Teenagers/Adults Screaming on Rides

[canadianmommyof2]

Just a question: did you ask them not to scream? That you were taping the fireworks to show to your four-year old when she got home? I can't believe even a heartless teen would continue after that. . . . but I could be wrong.

Sadly, no...I didn't. I guess it is partly my fault but I like to avoid any situation like that when I'm in front of my kids. They would be really terrified if they started to say things back or raise their voices at me. And in a way, I scared of what they COULD do, I was there with two small kids and my mom and to tell you the truth, today's youth are more scary then before...sounds pathetic but I just like to avoid confrontations with groups of teens.

 

[**Tinker*Bell*7**]

Sadly, no...I didn't. I guess it is partly my fault but I like to avoid any situation like that when I'm in front of my kids. They would be really terrified if they started to say things back or raise their voices at me. And in a way, I scared of what they COULD do, I was there with two small kids and my mom and to tell you the truth, today's youth are more scary then before...sounds pathetic but I just like to avoid confrontations with groups of teens.

Unfortunately it's been my experience with this at wdw that when you (even politely) ask teens to sit down when they're standing in front of you in the front row at parades or screaming for no reason around you, that it only gets worse. i have the ruined tapes at home to prove it also.

 

[Bloodhound]

Hi does anyone know if DL/CA has this problem with school events in Oct.?

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

Having read all of this thread, it is just awful that this behavior is allowed to continue. I am one to speak up, but certainly understand those who feel uncomfortable doing so. However, that does imply a tacit approval of their "I can do anything I feel like" attitude.

I think the only way we can help really change this, is by going to Disney themselves with letters. Real letters with a stamp, not emails. Emails are often ignored, but corporations tend to respond to people who take the time to write in- and follow up a few weeks later with a phone call, referring to the letter. If we got everyone on this thread to do this, DL would at least recognize the problem. They need to understand two things:

1. This behavior is making some guests not want to return to Disneyland. People spend thousands of dollars on a trip from all over the world, and they have a right to expect that CMs will enforce basic manners/safety. I consider it a safety issue when the screaming is so loud as to bother one's hearing. Disney cares when it hits their bottom line. If they understand that some families will not be returning, then perhaps they will begin to train their CMs to handle this.

2. CMs need to ask people to stop. Period. Why are they afraid of offending offensive children? I have heard (in the past) a CM come over the loudspeaker on a ride such as Splash and ask that everyone settle down, or they will be removed from the park. If DL actually started doing that, or at least holding the badly behaved teens (after such a warning) until their chaperones came to escort them to their buses, things would change. They could also tell them to stop when they cut in line, or ask them to return to the end of the line. Even a simple, "cutting in line may result in removal from the Park" announcement after seeing a group cutting would help. When I was in college, I worked for the YMCA. Each summer we had one field trip to Disneyland, and I know back then we counselors were advised that if our campers were badly behaved, we would have to take them out of the park.

Anyone know an address where we can write to Disneyland? I'm serious about this.

 

[quest4dl]

Having read all of this thread, it is just awful that this behavior is allowed to continue. I am one to speak up, but certainly understand those who feel uncomfortable doing so. However, that does imply a tacit approval of their "I can do anything I feel like" attitude.

I think the only way we can help really change this, is by going to Disney themselves with letters. Real letters with a stamp, not emails. Emails are often ignored, but corporations tend to respond to people who take the time to write in- and follow up a few weeks later with a phone call, referring to the letter. If we got everyone on this thread to do this, DL would at least recognize the problem. They need to understand two things:

1. This behavior is making some guests not want to return to Disneyland. People spend thousands of dollars on a trip from all over the world, and they have a right to expect that CMs will enforce basic manners/safety. I consider it a safety issue when the screaming is so loud as to bother one's hearing. Disney cares when it hits their bottom line. If they understand that some families will not be returning, then perhaps they will begin to train their CMs to handle this.

2. CMs need to ask people to stop. Period. Why are they afraid of offending offensive children? I have heard (in the past) a CM come over the loudspeaker on a ride such as Splash and ask that everyone settle down, or they will be removed from the park. If DL actually started doing that, or at least holding the badly behaved teens (after such a warning) until their chaperones came to escort them to their buses, things would change. They could also tell them to stop when they cut in line, or ask them to return to the end of the line. Even a simple, "cutting in line may result in removal from the Park" announcement after seeing a group cutting would help. When I was in college, I worked for the YMCA. Each summer we had one field trip to Disneyland, and I know back then we counselors were advised that if our campers were badly behaved, we would have to take them out of the park.

