Waiting in line?

[maxiesmom]

I don't think it is the children that have such a problem with waiting in line as much as it is the parents don't want to be bothered entertaining their children. It is much easier on the parents if their child is off somewhere having a good time. And while I understand that, I do not think it is right. no one likes to wait in line, young or old. But if you want to ride the ride/see the show, then you need to wait in line. That is what is fair.

 

[Kathi OD]

I just don't understand why anyone thinks these things that other's do is any of their concern.

It becomes my concern when it affects me. Your wife nursing is a totally different thing that people holding spaces in line for others, whether they be toddlers or not. What if every family w/ toddlers all decided that their children could not handle waiting in line and one member of the party took them somewhere else to keep them occupied and then jumped back in? Now you don't have 3 people getting back in line, you have 30, 60, 90, who knows how many? Certainly makes a big difference and is why there are policies regarding such activities.

Because children that young definitely have a hard time keeping themselves entertained for long periods of time, it's the job of the parents to pre-plan (not that the OP isn't doing that by raising the question) and bring something along that they are pretty sure will occupy the children while they wait.

For me, personally (and I know I'll be flamed on this, so I'm donning my fire-retardant clothing), this is one of the reasons why I would never bring any child under 5 to WDW.

Having said all that, I've certainly been in line w/ families that have older children that I wish someone would take out of line to entertain (and I'm not talking about those children that have ADHD or some other disability. I'm talking about rude, disrespectful children whose parents don't even try to control). At least when toddlers "misbehave" it is age appropriate.

 

[sdzman]

God Bless America when the hardship of growing up an American child is waiting in the sun while having to pee for 30 minutes to see Nemo and friends

 

[Kathi OD]

Just read in another thread that a parent likes to take bubbles with her for when there are long lines. I've seen this and it's a great idea. Not only entertains your children, but other children as well. Most of the people in line will also be entertained watching the kids have a good time.

 

[disneyjunkie]

Just read in another thread that a parent likes to take bubbles with her for when there are long lines. I've seen this and it's a great idea. Not only entertains your children, but other children as well. Most of the people in line will also be entertained watching the kids have a good time.

There are people here that hate the bubble idea.

 

[Mom2Evie]

Frankly, I'm stunned by how rude some of you have been here. The DIS is almost always a nice, polite place on the internet. How about we all answer the OPs original question and not get into heated arguments with people we'll never meet.

OP-- you aren't going to please everyone, ever. If your in AK in the morning, stop by and ask the CM at the door what time of day the lines are shortest. Aim for that show. If you do have to sit in line, do your best to entertain your children (like you probably would anyway). If they can't make it, let one parent wander around with them for a few minutes & a change of scenery. Then come back and wait in line a bit more. I think what matters is that you've made great efforts to do the courteous thing. That's all you can do.

 

[Schmeck]

There are people here that hate the bubble idea.

Not hate the bubbles, but hate the fact that my daughter is allergic to some bubble solutions, so we'd have to get out of line to get away from the bubbles. Also, bubbles popping in your eyes can sting and then you need to get our of line to go to the bathroom and wash them out...

 

[jdd]

God Bless America when the hardship of growing up an American child is waiting in the sun while having to pee for 30 minutes to see Nemo and friends

Well said!

I have three kids that are VERY active - and surprise, they don't like to wait in lines. But, there are waits everywhere. And, especially, at WDW. One of our favorite games to keep the kids occupies is "I Spy". My husband is especially good at this! We also split up a lot. One of us takes my two year old to a "play" area, like Dinoland, while the other one rides Dinosaur. I took my two youngest to eat, while my husband took our oldest to The American Adventure in Epcot. I know that means that one of us misses some of the attractions, but we take turns, and eventually we'll see it all!

Honestly, and I'm not trying to criticize or be nasty to anyone, I just think it's common courtesy to wait your turn in line. I would never have someone hold my place, and I wouldn't do that for my kids either. And, yes, I'd be frustrated if someone else cut in front of me.

Just my opinion.

 

[kaytieeldr]

OP-- you aren't going to please everyone, ever. If your in AK in the morning, stop by and ask the CM at the door what time of day the lines are shortest. Aim for that show. If you do have to sit in line, do your best to entertain your children (like you probably would anyway). If they can't make it, let one parent wander around with them for a few minutes & a change of scenery. Then come back and wait in line a bit more.

In this specific case, none of that should be necessary. First, the first show is always the shortest line, and the shows are at scheduled times. Easy enough for the parent to determine what show to attend. And while yes, there's a 'line' at FotKL (the attraction in question), it's a loose line, and there's space to move around within that holding area. There's NO need to take the children to ANY location outside the FotKL holding area to entertain or distract them. Period.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I don't think it is the children that have such a problem with waiting in line as much as it is the parents don't want to be bothered entertaining their children.

Does the DIS have a "Post of the Day" award? Because I nominate for this one!!!

 

[Mickiethepooh]

It is a TWO year old and THREE year old. It is not unusual for children of this age not being able to entertain themselves. Maybe your children have bladders of steel but some children like my own go every 20 minutes.

