So what's with all the curbside blankets saving parade spots?

[mom2rtk]

I once saw an elderly woman practically planking lengthwise on the curb in front of Carnation Cafe. People were scrambling to avoid her as they passed. I was worried that she was having a medical issue and stopped to ask her if she was okay. She opened her eyes and said she was just taking a nap as she held her spot for the parade. It was at last 90 minutes before the parade began!

At least there was a person there!

I should have taken a photo of all the empty blankets and jackets laying around. It was just nuts.

 

[SMD]

That is hysterical!

I mean a blanket is one thing. A jacket...... whatever. But a partial bottle of Fanta? For TWO people?

They could have at least invested in those orange traffic cone sippers and put them on either end of the space they trying to save.

 

[mom2rtk]

They could have at least invested in those orange traffic cone sippers and put them on either end of the space they trying to save.

Oh, that would be priceless!

 

[disneyobsessed808]

Earlier this month, I decided to stake out a spot just for myself for the Fireworks show. I got to the hub at around 7 pm for a 9:25 show. (Yes, I'm crazy).

One person had "claimed" a large section of the walkway leading up to the Partners statue in the hub, by putting his clothes on the ground and created a rectangular border with the clothes. He was holding enough space for 20 people for about three hours, even though he was the only person there during the entire time except for 5 minutes before the show. He didn't even have a blanket, just random clothes, and it was creating a tripping hazard too.

There were two castle lighting ceremonies in the meantime, so people wanted to take pictures of the statue and the castle, and he was yelling at guests who would accidentally step on the clothes. Lots of people were getting ticked off with him, because he was being rude. People would try to maneuver around the clothing, and he would get into arguments and say "I've been here since 6:30 do you think it's fair?" blah blah blah. I wanted to say yeah it's fair that you get your own spot that you've been saving and nothing more. Grrrr.

I had my space already, but I was getting mad for all the other guests. I complained to a cast member, and they didn't do anything. "He's probably saving it for his party" Well, duh, but he shouldn't be allowed to save for so many people, and he shouldn't be so rude in the process. Next time I wait for the fireworks I'm bringing my biggest tarp to stake out a spot in front of the castle!

 

[mom2rtk]

Earlier this month, I decided to stake out a spot just for myself for the Fireworks show. I got to the hub at around 7 pm for a 9:25 show. (Yes, I'm crazy).

One person had "claimed" a large section of the walkway leading up to the Partners statue in the hub, by putting his clothes on the ground and created a rectangular border with the clothes. He was holding enough space for 20 people for about three hours, even though he was the only person there during the entire time except for 5 minutes before the show. He didn't even have a blanket, just random clothes, and it was creating a tripping hazard too.

There were two castle lighting ceremonies in the meantime, so people wanted to take pictures of the statue and the castle, and he was yelling at guests who would accidentally step on the clothes. Lots of people were getting ticked off with him, because he was being rude. People would try to maneuver around the clothing, and he would get into arguments and say "I've been here since 6:30 do you think it's fair?" blah blah blah. I wanted to say yeah it's fair that you get your own spot that you've been saving and nothing more. Grrrr.

I had my space already, but I was getting mad for all the other guests. I complained to a cast member, and they didn't do anything. "He's probably saving it for his party" Well, duh, but he shouldn't be allowed to save for so many people, and he shouldn't be so rude in the process. Next time I wait for the fireworks I'm bringing my biggest tarp to stake out a spot in front of the castle!

These stories are amazing!

We got to the hub to watch fireworks last week an hour and 45 minutes before the show. It was crowded already, but we found a spot for my daughter and I to watch. I folded a blanket into a small square for my daughter to sit on, just enough room for 1. After about an hour, she was getting antsy and wanted a churro, so I sent her off. I was standing right there by her spot since I had a tripod up and needed to stand by it. Meanwhile, a woman and her kids showed up and wormed their way in, and she proceeded to wiggle over until she left no room for my daughter. I kept tapping her to say that was her (tiny folded up, just enough room for 1) blanket. She didn't move, not a single inch, and when my daughter squeezed back in, the woman proceeded to push my daughter until she was almost entirely under my tripod. I told her to keep pushing back or she'd lose her blanket entirely. It was WILD.

So........... I cannot figure out for the life of me how anybody could manage to keep such a huge spot! And the CM you reported it to was the real problem. They need to have a policy on it, and they need to stick to it. I know it's fuzzy when one person holds a spot of 2. Or 3. But for 20?

