Waiting in line?

[Ahabart]

I have a 2 and 3 year old. We are going to try to see FOTLK and Nemo in AK. I am worried about the lines with two busy todllers. In addition to DH and I, there will be 2 other adults. Is it against WDW etiquette for two of us to stand in line while the other two take the kids to enjoy Dinoland? TIA!

 

[MisunderstoodLilo]

Is it against WDW etiquette for two of us to stand in line while the other two take the kids to enjoy Dinoland?

It will upset some, but not others. I would bring a coloring book and small pack of crayons (start collecting the free ones they give at resturants back home!) to entertain the kids. Or, wait til the last minute to enter the theater and enjoy the character greeting trails that are nearby (in the instance of the Lion King theater).

Good luck!

 

[Feralpeg]

This tends to be a hot topic on these boards. While it wouldn't bother me, there are those who think differently. They would rather be doing things other than stand in line. Thus, they don't think it is fair for you to be off doing fun things and expect to get back in line even though your friends have waited.

Basically, it comes down to what you think is fair.

 

[MisMikiNikiLynne]

How would you feel if 2 people were holding the place for 18 additional people??? No difference in 2 people holding the places of 4 additional people in my mind. Sorry.

 

[nooneshome]

How would you feel if 2 people were holding the place for 18 additional people??? No difference in 2 people holding the places of 4 additional people in my mind. Sorry.

Sure there is a difference and the difference is 14 people or 16 if you don't count the two toddlers. I don't think many people would mind if y'all all got in line and you asked those behind you if the toddlers could go somewhere for a while. It is not like you are holding a place for 18 adults. You are comparing apples and oranges by saying they are both fruit.

 

[Ahabart]

Wow, that's not the reaction I expected. I guess we'll be taking crayons. FWIW, I DO think there is a difference in trying to entertain toddlers than saving a space for 18 people? I have stood in line behind bored kids before and it's not fun, so I actually assumed that people would say, "everyone does it and it's perfectly acceptable". My kids are pretty well behaved, so hopefully it won't be a problem. Glad I asked.

 

[BabyPiglet]

I personally have no problem with it, I understand it can be hectic to entertain little ones while waiting in line.

I think it's all up to what you agree with.

 

[PrincessTiffany]

Wow, that's not the reaction I expected. I guess we'll be taking crayons. FWIW, I DO think there is a difference in trying to entertain toddlers than saving a space for 18 people? I have stood in line behind bored kids before and it's not fun, so I actually assumed that people would say, "everyone does it and it's perfectly acceptable". My kids are pretty well behaved, so hopefully it won't be a problem. Glad I asked.

We have four children and no one hates waiting in line more than me, but I would feel weird if I left my husband to stand in line and then the five of us showed up right before the show started and walked in front of a bunch of other people who had been waiting in line. I can only imagine the nasty looks we would get! lol That's just us, no judging here.

 

[tjmw2727]

Honesty I think those two lines are doable - as long as you get back to your party before the doors open and seating begins. After that you will likely not be allowed in. It also depends on the time of year - in busy times like Easter or Christmas folks line up one or sometimes two show ahead of time in which case it may be impossible to re join the party.

Other lines like Peter Pan or Pooh will be more difficult to separate and re-join so I would consider some strategies to help the toddler wait the lines. Also remember your kids will be just a few of the many kids waiting in lines at Disney. So folks who have waited a line with a 2yo may not take kindly to your plan if you know what I mean.

That said, we never had much of an issue as there was always something to do or someone to talk with in line. I don't think line waiting with kids will be as bad as sometimes we anticipate it to be.

Have fun
TJ

 

[ajsmommy1129]

How would you feel if 2 people were holding the place for 18 additional people??? No difference in 2 people holding the places of 4 additional people in my mind. Sorry.

I agree. I have a DS5, and we have taught him from very early that he will need to wait in line. I would never even consider standing in line while DH took him somewhere to entertain him, even when he was smaller. I guess I would be one of the people this would "bother". Sorry.

 

[ryrysmom14]

Doesn't bother me in the least. I have 2 kids- 7 and 2 and I completely understand. We have taken both out when they are 2, 3, 4 yrs old to hang out elsewhere if they became impatient and then rejoined closer. Honestly, I think it is being considerate of other guests to not have an obviously unhappy, hanging on the railing, bumping into others, crying and possibly temper-tantruming child on line....at least, that is the way I look at it when I remove mine. We don't do it all the time, but when we have, nobody has ever said a word. Makes for happier kids, parents, and surrounding park-goers!