People here really need to enjoy life as it happens and not worry about who is doing what and who is getting away with things.

The person with the sense of entitlement is not the woman trying to distract her children briefly from the line the sense of entitlement is the person like you who judges everyone else and expects them to live by their rules.

Enough said

Shouldn't that be live by THE rules?
the poster was quite right.

 

[Tally59]

Disney's Fast Pass is available to all park guests, there is no on site requirement.

Details here: http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/fastpass.htm

TJ

Thank you for this info:cool1:

 

[Disneyholic]

Last year at the F&WF at EPCOT we stood in line for an hour to get into the chocolate presentation at the Odessey building. It was hot and sunny, but we felt it was worth it to wait. About a half hour before the show 2 CMs came around with a clicker and told us that we would be getting into the main floor of the show and get to have the chocolate tasting. About 15 minutes before the show we were told that we would be the last ones into the main floor. When we got to the door we were told that we would be in the wings with no chocolate tasting, just listening to the show and watching others eat. Apparently some people were holding places in line for others who didn't want to wait, but they neglected to tell the CM's that they were saving places (probably because they knew they would be kicked out of line if they did) and when the others came back, it bumped us out of the show completely. I was sunburnt, hot and very angry that this had happened as this was the only chocolate show during our trip and we had missed it because of someone else being inconsiderate and not because we hadn't planned and stood in line. If I had known that I wasn't going to get in, I would not have stood in line in the sun and heat for an hour. I did write to Disney about this problem and I did get a response back. They said they will definitely take my letter into consideration when planning for this year. I will be back in October 2007, so we will see if anything changes.

My DS has ADHD and managed to stand in lines. He knows what is acceptable and what is not and was told that unacceptable behavior meant time out, even going back to the room if necessary to calm down. To this day he is very well mannered in public. He melts down in front of us sometimes, but I would rather have that than having him act like a brat in public. I have actually had people compliment me on his manners.

Sometimes you just need to take some time out to relax instead of pushing to see how many rides you can get on and how many people you can annoy by not following the rules that others must follow. This is vacation folks!

 

[Coopsmum77]

When we got to the door we were told that we would be in the wings with no chocolate tasting, just listening to the show and watching others eat. Apparently some people were holding places in line for others who didn't want to wait, but they neglected to tell the CM's that they were saving places (probably because they knew they would be kicked out of line if they did) and when the others came back, it bumped us out of the show completely.

I'm sorry that your event was ruined by the inconsiderate actions of others. I'm not quite sure why people can't see that this isn't acceptable, no matter what the excuse. Line cutting, which is what it is, even if you change the name to line holding, affects the people behind you.

I can't wait til we get the angry poster who was thrown out of a line for "holding" when a CM watches the group rejoin the line "holder".


How would everyone feel if on the 4th of July, when the parks are almost filled to capacity, you couldn't get into the park because of a "place holder". Dad shows up at 2 on the same bus with you, and your family. Dad from first family makes it to the gate before you, and they tell him your almost the last person to be allowed. Dad says, well, the rest of my family is on the next bus, can they get in since I'm here. CM says how many in your family. Dad says 4 more are coming. Sure, we'll allow them in as well.

Then, your group of 4 (who has overheard this), gets to the gate, and is turned away due to park being filled. What is the difference between holding a place for the line, and holding place for park entry?

 

[mickeyluv'r]

I won't take a side, but I think you'll have a hard time doing this.
The line for FOTLK is a big line and kind of mobbed. You would most likely have a hard time finding each other.
If you managed to pull it off, I don't think most folks around (in line ) you would really notice, so they wouldn't get mad probably, and it kid of doesn't matter that much as they only let so many people into the theater. Either you are in, or you are out. It's not like a ride. The seating is kind of random - some people are funneled in to one area, others into a another - so it's not like folks who are in line first automatically get better seats or anything really, except maybe the very first folks in line.

But it would be VERY easy to have the second half of your party miss the show. The show does get full ahead of the show time, and there is no way to really know when the cut off is going to be and exactly how soon to tell your family members to come. The walk from any other park area takes time.

I have been in the situation of having to go to the bathroom once after we were in line, and it was very hard to find everyone again.

 

[castleofmist]

Disney has a policy of no place-holding in lines. That is Disney policy.

I am sure Disney has realized that there will be numerous toddlers who will be waiting in line with their parents, and it has determined that, despite the fact that children that young will have a hard time waiting in line, it will not make exceptions for them. Disney is not being cruel, it is just administering a policy that will ensure fairness for everyone. I don't think any children (or adults) enjoy waiting in line, and generally the younger the child the less patience there is. Where would Disney draw the line though?

This is unlike some airlines, which allow parents with small children to board the plane first to avoid problems during general boarding. Those airlines have determined that it is more safe and convenient for all of their passengers if such a policy in place, even if some passengers feel it is unfair. Disney has not made such a determination for its parks.

If a parent needed to take a child to the bathroom and returned quickly to the line, I would not mind that at all. Heck, I would not mind if an adult had to go to the bathroom and returned quickly to the line. That is my own feeling though, and I would understand if others wanted the policy of no place-holding strictly enforced.

