Where have people manners gone?

[rileyroosmom]

Just back yesterday from our Thanksgiving trip and I am amazed at the rudness of people. First, where are the gentlemen? I can't believe how many men sat on the bus while older women or women holding children stood. My sons 11 and 7 know don't sit down unless every women is sitting first. Also, how about holding your kid on your lap so eveyone can sit. I had my 11 yr old, 5' 5'' son sitting on my knee so not to take up a space. Second gripe is people pushing. MK was very crowded Friday. As we were going down the alley (for lack of a better term) to get in line to see Buzz this women was running down the alley and pushed my ds7 out of the way. The crowd thickened so we caught up to her and he got in front of her and again she bumped him into the wall. I said loudly, "stop pushing" she turned around and said "are you talking to me" I said" yes, you pushed my son twice now" back and forth we went, my ds11 was embarrassed. I couldn't believe an adult was running to get to a character. I'm sure she didn't set out to push him but come on!! Last gripe, people stopping in their tracks to talk, look at the map, look around, etc. Move to the side!!!! Oh yeah, I may get flamed but here goes....most of those scooter riders are ridculous. One man was behind me in the crowd at MGM just blowing his horn...did he want us to all go away? Waiting in the rain at the bus stop to load scooter riders on the bus only to see them get off it and move from one seat to another while everyone else waits. Lastly, I have to say I thank God for my healthy children, but why is a child in a wheelchair more important than my children? We kept trying to get Daisy Duck's autograph for my dd3 and kept missing her. Finally got in a line outside of castle and waited. CM announced 5 more minutes. Suddenly 2 children in wheelchairs were pushed to the front of the line to see Daisy and by the time they (and a few others in line) were done, Daisy left. I just didn't think that was fair. I see no reason why they can't wait like everyone else. You may not agree, JMO.

 

[disneysteve]

most of those scooter riders are ridculous.

I think part of the problem is a lot of folks who get scooters at Disney don't normally use one at home. They can get around the house or the store ok, but can't handle the prolonged walking at Disney.

Last year, my MIL was with us. She got a scooter at EPCOT and she was hell on wheels! DW and I spent more time apologizing to other guests who she cut off or nearly ran down. She didn't seem to get the fact that the scooters are silent and people don't hear them coming. She expected everyone to just get out of her way.

I agree with you, though. Manners are almost non-existent. Many people seem to be on their worst behavior on vacation. I think a lot of folks feel they've spent all that money so they can behave however they want to - the heck with everyone else. Its a shame since a little bit of manners and consideration for others can go a long way.

 

[rigsby25]

I agree with the rude scooters as well as the strollers! People with strollers just seem to say "Move out of my way or you'll get hurt. I have a stoller, so I have the right of way". I was there once myself, but I never "pushed". There is no excuse for rude behavior.

 

[dvcgirl]

You probably are going to get flamed, so get ready...but I think that at least two of your four complaints are really valid. It's very rare to see men or healthy people give up seats to the elderly anymore. That's a shame. People running and pushing in crowds is just unacceptable.

As for people on scooters. The people who ride them, need them. And it's not always evident as why someone is on a scooter. That person may walk just find but suffer from chronic fatigue and needs that scooter to conserve energy in the parks. But there are all types of people who ride scooters...and even though I'm sure they all need them, it doesn't mean that they can't be rude. Lots of rude stroller pushers in the parks too. I have the permanent scars on my ankles to prove it.

But for you to complain that your 3 year old DD didn't get Daisy Duck's autograph because a couple of kids in wheelchairs were pushed to the front, man that's harsh. I guess I subscribe to the theory that kids with disabilites deserve a little extra break here and there. You think that you've been screwed because your kid doesn't have an imaginary Duck's autograph? How do you think *those* parents feel?

It sounds to me that all of your complaints directly correspond to the fact that it was crowded. If you travel to WDW on Thanksgiving Weekend you really need to be able to tolerate crowds. Perhaps you should think about visiting at other times of the year when it's not so busy.

 

[kupperman]

Well said DVCgirl.

 

[robinb]

I'm sorry that you run into some rude people on your recent trip ... I find it best to count to 10 or take a deep breath when at WDW. I try not to let other people ruin my good time. If they do get to me, I'll usually tell them "Have a Disney Day!" through gritted teeth.

First, where are the gentlemen? I can't believe how many men sat on the bus while older women or women holding children stood.