 

[707MickeyGirl]

I have a polar-opposite story to share... during Thanksgiving week I wanted to get a good spot for my DGD6 and I to watch the fireworks because we have never seen them from a good spot in front of the castle. I did a bunch of reading on the boards and found out that 3pm on the hub was a great spot because once the ropes are up, no one can stand directly in front of you, so we went there about 1.5 hours before the fireworks, prepared to wait with a pack full of snacks and diversions. There were two benches that had been turned to face the castle directly and were set up one behind the other, just behind the rope that gets put up to create a walkway through the hub and across to the entrance of Tomorrowland. That's RIGHT WHERE I wanted to sit, so I was a little bummed. The street wasn't roped off yet, and a multi-generational family was occupying the benches - grandparents, parents, 3 kids. I silently wondered how they got those awesome spots... and I asked them if they would mind if we sat on the curb directly behind them. They were friendly, and my DGD6 and I put a blanket on the curb, just enough room for the two of us, and we sat down. After about 15 minutes, the dad on the bench said that they had room for us if we wanted to share. Pixie dust! They had 3 kids in their group, and my DGD6 enjoyed sharing her bubble gun and light-up toys with the other girls. We sat on a nice comfy bench for most of our 1+ hr. wait for the fireworks, we met a nice family, and we saw the show from the most awesome spot.

Hopefully for every person who tries to hog space unfairly, there's a person or family like the one we met. We always make sure to pay it forward when we are gifted random kindnesses. Is so easy to do when you're enveloped in the magic at DL.

 

[PatMcDuck]

Ok, I had to laugh at being attacked because I said I suspected most place holders are AP holders. I Disney AP holders. It did not make me mad.

And I have had APs myself both at DL and WDW. I PREFER the DL parks because it has more AP holders and less frantic visiting tourists. For many reasons, from better character interaction (less autograph books!), to a more relaxed atmosphere overall.

But I have seen some of the place holders, and I am sorry, I think most blanket layers are AP holders, mostly because most DL guests are AP holders. I was not saying most AP holders are spot holders. But I have read articles (Mouseplanet, MiceAge, etc) about this issue, and they even say there are some sort of clubs that have special blankets dedicated to the practice (usually Fantasmic) of saving space. I think that was a Fantasmic thing only. Worse, there are local "tour guides" that hold the spaces for a price. Guests PAY for someone else to hold spots for them, which usually entails 1-2 people holding space for 6-8 or more "clients". I read about that, here on the DIS boards, with many DISers posting about how wonderful this service is. So some place holders are WORKING, lol, and I bet they have APs too.

And the average new guest out of towner would not even bring a blanket to a theme park. (they could use coats though) I do see lots of older guests, grandparents, holding down the spots at times. It is a fascinating phenomenon because it just never happens at WDW, where you have to hold your own spot or else, lol. You have to beg everyone around you to send 1-2 family members on a bathroom sprint.

That was a very good point about AP holders being able to see the show at any time, so why would they do this? It seems like some, and really it is a very small but determined # of guests out of tens of thousands, like to see Fantasmic, the Fireworks, parades over and over. (they are spectacular of course)

I only get to DL a few times a year, I will watch all these things from a distance and stay out of the fray.

 

[aprincessatlast]

These stories have me I had no idea this would ever be allowed at DL. So they allow tarps but do not allow anything that resembles a seat?

I have had one to many horrible parade experiences to ever see the "Disney Magic" in them. (all at wdw) They just seem to bring out the worst in people. All that closeness, waiting, hot sun = disaster. Disney has the lets please everyone routine when guests are cursing out other guests. They will do nothing barring any physical fight and even then I wonder if they would not just let it play out.

I know it would not be popular but an idea of a fast pass is not horrible to me in this one area.

 

[mvf-m11c]

I'm sorry about your bad experience with the crowds during your trip Janet. I can completely understand your situation since I have dealt with it when I am at the parks and staking out a spot. This is why I would use the whole blanket to set up your area for the shows since the other guests won't bother it.

I have staked out spots for the fireworks, parades, F!, etc. in DL & WDW in the past. I have no problem staking out spots for my party since they can do other things like go on rides, get food, restroom, etc. I mostly bring a blanket with me all the time when I am watching those shows and stake out my spot for hours. There were times when the other guests try to get in my area when I save it and they try to force their way in when other people stake out spots for hours. I tell them that this spot is reserved for my party members and they didn't bother messing with it. There is always that one person or family that will try to force their way in but I have dealt with it only a couple of times when I am at the parks.

There were times when my party members are late and won't make it in time for the shows and I do offer part of my area that I stake out to the family is right next to me since I don't need that space. Waiting for the shows at the Disney parks can be long but it is also nice to talk to the other families that is around me.

