What not to do at Disney?

[scarlet_ibis]

Was that the only show of the day?

I just don't see why this show would be any different that any other attaction at WDW. If it is important to my family I make sure we arrive in time. Or plan to be at the next show. I would not blame those who had gotten there before me.

It was the next to last show of the day and we had ADRs, so couldn't do the last one. We got there 30 minutes before the show. It's not like we waltzed up last minute.

And yes, I do blame grown ups who take kids' seats at a storytime. You're not going to change my mind on that. I'd be a jerk if I met up with a bunch of my friends at Barnes and Noble or the library and sat in the front row of their storytime while kids were turned away, and Disney's not different in that respect.

Boy, I'm being rather unintentionally controversial today. I suppose now would be a good time to mention nursing my toddler at WDW...

 

[Brit_Jude]

Well, I reserve the right to think people are jerks for taking those seats when there's a little girl with a birthday button on in tears at the rope.

I assume that the people who got to sit down, both children and adults, were there earlier than your were. If it was so important as a Birthday treat then I would have made an effort to be there extra early so there would be no tears, I have control over making that happen, I have no control over who will be in line or their reasons for wanting to see a particular show. Just the same as getting to the parks prior to rope drop so we can get on the rides when the lines are smaller.

Unfortunately being a child doesn't automatically mean that they are entitled to take the seat of someone who waited longer for the magic. Everyone pays the same to visit Disney, we all have to expect that places will be busy and there will be lines, it does not matter what the attraction is or how old the person is. Plan accordingly. And dare I say this but...here goes...as it was made into a big deal did it make your daughter more upset, instead I would have made light of the situation and made the best of it by watching the show from the rope or diverting her disappointment and moving on to another attraction.

 

[livndisney]

It was the next to last show of the day and we had ADRs, so couldn't do the last one. We got there 30 minutes before the show. It's not like we waltzed up last minute.

And yes, I do blame grown ups who take kids' seats at a storytime. You're not going to change my mind on that. I'd be a jerk if I met up with a bunch of my friends at Barnes and Noble or the library and sat in the front row of their storytime while kids were turned away, and Disney's not different in that respect.

Boy, I'm being rather unintentionally controversial today. I suppose now would be a good time to mention nursing my toddler at WDW...

I am guessing a mom nursing a toddler in the show is ok right?

I don't know about controversial I think maybe just different expectations. I don't blame others or think they are "jerks" because they arrived at a location before me. If I did there would be a LOT of "jerks" at TSM

 

[scarlet_ibis]

I assume that the people who got to sit down, both children and adults, were there earlier than your were. If it was so important as a Birthday treat then I would have made an effort to be there extra early so there would be no tears, I have control over making that happen, I have no control over who will be in line or their reasons for wanting to see a particular show. Just the same as getting to the parks prior to rope drop so we can get on the rides when the lines are smaller.

Unfortunately being a child doesn't automatically mean that they are entitled to take the seat of someone who waited longer for the magic. Everyone pays the same to visit Disney, we all have to expect that places will be busy and there will be lines, it does not matter what the attraction is or how old the person is. Plan accordingly.

I suppose I reserve the right to stand in front of your child for fireworks then? Maybe I should use all of the sand toys at Stormalong Bay? Race to get on Cinderella's horse on the carousel?

Really, I get it that grown ups like Disney, too. I'm one of them. But I seriously can't grasp taking a seat or any of the magic away from the children. To me, that's rude and unfathomable. And storytime is so much different than a ride that runs continuously.

 

[Brit_Jude]

I suppose I reserve the right to stand in front of your child for fireworks then? Maybe I should use all of the sand toys at Stormalong Bay? Race to get on Cinderella's horse on the carousel?

Really, I get it that grown ups like Disney, too. I'm one of them. But I seriously can't grasp taking a seat or any of the magic away from the children. To me, that's rude and unfathomable. And storytime is so much different than a ride that runs continuously.

Yes you can stand in front of my child at the fireworks or parade if you got there early to reserve your space - I would respect that.

 

[LockShockBarrel]

So long as there's nothing posted such as "You must be under X age to enter" or "You must be under X height to enter", an adult is perfectly welcomed no matter what anyone on this board has to say about it. If your child is that set on seeing a show or getting on a ride, a parent should figure that into their plan. It's not anyone else's fault that you didn't show up at the earlier shows or arrive early to be near the head of the line. It's not a rule for an adult to give up their spot/seat to a child, it's a courtesy. It's your opinion that someone is a jerk for not following "your rules", and that's fine, but that doesn't mean you can demand someone else follow them. I still want to meet the characters, I still want to ride Cinderella's horse, I still want to watch Miyuki make her candy and if she were still able to give them away, I'd like one. Just because someone is younger than me, it doesn't make them more entitled to something that's available to everyone.

