Wow..some adults never cease to amaze me

[mom2rtk]

My point exactly. He was upset because he did not know you were going to stand up for the parade. He only threatened to spit on you once he found out how disappointed he would be not to see the parade the way he expected.

Seriously?

 

[lucas]

Ok. But a guy who threatens to spit on you probably isn't the kind of guy who will politely thank you for informing him that you will be standing soon. He's more likely to be the kind of guy who tries to argue with you and tell you not to stand. And then you have to stand there for 45 minutes wondering if he's going to assault you.

If we are talking about being polite and thinking of other people, how about you make it your responsibility to ask the people who got there before you if they plan on standing--if you're know you are going to be bothered by it?

this can never be justified

the onus is on those who arrive after the front-row spots are taken to inquire whether the early-birds will be sitting or standing. Even then, no guarantees, what if they need to stretch or get a leg cramp?

the person in question should be upset at himself for not taking measures to secure a prime parade viewing spot that is apparently oh-so-important to him that he would threaten to commit a crime, i.e. assault somebody.

Indeed. Now they are blaming the victim. He "only" threatened to assault you because you were polite and chose to stand when it was entirely within your rights. Amazing.

Yup, yup and yup.

The guy will probably be glad to know that the whole parade was ruined for me. It wasn't like he just said it to me. Everyone in the crowd heard, I am sure. We did not respond in any way, except to turn around to see who was saying it. And after that, we moved for the castle light show and Wishes and I cried thru both shows - well, they get to me anyway. But, it was really upsetting. Dh said to forget about that guy but I couldn't shake it off. Nothing like that has ever happened to me before. I won't be in the 1st row ever again, that is for sure. Lesson learned.

 

[Lavitz]

Some interesting replies here. I'm definitely the type to say I do what I have to do to make sure my family's experience is great, and am not overly concerned if by my family experiencing something means another family cannot. If there is only 1 reservation left for A&E and my and other family wants it, you better bet I have no problem being the one to get it.

That being said, common courtesy guys. Most people don't stand for parades. Most people don't put kids up on their shoulders for parades. If you're in the front row and will be doing either of these things, and a family comes behind you, take 5 seconds to let them know. If this family is early enough to be directly behind the front row (where you are sitting), there is plenty of space for them to be in the second row behind someone else, or probably in the front row if they just walk a little further. So they'll usually be thankful that all they had to do was move over 5 steps and didn't have to deal with a last second stander.

It doesn't make sense for everyone to ask the person in front of them if they'll be standing because this is not the norm. It'd be like asking the person in front of you in line for a roller coaster if they feel sick or are going to throw up on the ride. Yes it would prevent an unpleasant experience, but it is uncommon enough that asking every single time would be redundant.

 

[Disneylover99]

It doesn't make sense for everyone to ask the person in front of them if they'll be standing because this is not the norm.

Every parade I've ever been to, I've seen sections where there are people standing in the front row, and sections where there are people sitting in the front row. But more often then not, I've seen people standing.

If you are in the second or third row, why wouldn't you ask? You shouldn't just assume that people will remain seated. Find out, so you aren't disappointed mid parade if someone decides to stand. Sure it's nice if some one turns around in the front and let's you know that they plan on standing, but you can't count on that.

 

[keishashadow]

/ same here. We go a couple of times a year and while it's a mix seems to be more standing once parade begins

 

[JennaDeeDooDah]

Every parade I've ever been to, I've seen sections where there are people standing in the front row, and sections where there are people sitting in the front row. But more often then not, I've seen people standing.

/ same here. We go a couple of times a year and while it's a mix seems to be more standing once parade begins

This has been my experience, as well. And I understand it. We don't really watch many of the parades but the ones I have seen, it seems you would have a much better view if you were standing. Plus, it seems that the characters would be more likely to interact with you if you are standing and you would be more likely to get hands and such stepped on if you are sitting.

 

[pampam]

I don't think it was right of him to "threaten" me in any way.

I agree completely. In case you didn't notice, I was trying to agree with you. I can see, however, how my coments could be misconstrued. Sorry. I just feel that if you are kind to people you have a better shot of them being kind back to you. The fellow behind you probably thought he had a great view of the parade . He never should have threatened you , and you are within your rights for the feelings you have. However, I still think if he knew about you blocking the view, before you stood he may not have lashed out the way he did.

 

[jahber]

I agree completely. In case you didn't notice, I was trying to agree with you. I can see, however, how my coments could be misconstrued. Sorry. I just feel that if you are kind to people you have a better shot of them being kind back to you. The fellow behind you probably thought he had a great view of the parade . He never should have threatened you , and you are within your rights for the feelings you have. However, I still think if he knew about you blocking the view, before you stood he may not have lashed out the way he did.

Apparently none of us could tell you were agreeing. But it was nice of you to clarify. . Anyway, as for preventing the whole encounter...Do you really think that? That a guy who would jump straight to spitting on someone for standing at a parade would be reasonable if you told him you were going to stand? Because as I said before, if he doesn't respond positively, then you have mean spitting guy behind you until the parade is over. That's not exactly magical.

 

[Memaw2Wm]

My point exactly. He was upset because he did not know you were going to stand up for the parade. He only threatened to spit on you once he found out how disappointed he would be not to see the parade the way he expected.

Disappointed or not, that's rude, and he probably would have been just as rude if they'd told him ahead of time they'd be standing up.

Bottom line? People sit on the curbs while waiting for parades, then stand up. If you don't want to be behind them, then you should bethere before them. Easy-peasy.

