Was I rude? Would you be rude too? (mild vent)

[Alex2kMommy]

It would be interesting to track others' experiences to look for trends, wouldn't it?

If, for instance, one character meal tends to have poor guest behavior and the others don't, it would be interesting to investigate. Does it have to do with that restaurant's management? Staff training? The layout of the restaurant? Maybe guests who love Minnie and the Pooh characters tend to be a rowdier bunch?

I have noticed more complaints about rude guest behavior in general during peak times, that is absolutely true. It's certainly a big reason why DH and I try to time our vacations for off-season, we don't weather crowds and rude behavior well.

I have heard so many wonderful experiences at Minnie & Friends, so I'm still eager to try it. I had to go check when my PS is, and thankfully it's mid-week, so should be less crowded. Our Goofy's Kitchen reservation is for a Saturday night, though... I'll keep a butter pat in my hand in case someone gets too close.

 

[EmEyeSeeKayEeWhy]

Ya know....nothing surprises me anymore. As much as we go to DL, peak season or value (busy or not), it never fails....there's always someone (typically a parent simply because we understand kids get excited) that makes us irritated. We were at that character breakfast and had our 'breakfast buttons' that they hand you, in the center of our table. Literally, a woman leaned over me while I was lifting my fork from my plate, and took 2 buttons!! She told me, "I'm in a hurry, can you ask for more?" My better judgement told me to calm down instead of smackin' her I was shocked to say the least, but OP I completely understand what you're saying, and applaud you for speaking up Good for you!!

 

[Amy&Dan]

I have had very chaotic experiences at Plaza Inn too (when it was Pooh and Friends, then the princess themed meal and now Minnie and Friends). I think its because its sort of a small place. It just doesn't have the room for the crowds a character meal generates. I do agree that going in the off season will help that a lot however. I still enjoy the Plaza and will do it again most likely because the convenience of being in the parks cannot be beat. I also think its a lovely atmosphere and the characters there are always great. It just feels hectic. I have given the evil eye to many a clueless parent all over Disneyland and WDW. People just get caught up in their own world which is understandable but there are limits to what others should have to put up with! I feel for the cm's who have to herd the masses.

 

[Stacerita]

Ya know....nothing surprises me anymore. As much as we go to DL, peak season or value (busy or not), it never fails....there's always someone (typically a parent simply because we understand kids get excited) that makes us irritated. We were at that character breakfast and had our 'breakfast buttons' that they hand you, in the center of our table. Literally, a woman leaned over me while I was lifting my fork from my plate, and took 2 buttons!! She told me, "I'm in a hurry, can you ask for more?" My better judgement told me to calm down instead of smackin' her I was shocked to say the least, but OP I completely understand what you're saying, and applaud you for speaking up Good for you!!

What the heck is wrong with people???? She could have asked for more. And who cares if she was in a hurry. That was beyond rude. If I was you I would have stabbed my fork into her hand for reaching across my plate like that. Let me say, she would have had more than syrup on her behind when I was done with her.

 

[eeyore3847]

What the heck is wrong with people???? She could have asked for more. And who cares if she was in a hurry. That was beyond rude. If I was you I would have stabbed my fork into her hand for reaching across my plate like that. Let me say, she would have had more than syrup on her behind when I was done with her.

you go!!!!! We are going this december and I am sick of these parents. It won't happen again to us. you know though ariels grotto was never a problem for us so that may be ok. but I think we are just doing lilo and stitch and thats it!! ugghh sometimes those meals are too much stress!
Lori

 

[EmEyeSeeKayEeWhy]

What the heck is wrong with people???? She could have asked for more. And who cares if she was in a hurry. That was beyond rude. If I was you I would have stabbed my fork into her hand for reaching across my plate like that. Let me say, she would have had more than syrup on her behind when I was done with her.

I think having my kids there kept me subdued, I'm not typically one to just 'sit there'. I definitely agree with you Stacerita, I'm definitely that personality that gets 'vocal' to say the least. But I truly think I was in shock....that's not normal behavior from a complete stranger Live and learn....I definitely know how I'll handle it next time

 

[CoolPool]

To everyone who might be reading who is now scared - please do go to these meals. You won't regret it. We saw Tigger, the Fairy Godmother (she's pretty opinionated isn't she?), Chip and Dale, Minnie, Captain Hook, and two characters from Pinocchio (the woodcarver - dang his name is too hard to spell right now and I think Pinocchio's friend???). Maybe I'm forgetting somebody else too. The characters are delightful and the interaction is very good, but its just some of our fellow guests are a bit over the top. I'm laughing at my own uptightness and the great sense of humor of many of the posters here. Stacerita, I do want to sit at your table next time. I think we'd have great fun and keep everyone in line.

Don't shy away from these things. Its very Disney. They aren't culinary wonders but your kids light up and that's what is important.

