, that is a pile up situation waiting to happen.)

 

[gottalovepluto]

...Her mother then proceeds to talk to me through her daughter -- something along the lines of "We're second because some people ran. You're not supposed to run. Some adults -- so to speak -- should know better." This irked me because the only reason I ran was because her kids were trying to get ahead of me (a group of five. I'm only one person). The daughter then replied "Yes, but we ran too, mommy."...

 

[NJlauren]

I never run, (before kids i would walk fast, now its about DD not me, so I go at her pace) it isn't worth it to me, and I also hate when people run. However people will always do it, and will never stop, so i just let it go, and move on with my day. On my upcoming trip i have already decided if we get to PP and the line is long we will just skip it, not that important to us.

 

[WonkaKid]

Does it really matter if you're first? I mean if a couple people pass you, it's not likely to add much to your wait.

No, it isn't. What's important to me is:

• My sense of fairness.
• The mother’s attitude. I have a low tolerance for – and a strong dislike of – entitlement.
• Adherence to park rules.
• Consideration for other park guests.

As I said, I was willing to let the kids go first. But the mother was kind of a jerk. I can’t be nice to someone like that.

 

[mom2rtk]

No, it isn't. What's important to me are:

• My sense of fairness.
• The mother’s attitude. I have a low tolerance for – and a strong dislike of – entitlement.
• Adherence to park rules.
• Consideration for other park guests.

As I said, I was willing to let the kids go first. But the mother was kind of a jerk. I can’t be nice to someone like that.

We don't run. Honestly, we don't even try to do PP first any more because that's where everyone else is headed.

But if you focus on the lack of fairness throughout your day at Disney, you're going to miss a lot of the magic.

We were first at the turnstiles once at DCA and ended up about 10 people back when we actually got to the ride. We were still on it in about a minute. It was still a great way to start the morning.

 

[jammyjam25]

I'm totally with you, I think it's completely rude and unsafe. Also, if they can have CMs "rope walk" people down to RSR in the morning in DCA why couldn't they do something similar for PP to help minimize this?

 

[disneyseniors]

I agree OP it is dangerous. My husband and I were at rope drop at the MK last year, just because we are morning people and always get up early and go!
My husband has a bad back and I had to use a wheelchair for the first time with plantar fasciitis of the foot.
Well, we were clear over to the side of the road to make room for all those hurrying to the attractions. We were heading slowly to 7dmt, and a huge man with a double wide stroller ran over me....that's right, he ran over my footrest, banged into my wheel/chair side, and continued on. Never stopped to see the damage he had done! He continued to plow through people. We saw him at 7dmt and he was only about 40 people in front of us. I so wanted to go and step on his foot too. I was lucky that I had lifted my good foot up right before he hit me. So we only had a broken wheel and foot rest. My husband had to go back to get another W/C. When we told the CM, he shook his head and said that is not uncommon at all! Guess it happens all the time. I was lucky not to get my good foot broken. I wish there was a way for everyone to slow down, but guess that will never happen.

 

[sherilaine]

Ignorant, rude and selfish people are given tickets or passes when they have cash to exchange for them just like anyone else - there is no test they must pass first.

We saw this a lot our last visit and my kids were really ticked at it because we don't run, we do our time in line if we want to be first for something. Then little brats come along and run past you. My DD had the guts to call out two people who did this to her and of course they just rolled their eyes. I told her that is the normal response from people who know they are wrong but don't have any desire to do a damn thing about changing!

I honestly wish the people who run at DLR would trip and fall flat on their faces - but Karma can't be everywhere!

 

[Maistre Gracey]

I will never ever run for Peter Pan.
Happy hour yes, but not Peter Pan.

MG

 

[WonkaKid]

I honestly wish the people who run at DLR would trip and fall flat on their faces...

Sometimes they do. Just not often enough ;-).

 

[MrInfinity]

What a funny thread! It's unfair to break a rule and run... but... The people who feel it's unfair to break a rule and run-- will run themselves, because they feel they have no other option to maintain their position of "first".

I'd just recommend you live up to your own standards and don't worry about people who cheat. Set your own example of what you want your kids to take away. Want to teach not to run or cheat? Then don't run just because someone else is. Maybe you fear this teaches that cheaters get ahead... which is true, I guess. So decide on the model that's important to you, and go w it. If that means going fast cuz you were there first and you want to beat that lady who's behind you and pushing up against you and you know she's gonna book it and try to pass you but you still want to "win"... then book it, yourself, and win. But don't be mad at her when you're just as competitive. You are, after all, trying to keep her back when she's willing to go faster than you. It's like the person who stops to take a picture and blocks you and you want to go faster than them.

Also it doesn't affect your wait. The rides load so many people so fast that if you're #1 or #30 you will get on w/in a minute of each other. This could mean the difference between some fun times soaking up magic or skipping past all that to save a minute. That whole Magic Morning hour is great. In fact at Disneyland / Carsland, we found that many rides hit an initial wave. If you let that wave pass, we found that getting in line 15 min later actually led to shorter waits while everyone else diverted to their secondary ride after. e.g. everyone runs to Toy Story, but TS doesn't start right on time... so people pile up in the line... Then it takes 20 min to clear out the line, and if you show up 20 min after opening, the line is empty. Same thing w Racers. We rode it w/ a 5-min wait by hitting it 30 min after the park opened, after the initial wave all rode it by running, and then the line dies for a half hour until the park opens to the general public because all the other early entry people went to crowd in line for a FastPass. They would sooner run to get in line for the next early thing than simply go on the ride when there's no wait!

Another example... the Frozen Show. If you are in DCA for Early Entry, then you can go be first in line for a Frozen FP, but, you can't actually pull it till 8:00. So if you're behind 30 people who ran to get there before you, you're still gonna stand there in line for 30 min -- and get the same seats as them! OTOH, if you go enjoy your early time and get in line at 7:55, it looks like a mass of people, but you still get the earliest show because you're in line ahead of the people who come at park opening, and that's all that matters.

Sometimes they do. Just not often enough ;-).

We've had a grown man trip on our stroller wheel trying to pass us at HS. And then give us a dirty look... then look down and see a baby and get pretty embarrassed and move away.