What not to do at Disney?

[NonScents]

My big problem with texting on rides adn in shows is that most people who do it do not put their phones on silent!!!!

So you have to listen to their phone vibrate or whatever they have it set to during the ride. If you are going to text while on a ride at least silence the dang cell phone. I wanted to toss a few cell phones into the water last time I was in DL. It's rude.

Also, I have no problem with people texting in WDW in general but not while on rides or in shows. But if you can't refrain from texting while in a show or on a ride...why go to Disney? There are so many hours in the day where you are standing in the line, on the bus, at the hotel, etc that why do you need to do it on a ride? And I'm serious about that question. I just don't get it.

We're taking my brother and his fiance this december to Disney and they are both very aware that cell phones are to be silenced and not taken out while on a ride or in a show and they are both fine with it adn they are both liek permanantly attached to their phones..lol

The light from the screen is very distracting as well, usually you are in a darkened auditorium or ride and it spoils the effect. And keys beeping or tapping during texting can interfere with narration of the attraction.

 

[scarlet_ibis]

Also, I have no problem with people texting in WDW in general but not while on rides or in shows. But if you can't refrain from texting while in a show or on a ride...why go to Disney? There are so many hours in the day where you are standing in the line, on the bus, at the hotel, etc that why do you need to do it on a ride? And I'm serious about that question. I just don't get it.

Seriously? Have you never been on It's a Small World? Fifteen times in a week?

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

Seriously? Have you never been on It's a Small World? Fifteen times in a week?

True . . . but what if I am with Granny and this is her only time on her favorite ride from when she came here 30 years ago? If people can text in their laps without a bright screen and no one notices, that's one thing, but dark rides are dark for a reason and a bright blue light is totally distracting.

 

[simba20]

About the texting......

Yes, I do it on rides.....did it on "...small world."

I was having fun, updating my FB page with little sights and snippets of Disney, asking my friends to guess where I was/what park/what ride. I didn't do it every minute, but maybe every few hours or so.

I took pictures of things people had never noticed/seen/knew about...now all of my FB friends want to take trips.

Also my phone acted as my camera when I left my regular camera in the stroller.

My keys were silent, the phone was on silent (except fo the day of check in so we could get our text that our room was ready).

Talking loudly on a phone, yes rude, but someone fielding a call from family who is at home or sending a text doesn't bother me at all.

 

[Loribz]

I've breastfed at the dinner table at the Crystal Palace at prime dinner hour. Nothing wrong with that. There's no such thing as an inappropriate place to breastfeed, other than perhaps a bathroom or anywhere you wouldn't eat, but that's just a sanitation matter.

I've breastfeed while sitting in line waiting for the Land ride at EPCOT and while eating at many restaurants at Disney. I would rather see a woman breastfeeding than hear a screaming baby, which is what happens if youu don't feed a baby.

 

[disfan07]

Disneymomm: I understand that stuff like that comes up. I was actually talking more about teenagers and college students rather than adults. I have only ever noticed a few adults texting and they are usually considerate. It is the teenagers who are usually disrespectful about it which I can't stand.

 

[KAA1972]

I don't mind if people text or talk on the phone on rides as long as they are discreet. I does bug me horribly when someone stops right in the middle of the walkway to text or read their map (especially when the park is at a crowd level of 10). Move to the side folks and text your little heart out!

Just had to get on my soap box for a bit.....

 

[Penelope2000]

I agree that the brightly lit phone screens are very distracting in dark rooms during performances. I hadn't even thought about this for our upcoming trip, and am a little concerned that it is an issue at all. Recently I was at a HS concert (wonderful school band) and had a difficult time - someone wasn't actively texting, but had their phone open/light on, and was jiggling their hand. The jiggling bright light was very, very distracting in the dark auditorium. Like Flash, flash, flash, flash at the corner of my eye. Someone was texting away on the other side of me, about 4 people over. Fairly loud clicking, distracting from the concert. I am hearing the discussion go both ways on this.

I guess it comes down to: "What would Walt do?"

 

[neonatalicurn]

I just don't get it smoking is OK and it is offensive if people walk through it showing their distain but breastfeeding isn't OK. You do not have to look if you are offended. When was the last time you complained about a Victoria's Secret commercial or the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition? You see more of those women's breasts and bodies than you usually see from a breastfeeding mother, and yet nobody seems to have a problem with seeing women strutting in their lingerie on a commercial during their favorite family sitcom. Obviously, most people in this country have no problem with the female form portrayed in a sexualized manner that is probably the problem. It's only when breasts are used for their intended purpose that most people get offended.