 

[ByTheHook]

I'm wondering if what's happening in the Plaza Inn is a reflection upon who might be eating there more typically. Sorry if I'm offending anyone or generalizing here, but I'm guessing that DLR resort guests might be more likely to have their Char. Breakfasts in thier own hotel or in one of the other neigboring 2, whereas those who are staying off-site or are just driving in for the day might choose the Plaza Inn for its convenient location within DL. That could translate into a whole different "class" of diners between the DLR sites and the Plaza Inn, as the DLR hotels are certainly more expensive and certainly try to cater to a different "class" of guests.

Maybe if Disney would enforce a more universal code-of-diner-conduct at each of the Char. Bkfst. locations, then sad experinces like this wouldn't happen to anyone anytime. It shouldn't matter if someone's eating at 7 or 11, in June or in January, at Storyteller's w/ the high-rolllers or at the Plaza with the huddled masses-- we all have a right to eat in peace and security when we visit DL and the DLR hotels.

 

[famograham]

Ouch....

I know you said you didn't want to offend anyone, or generalize..but unfortunately, that's exactly what you did.

Our family made less than $24,000 last year (Canadian dollars too...lol!)
We can't afford to stay on-site.
But I will tell you that we pride ourselves on respecting people of all "classes" (term used loosely), on being polite, and on caring for the feelings of all others. Our children are extremely well behaved, and so are we..

I am in no way trying to start a "class" war, but my goodness.....I must respectfully disagree


Linda

 

[flyinshirer]

I think what it comes down to is this:
Kids get excited to see their favorite characters (the parents love to see the look on their kids faces! I know I do) and loose a little control.
The crowds get people cranky anyways
And.....if we just expect to have a hectic day (breakfast) then I think we can handle it better. When is it not chaotic at a fun, exciting meal with kids? It's their nature. That being said....I absolutely think that parents needs to keep their families (themselves too) in check. My kids really enjoy these things and they do get their feelings hurt when they have been standing there and waiting and someone cuts in front of them.
Remember that God doesn't give us patience, but gives us opportunities to learn it. (Yes, that is from Evan Almighty!)

Please keep going to these fun, amazing character experiences with your kiddos. Some of our best Disney pics come from these. Just be patient! Your on vacation!!!

 

[lillybug]

I'm wondering if what's happening in the Plaza Inn is a reflection upon who might be eating there more typically. Sorry if I'm offending anyone or generalizing here, but I'm guessing that DLR resort guests might be more likely to have their Char. Breakfasts in thier own hotel or in one of the other neigboring 2, whereas those who are staying off-site or are just driving in for the day might choose the Plaza Inn for its convenient location within DL. That could translate into a whole different "class" of diners between the DLR sites and the Plaza Inn, as the DLR hotels are certainly more expensive and certainly try to cater to a different "class" of guests.

Maybe if Disney would enforce a more universal code-of-diner-conduct at each of the Char. Bkfst. locations, then sad experinces like this wouldn't happen to anyone anytime. It shouldn't matter if someone's eating at 7 or 11, in June or in January, at Storyteller's w/ the high-rolllers or at the Plaza with the huddled masses-- we all have a right to eat in peace and security when we visit DL and the DLR hotels.

Classes? Really?

 

[JohnZ46]

I accidently went to the Plaza character breakfast on Aug. 2 and experienced no rude guests.

It was "accidently" because, after getting up early for EE so that we could get on Nemo, we were starving by the time we walked past the Plaza. I saw that there was a breakfast buffet so we asked if a reservation was required and was told "no". I didn't realize it was a character breakfast until we got inside and saw the characters.

There were a couple of CMs and things were pretty orderly. The most irritating thing I experienced was not being able to eat because of being interrupted by all the characters. Apparently a 47yo with a birthday button is like flypaper for characters.

 

[tink2dw]

I think the keys to getting a really fun character meal may deal with going in off peak times of day, go early, or late morning.

We have only had one disappointimg character meal and all it had to do with was a lack of any character time. We were in a restaurant with an L shape and we were not in the main part of the room.

So we could not see what everyone else were laughing at, it made it hard to enjoy. Then when the characters made it to our table they were rushed with no autoghraph signing just pics and the pic's are terrible, to close and fuzzy. I couldn't get through the crowded tables, so I took the 35 mm pic's seated at the table.

Then as soon as they left our table we were ask to leave now as a new group was waiting to get in!! I thought was very rude! We had miss the show in the main room and couldn't even watch the last few tables interaction with the characters which would have at least made it feel more like a character meal.

 

[Alex2kMommy]

I think the keys to getting a really fun character meal may deal with going in off peak times of day, go early, or late morning.

We have only had one disappointimg character meal and all it had to do with was a lack of any character time. We were in a restaurant with an L shape and we were not in the main part of the room.

So we could not see what everyone else were laughing at, it made it hard to enjoy. Then when the characters made it to our table they were rushed with no autoghraph signing just pics and the pic's are terrible, to close and fuzzy. I couldn't get through the crowded tables, so I took the 35 mm pic's seated at the table.