 

[hffmnheidi]

Maybe it's different for people who have children and those who don't...what is considered to be "magic" and "acceptable adult behavior" while at Disney.

Why should I put my "magic" and "happiness" aside for a child/ren I don't know or am not related to? I paid just as much money as their families for my "magic". I guess it just comes down to strategic planning and planning the things that are most important to do at each park. I know if there was something "I had to do", I would be sure to get that done first thing at the beginning of the day or first show time.

We do the show in front of the Castle and have seen, at first show time, that there is rarely a crowd as everyone is heading toward rides. Could you have done the Storytime with Belle earlier in the day? Just curious.

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

Maybe it's different for people who have children and those who don't...what is considered to be "magic" and "acceptable adult behavior" while at Disney.

Why should I put my "magic" and "happiness" aside for a child/ren I don't know or am not related to? I paid just as much money as their families for my "magic". I guess it just comes down to strategic planning and planning the things that are most important to do at each park. I know if there was something "I had to do", I would be sure to get that done first thing at the beginning of the day or first show time.

We do the show in front of the Castle and have seen, at first show time, that there is rarely a crowd as everyone is heading toward rides. Could you have done the Storytime with Belle earlier in the day? Just curious.

I totally agree. I can't believe someone would expect an adult to give up a parade spot they waited 2 hours for! It isn't his/her fault that the child's mom/dad/guardian didn't get there early enough. So, if my niece wanted to eat in the castle, I should think the adults eating there and "taking a spot away from her" are being "jerks"? Or is it just for shows and parades? It is not as if we are talking about line cutters, but people who legitimately waited. What if there were a little girl "with a birthday button" crying because she wanted the $200 castle in the shop? Would you buy it for her?

I think it is good to teach kids patience and planning, not that the adults who did so are "jerks" for not giving up their spot to the kids. It just teaches entitlement. If we make everything all about the kids, there's nothing for them to look forward to in life!

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

I suppose I reserve the right to stand in front of your child for fireworks then? Maybe I should use all of the sand toys at Stormalong Bay? Race to get on Cinderella's horse on the carousel?

Really, I get it that grown ups like Disney, too. I'm one of them. But I seriously can't grasp taking a seat or any of the magic away from the children. To me, that's rude and unfathomable. And storytime is so much different than a ride that runs continuously.

I don't think anyone should stand in front of anyone else. Whoever gets there first starts the "line up" and then everyone stands behind them. So no one can reserve a right to cut that line.

I don't think it would be good manners for anyone, child or adult to take all the toys, so I don't really understand the comparison.

I've never seen Storytime with Belle. Is the section so small that people are routinely turned away? If it is this in demand, maybe Disney should expand it?

I love that people care about their kids, but I think it can go too far if you expect others to put your kids first, too. What if there's one cookie left and I (and adult) buy it. I am sure a child later on in the day would have wanted it, do I leave it behind for them? I mean, this can only go so far before it becomes an unreasonable expectation of others.

 

[scarlet_ibis]

You don't really have to give up your parade spot to allow a shorter person in front of you. That's just courtesy.

And no, I didn't extend this to ADRs or waiting in line for a ride. But I do think if there's a little Snow White fan just about to get cut off from line and I'm an adult traveling without kids who sees Snow White every year, I would absolutely give that child my spot in line. That's more magical, IMHO.

 

[scarlet_ibis]

I think it is good to teach kids patience and planning, not that the adults who did so are "jerks" for not giving up their spot to the kids. It just teaches entitlement. If we make everything all about the kids, there's nothing for them to look forward to in life!

To the contrary, I think it is good to teach children courtesy, community, charity, and kindness. And I teach them by example. ("Mommy's going to watch from right over there, so that little girl can have a seat. I'll be right there if you need me.")

 

[tiggerplus5]

I assume that the people who got to sit down, both children and adults, were there earlier than your were. If it was so important as a Birthday treat then I would have made an effort to be there extra early so there would be no tears, I have control over making that happen, I have no control over who will be in line or their reasons for wanting to see a particular show. Just the same as getting to the parks prior to rope drop so we can get on the rides when the lines are smaller.

Unfortunately being a child doesn't automatically mean that they are entitled to take the seat of someone who waited longer for the magic. Everyone pays the same to visit Disney, we all have to expect that places will be busy and there will be lines, it does not matter what the attraction is or how old the person is. Plan accordingly. And dare I say this but...here goes...as it was made into a big deal did it make your daughter more upset, instead I would have made light of the situation and made the best of it by watching the show from the rope or diverting her disappointment and moving on to another attraction.