It's my opinion that if you don't want to stand, then you should wait for the next bus. It's just as rude to board a standing room only bus and expect someone to give you a seat. That being said, I have still given my seat to a mother with a young child or a grandmother or a pregnant woman and we always sit our DD on a lap.

Second gripe is people pushing.
{snip}
I said loudly, "stop pushing" she turned around and said "are you talking to me" I said" yes, you pushed my son twice now" back and forth we went, my ds11 was embarrassed.

And I'm sure the woman is telling the story right now about how crazy the MK was and the crazy woman who "went off" on her . Seriously, I try not to let that kind of stuff get to me. It just makes me crazy and it doesn't do a darn thing to the cutter.

Last gripe, people stopping in their tracks to talk, look at the map, look around, etc. Move to the side!!!! Oh yeah, I may get flamed but here goes....most of those scooter riders are ridculous. One man was behind me in the crowd at MGM just blowing his horn...did he want us to all go away? Waiting in the rain at the bus stop to load scooter riders on the bus only to see them get off it and move from one seat to another while everyone else waits.

I am one of those people who stops in their tracks . It's something that I try not to do, but I don't always remember. The guy honking his horn sounds like a real jerk. The people who use the scooters man not be totally handicapped. Most use them because they cannot walk a long way. My mother uses one because she has bad knees and my FIL used one right after finishing cancer treatment. {{shrug}} Believe me, using the scooters is a huge pain ... far greater than standing in the rain for a few minutes while they are safely loaded.

Lastly, I have to say I thank God for my healthy children, but why is a child in a wheelchair more important than my children? We kept trying to get Daisy Duck's autograph for my dd3 and kept missing her. Finally got in a line outside of castle and waited. CM announced 5 more minutes. Suddenly 2 children in wheelchairs were pushed to the front of the line to see Daisy and by the time they (and a few others in line) were done, Daisy left. I just didn't think that was fair. I see no reason why they can't wait like everyone else. You may not agree, JMO.

Yikes! Don your flame retardant vest! Picking on kids in wheelchairs? Some kids in wheelchairs do wait along with everyone else. Some cannot. Some are there on Make-A-Wish and they often go to the front of the line. Didn't they use the balloon system? When I was there in August the last person in line got a balloon and anyone who came behind them did not get to see the character. It was a great system. I'm sorry your missed Daisy, but ... sheesh!

 

[chesirekate]

My dad is one of those people who always stands for women, children, the elderly, etc. The problem is, he shouldn't. He has bad knees and a bad back from 30+ years of manual labor but he insists on standing if there aren't enough seats so a perfectly healthy woman can sit. I usually have to force him to take my seat, unless I don't have one myself. I know he'd rather sit because he's in pain, but he has to play the gentleman. He also opens doors and carries packages for people. He's going to become one of the elderly soon and I do hope he stops for his own sake.

Now my husband, who is perfectly healthy, takes the first seat he finds and lets doors go in my face. I blame it on his parents, who are both rude and completely thoughtless when it comes to other people. I've been working on him and he's getting better, but darn if I don't have to continually prompt him. Like getting on the buses at Disney. He's carrying the stroller and I'm carrying DD. We're one of the first people on the bus and he wants to just sit in the first seat. Sorry, no can do bub. You go to the back so people don't have to slide by you and the stroller and knock their knees on the wheels.

Even without the stroller I think you should move back as far as you can. I find that really annoying on Disney buses, that people just plop in the front and everyone else has to squeeze by them to get to a seat in the back. If you're healthy you should move on to the back. To the perfectly healthy young people who don't move back I have this to say: I know you're the first person on the bus and you want to be the first person off so you can get to Splash Mountain before everybody else, but you're a total loser and your mommy dresses you funny.

 

[jarestel]

I know what you mean about a lack of civility at WDW sometimes. Unfortunately, there are folks at "the happiest place on earth" who don't really seem to be enjoying themselves, but they have an agenda of things to accomplish and they're going to do it and "get out of there". And that means anyone in their way is an obstacle to overcome by whatever means. We just let them push and shove their way to the front of the lines in the hopes they'll leave quicker, because obviously there's nothing one can say that will change their crude behavior anyway.

The busses are definitely a problem. I think they should allow only as many people on the bus as there are seats. Nobody will ever convince me that an overcrowded bus with people standing in the aisles is safe.

