Tips on being courteous at WDW

[Boncho]

It seems to me that it all boils down to this... treat the people around you like they are there with you, as a member of your group, because truly, they are. How great your experience is at WDW is not only the place and the weather and the CM's. We are a part of it, as the audience. And in this case, audience participation makes a big difference.
Yep, if I sound hokey to you, I would rather not be there when you are, because you are going in with an attitude of "us" vs "them".
If you would just relax, join in... realize that two or three minutes of comoraderie isn't going to make a big difference in your experience over all... unless it makes it better for both of us.
Things would be so much better for both of us.
Especially me.

Well said!!!

 

[1Prince2Princesses]

It's shocking to me how rude people can be in any situation, much less at a place like Disney. Every time I am there, I think I expect the problems of real life (like rude people!) to kind of dissapear. It never happens. I just take it with a grain of salt and remember to be thankful for my own family, who will always wait their turn, say please,thank you, and excuse me, and consider others first.

 

[summerlandjeff]

While in the World I am constantly amazed at the people who try to "buck traffic"! I always tell my DD12, "walk on the right side of the path, just like traffic" (my apologies to my distiguished friends and relatives in the UK). Isn't that simple? Whether you are walking or in an ambulatory vehichle (this includes SEGWAYS) if everyone would try to act like they are in traffic, less accidents would happen. If you want to stop and look at something, map, attraction, etc. "pull off" to the side and park (you wouldn't stop in the middle of a highway and read a map would you?) Like wise you wouldn't drive on the left just because there is less traffic.
and, Remember the golden rule folks....

 

[udsweetpea]

I admit it, I cut off strollers. Personally, and I'll probably get flamed for this, but children who require a stroller are too young to experience Disney. Also, parents who do not apologize to adults when their children are misbehaving and hitting other people. If your kids usually take a nap during the day, keep that schedule going at Disney. If you don't and they're screaming at 9pm, don't wonder why.

The leashes annoy me as well. If you do use one, I do not want to see you pulling your children up off the ground using the leash. If your child needs a leash, they also don't need to be at Disney.

 

[Tasmen]

The leashes annoy me as well. If you do use one, I do not want to see you pulling your children up off the ground using the leash. If your child needs a leash, they also don't need to be at Disney.

While I agree with you that leashes are nasty little things (I hate hate hate hate hate them), I think it's a bit harsh to say children on a leash or in a stroller do not deserve to be at Disney. Of course, you probably expected such a response Disney is for children of all ages - great and small.

That being said, however, I do wish that people with strollers would be a little more aware of their surroundings when pushing a stroller around. I've also had my feet rolled over or had to jumped to the side to avoid a collision. The main rule I wish people would adhere to while at Disney is I suppose 'do onto others as you'd have them do onto you'. A little kindess and courtsey goes a long way. It's a shame that it is such a lost art these days.

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

I admit it, I cut off strollers. Personally, and I'll probably get flamed for this, but children who require a stroller are too young to experience Disney. Also, parents who do not apologize to adults when their children are misbehaving and hitting other people. If your kids usually take a nap during the day, keep that schedule going at Disney. If you don't and they're screaming at 9pm, don't wonder why.

The leashes annoy me as well. If you do use one, I do not want to see you pulling your children up off the ground using the leash. If your child needs a leash, they also don't need to be at Disney.

Wow. I'm not flaming you, but I have to tell you that I disagree with the "too young" thing. I agree that keeping kids' schedules and apologizing to other adults are important, but to make a sweeping generalization that children who require a stroller are too young to experience Disney? That doesn't make sense to me. First, a child is perfectly capable of enjoying WDW at a young age. I went when I was three, and I do remember some of my first trip - the pool, the Country Bears, Epcot, the Main Street Electrical Parade. My 3 yo nephew went last year and he still asks about going back, and recalls his dinner at Chef Mickey's "the place with the monorail and the napkin game". We were both in strollers during our first visits and no one can tell us we didn't appreciate it! Second, sometimes leashes and strollers are used for children with special needs - physical, emotional, mental disabilities, etc. and I applaud parents who try to keep their children safe and give them the wonderful experience of WDW. I say *everyone* NEEDS more Disney! I don't think there's anyone who couldn't benefit from a few days away amidst the magic. Third, What about grand gatherings? weddings? families with multiple kids? Are they supposed to hire a babysitter to sit with their child in the hotel room while they enjoy WDW, and then go back and tell Jr. all about the castle and the train instead of letting them see it? I have to say, I really don't follow your train of thought - I don't see what harm the average stroller-using-aged child does in WDW. Teens and adults are usually the ones who are causing the trouble, either by themselves or by not supervising properly, not the little ones! Lastly, I don't see how any of your complaints, even the valid ones, constitutes reason enough to justify cutting off strollers. Would you really cut off a stroller deliberately, knowing that the pusher, the child or you could get hurt? I definitely don't understand that. Even if no one gets hurt, it builds bad will. After getting cut off twelve times, is it any wonder that on the fourth day in the parks, Big Bad Momma starts using the stroller as a battering ram? Others have driven them to madness. By being courteous, we "pay it forward" and make the world a better, happier, place.