Anyone know an address where we can write to Disneyland? I'm serious about this.

Well said and very good suggestions. I ,for one, will write a letter about my experience.

 

[tphoneyy]

Yeah, I'm a 16 year old and I agree with the screaming... It's annoying, and I don't really like to scream. I only scream on thrill rides, or when I'm joking around with my cousins (say if we're on a ride by ourselves, like just the family), but if there are other people with us, we tend to stay quiet. But if the teens are bothering you, try not to be too straightfoward and too harsh.

I know, some will just shoot you that don't-tell-me-what-to-do-you-aren't-my-mother-look and just continue screaming on. Ask them nicely, or sarcastically. If they don't listen, complain about them.

If someone asked me or my friends (teens as well) to b quiet nicely, we surely would

-Tiffany

 

[Bloodhound]

Yeah, I'm a 16 year old and I agree with the screaming... It's annoying, and I don't really like to scream. I only scream on thrill rides, or when I'm joking around with my cousins (say if we're on a ride by ourselves, like just the family), but if there are other people with us, we tend to stay quiet. But if the teens are bothering you, try not to be too straightfoward and too harsh.

I know, some will just shoot you that don't-tell-me-what-to-do-you-aren't-my-mother-look and just continue screaming on. Ask them nicely, or sarcastically. If they don't listen, complain about them.

If someone asked me or my friends (teens as well) to b quiet nicely, we surely would

-Tiffany

for your first post. Have fun on your trip and please ask the screamers to be quiet nicely...thanks

 

[Bloodhound]

Maybe we should carry ear plugs just in case. :

 

[remain seated please]

We were there this week as well..with a 2 year old..The grads in front of us on Pirates ..alternated from screams (down the waterfalls) to... Johnny Depp ..I love you..throughout the ride..I even tapped one on the shoulder and asked her to be a bit quieter as she was scaring out 2 year old....She looked at her friend..laughed..and yelled..Johnny Depp..I can't tell you how much I love you any more..I am upsetting babies....!!!!

I have to say the girl's reaction was classic. While I'm sorry your ride experience was not what you expected, I don't think telling anybody to be quiet is the answer. We choose to be in those situations. Unfortunately, we have to deal with it.

Teenagers can be annoying, Yes. But they are teenagers! This has been going on at Disneyland for decades. Dark rides have always had misbehaving kids. I remember all the issues with the Peoplemover and Adventure Thru Inner Space. Now those were the days.

 

[disneyobsessed808]

I agree that there is unwarranted screaming by adults and kids in some of the rides. This is especially the case in Pirates. However, I disagree with the idea that its the teens' screams that are "ruining" the parks for anyone. I don't really care if they do it one way or another. They have just as much right to be there as anyone else. I also think that the screaming in the Stretching Room is a tradition, and there are far more regulars who frequent this park than the occasional tourist like at WDW.

More than anything, I think its overzealous Disney parents who are ruining the parks (Not implying that anyone here qualifies as that). If there is a No Teens day as someone suggested, I suggest a no parents day (Though I really don't think either would do any good. Haha). I agree with the earlier poster about parents who are not able to control their children screaming. Its not the child's fault but the parent's. Too many times have I seen parents literally pulling their skeptical children onto an attraction, against the child's protests. At WDW last year, I saw a mother yank her child by the hand into HM, all the while saying "Stop being a little chicken ****" If a parent knows they might be skittish, and still chooses to take their child on a ride, they share responsibility if their child is scared.

Another incident that happened to me this past April at DL, I was in line for Dumbo and it was near closing, so the line was empty. One teen was in front of me and the other teen in the group couldn't find where the queue opened up. As I waited for the teen to join his group, a father behind me kept yelling at me to go because his kid was waiting to get on. When the teen did get in front of me and I started moving again, the father called me a rather rude name ("fat ***) under his breath. I just thought, "Geez, they're just kids too. I was just letting them on"

In the end, I don't think that screaming teens/adults are affecting Disney's bottom line. The best I think that can be done is A) be realistic about what children can ride, B) tell the offensive screamers to tone it down, especially if its bothering you or C) look to see who's getting in the queue at the same time you are and wait a few seconds til your near a quiet elderly couple

 

[bonofreak]

I know this subject has been talked to death, but I just wanted to say that of course, everybody goes to Disneyland to have FUN but when your fun infringes upon other people, then it has gone too far, say, to scare little kids. Screaming on rides is to be expected, I don't think anyone has a problem with the regular "fun" screaming and carrying on, I think what bothers most people is when it is so loud and excessive that it is just too much.