The scooters and strollers are a huge problem at WDW today, and are actually a hazard to pedestrians and riders alike. Disney really should consider adding dedicated paths for these modes of transportation.

Finally, though I more or less agree with your points so far, I think it would be a better thing to teach your children a little compassion when it comes to the kids in wheelchairs. Rather than make a point of complaining in front of the little ones, use it as an opportunity to teach your kids that sometimes the best thing to do is to step aside for someone else, even if it means not getting to meet Daisy.

As a seasoned veteran of WDW, I just expect I'm going to run into people that don't socialize well. Don't let them get to you and ruin your good time. Have a great next trip!

 

[LIFERBABE]

Yes sometimes it does seem to be "Survival of the Rudest" at WDW. I could never behave that way because it is draining and requires more effort to be rude than it does to be polite.

I have been blessed with healthy children that I get to take to WDW once or twice a year, so if the rude people want it that bad, I let them have it.

I would never begrudge a child in a wheelchair the opportunity to experience anything at WDW even if it meant my boys missed out. They could be from Make a Wish or Kidd's Kids and that could have been their only visit and opportunity to meet Daisy.

As long as they hold my hand and call me Momma, Im happy!

 

[eternaldisneyfan]

Just a little info to explain why the kids in wheelchairs 'cut' in line. They were on a Make-A-Wish trip that grants wishes to children with terminal or severely debilitating diseases. Many are not expected to live to adulthood. All have shortened life spans and may not be able to do a lot of things. Make-A-Wish grants 'last wishes' to give the child and family a good time/memory as well as a break from the healthworld. Many of these children can only spend a minimum amount of time at the park because of health issues. An example of a disease that puts a person in a wheelchair and is covered by Make-A-Wish is SMA (Spinal Muscular Dystrophy). Type 1 has an average life expectancy of 2years and SMA Type 2 has an average life expectancy that ends before the teenage years. So I think that they deserve some special treatment. I am apalled at your lack of understanding and compassion.

 

[disneyjunkie]

Maybe the kids in the wheelchairs were on a Wish trip?

Other than that I wonder why they would get pushed to the front of the line?

I think you did a good by not yelling at the lady the first time she pushed your son. I don't think I could keep my big shut if some nut pushed my son in order to get to a character.

 

[nannon16]

I appologize for putting yet another response to the wheelchair, but I have to agree with the other posters...think about it this way...not only do your children have the ability to STAND in line with you, but you know they will probably have other opportunities to come back...while it wasn't great that your children missed their chance to meet Daisy Duck, but this most likely wouldn't be the only chance in their lives...for the children in the wheelchairs, if they were brought to the front of the line, my guess is they will not have that chance.

 

[HollyJoy]

I'm sorry you encountered such rude people on your trip. Hope you still had a good time. I do have to say that I disagree with PART of your bus gripe. Personally, I'd give up my seat for a child to sit down. I think it's much safer for them... now the whole elderly and men not standing thing bothers me too.

 

[wdw4us2]

I definitely agree about the rudeness at WDW - although I believe this happens everywhere, not just at WDW.

My husband and I were brought up to show respect to older people and use good manners everywhere you go. We are making sure our kids do the same.

Most of the time when we encounter rude people at WDW we generally ignore them unless they are doing something that would hurt our kids.

I find it interesting when one of the kids comments about the person who let a door slam on us, cut in front of us, used foul language, etc. I just point out that's why they should be sure they don't do those things.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

You lost me when you got to the scooter comment somewhat and totally when you got to the kids in wheelchairs comment.

I'm going to WDW on Wednesday with my mother, who is 81yo. I hope she does rent a scooter since she has heart problems, two hip replacements, and does not have the endurance to walk miles a day. She stubborn and doesn't want to rent one, but will enjoy herself more if she does. I hope that she is careful driving the scooter if she does end up renting one, but there is also a problem with people walking right in front of scooters--they can't stop on a dime. My 4yo almost got hit by a scooter in February, but it would have been his fault and I apologized to the scooter driver and explained to my son that he has to be careful.

As to the kids in wheelchairs, I thank my lucky stars each and every day that my children are all healthy and we haven't been faced with any serious childhood illnesses. I can't even begin to imagine what it would be like to go through what the "wishes" kids and their families are going through.

I'm also amazed that people don't squish their kids on a seat with them or at least put a couple kids on a seat together to make more room for others. Also that the more able bodied don't give a seat up for someone who is older, pregnant, etc.