As far as my tips for being courteous, I say just follow the rules and do as Boardwalker said - have some consideration. If you're nice to someone, hopefully they will be nice to someone else and it will spread. I also think that it's good to give others the benefit of the doubt, but don't hesitate to speak up if there's a real problem. When a drunk bus guest was cursing and screaming, I spoke up. I got an apology and a few other bus guests thanked me. They were having a horrible trip because of him. I think it is all about doing the right thing.

 

[udsweetpea]

While I agree with you that leashes are nasty little things (I hate hate hate hate hate them), I think it's a bit harsh to say children on a leash or in a stroller do not deserve to be at Disney. Of course, you probably expected such a response Disney is for children of all ages - great and small.

I absolutely agree its for children of all ages, but its a terrible ordeal to bring a child so young. I often see infants there and wonder WTH!?! We took a 5-year-old to Disney and even said that was too young. We spent the entire time waiting in line for characters only for her to start crying when she got up to the front of the line. She didn't want to go on any inside rides because they were too dark or too noisy. It ended up being too difficult.

I hear from so many parents how they would have never taken their toddlers if they would have known how difficult it would be. So, I stand by a "if they require a stroller, they're too young" motto. Plus, they won't remember it anyway.

 

[perdidochas]

I admit it, I cut off strollers. Personally, and I'll probably get flamed for this, but children who require a stroller are too young to experience Disney.

I disagree with this vehemently. I think a toddler who still needs a stroller is at almost the perfect age. My now 6-yr old, when he was barely 3, had the best experience at Disney. He got to hug Snow White, and ride a roller coaster (Barnstorming). He still remembers riding the roller coaster, and it's his second favorite ride (Stitch's great escape being his favorite).

Also, parents who do not apologize to adults when their children are misbehaving and hitting other people.

That I agree with. Parents should correct (and apologize for) their kid's behavior, even at Disney.

If your kids usually take a nap during the day, keep that schedule going at Disney. If you don't and they're screaming at 9pm, don't wonder why.

That's the best use of a stroller. My 3-yr old napped during the parade in his stroller.

The leashes annoy me as well. If you do use one, I do not want to see you pulling your children up off the ground using the leash. If your child needs a leash, they also don't need to be at Disney.

Well, I personally think the leash is barbaric as well.

 

[perdidochas]

I absolutely agree its for children of all ages, but its a terrible ordeal to bring a child so young. I often see infants there and wonder WTH!?! We took a 5-year-old to Disney and even said that was too young. We spent the entire time waiting in line for characters only for her to start crying when she got up to the front of the line. She didn't want to go on any inside rides because they were too dark or too noisy. It ended up being too difficult.

Well, if the kid doesn't like seeing characters, why wait in line for them?

I hear from so many parents how they would have never taken their toddlers if they would have known how difficult it would be. So, I stand by a "if they require a stroller, they're too young" motto. Plus, they won't remember it anyway.

Different people have different memories--my wife very clearly remembers being 3. I don't. In terms of toddlers, I've had great fun bringing my little ones both to Seaworld and Disney. The key is to know your kids, and have their enjoyment as your main view, not being a commando and seeing the whole park. My kids have traveled/gone to theme parks/zoos/festivals/Mardi Gras parades since they were riding front packs and backpacks. They have fun at Disney. Not all kids are so flexible.

 

[kissy]

I admit it, I cut off strollers. Personally, and I'll probably get flamed for this, but children who require a stroller are too young to experience Disney. Also, parents who do not apologize to adults when their children are misbehaving and hitting other people. If your kids usually take a nap during the day, keep that schedule going at Disney. If you don't and they're screaming at 9pm, don't wonder why.