Well said!

I have three children (all grown ups) and I can't imagine being mad because someone beat us to an attraction at wdw. Being a parent, you really need to prepare a child for the real world. Sometimes the answer is no, we can't do this today. Your ADR was more important. You made a choice.

I suppose I reserve the right to stand in front of your child for fireworks then? Maybe I should use all of the sand toys at Stormalong Bay? Race to get on Cinderella's horse on the carousel?

This is your response because your daughter was not able to cut in front of other guests for a show? And it was because you didn't plan your day well? What if one of the "jerks" that squeezed out your daughter was terminally ill? And this was the last chance they had to see the show? You never know what someone else is going through. Although that might not have been the scenario that day....your daughter is no more entitled than any other guest.

Do you still need all those sand toys?? If it's really gonna make you feel important, then please take them all. My family will find something better to do.

Try spreading more love and less hate and the world will be a better place.

 

[hffmnheidi]

I am all for teaching kids kindness and charity and courtesy, but there comes a point where it can go overboard and I think it can go a bit overboard at Disney when there's an unreasonable expectation of others who aren't related to said children. It can even go overboard at home.

Yeah, I am one of those people who get a pic taken with the characters every year. I don't feel that it is right for me to get out of line for a child. It has been a bad 8 months for me because of medical problems(I almost died 3 times/spent 3 wks in ICU/2 major surgeries/10 weeks hospitalized total)...now should I step out of line for someone else's child when I have been patiently waiting to see the character and waiting for my vacation to celebrate being alive? Or what about the person who is using a trip to Disney to brighten their spirits after losing a family member-maybe seeing their favorite character is what is helping them work through their grief? Or the family that is vacationing together for the last time due to a terminal illness and seeing the characters is on their 'must do' list? I think it depends on everyone's own circumstances as to what they're willing to do and not do.

We really don't know what each person's circumstance is, so we shouldn't judge those who don't do what you think is right.

Life is too short to worry about everyone else-I've learned that one first hand. I will just continue to plan and hope others will do the same and put those 'have to do' rides/attractions first and worry/make their own kids happy.

 

[livndisney]

To the contrary, I think it is good to teach children courtesy, community, charity, and kindness. And I teach them by example. ("Mommy's going to watch from right over there, so that little girl can have a seat. I'll be right there if you need me.")

And I believe in teaching children to plan ahead, not name call and not blame others when things don't go their way. I also teach by example- courtesy is a two way street.

If something is so important to you make sure you plan ahead.
You stated you had a ADR that you planned for correct?

 

[scarlet_ibis]

And I believe in teaching children to plan ahead, not name call and not blame others when things don't go their way. I also teach by example- courtesy is a two way street.

If something is so important to you make sure you plan ahead.
You stated you had a ADR that you planned for correct?

Who wouldda thunk that 30 minutes wouldn't be enough time to beat out a crowd of adults who need to watch Belle read a story? Still, I didn't call them names. I didn't get in their faces. But yeah, it would have been nice if those folks had been courteous to the KIDS waiting for Belle to read a story. I'm still allowed to think they could have exhibited a little courtesy and I'm still allowed to think they are jerks.

p.s. It's not really Belle. And you have already heard the story.

Try spreading more love and less hate and the world will be a better place.

That's ENTIRELY my point.

p.s. #2 My bigger beef that day was with the CMs who would not allow the kids to come in and fill the empty bench for the show. I found that to be entirely NOT Disney-like.

 

[ratlenhum]

To the contrary, I think it is good to teach children courtesy, community, charity, and kindness. And I teach them by example. ("Mommy's going to watch from right over there, so that little girl can have a seat. I'll be right there if you need me.")

I would never do this, sorry. I don't go to shows or stuff like that to watch the show. I go and watch my son's face, and watch him enjoy it, to see his excitement. I sat through the entire Beauty and the Beast show at DHS and didn't watch more than 2 minutes of the show. My son was just so amazed with it all there was more magic in watching his face.


I agree with everyone else, If I waited an hour to hear Belle read a story, there's a reason I want to see it. I'm not going to get up and give anyone else my seat because they didn't get there early enough to get in. I know she's not real, and I've heard the story before. It's not about that, it's about the experience and magic of being at Disney and letting your inner kid out. Story time with Belle happens 5 or 6 times a day. Why did you wait until the second to last show to try to get in? You should have started trying with the first show.