I'm not surprised that there are rude people at WDW since there are rude people everywhere. It's not just the polite people who take vacation.

From my experience, however, most people are polite and friendly. I try to remind myself of this when I see someone behaving poorly.

T&B

 

[Sandyincanada]

I got blasted once for saying one of my biggest pet peeves are adults (with no kids) waiting (and yes, at times pushing) in line in front of little kids to talk to characters. I guess I just don't get that. We talk to them or get pictures when they are alone (with our teens) but as an adult alone, I would not make a child wait any longer than necessary because I know that its really an person dressed up to be a character compared to a child who thinks the character is the real deal and has waited "forever" to met him or her. JMO.

 

[Chuck S]

I can't believe the OP is also complaining about loading Wheelchairs and ECVs onto the busses first, then the "rider" taking a regular seat. Those ECS, even strapped into position, are not as safe as a regular bus seat, especially if the bus happens to take a tight corner. Also, at larger resorts, the busses are full by the time they get to your stop, so often those in EVCs and wheelchairs have to WAIT for SEVERAL busses to be able to board. They only hold a few per bus. They also load first for SAFETY. They have to be secured properly by the driver. Of course, renting a car would take care of this "inconvenience" for you.

Children in wheelchairs going to the "front of the line", more power to them! I think kids in wheelchairs should be allowed to the front of the line, whether with make a wish or not. Be thankful your child is able to walk around Disney and you don't have to live with loading and unloading the child for every ride or bus trip.

The beeping scooter user, I'm sure it was annoying, very annoying. BUT, I would rather hear those beeps and know there is one behind me so I can try to allow "stopping distance", they don't stop on a dime, ya know. I can't believe the number of folks that wander aimlessly then stop directly in front of a moving ECV/wheelchair or stroller then are "shocked" when it hits them.

 

[bdcp]

Having a DH and 2 DS's (18 and 21) who always hold doors, give up their seats etc. for others makes it very hard for me to "get" men who don't. My boys started holding doors for people when they were 3 or 4. It is what they're taught by their parents, but as adults, men can pick this up pretty quickly. My ex SIL's brother sat through an entire church service while I stood which still bugs me. He was taught to be very self involved and never got it. The real definition of rudeness should be selfishness, because that's what it is. Yes, children need to be taught compassion for those who are disabled, but the child who waits patiently and then doesn't get what they waited for ends up very disappointed and hurt too. I always taught my kids that life wasn't fair, so that made it somewhat easier to deal with bad behavior in others, or that they may not get what they want at that moment. But, explaining that to a 3 year old can be very difficult.

 

[LindaBabe]

As a 'sometimes' ECV rider and cane user at the world, i've seen the best and the worst. You'd be surprised how many people cut in front of an ecv - it's VERY stressful riding one - but better than the alternative of not going. To many park goers, it's like you are a non-person if you ride an ecv or are handicapped in any way. Fortunately the compassionate others make up for it - I've been offered seats, helped on and off the bus by total strangers. Cast members have carried my trays in self serve restaurants, and made room for me where there was no room.

Sometimes blind justice recovers the sight in one eye for just a moment - witness the guy who decided to come out the door I was just driving in through. he was in such a hurry he stepped over the front of the ecv and pushed out past me . . . but his sleeve caught on the door handle and he was stuck treading water because he couldn't back up to pull it off, since I was there, still trying to get through the door. More than a few people audibly laughed at that one.

My grand daughter has bi polar disorder. She looks perfectly healthy, but believe me a day in the parks holds stressors for her you wouldn't believe. We both like charactor autographs, and I get them whether I'm with her or not. Disney world is for all kids, not just the ones under 18 and healthy.

I'm kinda sorry I started reading this thread, since i've discovered I do so many things that upset "normal" people.

 

[BadgerBruce]

I was leaving Epcot after Illuminations a few weeks ago & took a nasty fall because of a scooter. The operator caught the heel of my sandal as I was walking & I went down in a hurry. Luckily, I only had a few scrapes & my camera-that hit the cement with me-seems to be okay. Many wonderful people stopped to make sure I was alright, but the scooter driver denied he hit me & kept on going. In truth, he may not have realized it since he just ran over me heel, but he was the reason I fell. His lack of concern is what bothered me. We've seen these discussions many times. People smoke where they shouldn't, use cell phones where they shouldn't, cut in line, etc. Most people don't do these things--but there just isn't much to be done about those that do.