Waving Signs at Disney

[quest4dl]

I'd like to wave a homemade sign (nothing huge) when my son's high school band marches. I seem to recall some security issue with signs at Disneyland (we made some to get picked for Jedi Training) and we had to fold it small enough to fit in our backpack and then hope it wouldn't be confiscated.

Anybody know if there is an issue with this at MK?

 

[Robo]

Anybody know if there is an issue with this at MK?

we had to fold it small enough to fit in our backpack and then hope it wouldn't be confiscated.

Sounds about right to me, regardless of which park.

I know that they don't want anything to block others' view nor get stuck in someone's eye.
The band marches by well before the actual Disney parade begins, so it won't be as
much of an issue just for the band.

 

[quest4dl]

Thanks for the response Robo. Hopefully we will stake out a spot early enough that we will be in front.

 

[fla4fun]

You could always get some custom t-shirts made that would create a "sign" when you stand next to each other to watch them perform. I agree that an actual sign could be a hazard in a crowded area.

 

[quest4dl]

Cute idea about the shirts - of course we are leaving this Saturday - all my last minute questions are spilling out now!

 

[flutterby3744]

You could always get some custom t-shirts made that would create a "sign" when you stand next to each other to watch them perform. I agree that an actual sign could be a hazard in a crowded area.

This is a great idea!

Op, not saying you personally would be inconsiderate, but signs as a whole are a faux paux in my book, at Disney or otherwise. They block the view of others, and in the moment, I've seen a few people get a little out of control.

 

[11290]

If one of the Parade Audience Control (PAC) CM's, a coordinator or manager sees a sign, the guest will be asked to remove / it or put it away. Doesn't matter if it is a band or parade (guest safety issue). Obviously t-shirt signs would be OK.

 

[minnie mum]

I'm thinking you wouldn't be winning any popularity contests with any of the guests behind you. Just wondering what the purpose of the sign is. Doesn't your son know that you'll be in the crowd cheering him on?

Do marchers in a marching band spend a lot of time looking around at the people along the parade route? I always thought they had to concentrate on their music or keeping in step and in position with the marchers beside and in front of them.

 

[JennyDrake]

Cute idea about the shirts - of course we are leaving this Saturday - all my last minute questions are spilling out now!

You can make T-shirts--fast! Get blank shirts at Walmart and you can buy iron ons that you print off your very own home printer at Office Max, etc.

 

[flutterby3744]

Double post. Sorry my phone went haywire!!

 

[goofy4tink]

T-shirts are a much better idea!! I remember at my dd's graduation ceremony, there were families in front of us that thought it would be fun to bring huge signs to hold up! And it really impacted the way we were able to view the ceremony. When their kids walked for their diplomas there was huge hooting and hollaring and sign waving. They all jumped up, waving those darn signs. Sure made it hard on those that had kids immediately following. Some people didn't even hear their child's name announced due to the screaming, while others weren't able to take photos due to the signs still up in front of them. Heave forbid a graduate not be able to pinpoint exactly where their family was!!!

Leave the signs at home. Your student will be concentrating on what he/she is doing. But absolutely wear special shirts, or hats!

 

[North of Mouse]

Can see why any flags, banners, signs would be a 'no-no' that would wave in front of guests around you. Anyone trying to video tape, or just enjoy watching would not be too happy!

As pp said, the marchers are preoccupied with what they are doing (rightfully so) and the impact of a flag waving would basically be lost on them anyway.

 

[surferdave]

Do marchers in a marching band spend a lot of time looking around at the people along the parade route? I always thought they had to concentrate on their music or keeping in step and in position with the marchers beside and in front of them.

That wouldn't be a good idea. It's a good way to twist an ankle on Main Street with the trolley tracks under foot.

 

[Hannathy]

How does your son feel about you making a scene for him?

I have a DS in high school and he would be mortified if his Mother came to Disney and waved a sign as he walked in the parade!

Consider his feelings in this to, ask him before you do anything that he would bear the brunt of -feeling embarrassed, getting teased, ribbed about.

I hate signs at things to, I"m short and it is hard enough to see as it is without more obstacles in my limited view.

 

[WDSearcher]

I'd like to wave a homemade sign (nothing huge) when my son's high school band marches. I seem to recall some security issue with signs at Disneyland (we made some to get picked for Jedi Training) and we had to fold it small enough to fit in our backpack and then hope it wouldn't be confiscated.

Anybody know if there is an issue with this at MK?

If you want to make a sign, make it out of cloth (a pillowcase, say ... or an old sheet). You won't have to worry about poking someone's eye out and it's easy & light to carry. If you get there early enough to be in front, then you can hold it in front of you a lot easier than a big cardboard sign.

That said ... I've marched in PLENTY of parades (including at WDW and DL). We were told by our band / corps director specifically NOT to look around for friends and family, and he discouraged our booster club from bringing signs. We were there to perform, not mug for cameras. And we already had a banner at the front of the band that announced us. His comment for every event was "look like you've been there before." He wanted us to be professional and polished, and that included our chaperones, family and friends who were there to see us.

So if you're going to do a sign, be sure it's okay with the band director. These kids are doing their best to give an A+ performance. They want to look their best because they know they're going to be on thousands of people's photos and videos of their vacations. You don't want to be "the crazy person in the front waving the big sign!"

 

[quest4dl]

Okay - no sign I guess - it wasn't going to be very big and I would have kept it at chest level - just a sign of support for the band. And no, my son does not get embarrassed by his mother. Feel bad for the parents whose kids do. Thanks for all the tips - I'm so backed up with things this week, I don't think I'll get the t-shirt done but a really great idea!

 

[motherof2boys]

No advise on a sign but I wanted to say how AMAZING it is to watch your child march down Main Street!! My son's HS Band marched on New Years Eve Day. I stood in my spot for 2 hours waiting for him.
Have a great time!!!