ToT...that's at Universal, right?

[Jfsag123]

I overheard a couple of people discussing an upcoming Disney trip this morning and really had to work to hold my tongue due to the misinformation I heard being spread. The two biggest bits were 1. You will have to wait in line 5 hours to meet Elsa from Frozen unless you pay $60, in which case you can jump to the front of the line. 2. DHS is a Universal park and that's where you'll find ToT - the park has "Disney" in the name!

I did not know these people well and so ended up minding my own business, but, of course, I thought of this forum. Do you all correct horrible planning mistakes you see being made or keep quiet? If you do try to help out, how do you approach it and not come off like a know-it-all? What is the info you feel is most necessary for people to have (i.e. Disney and Universal are two different places...)? I do not consider myself an exceptionally knowledgeable Disney person, as I don't have many trips under my belt, but dang...

 

[Magpie]

I would have spoken up. But then again, I'm one of those obnoxiously forward types who has no problem talking to strangers. Strangers have helped me out more times than I can count, so it's only fair to return the favour.

I don't worry about being a know-it-all. Who cares what they think? I don't have to live with them, and they can take my advice or leave it, as they choose. Just smile, be friendly, make eye contact (but don't stare) and take a hint if they indicate they don't want to talk to you. And try to "Keep it Simple". Don't go on a monologue, just say, "Oh, hey, actually I was just down in Florida, recently! Unfortunately, you can't skip the line to see Anna and Elsa for any amount of money. It sucks, I know." (Then maybe explain the FP+ option for them, if they seem receptive.)

Plus, it's always fun to find others who are going to Disney! I had a chat with the lady at the luggage store on this very topic, today. She wanted to know if we'd booked directly with Disney or if we used a travel agent. I said we did our own booking, and I directed her to where to find the resort discounts on their site. I also told her that if she books early and sees a better deal offered later, she can actually call Disney and get it applied to her current booking (or rebook, depending on the terms). It's very easy, and the phone staff are quite good.

 

[JimmyV]

I overheard a couple of people discussing an upcoming Disney trip this morning and really had to work to hold my tongue due to the misinformation I heard being spread. The two biggest bits were 1. You will have to wait in line 5 hours to meet Elsa from Frozen unless you pay $60, in which case you can jump to the front of the line. 2. DHS is a Universal park and that's where you'll find ToT - the park has "Disney" in the name!

I did not know these people well and so ended up minding my own business, but, of course, I thought of this forum. Do you all correct horrible planning mistakes you see being made or keep quiet? If you do try to help out, how do you approach it and not come off like a know-it-all? What is the info you feel is most necessary for people to have (i.e. Disney and Universal are two different places...)? I do not consider myself an exceptionally knowledgeable Disney person, as I don't have many trips under my belt, but dang...

#1 was actually close to being accurate. Before moving Elsa and Ana out of Epcot, the way to jump to the front of the line was to book an ADR for breakfast at Akershus which did indeed require a payment of $10 per person. So a family of 6 would pay $60 for front of the line access, plus the balance of the cost of breakfast.

 

[Jfsag123]

I would have spoken up. But then again, I'm one of those obnoxiously forward types who has no problem talking to strangers. Strangers have helped me out more times than I can count, so it's only fair to return the favour.

I don't worry about being a know-it-all. Who cares what they think? I don't have to live with them, and they can take my advice or leave it, as they choose. Just smile, be friendly, make eye contact (but don't stare) and take a hint if they indicate they don't want to talk to you. And try to "Keep it Simple". Don't go on a monologue, just say, "Oh, hey, actually I was just down in Florida, recently! Unfortunately, you can't skip the line to see Anna and Elsa for any amount of money. It sucks, I know." (Then maybe explain the FP+ option for them, if they seem receptive.)

Plus, it's always fun to find others who are going to Disney! I had a chat with the lady at the luggage store on this very topic, today. She wanted to know if we'd booked directly with Disney or if we used a travel agent. I said we did our own booking, and I directed her to where to find the resort discounts on their site. I also told her that if she books early and sees a better deal offered later, she can actually call Disney and get it applied to her current booking (or rebook, depending on the terms). It's very easy, and the phone staff are quite good.

I like your style! Maybe next time...

#1 was actually close to being accurate. Before moving Elsa and Ana out of Epcot, the way to jump to the front of the line was to book an ADR for breakfast at Akershus which did indeed require a payment of $10 per person. So a family of 6 would pay $60 for front of the line access, plus the balance of the cost of breakfast.