Then as soon as they left our table we were ask to leave now as a new group was waiting to get in!! I thought was very rude! We had miss the show in the main room and couldn't even watch the last few tables interaction with the characters which would have at least made it feel more like a character meal.

WOW. I can't believe you were asked to leave!

I don't know how long you stayed, but we stayed long enough to see every character at each meal. If they'd all come through while we were eating, we left when we were done. If there were still one or two we hadn't met, we lingered after we finished eating until they came around, got our photos and autographs, then left.

We also were off in a side room at Goofy's Kitchen, and when their little show started, it took us forever to squish our way out to where DH and I could see the commotion over everyone else's heads. The kids couldn't see a thing! But DS6 was dancing anyway, and DS2 squeezed through legs until he was dancing hand in hand with Cinderella. Loved it!

 

[kiwitravel]

I'm wondering if what's happening in the Plaza Inn is a reflection upon who might be eating there more typically. Sorry if I'm offending anyone or generalizing here, but I'm guessing that DLR resort guests might be more likely to have their Char. Breakfasts in thier own hotel or in one of the other neigboring 2, whereas those who are staying off-site or are just driving in for the day might choose the Plaza Inn for its convenient location within DL. That could translate into a whole different "class" of diners between the DLR sites and the Plaza Inn, as the DLR hotels are certainly more expensive and certainly try to cater to a different "class" of guests.

OMG!!! It would be a sad indictment on the world if we were to generalise that poorer people are ruder..... For the record I would fit into your higher class slot but prefer to stay at cheaper off site hotels because you tend to meet friendlier more down to earth people there, I still wouldn't generalise that richer peopler are less friendly. Rudeness is not class specific, its upbringing specific as are other traits....

 

[jemilah]

I thimk maybe when people are at the plaza they are a bit more rushed because they are losing ride time. They want to do it all in the shortest time possible, and at the hotels it is a lot more laid back.

 

[Amy&Dan]

ByTheHook: Your method isn't too sound. There are about a million variables to be considered when determining the socioeconomic class of a Disneyland guest. Where they stay probably doesn't even make the top 1000. Also, the character meals at the onsite hotels are open to anyone just as the ones inside the parks are. There is nothing exclusive about eating or staying at one of the onsite hotels.

I find the atmosphere at Ariel's (inside DCA) to be very orderly. Because they bring the food to you and the characters rotate in a very orderly manner. The plaza is a buffet, so you have people milling about for food, autographs etc. If they would make the Plaza a served to you type meal (as they do at Ariel's and several of the WDW character meals) it would help tremendously.

Oh and for what its worth, some of the rudest, most unclassy people I have met had money. Which made them feel entitled to whatever they wanted. Money and class do not go hand in hand. Integrity and class do. And you cannot buy integrity.

 

[ByTheHook]

ByTheHook: Your method isn't too sound. There are about a million variables to be considered when determining the socioeconomic class of a Disneyland guest. Where they stay probably doesn't even make the top 1000. Also, the character meals at the onsite hotels are open to anyone just as the ones inside the parks are. There is nothing exclusive about eating or staying at one of the onsite hotels.

I find the atmosphere at Ariel's (inside DCA) to be very orderly. Because they bring the food to you and the characters rotate in a very orderly manner. The plaza is a buffet, so you have people milling about for food, autographs etc. If they would make the Plaza a served to you type meal (as they do at Ariel's and several of the WDW character meals) it would help tremendously.

Oh and for what its worth, some of the rudest, most unclassy people I have met had money. Which made them feel entitled to whatever they wanted. Money and class do not go hand in hand. Integrity and class do. And you cannot buy integrity.

You might find ths hard to believe, but I completely agree with you in that last paragraph. Anyone who's read my posts knows I'm neither a snob nor an advocate for the rich. I do feel that real humility is something that money can't ever buy.

Interestingly, though, I feel I've touched upon a real DL issue. Walt said in his DL-opening speech that "Disneyland is your land." --No mention of which class(es) had/ have any more entitlement than the other.

For you DL regulars, I wonder if you've ever noticed any difference in manners, courtesy, etc. between the apparent social classes that visit DL. I like to think it's the kind of Utopia where we shed all that upon entry and show a happier, almost "Small World"-ish concern and courtesy for each other. Let me know what you've experineced, okay? And Viva harmony! ;-)

 

[XTinabell]

Money and class do not go hand in hand.

Two words to confirm you're correct:

Britney Spears

 

[tink2dw]

You know what?? At Disney Parks there is only 1 class of peoples'!! Disney loving, magic seeking, character fans, dole whip and tiger tail seekers, atmosphere soaker uppers, people watching, parade loving, roller coaster riding, show seeing, the food must haves, happy laughing, bonding, memory making, photo taking, firework show fans, fantazmic wonder watching, kids of all sizes and ages, some younger, teens, some middle age, some grands , some great grands but all just kids, all at Disney making memories to last a life time, sharing with more generations to keep on finding the magic and laughing, all hearts of Disney happiness. Main Street makes all people equal.