I completely agree!!! I am an RN who works in the neonatal intensive care, so I understand how important breastfeeding is! If it was more tolerated and supported so that it was easier for mother's to breastfeed, more mother's WOULD breastfeed and there would be a lot more healthy babies and children. I'm not saying that mothers should completely expose themselves, but bf can be done in public in a tasteful way.

 

[Loribz]

I do not want to get into the middle of this ...but the place where Belle's storytime is held is not in a theater, but a little aclove on the side of the castle. There is only room for about 30 people to sit. So it is not the same as the big shows that you can see. I have given up my seat for a child at Belle's storytime.

 

[Loribz]

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 do not want to get into the middle of this ...but the place where Belle's storytime is held is not in a theater, but a little aclove on the side of the castle. There is only room for about 30 people to sit. So it is not the same as the big shows that you can see. I have given up my seat for a child at Belle's storytime.

 

[Disneyadore]

I do not want to get into the middle of this ...but the place where Belle's storytime is held is not in a theater, but a little aclove on the side of the castle. There is only room for about 30 people to sit. So it is not the same as the big shows that you can see. I have given up my seat for a child at Belle's storytime.

As Belle is being replaced on September the 12 with Rapunzel and Flynn Ryder this whole conversation is no longer a "hot topic" I suppose.

 

[cuches]

Please don't stare at people with disabilities! This is a general rule, not just for WDW . My DD 11 has autism and is non-verbal but she does tend to make singing sounds and occasionally flap her hands when she is happy (basically whenever she is at Disney ) I understand that this is atypical behavior and people will glance over to see what's up, and I am OK with that. It is when people gauk and stare, make funny faces, whisper and point as if my DD is some kind of freak! SHE IS NOT! I only got the nerve up to say something a few times but the WORST time was waiting in line for Soarin' and as you know that line can be LONG (even with the fast pass) a British girl about 12-14 years old was in front of us and was just looking at my daughter the entire time with a shocked look on her face....she even walked backwards as the line moved and she wouldn't take her eyes off my DD. Then the parents noticed and instead of them correcting their child THEY started to stare too....as if we were all naked and dancing a hoola dance or something. I finally said "it is rude to stare, can you all please face forward!" I also explained that she has autism (this usually either gets people to stop or at least to understand why my DD is doing what she is doing. Sometimes it sparks a conversation...I love to educate people on what autism is so I welcome questions!). My husband has the ability to not let this bother him but it really gets under my skin.

Tina

 

[livndisney]

Please don't stare at people with disabilities! This is a general rule, not just for WDW . My DD 11 has autism and is non-verbal but she does tend to make singing sounds and occasionally flap her hands when she is happy (basically whenever she is at Disney ) I understand that this is atypical behavior and people will glance over to see what's up, and I am OK with that. It is when people gauk and stare, make funny faces, whisper and point as if my DD is some kind of freak! SHE IS NOT! I only got the nerve up to say something a few times but the WORST time was waiting in line for Soarin' and as you know that line can be LONG (even with the fast pass) a British girl about 12-14 years old was in front of us and was just looking at my daughter the entire time with a shocked look on her face....she even walked backwards as the line moved and she wouldn't take her eyes off my DD. Then the parents noticed and instead of them correcting their child THEY started to stare too....as if we were all naked and dancing a hoola dance or something. I finally said "it is rude to stare, can you all please face forward!" I also explained that she has autism (this usually either gets people to stop or at least to understand why my DD is doing what she is doing. Sometimes it sparks a conversation...I love to educate people on what autism is so I welcome questions!). My husband has the ability to not let this bother him but it really gets under my skin.

Tina

The "stares" drive me nuts. I wish I could say I am shocked the parents did not correct their childs behavior, but sadly I have seen it too many times. I LOVE that Disney is your dd happy place!

 

[NaLisa]

Wow, I've read this entire thread (over several days), and it really opened my eyes. I imagine that most of the scenarios describes were the exception rather than the norm (well, other than the overtired, cranky, crying kids part ). It might have never occurred to me that a 10 year old in a stroller had special needs, but now I know. I also know to better prepare my children for the various shapes, sizes and kinds of people that might encounter at WDW, and it's given me a new opportunity to talk to my kids about proper and courteous behavior in different situations and with different types of people. My DH and I discussed not being judgmental, and I think it'll better prepare us for our time at WDW, so we won't get upset when we believe someone is acting rudely. "Walk a mile in his shoes" kind of thing. So I'm glad the thread wasn't closed, even when things got heated.