 

[shyboy72]

I agree that there is unwarranted screaming by adults and kids in some of the rides. This is especially the case in Pirates. However, I disagree with the idea that its the teens' screams that are "ruining" the parks for anyone. I don't really care if they do it one way or another. They have just as much right to be there as anyone else. I also think that the screaming in the Stretching Room is a tradition, and there are far more regulars who frequent this park than the occasional tourist like at WDW.

More than anything, I think its overzealous Disney parents who are ruining the parks (Not implying that anyone here qualifies as that). If there is a No Teens day as someone suggested, I suggest a no parents day (Though I really don't think either would do any good. Haha). I agree with the earlier poster about parents who are not able to control their children screaming. Its not the child's fault but the parent's. Too many times have I seen parents literally pulling their skeptical children onto an attraction, against the child's protests. At WDW last year, I saw a mother yank her child by the hand into HM, all the while saying "Stop being a little chicken****" If a parent knows they might be skittish, and still chooses to take their child on a ride, they share responsibility if their child is scared.

Another incident that happened to me this past April at DL, I was in line for Dumbo and it was near closing, so the line was empty. One teen was in front of me and the other teen in the group couldn't find where the queue opened up. As I waited for the teen to join his group, a father behind me kept yelling at me to go because his kid was waiting to get on. When the teen did get in front of me and I started moving again, the father called me a rather rude name ("fat ***) under his breath. I just thought, "Geez, they're just kids too. I was just letting them on"

In the end, I don't think that screaming teens/adults are affecting Disney's bottom line. The best I think that can be done is A) be realistic about what children can ride, B) tell the offensive screamers to tone it down, especially if its bothering you or C) look to see who's getting in the queue at the same time you are and wait a few seconds til your near a quiet elderly couple

I agree 100 % I'm sorry that those experiences happened to you. I think that overall everyone needs to take every situation with a grain of salt and just chalk it up to the environment of DL that brings out the different personalities in people. I always say, take it easy. Its not that serious.

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

Everyone has the right to be there, but no one has the right to go around ruining it for anyone else. The entitlement attitude people have these days is a real pet peeve of mine. It's a real shame that anyone would have to accept that kind of behavior as just the norm. Espeically if you are spending a few grand on vacation there, and not just a tank of gas on a day trip (as so many are so lucky to be able to do).

But yes, real shame that this is how people have to behave. Teenagers and adults alike. Shame people don't have better manners these days.

 

[remain seated please]

I agree that there is unwarranted screaming by adults and kids in some of the rides. This is especially the case in Pirates. However, I disagree with the idea that its the teens' screams that are "ruining" the parks for anyone. I don't really care if they do it one way or another. They have just as much right to be there as anyone else. I also think that the screaming in the Stretching Room is a tradition, and there are far more regulars who frequent this park than the occasional tourist like at WDW.

More than anything, I think its overzealous Disney parents who are ruining the parks (Not implying that anyone here qualifies as that). If there is a No Teens day as someone suggested, I suggest a no parents day (Though I really don't think either would do any good. Haha). I agree with the earlier poster about parents who are not able to control their children screaming. Its not the child's fault but the parent's. Too many times have I seen parents literally pulling their skeptical children onto an attraction, against the child's protests. At WDW last year, I saw a mother yank her child by the hand into HM, all the while saying "Stop being a little chicken ****" If a parent knows they might be skittish, and still chooses to take their child on a ride, they share responsibility if their child is scared.

Another incident that happened to me this past April at DL, I was in line for Dumbo and it was near closing, so the line was empty. One teen was in front of me and the other teen in the group couldn't find where the queue opened up. As I waited for the teen to join his group, a father behind me kept yelling at me to go because his kid was waiting to get on. When the teen did get in front of me and I started moving again, the father called me a rather rude name ("fat ***) under his breath. I just thought, "Geez, they're just kids too. I was just letting them on"

In the end, I don't think that screaming teens/adults are affecting Disney's bottom line. The best I think that can be done is A) be realistic about what children can ride, B) tell the offensive screamers to tone it down, especially if its bothering you or C) look to see who's getting in the queue at the same time you are and wait a few seconds til your near a quiet elderly couple

BRAVO!!!