I have seen people leave their blankets at the sitting area of the RoA and left it alone. I don't like those kind of people that leave their blankets and expect it not to be bothered when they get back. There has to be at least one person in your party to watch your area or the CM's will move the blanket and put it in the lost and found.

 

[grnflash]

Ok, I had to laugh at being attacked because I said I suspected most place holders are AP holders. I Disney AP holders. It did not make me mad.

And I have had APs myself both at DL and WDW. I PREFER the DL parks because it has more AP holders and less frantic visiting tourists. For many reasons, from better character interaction (less autograph books!), to a more relaxed atmosphere overall.

Totally agree with you Pat! I have an AP and think most of the blanket stake holders are AP. And when people blame AP's for certain things, I don't get offended. The blankets. The loud chanters through the HM spiel. Texters throughout Pirates. Yup, I think they're primarily AP's who visit the parks as more of a social function, rather than a vacation or special event. All Ap's, most AP's, do not do these things. But of the ones who do, yeah, its more AP's than not.

And I also think you're spot on about the positives AP's bring to the parks. These things just aren't discussed as much. The easy going vibe. The improved CS food. The HM & SW overlays. The roaming characters. I think these things are in part ways for Disney to get us into the park more often, spend more money while we're there. And because they're working (we do come to see the overlays, we do eat our meals in the parks because the food is actually worth it), we (collectively) visit more and have the the easy going vibe that allows for things like the roaming characters.

So yay for AP's overall (and boo because there's always a few that gotta muck things up.)

 

[4Mickeys]

Ok I've one thought where it I think it would be ok BRIEFLY to have a blanket and no one on it .... I am a solo mum and I have 3 kids who are old enough to send in pairs to a rest room if the need arises .... but if they were younger I would not want to do that. To lose a spot you may have staked out for some time for a rest room trip would be hard - this is the only time I think it would be ok to leave a blanket or jacket to hold a spot to go to the restroom and back.

 

[VandVsmama]

We discovered a great parade spot that has bench seating and is close to bathrooms. Used it on our last trip to DL and it worked out great. No fighting with anybody over blankets or stuff like that. Some people get a little nutty on vacation it seems...like the trip is ruined if you don't get the primo spot to the parade or fireworks.

We were actually going to skip fireworks altogether, but got a spot last minute (20 min prior) right behind a rope near Coke Corner on Main Street and got to see the whole thing with nobody's big head or iPad up in the air blocking our view. It was great. If I have to stake out a spot 90 min ahead of time, I'll go on some rides instead and that will leave more room for others!

The story about the person who tossed a soda bottle on a bench as a way to save the spot was pretty funny.

 

[GatorChris]

I proudly save spots for my family at parades and night time events. I usually will park the stroller on a curb, put my backpack to the side, and then sit on the other side. This let's my kids go on a ride or grab an ice cream while waiting. I feel like as long as I'm there, it's OK.

As for unattended blankets, it might as well be Far and Away - "This land is mine". It's like the game of Risk - you have to leave at least one army to hold the territory. Now holding a spot for 20? That's just crazy. For me, if you're holding for more than 10, that's just rude. But I am seeing all this from my own point of view.

 

[sophies*mom]

I once saw an elderly woman practically planking lengthwise on the curb in front of Carnation Cafe. People were scrambling to avoid her as they passed. I was worried that she was having a medical issue and stopped to ask her if she was okay. She opened her eyes and said she was just taking a nap as she held her spot for the parade. It was at last 90 minutes before the parade began!

Earlier this month, I decided to stake out a spot just for myself for the Fireworks show. I got to the hub at around 7 pm for a 9:25 show. (Yes, I'm crazy).

One person had "claimed" a large section of the walkway leading up to the Partners statue in the hub, by putting his clothes on the ground and created a rectangular border with the clothes. He was holding enough space for 20 people for about three hours, even though he was the only person there during the entire time except for 5 minutes before the show. He didn't even have a blanket, just random clothes, and it was creating a tripping hazard too.

There were two castle lighting ceremonies in the meantime, so people wanted to take pictures of the statue and the castle, and he was yelling at guests who would accidentally step on the clothes. Lots of people were getting ticked off with him, because he was being rude. People would try to maneuver around the clothing, and he would get into arguments and say "I've been here since 6:30 do you think it's fair?" blah blah blah. I wanted to say yeah it's fair that you get your own spot that you've been saving and nothing more. Grrrr.

I had my space already, but I was getting mad for all the other guests. I complained to a cast member, and they didn't do anything. "He's probably saving it for his party" Well, duh, but he shouldn't be allowed to save for so many people, and he shouldn't be so rude in the process. Next time I wait for the fireworks I'm bringing my biggest tarp to stake out a spot in front of the castle!

