Standing, standing, standing

[MakiraMarlena]

agreed, there isn't any way to avoid standing in line for attractions, standing in line for QS restaurants, standing in line for buses. Unless you can go at times when there won't be so many others standing with you.

 

[BarbieGal457]

agreed, there isn't any way to avoid standing in line for attractions, standing in line for QS restaurants, standing in line for buses. Unless you can go at times when there won't be so many others standing with you.

I thought this as well. I do get OP's point, to some extent. I can see standing for things that would "require" a seat, such as trying to eat a meal - that for sure is frustrating at times unless it's something easy to hold in one hand like a hot dog. But standing for attractions, buses, QS...that is pretty much to be expected.

If they had seats everywhere, and people sat in them to wait for buses, naturally others would walk up and just stand at the front of the queue without knowing the sitting people where there first. I can't even imagine what issues that would cause!

Hmmm... Maybe I opt to sit in places that are non-traditional but I have never lacked for a place to sit down and rub my feet for a few minutes. There are lots of places to put your butt down. Maybe they don't have a back rest but you can "take a load off" your feet easily. This was even during our trip in Aug with very high crowds. Maybe try to look for short walls to sit on. They are great make do benches

We always eat at non-traditional times so even seating for QS meals are not a problem. But I can sure witness how crowded they get at peak lunch hours.

I too feel this way. I always seem to happen upon somewhere to sit if need be, such as a shorter wall that is out of the main walking path. Once I did sit on the curb in the UK to eat my fish and chips, but I was starving and couldn't wait anymore! I made sure I wasn't blocking a path and that my feet weren't tripping hazards. Actually, I think it's kind of fun to sit on the sidewalk and have a quick meal before the parade and fireworks. My boyfriend and I love to sit on the wall cut-out seat things around the back of the QS in Mexico and eat our burritos.

I also love to do sit-down meals, and yes they are getting me to spend money, but I don't consider it spending money just to sit. We love to have a good meal or else we get cranky, and that is never fun! The guarantee of a seat is just a nice extra

 

[ArwenMarie]

I think this is part of the six-hour-plan...They want you to spend six hours at the park, 3 FPs, whatever else you can get into, eat, watch a parade or a show and then head on back to enjoy your Walt Disney World Resort. Or mini-golf, or shop at Disney Springs, etc.

The more people that do this, the more capacity they magically create in the parks.

Providing benches doesn't go along with their strategy at all. They have probably studied spending and know that after a certain number of hours, spending drops anyway (only so many Mickey bars or souvenirs one person is going to buy).

 

[MakiraMarlena]

If they had seats everywhere, and people sat in them to wait for buses, naturally others would walk up and just stand at the front of the queue without knowing the sitting people where there first. I can't even imagine what issues that would cause!

Some of the resort bus stops have no designated queues and they are treated exactly like a public bus stop or subway...those standing closest to the bus when it arrives are going to board first. They are not going to stand back and wait for those seated behind them to pack up and board the bus. (Now you're aware if you are using those bus stops!)

 

[Dis703]

Hmm, I'm not sure this has been an issue for us that I can recall. I definitely can think of spots in MK we have been able to take a break and sit down. In HS I feel like we were probably sitting at so many shows we didn't feel the need. Epcot I can recall sitting on benches now and then or along a wall even. AK is the only park I've noticed the lack and only particularly when we wanted to sit and eat while we were waiting for the Lion King show. They have food kiosks and only 2 tiny tables with seats and people were sitting there for ages not making room for anyone else with food.

But I also sit along a curb when I feel the need as well.

I have a hard time believing it's a money making strategy though. Like pp pointed out someone who is more rested would likely last longer in the park and potentially spend more. Seems silly to think a few benches here and there would lead to that much less spending. Especially if they are sitting to enjoy a purchased snack.

 

[maxiesmom]

I have a hard time believing it's a money making strategy though. Like pp pointed out someone who is more rested would likely last longer in the park and potentially spend more. Seems silly to think a few benches here and there would lead to that much less spending. Especially if they are sitting to enjoy a purchased snack.

A few years ago when people started to notice the benches disappearing a few of theories were thrown out: One was that Disney was fed up with the benches causing arguments. People would sit in them near where the fireworks can be viewed or a parade, and then get mad if people stood in front of them. Like they though the bench also claimed a 15 foot perimeter of space.

Second was that Disney was sick of accident reports from kids climbing on them and then falling off.

Third was that people were moving the benches and impeding the flow of traffic. Not sure how true any of the above is, but they all do make some sense.

 

[disnut8]

I just sit on the sidewalk. Yeah, benches have been removed but as long as I have my fanny and a place on the ground, I'm happy.

 

[Laketravis]

Each bench occupies at least 10 square feet of ground space.

Each paying guest requires no more than 2 square feet in which to stand.

