Tips for not becoming the Federalist guy

[Maxpowers]

As someone who lives and works in New Jersey/New York and commutes with crowded trains and pushy people everyday, I am interested in peoples methods for unwinding and not engaging that commuter instinct once into a crowd. I went back in February and had a very good time, but the one thing I said to my wife afterwards was "next time tell me to chill out". Don't get me wrong, I am not expecting no crowds and by no means did I have a bad time or become an pushy person (at least I hope not). But I think I would have had a much better time if I could manage to let go of the edge and not let pushy crowded conditions bother me.

What are your strategies?

Thanks!

 

[jcb]

I was that way. If you absolutely have to ride Soarin' (Test Track, Space Mountain, Expedition Everest, Toy Story Mania, take your pick) on standby at rope drop, there probably is no hope for you. Just run with the maddening crowd and enjoy it.

What I tried to do was let go of trying to do the E ticket attractions at rope drop or even trying to do all of them every trip. Like the podcast team has said many times, I try to walk slowly and take time to notice the details. I concentrate on trying to just enjoy being at WDW (or DL) with someone I love. Realistically, with some exceptions for major holidays, the crowd levels only matter if you are having to wait in line for the attractions. And despite the fact that I will no longer make a mad dash to ride the E ticket attractions, I still find I'm able to ride the ones I want.
Now if could just get DW to stop rushing to all the attractions.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Take time to do things outside or the parks - resort hoping, mini golf, etc

Also, especially when they are open late the parks can empty out later at night

Try hitting up rides during parades and fireworks

Try doing meals at off hours as the restaurants tend to be less crowded

 

[SorcererHeidi]

Don't really have any great tips, especially since Max and Jack did such a wonderful job with same. But - I can certainly empathize, and feel your pain, especially since I also am from NE NJ, and constantly deal with crowds, pushy and rude people, and a constant "it's all about me, all the time" attitude daily too, which makes it that much harder for me to accept, and deal with, on vacation. Especially when I'm the FIRST one to be kind, courteous, and think about "how the other guy feels" when dealing in crowds. Definitely does not feel good to not have kindness handed back. And I have also been constantly assaulted by growing numbers of people at WDW over my years of going regularly, and their also-growing rude, selfish, and entitled attitudes, I'm very sad to say. And as Iv'e constantly stated here before - no - while it has not stopped me from going (YET!!! - although I have no idea when my next trip will be), it has definitely impacted my enjoyment and "want to go so often" many times, and often left me in a crowded area somewhere, or dealing with some oafish behavior, and wondering "what the HECK am I doing here, and WHY do I love it so much", I'm sorry to say.

Thank you for posting this, and trying to find ways to deal, even though it's not "us" per say, but trying to help "us:" deal with "them" better. Hope I staid all that okay, even though it all made more sense in my head before I posted it. LOL I also do not want this to convey that I have not had great times at WDW, or met any nice and courteous people, so please - no flames. But I also want to firmly state that just in MY experience and opinion - the bad has definitely outweighed the good more times than I can remember. And yes - that makes me incredibly sad - my "happy place" has gotten less o (speaking only for myself) over time.

 

[ricktib]

I believe I'm in the minority, but I'd say drive or rent a car. I'm infinitely more at ease being (somewhat) in control of us getting to where we need to go. And once there, even if it's jam-packed, I'm much more able to take it easy and go with the flow. Don't ask me why.

 

[jcb]

I believe I'm in the minority, but I'd say drive or rent a car. I'm infinitely more at ease being (somewhat) in control of us getting to where we need to go. And once there, even if it's jam-packed, I'm much more able to take it easy and go with the flow. Don't ask me why.

I too prefer to have a car. It opens up off site dining if we are so inclined. And when I'm wanting to get to a park, especially on a short trip, waiting on a bus just isn't a task at which I excel. http://www.disunplugged.com/2012/08/29/bungling-a-trip-to-walt-disney-world/

 

[SorcererHeidi]

I too prefer to have a car. It opens up off site dining if we are so inclined. And when I'm wanting to get to a park, especially on a short trip, waiting on a bus just isn't a task at which I excel. http://www.disunplugged.com/2012/08/29/bungling-a-trip-to-walt-disney-world/

Very nicely done article, Jack. And nice you can admit where you fell short in planning, and have tried to make trips since then much more enjoyable.

I have also altered my parks plans over the years, to include much more "down time" and "smell the roses" - for me that means more resort touring, people watching, taking the time to talk to CM's and thank them for what they do, talking to other guests, watching more shows and movies, just taking a much slower pace - to account for both physical restrictions, but also to try and keep my temper in check at the larger crowds/longer wait times, etc. I've tried to find "different ways" to still have a nice time. And I've found what Pete and the Team have said so many times - it's usually not the memories of what ride you didn't get on each trip, or what ADR you couldn't get, but who you spent your time and made awesome memories with, and they are SO right!!

 

[dwheaton]

After feeling a bit exhausted and overwhelmed on our last trip, I've thought about changes I would make. The first is not trying to do anything too significant on our first night when we arrive. We went to Raglan Road, and navigating the Downtown Disney mess really wore us out. I'd just take it easy and maybe just order pizza at our off-site condo. I'd also try to slow down even further and use the extra FPs better if the lines at the queues aren't too long.

 

[Spaceace5150]

After feeling a bit exhausted and overwhelmed on our last trip, I've thought about changes I would make. The first is not trying to do anything too significant on our first night when we arrive. We went to Raglan Road, and navigating the Downtown Disney mess really wore us out. I'd just take it easy and maybe just order pizza at our off-site condo. I'd also try to slow down even further and use the extra FPs better if the lines at the queues aren't too long.

You are right - the downtown disney mess can wear you out! I heard on the podcast that things are better but I was there last week and walking from the parking garage to World of Disney was insane. Much worse than the crowds in the Magic Kingdom.

 

[dwheaton]

Right. We also parked in the lot and just walked to Earl of Sandwich before we left, and that was a lot with the kids. I'm sure it will be great, but I may avoid it until that point.
'