The leashes annoy me as well. If you do use one, I do not want to see you pulling your children up off the ground using the leash. If your child needs a leash, they also don't need to be at Disney.

Not going to flame you as everyone has thier own opinion...however, my DD was almost 3 and LOVED disney, completely understood what was going on around her and still to this day talks about disney....she was in a stroller most of the trip because it's such a long way for her to walk...plus she's a slow walker and I'm a momma on a mission at disney and forget that I don't need to speed through everything!

 

[TMB1203]

I admit it, I cut off strollers. Personally, and I'll probably get flamed for this, but children who require a stroller are too young to experience Disney.

I'm not going to flame you, but I will tell you that I run over people who cut me off when I am pushing the stroller, and I don't apologize. Now there are some that you can tell do it by accident, and I will try not to hit them, but the ones that you can see are plotting to cut you off and then jump in front of you and stop, I don't feel bad if I hit them~ I'm going with the flow of traffic, it's just that one jerk that feels they need to be in front of everybody.
My son is still a stroller and is not too young for WDW. He loves it, we go every year and he talks about the last trip until the next trip. Much like his mom

Also, parents who do not apologize to adults when their children are misbehaving and hitting other people.

Agreed! If your children are acting up you should remove them from the situation..whether it is leaving the park for down time or just sitting down with them for a few minutes. C'mon,the park is over-stimulating for adults....just imagine what it's doing to the kids.

 

[C.Ann]

If you need to use an ECV - especially when the parks are crowded - please, please, PLEASE watch where you are going!! On our trip the beginning of this month in Epcot, we saw a man hit a little girl, trapping her leg underneath, because he was looking over at the lake rather than in front of him, where he was going.. I will NEVER forget those blood-curdling screams..

Don't park your babies in the designated smoking areas in their strollers.. Can't tell you how many times we saw this - from infants to toddlers..

Please leave the "wheeled" sneakers at home.. Children create hazardous situations with them (both for others and themselves) in the parks and on the resort grounds and it's very annoying to hear them racing past your hotel room at all hours of the day and night..

If you bump into someone, have the common courtesy to say you're sorry..

Pick up after yourselves - in the parks and in the rest rooms!

Have fun - and treat others the way you would want to be treated yourself..

 

[TMB1203]

If you need to use an ECV - especially when the parks are crowded - please, please, PLEASE watch where you are going!! On our trip the beginning of this month in Epcot, we saw a man hit a little girl, trapping her leg underneath, because he was looking over at the lake rather than in front of him, where he was going.. I will NEVER forget those blood-curdling screams..

I agree!! My DS was run over a couple years ago. His leg hurt so bad, we had to leave the park. Same thing, the guy just wasn't paying attention. We were inside the castle, waiting for them to open it so we could walk through, everbody was at a complete stop and this guy was looking inside the store instead of at his surroundings and ran him over. I was so mad!

 

[Fore2213]

I wonder if you and i saw the same guy? I took a slightly different approach with the F-bomber i ecountered......i was standing waiting for wife to return, had my 2 young kids with me.....this guy was WAY over the top and within a few feet of my kids. I got his attention and "suggested" he stopped with the potty mouth in front of ALL the kids in the area...he gave me one of those "YA RIGHT" looks and i followed up with letting him know if he did it again i was going to make his phone a permanent part of his anatomy (you can imagine where) He hung up and huffed off!!!! Typical punk No need for that in a place like MK!!!!

Watch your language, particulary whe children are in earshot.

I know some folks use certain words as part of their daily vocabulary, and in front of their own children, but I think it is awful some of the language that I hear around the parks.

Yesterday while waiting for DD to ride BTMRR there was a young man - 20-something - who was on his cell phone with someone else in his traveling party, whom he was obviously not happy with - the F-bomb was used just about every other word - he was standing right by the entrance to the store near Splash Mtn. I was not ease dropping, but could not help but hear, as well as anyone who walked by him. I contemplated saying something to him, but he was REALLY angry and I did not want to confront someone in that mood! I also didn't want to leave my spot, as that is where I told DD I would be waiting!

My DD has heard the words - not from me- so it's not that I am trying to shelter her from the real world - but I just don't think that type of language is really necessary in WDW - or really anywhere!

 

[dpuck1998]

I admit it, I cut off strollers. Personally, and I'll probably get flamed for this, but children who require a stroller are too young to experience Disney. Also, parents who do not apologize to adults when their children are misbehaving and hitting other people. If your kids usually take a nap during the day, keep that schedule going at Disney. If you don't and they're screaming at 9pm, don't wonder why.