Your post is the best of this long thread. I couldn't have written a better one. I especially like how you managed to share your opinion, share a specific example from your own experience and offer suggestions. All too often people are so quick to be critical and selfish. Some also have a very strong tendency to embellish their stories. I think yours was the real thing.

The adults complain about the teens "ruining" their experience at the parks by screaming and acting immature. I think some people shoud get over it and get over themselves. I do, however agree that there are other types of misconduct that deserve attention. Line cutting, throwing water on guests, dropping things or spitting on people from elevated platforms are perfect examples of this. Castmembers who work the rides might not be able to do anything about this, but if you follow these troublemakers until you come across a security person or send someone from your party to get security (if you are in line), I think something may be done about it.

 

[eatntae]

I read through the whole thread and was surprised that so few people feel the same way as disneyobsessed808, and it wasn't until the last couple pages when people started disagreeing with the OP. I don't see what the big deal is, unless the screaming is excessive. And obviously, my idea of excessive is a lot different than most people in this thread. People screaming in the streching room? It is a Haunted Mansion, so its supposed to be "scary" right? Sure, most people that scream aren't really scared, but I think its appropriate based on the theming of the ride. Same goes for the Tower of Terror. I don't see how you don't expect anyone to scream during that ride. If it wasn't for the screams, all you'd hear is the mechanism that makes the ride go up and down. How fun is that? As far as POTC, the only screams I've heard were during the drops. If people are complaining about those screams, then I don't know what to say. The only poster I agree with about screaming is the one that mentioned that kids were screaming so much on Splash Mountain that it drowned out the theme music. The music in those parts is pretty loud, so those kids must've been deafening.

I'm not a kid anymore, but that's one the main reasons I love going to Disneyland: to feel like a kid and have fun. I'm not ashamed to admit I scream in the stretching room of HM and on ToT. I don't do it to the point of trying to make people deaf, and I definitely don't do it if somebody's ear is right next to my mouth. But if people get annoyed because they don't think its appropriate or think that its a "childish" thing to do, then tough luck. As long as I'm not hurting or offending anybody, I don't want anybody telling me how to have fun, just like I don't tell anybody else how to have fun.

What does annoy me? Little kids bumping into me when standing in line. Once or twice is okay, but every 2 minutes in a 30 minutes line drives me nuts. Asking parents to please watch their child only gets me dirty looks Sometimes I just want to bump into the parents just to see what they say.

 

[quest4dl]

OP. I don't see what the big deal is, unless the screaming is excessive.

If you read the whole thread then you it should have been obvious that everyone was talking about excessive screaming - as in throughout the whole ride so loud that it drowns out the soundtrack! Anybody who thinks this is normal must have been one of those kids that you find so annoying!

 

[disneyobsessed808]

OP. I don't see what the big deal is, unless the screaming is excessive. And obviously, my idea of excessive is a lot different than most people in this thread.

If you read the whole thread then you it should have been obvious that everyone was talking about excessive screaming - as in throughout the whole ride so loud that it drowns out the soundtrack! Anybody who thinks this is normal must have been one of those kids that you find so annoying!

If you read eatntae's entire post , you will see that they were making the point that people have different opinions of what "excessive" is. The OP did say that the kids were screaming bloody murder but depends on her opinion. I expect screaming, in fact, on Haunted Mansion. Maybe those teens don't think or know they are being excessively loud.

I do get annoyed when some teens are screaming on Pirates or even Splash Mountain for no apparent reason, but I don't let it ruin my day. In the same vein, I get annoyed when parents use their strollers as ramming devices however, I don't let it ruin my trip.

While I definitely don't appreciate a teen screaming in my ear, I'm not surprised by it. After all, they are just naive kids themselves. I don't think they're "entitled" as some have suggested, at least not any more than parents who think they're "entitled" because they have kids.

I'm more surprised and irritated by the amount of families that try to persuade their reluctant child into riding. In another incident a group of six was waiting for Tower of Terror. There was a 7/8 year old girl who was visibly nervous, so the family (including parents) kept on trying to tell her it would be ok. They even said to her "It's just like Haunted Mansion" I wanted to say "Ummm, no it's not" but I kept my mouth shut. When we returned, the girl was crying. I felt so bad for the child. Not only was the constant haranguing annoying, but the family held up the line.