I actually thought of that while they were talking (too much time on this board), but alas, that is not what they were referring to - more like a Universal Express Pass.

 

[jade1]

#1 was actually close to being accurate. Before moving Elsa and Ana out of Epcot, the way to jump to the front of the line was to book an ADR for breakfast at Akershus which did indeed require a payment of $10 per person. So a family of 6 would pay $60 for front of the line access, plus the balance of the cost of breakfast.

Yep, and some would consider getting in line a couple hours early for the char breakfast-and having Dad skip that besides, as part of the wait time anyway.So before it was a minimum 2 or 3 hours even if your were "first" in line.

 

[SashaFarce]

It just depends on how bad the misinformation is or if it seems like a convo I could jump into. Generally, no, I wouldn't. My family, having only been a couple times to MK and to Universal, where I have been 20+ times, makes these mistakes all the time. I don't expect everyone to memorize everything. There's a lot going on in the Orlando area.

 

[Hannathy]

I would have spoken up. But then again, I'm one of those obnoxiously forward types who has no problem talking to strangers. Strangers have helped me out more times than I can count, so it's only fair to return the favour.

I don't worry about being a know-it-all. Who cares what they think? I don't have to live with them, and they can take my advice or leave it, as they choose. Just smile, be friendly, make eye contact (but don't stare) and take a hint if they indicate they don't want to talk to you. And try to "Keep it Simple". Don't go on a monologue, just say, "Oh, hey, actually I was just down in Florida, recently! Unfortunately, you can't skip the line to see Anna and Elsa for any amount of money. It sucks, I know." (Then maybe explain the FP+ option for them, if they seem receptive.)

Plus, it's always fun to find others who are going to Disney! I had a chat with the lady at the luggage store on this very topic, today. She wanted to know if we'd booked directly with Disney or if we used a travel agent. I said we did our own booking, and I directed her to where to find the resort discounts on their site. I also told her that if she books early and sees a better deal offered later, she can actually call Disney and get it applied to her current booking (or rebook, depending on the terms). It's very easy, and the phone staff are quite good.

Me to I have no qualms about talking to strangers! and neither do my kids. We have had so many interesting conversations and learned so much. I really think it is a shame that people don't let their kids talk to strangers. Mine have talked to them since they were babies.

Hell I was at AAA once and corrected both the person talking to the agent about Disney and the Agent!

Why would I let people make an obvious mistake or pass along misinformation if Iknew it to be false? I don't get that at all
That seems pretty nasty to me.

 

[RAPstar]

I wouldn't say anything just because I find it hilarious when people go to Disney and don't do any research. But I'm also just horribly evil, lol.

 

[Magpie]

Me to I have no qualms about talking to strangers! and neither do my kids. We have had so many interesting conversations and learned so much. I really think it is a shame that people don't let their kids talk to strangers. Mine have talked to them since they were babies.

Hell I was at AAA once and corrected both the person talking to the agent about Disney and the Agent!

Why would I let people make an obvious mistake or pass along misinformation if Iknew it to be false? I don't get that at all
That seems pretty nasty to me.

Yes, I'm another one who encouraged my kids to talk to strangers, right from the time they could talk.

I taught them not to share personal information, like last name and address. ("Why?" "Because even if someone seems nice, we don't want them following us home.")

I taught them to identify "safe strangers" - people such as mums or dads with kids, that they could ask for help if they were ever in trouble.

I taught them how to accept candy politely and stick it in their pocket, and I would trade them something nicer for it later. (Seriously, what is it with little old ladies giving icky hard candy to kids???)

(Edit: Also, how to know if someone's being inappropriate or asking something from you that they shouldn't. If an adult is lost, they will NOT ask a child for directions. It makes no sense. If an adult ever does anything that makes no sense, get the heck out of there and find an adult you trust.)

And I taught them what to do when a stranger is making them uncomfortable. Your best bet, most of the time? Make a scene! You're not the one people will judge, it'll be the creep who'll be in the spotlight. Right where s/he belongs!

Talking to strangers is fun! And if you're ever in a difficult situation, strangers are the people you're going to have to turn to for help. So you might as well get comfortable with the idea of interacting with them. When my son passed out cold in a Pizzaria, my daughter knew to find her "safe stranger", (who turned out to be a young female university student), and stick by her until I could get there. Other strangers called 911 for my son.

