Saving places in line at opening

[LisaZoe]

You guys are scaring me...

We'll probably be doing a modified version of this when we go. My mom cannot walk very far and my parents do not want to rent a ECV outside of the parks. This means that in the morning my dad has to drop us off, drive back to the hotel to park (we're staying at the HoJo) and walk back. I'll probably wait with my mom. We'll probably want to get there a bit early as we have to rent a ECV and it just takes my DM a little longer.

I thought possibly people would understanding, but from some opinions on the board, I feel like we may be jumped on. Maybe my poor old dad will go to the end of the line...

I can see how people coming into line at the last minute can be frustrating (believe me, this happened big last year at Black Friday--day after Thanksgiving sale and after waiting in line all night it was really frustrating), but IMO I also think there are exceptions like elderly or disabled people where doing this line saving may be necessary.

I don't think you'd be jumped at all. I don't think most people mind one or two people joining others already in line plus and it's very understandable that some people aren't physically able to stand in line. Speaking for myself, I'm thinking of times when I've been in line and seen groups of 5 or more people join 1 or 2 others in the the line ahead of me... and the people joining the line seemed to be able bodied adults/older children.

 

[PryncessChrysty]

NWPrincess: I would say yours would be an exception that would be understood. I've had many experiences while waiting in line to get in where I think I'm next to get in, and literally 10-15 people come crowding in front of me to meet their party. None are disabled, elderly or too young (toddlers) to handle the crowd). That is ridiculous, yours is clearly a special situation.

quest4dl: If there aren't a lot of people in your party, I think you'll be fine. Just don't try to use this as a regular practice on rides. That's where it can get hairy. Jumping out to take a kid to the potty, etc. is understandable, but having 1 person wait so everyone else can lollygag is just unfair to other park guests. As for the restrooms outside the park; when you're waiting in line to get in and you're facing DL there are lockers to your left (on the DL side, not the DCA side) - there are restrooms over in that area.

I hope you have a wonderfully magical time!!

 

[XTinabell]

I just want to put my two cents in here too. This is completely dependant on the amount of people joining you in line. I think it's regardless of their age or mobility, it's completely dependant on the number. If 25 kids came and joined the family in front of me I would probably be annoyed. I'll get to the point, I think 5 people joining you in line is cutting it a little close, I wouldn't add anymore than 5 people to each party in line, but I don't think you'll get any trouble, other than your party getting held up behind security or can't find you.

Dh and I were standing behind some pre teens in line in November and their family came about ten minutes later and stood at the back of the line, the kids in front were waving them to come foward but the mom shouted out "You get back here! We're not cutting in front of all these people" I have to say I really appreciated it and it was nice to see parents teaching their kids some manners for a change. More often then not I see parents encouraging their kids to cut in line.

Now that I've stated my opinion I just want to share with you all what my dh always tells me when I get irritated in line waiting, "We're all going to get in the park"

 

[tinknsnow]

DITTO!!!

Dittoing the ditto!



Have a great trip!

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

I think it's just a matter of common sense and common courtesy. I have had my DS hold my place in line when I had to go potty and vice-versa. I've also held a spot while he ran to get a FP for another ride. There are only 2 of us usually as DH isn't into Disney as we are. (I know, I don't get it either. ) I don't have a problem with people doing this. It just makes sense.
Why force your entire party to all run together to get a FP on Splash when the next ride you're actualy going on may be on the other side of the park. I would send a runner from my party (there are only 3 of us anyway) to get the FPs and me and DS would go get in line. Then DH can join us and all is right in the world.
I can see where there would be a problem if me and DS held a spot and 10 people from my extended family and their extended families came strolling up to get in line with us. (You know the type -- my cousin's cousin's aunty's uncle's mother's father's brother's wife and her sister? You know the ones, right??? Too much! ) That would not be fair to the others who waited behind us, right?
So in that instance, I would say if you are travelling in one of these commune type groups as noted above, use common sense, break up your group into smaller numbers (like 4-5), and each smaller group should designate FP runners, line holders, etc. Then after your run, you go back and join your smaller group in line, instead of having 40 people converge on one line, as one large group, thereby freaking out the 150 other people who patiently waited their turn.

Doesn't this all make much better sense? You kill two birds with one stone, get all you need done, reasonable amounts of people are holding spots and getting in lines, and everyone is happy. So people, break up your groups if you go as a large group and just have a designated meeting area after the ride is over. Or by then, you may be headed to grab your next FP anyway!