The leashes annoy me as well. If you do use one, I do not want to see you pulling your children up off the ground using the leash. If your child needs a leash, they also don't need to be at Disney.

 

[dpuck1998]

I absolutely agree its for children of all ages, but its a terrible ordeal to bring a child so young. I often see infants there and wonder WTH!?! We took a 5-year-old to Disney and even said that was too young. We spent the entire time waiting in line for characters only for her to start crying when she got up to the front of the line. She didn't want to go on any inside rides because they were too dark or too noisy. It ended up being too difficult.

I hear from so many parents how they would have never taken their toddlers if they would have known how difficult it would be. So, I stand by a "if they require a stroller, they're too young" motto. Plus, they won't remember it anyway.

You obviously don't have any kids. Any parent will tell you that taking toddlers to Disney is as much for the children as it is for the parents. The children may not remember it, but the parents sure will. Some of the things they do and reactions are priceless memories forever. Also, maybe of us have more than 1 child. Should the oldest child have to wait until they are 16 because the siblings aren't "old" enough yet? If they require a stroller they are too young may be one of the silliest things I've heard on the boards. I've heard a lot of silly things too I still get a stroller for my 7 and 6 yo just so they have somewhere to rest and sit down. We do a lot of walking and there little legs have to do double duty to keep up. Can you imagine a disney without strollers....and kids that are stroller age?? I sure can't imagine it!!

 

[trivial]

I don't think people need to be reminded of how to be courteous -- I think they just don't care, and I'm not sure what can be done to change that. A few people have mentioned that the best thing to do is ignore it, and just let it go. I think that's the best advice there is, because the only variable you can control in these situations is your reaction. As frustrating as these situations are, try to relax, decide not to be angry about it, and continue to enjoy your day.

 

[shellytc]

I absolutely agree its for children of all ages, but its a terrible ordeal to bring a child so young. I often see infants there and wonder WTH!?! We took a 5-year-old to Disney and even said that was too young. We spent the entire time waiting in line for characters only for her to start crying when she got up to the front of the line. She didn't want to go on any inside rides because they were too dark or too noisy. It ended up being too difficult.

I hear from so many parents how they would have never taken their toddlers if they would have known how difficult it would be. So, I stand by a "if they require a stroller, they're too young" motto. Plus, they won't remember it anyway.

The point of this thread was to discuss how to be curteous to others while at Disney. We have had some good suggestions, including treat others as you would like to be treated.

Then you post with an intolerant view. Isn't intolerance, and selfishness, the root cause of intolerance?

Your opinion is not fact. My DS is now 9. His first trip to WDW was as a 3.5 year old, in a stroller. He remembers much of it, and had a great time, and was a delight to be around for those 9 days. We go every year at least once, and he looks forward to his trip to the world. We kept his stroller for him right up to age 5!! And would have kept it longer if he would have used it. It worked well for him and for us.

We love WDW, and we try to smile at folks around us, laugh at unimportant things, and remember that others have rights as well. We don't have a right to impose our ways on others, but we do have a right to enjoy the rides, shows, etc. as they were intended to be enjoyed. I do speak up when others infringe upon our rights and will continue to do so.

My advice: lighten up, speak up, smile more, and laugh often. That is good advice for life in general, not just at WDW.

Shelly

 

[CampbellScot]

Oh Oh I have one!!!! I have one!!!!!

When at a nice restaurant...say...Artist Point...if your kids are knocking each other over and screeching "I WANT THAT CHAIR", or I don't know...throwing food across the table...Please...tell them to stop! Don't roll your eyes and order more wine...or looking adoringly across the table as if to say "Those little SCAMPS...tee hee"

The rule being: The universe does NOT revolve around your ill mannered children. It does NOT matter that you happen to "be at Disney"...atrocious manners are atrocious manners the world over...teach them some before you take them out of the house! Thanks

 

[lmjacobs]

My daughter was run over by a wheelchair. I was in the lead and she and cousins were behind me with an adult bringing up the rear. A lady pushing an older lady in a WC passed me then cut right behind me and knocked my DD down, tore her jeans and made her sore for a few days. It was a heck of a run down.

We always try to be considerate of all wheeled vehicles and strollers and let them in because we used them a while ago and still need a WC on occasion for disable nephew.

Sorry some folks are not considerate.