I appreciate the OP asking the question. I do not appreciate people who think it is no one else's business but their own if they "have" to take their children out of line to entertain them while someone else holds their places. It is the business of everyone who is in line behind them.

I do not have any children of my own, but I have 11 nieces and nephews and have probably spent more time with children than many parents. I hope that God will bless me and DH with children soon. I hope to take them to Disney World numerous times, and we will do the shows and rides with lines, times and intensities they can handle at their relevant ages.

Finally, it is not fair to say "Disney is all about the children." Disney certainly would not be Disney without them: I love to watch the faces of small children hugging Mickey and of teenagers hanging out with their parents before going on a rollercoaster. However, all the members of the party for our upcoming trip are adults, and Disney is no less about us than those children we will have so much fun watching enjoy themselves.

 

[Coopsmum77]

I do not have any children of my own, but I have 11 nieces and nephews and have probably spent more time with children than many parents. I hope that God will bless me and DH with children soon. I hope to take them to Disney World numerous times, and we will do the shows and rides with lines, times and intensities they can handle at their relevant ages.

I second you on this. I am the oldest of over 20 grandchildren , and the youngest in our family is currently 10 months old. We are now in the grandchildren/greatgrandchildren stage in our family, we still have a young uncle adding on to his family, and us grandchildren are now adding. Having said that.....

Over the last 10 years, my grandparents have taken the ENTIRE family to Disney four times. At no time that I was with any of the little ones, would I have dreamed of leaving my better half in line to take one of the kids to go to the bathroom or entertain them. I would have been frustrated after having waited for 30 minutes to have to leave a line, but kids needs come first over an adult being inconvenience by having to start the wait again.

This last trip, the older teen-ish kids in the group had to deal with the whole last day being about little Garrett (18 months) who had spent the week just doing what everyone else was doing. After it was explained, everyone was cool. While we spent some time in each park trying to get what Garrett missed, if the older kids wanted to do something in that park, we split up.

Now, I don't think you should avoid Disney with little ones. We went at the end of June , so it was hot, humid, and the 4th of July crowds were arriving more and more each day. I would not trade anything for the look of wonder on my little niece's (only 6 months old then) face at absolutely everything. Would I take her back during the same time at the age of 2? No way. I would hit the less busy times, so we wouldn't have to deal with super long waits, and she can still stay on her schedule.

When we were little, there was a six year difference between me and my younger sister. When I wanted to ride something she couldn't, someone would take me on, and someone would stay off. An inconvenience to the non-riding adult, yes. But that is what being a parent is about. Putting your kids needs first. But don't ask complete strangers to put your kids needs first. Most have their own kids they are keeping busy while waiting in the long line.


Tip for the OP...when we went to the AK, we were there at opening (missed rope drop due to an emergency diaper change when we got off the bus). When we went into the park, everyone was heading towards the Safaris or EE to get FP or to get in line before the line got crazy. We steered away from the traffic, headed towards Camp Minnie-Mickey and walked right into the first show of the Lion King.

 

[darlak]

I share the feelings expressed by castleofmist. I can't think of anything to add to that and if I could, I most likely couldn't express my thoughts as well as she did.

(castleofmist, can I just have you write my posts if I tell you generally what I want to say? You're good!)

 

[Ahabart]

I have tried not respond to this thread as I have been hoping it would die, but since it continues to be bumped, I will take this opportunity to share my intention in posting and impression of the posts.

I am not quite sure how many of the negative comments made were directed at me versus the idea of people saving places. In either case, I feel the need to defend my question. I believed it was obvious that I was concerned about others in line or I would have never asked the etiquette of line waiting. However, it appears that some interpreted my question as disprespectful.

Just like most of you, I am trying to do an itenerary and plan what my family will do and approx. how much time to allot to each activity. Also like you, my goal is for my family to have the best time possible without negatively affecting the enjoyment of other guests.

This is the first time I have been to WDW with children and don't know what normally happens in line for shows. The only time I have even paid attention to what children were doing in line was when they were being obnoxious and ruining my ability to enjoy a conversation as I waited. I am trying to plan the best experience for my children. If they have to wait in line for a show, that's no big deal, they'll wait in line. I understand now that this is the policy and am more than happy to obey the rules. I did not know there were rules, or I would never have asked. I am not, by nature, a rule breaker. I am sure that I will see many families with young children in line and, regardless of this thread, would not have taken my children out of line once I learned that it is customary to wait. However, I am trying to plan ahead and didn't know what the etiquette, or rule as is the case, was. Hence, I turned to my fellow DISers for clarification.

I will say that I have been taken off-guard by the hostility of some posters. Perhaps I have taken your comments too personally, but I feel attacked by some of the posts. I am sorry if I offended you with my question.

 

[Coopsmum77]

To the OP: I appreciate your asking if it's ok to hold a space. My problem comes with those who assume that it is ok and doesn't affect anyone else. I really advise trying to hit one of the shows first off in the morning, to avoid a wait. I'm not sure, but can you fastpass those shows. If you can, maybe fast pass the other show while you explore the rest of the park.