Last year we wanted to get my son in Jedi training. We went over to that area well ahead of every show, and waited, and kids who got there before us and after us got picked. My son didn't. We told our son "sorry buddy, we'll try again later." And we tried and tried and he didn't get picked all day. So you didn't get picked, sorry, but you had fun today. No tears. I didn't ask one of the older kids, or one who got there after us to give up their spot for my son.

I've never done Story Time with Belle. Perhaps they seat the place in a particular order, front to back for safety reasons. They are probably told not to seat anyone after the area is full. It's not their fault. They're doing their job and what they are told. Disney is strict on following rules and I don't think it's fair to push a CM to break a rule that could cost them their job.

Standing there complaining probably didn't help. In situations like this I would have said to my child "sorry buddy, Mommy didn't realize it would get so crowded so early. It's my fault and I'm really sorry, but maybe we can find something else fun to do." That's how kids learn to handle getting over stuff and to move on.

 

[Brit_Jude]

p.s. #2 My bigger beef that day was with the CMs who would not allow the kids to come in and fill the empty bench for the show. I found that to be entirely NOT Disney-like.

I think you'll find that the CM's are not allowed to let anyone in once the show starts - hence the rope. This is to limit the disruption to the other guests who are already seated and watching the show and for the CM's putting on the show so they are not distracted. I think you will find this at most of the shows at Disney where no one else is let in once the show is underway even if there is capacity to seat them.

There isn't much they can do if someone gets up and walks out.

 

[livndisney]

Who wouldda thunk that 30 minutes wouldn't be enough time to beat out a crowd of adults who need to watch Belle read a story? Still, I didn't call them names. I didn't get in their faces. But yeah, it would have been nice if those folks had been courteous to the KIDS waiting for Belle to read a story. I'm still allowed to think they could have exhibited a little courtesy and I'm still allowed to think they are jerks.

p.s. It's not really Belle. And you have already heard the story.

It would seem 30 minutes was not enough time to get to the theater before it filled with guests. Did you ask ahead of time how early you should arrive?

It would have been nice if this show was so important to your daughter that you made it a priority and stopped blaming others for getting there first. You have no idea how many other people in that theater has a "special reason" for being there. They bought a ticket and had every right to be in the theater no matter what you think. That does not make them jerks or selfish.


What it sounds like to me is you got there too late for your daughter to see a show. You choose not to go to an earlier or later show (or even a show on another a day).

Just because you think Adults should not be in the theater, does not make it a "rule". And how you can say total strangers were not being "courteous" to your child is just beyond me.

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

To the contrary, I think it is good to teach children courtesy, community, charity, and kindness. And I teach them by example. ("Mommy's going to watch from right over there, so that little girl can have a seat. I'll be right there if you need me.")

I agree with you to a degree and I think that would be very nice to do, but that isn't what some previous posters said. I also don't think parents should expect that. I was once sitting at a parade for 2 hours and saved a spot for my brother, SIL and 2 nephews and left and didn't watch the parade at all so they could see. I think self-sacrifice is noble, but expecting others to do the sacrificing, not so much.

 

[simba20]

I think you'll find that the CM's are not allowed to let anyone in once the show starts - hence the rope. This is to limit the disruption to the other guests who are already seated and watching the show and for the CM's putting on the show so they are not distracted. I think you will find this at most of the shows at Disney where no one else is let in once the show is underway even if there is capacity to seat them.

There isn't much they can do if someone gets up and walks out.

It would seem 30 minutes was not enough time to get to the theater before it filled with guests. Did you ask ahead of time how early you should arrive?

It would have been nice if this show was so important to your daughter that you made it a priority and stopped blaming others for getting there first. You have no idea how many other people in that theater has a "special reason" for being there. They bought a ticket and had every right to be in the theater no matter what you think. That does not make them jerks or selfish.


What it sounds like to me is you got there too late for your daughter to see a show. You choose not to go to an earlier or later show (or even a show on another a day).

Just because you think Adults should not be in the theater, does not make it a "rule". And how you can say total strangers were not being "courteous" to your child is just beyond me.

I sooooooo agree with this comment.

No, I really have not, ever in my lifetime watched or heard the story of Belle and "Beauty and the Beast" this is true. However, Belle is special to my DD and so I made it a point to check out what times the show occured and picked two times to go and watch. We made it to my second choice show. Would I have stood outside the seating area because I am an adult, and it should only be for kids. NO. I loved how the show was presented, I got to learn the story, and to see the reactions of DD to a real live Belle was priceless.

If your goign to see a show, then plan ahead so that you can arrive early. Also as a PP mentioned, the seating area for "Storytime with Belle" is small, and someone coming in at the last minute to fill an empty bench would be disruptive, not only for "Belle" but for the participants as well (I found that part to be a great surprise, however DD is too young and shy to be chosen).