Generally there are a host of annoying guest problems that are out of our control. As I said before, the best one can do is forget about it and not let it ruin the day. It's the happiest place on earth!

 

[eatntae]

If you read the whole thread then you it should have been obvious that everyone was talking about excessive screaming - as in throughout the whole ride so loud that it drowns out the soundtrack!

Well, like I said earlier, I did read the whole thread. These are just from the first 2 pages:
(note, I'm not trying to pick on anybody, just pointing out my observation)

I notice it too and it's annoying.

I mean, I scream when I'm on rides that you actually should be screaming (TOT, BTMRR, Space, Splash.. etc), but I'm not screaming obnoxiously. I think it was last trip we were on HM and some teenagers were screaming during the elevator scene and I even thought to myself "if I was a little kid, I'd be pooing my pants right now!". It's stupid.

The obnoxious screams are multiplied exponentially on something like Mansion because it will echo throughout the room, especially in the enclosed stretching room.

I agree with every one else. The obviously not necessary screaming to horrible! Last time DH and I rode the HM it was late and the ride was walk on. There was another couple with smaller children that were waiting in the lobby with us and about 10 teens, probably 14-15 years old, came into the lobby. I looked at DH and said oh great ... you could just tell they were going to be screaming. The other couple were already holding their kids, who were looking around a lot but didn't seem scared. Of course we headed into the elevator and I told DH the kids were going to scream and scare the little kids that were with their parents. I looked at the mom and she knew too. Of course they screamed and carried on like fools.

Well there is a difference between screaming on rides that are actually scary like space mountain, even splash Mountain's drop. Those rides have height limits and ment to be scary, but the teenagers who scream on HM and POTC are ridiculous! The rides with no restrictions are suspose to be user friendly for all, I think it's pretty bad that my DD and DS get their experience ruined, and even traumatized by the guests not the ride it self.

It's not obvious to me that these quotes are referring to excessive. Just that they find the screaming (particularly in the HM elevator) to be annoying.

Anybody who thinks this is normal must have been one of those kids that you find so annoying!

Sorry if I struck a nerve but I hope this wasn't an insult towards me. All I was saying about these screamers was that unless its actually offending/harming you (like if they're screaming in your ear, or screaming when there's nothing to scream about), then leave them be.

I agree that the screaming in the HM elevator is a bit annoying, but it has become a regular thing.

If I didn't know any better, I could've sworn that the screaming was actually part of the soundtrack when the lights go out. There hasn't been one time in recent memory when I didn't hear screaming in the elevator, and it still doesn't bother me one bit, even when its not me screaming.

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

But in the HM you will always be screaming in someones ears. They pack that room with as many people as they can. Even when it hasn't been super busy, there has never been a time where I didn't have people standing all around me. So if they scream, it's gonna be in my ear.

Guess I don't see where excessive varies. To me it's common sense. If it's a thrill ride, that makes you scream, scream. That would include the waterfalls on POTC, and the big drops on Splash. Would it include the Davy Jones part of POTC? Nope. Or the cute singing parts of Splash? Nope. Scream if something really does scare you. Scream, because you find it funny, and want your friends to find you funny? Nope. That sums up excessive to me.

We don't bother the screamers. We've learned to just put our fingers in our ears before the screaming starts on the HM. The rest, I use as a good opportunity for my child to see how to NOT act. I expect my child to be respectful to those around him, and not have the attitude that he can do whatever he pleases, even if it means ruining something for someone else. Good learning opportunity.

 

[quest4dl]

Sorry if I struck a nerve but I hope this wasn't an insult towards me. All I was saying about these screamers was that unless its actually offending/harming you (like if they're screaming in your ear, or screaming when there's nothing to scream about), then leave them be.

No it certainly wasn't meant as an insult but rather as an observation that the little kids who you see not behaving in the parks today are the ones who are likely to continue this behaviour and be one of those 'excessive' screaming teens we've been talking about.

You gave me lots of quotes but that was just about people explaining their own screaming behaviour which is obviously going to happen naturally during scary parts of rides. The people who were complaining were talking about those with the over-the-top behaviour.

I do agree that it bothers me equally to see a kid who does not want to ride something being forced on. We intentionally skipped a boat in Pirates because we saw a mother literally dragging her child onto the boat! It does boil down to good parenting and teaching your children how to behave - it seems that too many people are just too busy to bother with it!