 

[maxiesmom]

The vast majority of people don't stand. That is why it is a tricky issue. If most people stood, then people would assume the guests in front of them would be standing. But most people sit during the parade. Very few stand. So it wouldn't be common for someone to assume the people in front of them will be standing.

 

[jahber]

Ok, this is starting to get a little odd. The vast majority of people do not sit for a parade. Just google image search magic kingdom parade. Some people are sitting, but many many more are standing.

And yes, I googled it because I was beginning to think I was going crazy imagining all the people I saw standing at parades. Clearly people have different experiences of parades, but I've been to MK more times than I can count and I always see tons and tons of people standing--even in the front row. Now, I only go in the less-crowded times, so I can concede that it may be different at Christmas and Easter. But it's still not rude to stand up for a parade.

 

[grimley1968]

Ok, this is starting to get a little odd. The vast majority of people do not sit for a parade. Just google image search magic kingdom parade. Some people are sitting, but many many more are standing.

And yes, I googled it because I was beginning to think I was going crazy imagining all the people I saw standing at parades. Clearly people have different experiences of parades, but I've been to MK more times than I can count and I always see tons and tons of people standing--even in the front row. Now, I only go in the less-crowded times, so I can concede that it may be different at Christmas and Easter. But it's still not rude to stand up for a parade.

You're not crazy. I, too, see many more people standing than sitting. We are not the type of people to sit around and wait for a parade, so we are always a good distance away. Maybe people are sitting on the curb, but it's hard for me to tell from all the standing people in my vicinity.

 

[emldrl]

This thread has convinced me of one thing for sure. We are either going to the handicap area for parades and shows, and if there isn't one, we're getting FP+ for them (I will be on an ECV). There is no way I'm going to wait hours for a parade, and also no way will I get into fights about it. If we can't do either, we will skip it.

 

[siskaren]

Ok, this is starting to get a little odd. The vast majority of people do not sit for a parade.

Then things must have changed since my last trip in 2007. I was just looking at my pictures of the parade at the MVMCP, and everyone in the front (on Main Street) is sitting on the curb - the only standers are behind the sitters.

Similarly, I have pictures of the daytime parade taken in Frontierland, and the people right behind the rope are sitting, even though is means sitting on the ground rather than on a curb - people are only standing behind the sitters.

 

[Laura66]

So let's say the first people on the curb sit. At least that's somewhat easier than sitting on flat cement which is NOT comfortable at all. Who decides which row can stand!! And even if you do sit - what if you still block a child or shorter person's view? What then? If your standing child blocked someone's view would you make them sit or move?

That's all ridiculous!

I've been going to Disney since I was a child and while I usually see the people who have a curb view sit - everyone has always stood for a parade! Do all the onlookers at the Macy's Parade on Christmas or Thanksgiving sit? No!

If you want an unobstructed view of any parade stake a spot out early. If you have children that want to see - get them there early! If you can't- well too bad. Like I mentioned before - my kids didn't see a lot of parades when they were very young because they couldn't sit that long. My kids know that sometimes you don't get to see or do everything.

Same went for rides. We all wait together. None of this mine is too antsy or doesn't like waiting crud. You wait your turn. We pottied them before and if one still had to leave the line a parent left with them and met the rest of the group after.

 

[JennaDeeDooDah]

I did a search for parade photos just to see what it looks like. Here are some photos I found that actually show some of the crowds.

So, going off of these photos, yes, there are some people sitting on the curb. However, there are also many people standing on the front row on the curb. So, to assume that someone is just going to stay seated could lead to you being disappointed and possibly having your view obstructed OR assuming the person will stand could just be wrong. There is no set way that guests do behave nor is there a set way guests are expected to behave. If you wonder, ask.

 

[olwyngdh]

If your standing child blocked someone's view would you make them sit or move?

Yes, I would. And the same for my husband, although he would do it without my having to say something. It is simply good manners.

 

[maxiesmom]

I did a search for parade photos just to see what it looks like. Here are some photos I found that actually show some of the crowds.

So, going off of these photos, yes, there are some people sitting on the curb. However, there are also many people standing on the front row on the curb. So, to assume that someone is just going to stay seated could lead to you being disappointed and possibly having your view obstructed OR assuming the person will stand could just be wrong. There is no set way that guests do behave nor is there a set way guests are expected to behave. If you wonder, ask.

You do realize that some of those are staged photos, right? And many of the pictures you show of guests standing there also shows the lack of a curb to sit on. Which makes it different to begin with. Also, I have never seen that many people standing on the curb in the Magic Kingdom, ever. You can't judge by what are press photos.

 

[lucas]

I just did a Google search and this came up first. A DIS article from 2011 on Disney Parade Viewing Do's and Don'ts:

http://www.wdwinfo.com/columns/disney-parade-viewing-dos-and-donts.cfm

 

[JennaDeeDooDah]

You do realize that some of those are staged photos, right? The block party bash in DS no longer runs. And I have never seen that many people standing on the curb in the Magic Kingdom, ever. You can't judge by what are press photos.

Can I judge by what I've seen? Because I have seen some sitting and many standing. To assume that a person will do one or the other would be a mistake. There is no way to know because either is considered normal parade behavior.

And what difference does it make if Block Party Bash no longer runs? It was still a parade with Disney guests. And if the photos are staged and they told the people to stand for the photos, doesn't that tell you something as well? I'm just stating that people sit and people stand. Saying that everyone does or is expected to do one or the other isn't accurate.