Lorraine

 

[KAIW07]

I don't think I will do it (unless one of my kids were crying or having a fit or something) And it wouldn't bother me if someone else does.

E

 

[gobgook]

Park policy is if you want to ride (watch a show, etc) together, you need to stay in line together. At TITW for Nemo, if you're caught "holding" for the rest of your party, you'll likely be asked to join the end of the line (and probably not get in, or at best get in standing room only). Note the keyphrase "if you get caught". I don't know how they do things over in Camp Minnie-Mickey, but in Dinoland they usually keep a pretty sharp eye out for queue jumpers, etc.

Great example is this, and it happens pretty frequently: People getting in line for Nemo come to a cast member and say, "the rest of my party (usually my kids) are already in the theatre." Policy is, if you want to watch the show together, you need to wait in line together. Security can be called to retrieve the rest of your party from inside the theatre and everyone goes to the end of the line. Of course TITW is a much different scene than Lion King... it seats more, there are people in almost every show who do not get in, etc. I suggest either rejoin your party before the doors open (as others have said) and hope nobody catches you, or just stay with your party and bring something to entertain everyone with in line.

 

[Shorty82]

I'd say it is rude. Everybody else waited however long so they should too.

They might get bored but waiting in lines are a part of life, especially at WDW, and I would think it is better to teach the children that at a young age. Have coloring books and other things handy to entertain the kids.

 

[BabaGanoush]

Park policy is if you want to ride (watch a show, etc) together, you need to stay in line together. At TITW for Nemo, if you're caught "holding" for the rest of your party, you'll likely be asked to join the end of the line (and probably not get in, or at best get in standing room only). Note the keyphrase "if you get caught". I don't know how they do things over in Camp Minnie-Mickey, but in Dinoland they usually keep a pretty sharp eye out for queue jumpers, etc.

Great example is this, and it happens pretty frequently: People getting in line for Nemo come to a cast member and say, "the rest of my party (usually my kids) are already in the theatre." Policy is, if you want to watch the show together, you need to wait in line together. Security can be called to retrieve the rest of your party from inside the theatre and everyone goes to the end of the line. Of course TITW is a much different scene than Lion King... it seats more, there are people in almost every show who do not get in, etc. I suggest either rejoin your party before the doors open (as others have said) and hope nobody catches you, or just stay with your party and bring something to entertain everyone with in line.

This is the best policy to adopt. Im sorry - I dont care who it is - if you want to ride something you have to wait in the same line as everyone else. If you want the best seats possible - you will have to wait longer. Bring something to entertain the kids. That may not sound very understanding but THAT is the opinion you are most likely going to get from the people you are trying to jump in front of (rather than the faceless people from a message board).

 

[rentayenta]

It wouldn't bother me at all. DH and I do this often. I would much rather have someone save a spot for their children than have their kids kicking and screaming in line.

 

[Coopsmum77]

I would agree that I don't want a poorly behaved child waiting in line by me, but if your child is too cranky to be in a line, maybe it's time to take a break. If you are going to be at Disney, then you need to prepare your child to wait in lines, like a previous poster has. Bring some special toys or treats that only come out when you are in the lines. Maybe let them buy a souvenier at the beginning of the day, but only let them have it in the line.

I think it boils down to if everyone was holding the place for three people, and there were 100 people in line, then when everyone shows up, the line suddenly triples in size.

Unfortunately, it is the rules of the game. If they are too young to understand, maybe a year or two wait for the vacation would be more practical.

 

[KAIW07]

I guess if dh and I were in line with our 4 young children, and one of them was cranky, crying etc. I would take him out of line and just do something else while they see the show.
Older children should be able to stand in line, if not then I'd find something else to do.

E

 

[mel373]

This is not a huge issue. If a family is waiting in line and the husband takes the toddlers elsewhere to entertain what does it matter to you? It is the same amount of people if they waited in line or not. I can understand if it is older adults as they should be able to stand and wait but concessions should be made for toddlers since Disney is about children and children of all ages having fun.
Why are so many people negative and so judgemental on this board?
If this is the biggest issue to you in life then you should count your blessings.

 

[Coopsmum77]

This is not a huge issue. If a family is waiting in line and the husband takes the toddlers elsewhere to entertain what does it matter to you? It is the same amount of people if they waited in line or not. I can understand if it is older adults as they should be able to stand and wait but concessions should be made for toddlers since Disney is about children and children of all ages having fun.
Why are so many people negative and so judgemental on this board?
If this is the biggest issue to you in life then you should count your blessings.

It's the perception of the line size, it's not a moral judgement. And I think the most judgemental statement so far is the one at the end of your post.