 

[alicat8]

I wouldn't say anything just because I find it hilarious when people go to Disney and don't do any research. But I'm also just horribly evil, lol.

Hahaha!!

I totally would've said something. But I'm a nosy, butt-into-your-conversation kinda person when it comes to things I like to talk about.

 

[joshsmom]

I don't have a problem with helping people when they have misinformation, but I try really hard to "read" them once I begin interacting. You can usually tell by body language whether or not they want the information. If not, I butt out and move on!!

 

[Wishes Count]

As a cast member who frequently visits the parks I often have to bite my tongue when I hear guests saying the wrong things. Most recently while exiting fantasmic a lady tried to tell us that they close off the attractions 40 mins prior to park close because otherwise they would have to wait too long to close the ride. The other CM I was with started to object but figured it wasn't worth explaining. One less person heading to Tower of Terror to squeeze in one more ride I guess!

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[maddiebee]

While waiting in line to meet Aurora, I started to chat with a Mom in front of us, very much so enjoying some drinks around the world. She started rattling off a ton of wrong information which she just seemed so sure about that I just felt bad correcting her! I would correct people I know or someone who specifically asked me something, but when someone seems so sure of something and isn't looking for an opinion, I try to just leave it be.

 

[Planogirl]

I correct people if it doesn't seem like I shouldn't have been eavesdropping. It's easy for inexperienced travelers to mix up DHS and Universal's Studios but they sure are different! I wouldn't want people to get the wrong idea.

 

[bumbershoot]

Hahaha!!

I totally would've said something. But I'm a nosy, butt-into-your-conversation kinda person when it comes to things I like to talk about.

2. DHS is a Universal park and that's where you'll find ToT - the park has "Disney" in the name!

Not surprised. Every survey I've ever taken that was sent from WDW or Universal has had questions in the beginning asking whether or not I knew that they were separate places with separate tickets needed. I think there are many many people who see them as the same thing.

 

[Magpie]

While waiting in line to meet Aurora, I started to chat with a Mom in front of us, very much so enjoying some drinks around the world. She started rattling off a ton of wrong information which she just seemed so sure about that I just felt bad correcting her! I would correct people I know or someone who specifically asked me something, but when someone seems so sure of something and isn't looking for an opinion, I try to just leave it be.

I just do the wide-eyed, "Really? That isn't what I heard. What I heard was blah-blah-blah," all with a smile.

Unless the person is insanely self-confident, they usually start questioning themselves.

And if they are insanely self-confident, then it's all good and I don't worry about it. I mean, there's no need to argue with them. Just plant the seed of doubt and move on. People are capable of researching correct information, if they want.

 

[kiramay]

I wouldn't say anything just because I find it hilarious when people go to Disney and don't do any research. But I'm also just horribly evil, lol.

I'm evil too. A neighbor I don't like was asking me about Disney. I shared some things like adrs at 180 days, but I refused to give her my planning secrets. Pp

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

When I was on my last May solo trip I was standing in line for Living with the Land behind me was a Grandfather and Grandson (I'd heard the boy refer to the man as Grandad) and they were talking.

The Grandfather said when they finish riding Soarin' they'll go back to the hotel. I didn't think anything of it until they got off Living with the Land and I heard the Grandfather say he didn't remember Soarin' being so boring.

So I told him I couldn't help overhearing but that he had just finished riding Living with the Land and pointed out where Soarin' was. I wonder if they ever actually rode Soarin? I think the standby line was at 2 hours then.

I've also heard many people mix up Universal Studios and Disney's Hollywood Studios including thinking they could just ride the monorail to Universal Studios. I didn't say anything to that one - I just didn't know how to begin to explain it to those people.

 

[disnut8]

The only thing I would have said about the character meeting (still not one of the over billion that has seen it) was that you don't have to pay for the meeting but it will be a long line. I would have definitely corrected on Twilight Zone and Universal.

My entrance to these types of conversations is "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be eavesdropping but......" What they do with that info is up to them.

 

[mikedoyleblogger]

Last May, a kind young couple let my partner and me share their lunch table at DHS. We all chatted while we ate, and they told us how disappointed they were when they went to Universal that their WDW hoppers weren't valid there. We just smiled. I agree, though, with those who wonder, "How in the world...?" do some people not figure it out?

My favorite is actually a Disneyland facepalmer. I've heard people ask where "Magic Mountain" is, so they can ride it. Except that Magic Mountain is a Six Flags park, not a ride, and it's also 50 miles away. So, you know, it's everywhere.