Benches are therefore clutter and must be removed in order to accommodate more guests.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Hmmm... Maybe I opt to sit in places that are non-traditional but I have never lacked for a place to sit down and rub my feet for a few minutes. There are lots of places to put your butt down. Maybe they don't have a back rest but you can "take a load off" your feet easily. This was even during our trip in Aug with very high crowds. Maybe try to look for short walls to sit on. They are great make do benches

We always eat at non-traditional times so even seating for QS meals are not a problem. But I can sure witness how crowded they get at peak lunch hours.

I'm not following either. The seating seems to be no different than other parks.

I wonder, where it is noticed that benches have been removed, if that has anything to do with crowds for parades or nighttime shows.

But the seating issue doesn't seem much different over time to me. As in--if it is lacking now, if seems if has always been that way.

 

[ladyjubilee]

After a long day at MK, DH and I decided to try Philharmagic because I'd heard it had seats. We'd never done it before. The sign said no waiting so we thought "perfect!" They ushered into the lobby where, of course, we stood. And stood. And stood. After 20 minutes they dismissed all of us because of some technical problem.

I just kept thinking how much I wanted to sit down.

I always sit when waiting for the shows. I just sit on the floor beside my son's stroller. I've found that once one person in a room does it, other people follow suit. Even if they don't, well, who really made the rule that you can't?

I guess I'm either a rebel or just really lazy.

 

[LilyWDW]

Hmmm... Maybe I opt to sit in places that are non-traditional but I have never lacked for a place to sit down and rub my feet for a few minutes. There are lots of places to put your butt down. Maybe they don't have a back rest but you can "take a load off" your feet easily. This was even during our trip in Aug with very high crowds. Maybe try to look for short walls to sit on. They are great make do benches

We always eat at non-traditional times so even seating for QS meals are not a problem. But I can sure witness how crowded they get at peak lunch hours.

I feel the same way that you do. I never had an issue finding somewhere to sit on my last trip just this past October. Including seating at World Showcase in Epcot during Food and Wine.

 

[ttintagel]

Standing on the concrete is not the same as standing on a moving bus. I will stand on the bus but I'm used to public transportation.

I honestly don't know why they have been removing some of the benches. "So guests will spend more money" sounds like the usual catchall phrase used on the boards for why Disney does anything. Of course they want guests to spend money but does removing benches actually accomplish that to any great extent?

I don't know about the other parks, but I'm sure that foot traffic has a lot to do with the removal of the benches at the MK.

 

[Dan Murphy]

It is a shame that Disney has seen fit to eliminate the seating areas little by little every year.

 

[Granfan]

I agree with OP. Older people especially need resting places as well as people who have disabilities but want try to avoid using ECV's. I know for sure if I could last longer on my feet I would buy many more gifts for the kids and grandkids.

 

[MKMomma]

I'm not following either. The seating seems to be no different than other parks.

I wonder, where it is noticed that benches have been removed, if that has anything to do with crowds for parades or nighttime shows.

But the seating issue doesn't seem much different over time to me. As in--if it is lacking now, if seems if has always been that way.

All the benches in the cross-thru by the Adventureland bathrooms have been removed.

 

[larryz]

Anyone here ever play Roller Coaster Tycoon?

Ever notice that you can tune in on the peeps' thoughts?

Ever see the peeps thinking "I wish there were more places to sit in this park"?

 

[Suvadoo]

I am so glad the DLR hasn't gone the way of WDW. One of my favorite things to do is sit on a bench near the partners statue and people watch. It just seems that WDW management is thinking of ways to make their guests miserable. I don't think benches were ever placed in areas where traffic was blocked.

 

[richkaryn]

And for what it's worth, we refuse to stand on buses after a full day at the parks. We'll move aside and let people behind us board the bus if there aren't any seats left.

That has to be my biggest beef.....our last trip in March it made me furious to see young couples in their early twenties (if even) sitting down on a full bus while myself (pushing 40 ) stood with my 40+lb sleeping 6 year old in my arms trying to balance himself and myself with one arm so I could grab the rail to hold on with the other, as well as another parent holding a sleeping child and a few grandparents all left to stand. Andthen while your standing the whole ride they stare at you like you're purposely standing there so you can invade on their conversation or make out session.What happened to common courtesy? Even with my sleeping child in my arms I've gotten up to let an older person or another parent with sleeping child in tow sit down.

 

[Suvadoo]

Anyone here ever play Roller Coaster Tycoon?

Ever notice that you can tune in on the peeps' thoughts?

Ever see the peeps thinking "I wish there were more places to sit in this park"?

I also doubt Roller Coaster tycoon has characters suggesting a ride reservation system, and your point is?

 

[themouseforme]

in the past I have enjoyed sitting inside main street bakery with one of those delicious danishes, going back to the 70s. now, you grab your 5 dollar fancy stupid thing I guess and curb sit (ghetto) or keep it moving.