And my input on the BF debate--I was very uncomfortable breastfeeding in public, especially when it was new to me and I was figuring out all the tricks, but I eventually leaned that I couldn't (and shouldn't) shut myself off from the world every time my child was hungry. Some of you may not realize, but a newborn may nurse 12 times a day, 30 minutes each time (my youngest did this for the first three months, whew!!!). Mothers cannot spend 6 hours a day hiding from people who may be uncomfortable with the idea of BF, especially when they have older children to care for as well. I was always very discreet and made sure to wear clothing that would best facilitate my daughters' nursing. Yes, I'm sure that there are some women with exhibitionist tendencies or who are militant about breastfeeding in public, and that those women are inconsiderate of others. But trust me, most breastfeeding-in-public mothers have no intention of making anyone uncomfortable, including themselves. They just need to meet their child's basic needs.

So after reading all the posts, agreeing with some and disagreeing with others, I come away with this--try not to ruin anyone's WDW magic, and don't let anyone else ruin yours.

 

[ILoveMyGirls]

well said

"...I come away with this--try not to ruin anyone's WDW magic, and don't let anyone else ruin yours."

 

[mom2cookies]

i didn't read all 60+ pages but some of my thots are

breastfeeding in public... all for it but done discreetly
cell phones - txting... ok if keyboard is silent. Talking on a ride or show BIG NO NO imho
flash photos when specifically asked not to use flash - major annoyance
screaming kids.... annoying yes, but neither the parent nor the kid WANTS the screaming either. Its happening.. nobody is happy about it not your kid... not your problem.

rule breakes, parade watching pushers ( people that try to take over your spot), people hitting / abusing their children ( even they are being brats), kids that make it obvious they are making fun of other ppl in line. Shouldn't do it anyway, but making it obvious is really worse.

 

[Terapin]

I saw that someone posted that breastfeeding was ok if done discretely. I just wanted to post that I am in support of a woman feeding her baby anyway she sees fit - I don't need her to be 'discrete' - she can feed her baby in whatever way she is comfortable. Almost all women feel most comfortable being pretty discrete anyhow. I think we should all thank breastfeeding women for doing their best to give their kids the best they can and helping future taxpayers grow up strong and healthy.

 

[maxiesmom]

I just wanted to post that I am in support of a woman feeding her baby anyway she sees fit - I don't need her to be 'discrete' - she can feed her baby in whatever way she is comfortable.

I did have an issue with a non-discrete breast feeding mom. She was directly across from me on a Disney bus, and she was very well endowed. Even though I know it is a natural thing to do, I am uncomfortable watching someone breast feed. Especially when a lot of breast is left exposed. But when they are right across from you, that is where your eyes want to look, kwim?

I was kind of in a lose lose situation then. I didn't want to stare and be rude, but I didn't want to act like I wouldn't look because I was offended. And every time I let my eyes drift to straight ahead of me, the lady in question was staring right at me.

I guess I don't see anything wrong with being discrete. Not everyone wants to view your "girls", even when you are just feeding your baby.

 

[DisneyMomm]

Ok, so since we're rehashing the BF issue again, I'll add my 2 cents again. Although I agree BF is a natural thing, along with all the other other natural things we do, it also comes with the obligation of following some social rules. There are some cultures that allow women to go uncovered and think nothing of it(I'm not talking about topless beaches). However, in this society women are expected to not expose themselves in public. We choose to live in this society because it's benefits outway it's disadvantages. I'm onboard with the fact that a mother has to feed her child, and shouldn't have to go to a dirty bathroom. However, it should be done with discretion. She knows she is going to have to feed a child, and so therefore she is the one that should be prepared. Wear clothing that will allow the child to be fed with the least amount of exposure. As most people have already said, most mothers are modest and do there best to not expose themselves unnessesarily. That is all I ask for. BF were you need to, but do it with class and follow the social rules of the society you live in. There are those mothers who choose to BF in a way that is almost a dare to the rest of society to say something. There are instances of women who are quite comfortable exposing themselves way longer than they need to before or after they have fed the baby, and then want to use the fact that they are BF as their "I can do whatever I want" card. These are the women I have a problem with. I think for most people it has never been about a mother BF, is is about the exibitionists. Now for those that say, BF is natural and nobody should tell a BF mother she needs to be discreet because it is only a baby eating.... I respectfully disagree. When that child get's older, and is eating in a restaurant, it will still be a natural thing of a child eating, and yet you will expect that that child has been taught our society's rules and maners for eating in public. You will expect that child to sit in their chair, and eat with utensils (not shovel it in with their hands), and not chew with their mouth open, or not talk with their mouth full. So why when a child is older and eating do we expect them to follow society's rules about what is considered polite and respectful of others, and yet you would say that just because a mother is breastfeeding and it is a baby eating, that any consideration for being polite to the rest of society does not apply?