People are crazy!! I'm honestly very surprised nobody told the clothes guy not to do that! That would annoy me if I was trying to walk by. Wow...

 

[corinne76]

Gosh I didn't notice any of this when we went last year, but then again, we showed up pretty last minute for most shows/parades

I get wanting to secure your sport early but also enjoying the park. I get it. But IMO, you should also think common courtesy. Leave at least one PERSON (not jacket, stroller or heaven forbid bottle) to claim your area. Switch place holder person if needed. And don't get in the way of others like clothes-box man. Simple. No?

 

[CassieF]

Gosh I didn't notice any of this when we went last year, but then again, we showed up pretty last minute for most shows/parades

I get wanting to secure your sport early but also enjoying the park. I get it. But IMO, you should also think common courtesy. Leave at least one PERSON (not jacket, stroller or heaven forbid bottle) to claim your area. Switch place holder person if needed. And don't get in the way of others like clothes-box man. Simple. No?

Seems simple to me....

 

[corinne76]

Seems simple to me....

Right?! Where have all the manners gone?

 

[Mabel67]

The Monday after Thanksgiving we staked out our spot for the parade. The spot we picked had a place for us to stand leaning on a rail with room enough for a "row" or so seated on the ground in front. We got there about an hour early. There were people around is shortly thereafter following he same pattern - a row standing against the rail and groups sitting on the ground directly in front. It was densely packed but as comfortable as can be expected. About 5 minutes before the parade was to start a family of four - mom, her boyfriend, 20ish yo daughter and daughters boyfriend show up and push past the people sitting on ground in front of us and proceed to stand directly in front of us pushed up against us. I'm short. I don't want to be touching strangers that closely and for that long. I got there an hour early to secure my spot as did the others around us. I said to them directly "you don't think you're going to stand there for the parade I hope?" To which the mother replied indignantly "well where do you think We should stand"? Let me reiterate that it was already packed there, in a civil organized manner and they thought they could just push their way and cram in. They ended up sitting on the ground at great discomfort to themselves and those around. So I understand why people try to save a large space because no matter how reasonable you try to be someone will come and try to weasel their way in even if there clearly is no room for them. She was the rudest most entitled person we encountered on the trip though. And now we laugh about it. You can't fix stupid.

 

[SweetAlex]

People are strange when it comes to the parades and shows on the streets... we saw it plenty during our trip. We did see a few random blankets draped across curbs without anyone around them a few hours before parade time. We just found it funny but I would imagine it would totally be a tripping hazard so I'm surprised Disney allows it.

What bothered me is what people do DURING the parade. We had found a decent spot (standing) in the hub in front of the railing about 20 min before parade time. All the people in front of us were sitting nicely, waiting for the parade to start so we had a great view over their heads. Then, as soon as the parade started, a couple (who had presence in both height and width) sitting right on the curb stood up! They just stood up right there and started filming and taking pictures of the parade. Everyone behind them (families with kids, etc) kindly asked them to sit (they were literally ON the curb so they could have seen everything perfectly whilst sitting no problem) and they refused. Finally a CM approached them and pointed to all the people trying to see behind them and after asking them a few times, they reluctantly sat down. Another younger woman who had been sitting right in front of us, jumped up and set up an elaborate tripod and video camera moments before the parade (I guess she figured people couldn't complain if she waited until the last minute). She proceeded to then stand during the whole parade, in front of everyone behind her. We were thankfully able to re-arrange our children so she wasn't in their way.

Seriously. It makes me sad that full grown "mature" people are so inconsiderate and uncaring of other people... especially children!

 

[mlnbabies]

We were in the parks on 12-10 and 12-11. I know that the parades were at 5:45 and I thought that I could find a spot around 5pm. Boy was I wrong! People were seating and standing from Main street to Small World. After looking for a while, I said we will watch the parade the next day.

We started the day in DCA on the 11th. At 3:30p, my youngest and I left to find a spot on Main Street. I was surprised to find lots of blankets on Main Street. Most of the blankets were unoccupied. After walking up and down the street, we headed toward the fire station. A lady had placed her blanket on the curb. I found space next her and my dd and I sat down. It was 4p and I also saved 2 seat with a cinch bag for my dh and other dd.

The lady next to us asked us to watch her blanket. She was kind enough to buy us food. When she returned and I paid her for the food, the receit said AP discount. The lady came back around 5:30. Of course people walked on her blanket but no one tried to take her spot.

We loved the parade and got lots of pictures. I haven't ever lined up that early in WDW for a parade.

We then went back to DCA to watch the WOC shoe and again we waited got in line at 6:30 for the 8:15 show. We were in the blue section and could sit down after we got to the rope.