I don't have a problem with people holding a spot in line for their reasonably sized (4-5 people) party so that said people in their party can go potty, be a FP runner, get snacks, etc. I do have a problem with 20+ people converging on a line that we can't even be sure they were a part of in the first place.
However, with that said, I refuse to give up my power to a dimwit who behaves in this manner because it's not worth it. I just ignore them and go on my merry way. You've gotta figure that if they are that dense or insensitive that they can't figure out or sense that their 20+ people converging on lines is causing others to stress out in the happiest place on earth, then they are probably just too dumb to even bother wasting any precious DL time on... Where's the next ride and when is the next FP available?

 

[DangerMouse]

Ok, they have not done the rope drop in well over a year to my knowledge thanks to this early entry stuff with the hotels.

No matter what you only gain about an extra 10 minutes worth of park time by being one of the first through the gate rather than a little further back.

I do not recommend trying to be the first ones there, it is near impossible to do so depending on the time of year you are going and not worth the hassle and aggravation. I recommend that you get plenty of sleep the night before and wake up when it is natural for you to do so, this will provide for the most enjoyable day at any theme park, esp. if you want to stay until closing.

cmwade, are you truly a CM in the parks? A lot of what you have been posting lately is completely contrary to my recent experiences. I just did rope drop twice on my last two visits (Feb. 08 and Nov. 07). I make great efforts to be first at the gates in the morning and find that it makes a huge difference in my overall experience by being ahead of the rest of the crowds.

 

[Hound 109]

I think it's just a matter of common sense and common courtesy. I have had my DS hold my place in line when I had to go potty and vice-versa. I've also held a spot while he ran to get a FP for another ride. There are only 2 of us usually as DH isn't into Disney as we are. (I know, I don't get it either. ) I don't have a problem with people doing this. It just makes sense.
Why force your entire party to all run together to get a FP on Splash when the next ride you're actualy going on may be on the other side of the park. I would send a runner from my party (there are only 3 of us anyway) to get the FPs and me and DS would go get in line. Then DH can join us and all is right in the world.
I can see where there would be a problem if me and DS held a spot and 10 people from my extended family and their extended families came strolling up to get in line with us. (You know the type -- my cousin's cousin's aunty's uncle's mother's father's brother's wife and her sister? You know the ones, right??? Too much! ) That would not be fair to the others who waited behind us, right?
So in that instance, I would say if you are travelling in one of these commune type groups as noted above, use common sense, break up your group into smaller numbers (like 4-5), and each smaller group should designate FP runners, line holders, etc. Then after your run, you go back and join your smaller group in line, instead of having 40 people converge on one line, as one large group, thereby freaking out the 150 other people who patiently waited their turn.

Doesn't this all make much better sense? You kill two birds with one stone, get all you need done, reasonable amounts of people are holding spots and getting in lines, and everyone is happy. So people, break up your groups if you go as a large group and just have a designated meeting area after the ride is over. Or by then, you may be headed to grab your next FP anyway!

I don't have a problem with people holding a spot in line for their reasonably sized (4-5 people) party so that said people in their party can go potty, be a FP runner, get snacks, etc. I do have a problem with 20+ people converging on a line that we can't even be sure they were a part of in the first place.
However, with that said, I refuse to give up my power to a dimwit who behaves in this manner because it's not worth it. I just ignore them and go on my merry way. You've gotta figure that if they are that dense or insensitive that they can't figure out or sense that their 20+ people converging on lines is causing others to stress out in the happiest place on earth, then they are probably just too dumb to even bother wasting any precious DL time on... Where's the next ride and when is the next FP available?

I agree with every word. Common sense is a good thing.

 

[Hound 109]

cmwade, are you truly a CM in the parks? A lot of what you have been posting lately is completely contrary to my recent experiences. I just did rope drop twice on my last two visits (Feb. 08 and Nov. 07). I make great efforts to be first at the gates in the morning and find that it makes a huge difference in my overall experience by being ahead of the rest of the crowds.

Agreed.

Being near the front of the line allows one to get the slowest loading (but essential) rides out of the way with quickly & with little to no lines.

& it allows one to begin the "zigging when others are zagging" process naturally. If you prefer lines & crowds.....do NOT follow this touring philosophy.