Annoying parents who put their kids on shoulders

[SamatBCV]

I can relate to you, but then there are lots of adults that will stand right in front of kids and not move for them. danna

I have a little girl and I don't put her on my shoulders for the fireworks cause I can just hold her level with me and she can see as well as I, but I generally don't fault people for putting kids up on their shoulders. Even in the biggest crowds, I've never had a hard time moving enough so I have a good view.

 

[BwanaBob]

I just throw the kids in Country Bears while I watch the fireworks.

Nobody's view is blocked...

...and plenty of inappropriateness to go around.

 

[capellt]

I agree I ran into the same problem twice. I do see their point they are wanting their kids to be able to see the show so I totally understand but it is anoying. I finally gave up trying to record it. I have found several places on the net to download high-resolution videos of all rides and shows.

http://www.dc-torrents.com/

that are always better in quality than what I could have recorded. I just try and enjoy the show. Cause sometimes if you spend all your time trying to record and take photos of every show, ride and attraction you loose the bigger picture of just being on vacation and taking it easy.

 

[One Lil Spark]

I just throw the kids in Country Bears while I watch the fireworks.

Nobody's view is blocked...

...and plenty of inappropriateness to go around.

:dazzle: :lol: Actually laughed out loud for only like the 10th time total since being on these boards. Nice.

 

[joelleharbert]

I don't even care about the video. I just want to be able to see. I'm only 5'9, and when a parent, even at the same height as me puts their child on their shoulders, it adds 2-3 feet to their height. Therefore you have 7-8 ft of combined height in front of you. That is a problem.

It really is frustrating when you've waited for what you feel like is a good spot, and it looks like a great spot because you can see perfectly. Then, all of the sudden, someone right in front of you hoists their child up on their shoulders and you can't see. I guess as long as people are courteous and try to move so that everyone can see, I don't mind too much, but really, it isn't all about your child. There are other people in the park too.

You're only 5"9'? Did you even read that I was 5"2' and I'm not complaining. And I realize there are other people in the park. This thread has been dragging on for far too long. Nothing you can do about. Get over it and move on!!!:hammer:

 

[joelleharbert]

That sounds like an excellent solution. I would gladly let ANY well-behaved child stand or sit in front of me if it would allow them to see. If the parents would all have the courtousy to stand back like you said, then everyone could see because all of the parents would be able to see over the children.

Amen to both of you!!!! Finally someone with sense!:sohappy:

 

[joelleharbert]

That sounds like an excellent solution. I would gladly let ANY well-behaved child stand or sit in front of me if it would allow them to see. If the parents would all have the courtousy to stand back like you said, then everyone could see because all of the parents would be able to see over the children.

Amen to both of you!!!! Finally someone with sense!:sohappy:

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

Far better to put kids into care or sandwiches

 

[nelsonj3]

Excellent points! I miss all of those things too. But, unfortunately, there are now lots of people in the good old USA who are just too lazy to do any of the things that you mentioned.

To be fair, there are also lots of people who are still great parents and still raise well-behaved children.

Not to get too off topic here but....Do you know what I miss?

I miss the days when parents disciplined their children for not obeying them. I miss parents who actually kept their children within a few very short feet of them. I miss people who are courteous. I miss people who understood the difference between a right and a priveledge. I miss people who say excuse me or i'm sorry without a sarcastic tone. I miss people who walk on the right. I miss people who have respect for other people. I miss people who use their strollers for their babies and very small children to ride in instead of using them as rolling luggae carts for their 10 year olds.

I could go one here but I think you all get the idea. Every generation has lamented that the next one is more rude than the previous. Some people think it is just selective memory. I think we just stop noticing how things have changed because it is easier than admitting we have become more callous and jaded over the years.

 

[CAPTAIN HOOK]

Far better to put kids into care or sandwiches

At last - a sensible solution - kids under the age of 80 MUST be accompanied by their parents :animwink:

 

[disneydude2000]

I agree that kids sitting on parents' shoulders is annoying. However, it doesn't usually bother me too much unless the people in question are standing right in front of me (or if they have pushed their way in front of me).

I also agree that it isn't safe. To those parents who do put their children on their shoulders: How would you feel if your child suddenly lost their grip/balance, or they accidentally fell for any reason at all? Even if you aren't particularly tall, the injury to a small child could be very severe. Is it really worth that just so they can see the fireworks a little better?

My parents never put me or my younger siblings on their shoulders, and we have been visiting WDW since I was very young. In fact, my little brother once asked my dad to put him on his shoulders since several other kids were on their parents' shoulders, but my dad said no and explained that if he did that, other people wouldn't be able to see. Then, we got creative and everyone shifted around a bit so that my little brother could see. I guess my parents always taught me to always be courteous and polite to other people. Some parents these days don't even know the meaning of those words.

I think it is perfectly fine to try to be sure that your child enjoys his/her WDW Vacation to the fullest. However, it isn't okay to do so at the expense of other guests or at the child's safety. I've also seen parents allow their children to sit or stand on railings in order to get better views of shows and parades. Usually and luckily, a CM will come by to tell the children not to stand or sit on the railings. However, it is sad that the parents let the children do it in the first place.

Also, someone mentioned above that WDW is really all for kids. This couldn't be further from the truth. WDW is for everyone. When Walt imagined both WDW and Disneyland, he imagined parks where both parents and children could enjoy themselves together. Therefore, it isn't all about the kids, it's about everyone who comes to the parks.

Thank you so much at least someone saw the reason for my post and i agree with you totally

 

[niteobsrvr]

Early on in this duscussion , people were mentioning that Disney was for kids. However, the following article and quote are more reflective of my experience at Disney.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060725/us_nm/life_rejuvenile_dc

"In two years of research, Noxon found that half of the people who visit Disneyworld are adults without kids, making the theme park the most popular adult vacation destination in the world..."

I don't know his research methods so lets not get into a big arugment about that. Just take it for what it is, a studied observation that not everyone is coming to Disney for their children.

 

[wedway71]

so it's unfair that God gifted me with the height of 6'3" and that I might block someone's view? Just because I'm tall means I have to move to the back of the sidewalk? Is my family supposed to move back with me so that none of them can see or am I supposed to move by myself while they stay in the front? I'll not push in front of you, but if I take the time to hold a spot because we want to view a parade or fireworks unobstructed, it's a big park--find yourself another spot.

Im only 5 foot 8-can I sit on your shoulders???????

 

[ilovepluto23]

Early on in this duscussion , people were mentioning that Disney was for kids. However, the following article and quote are more reflective of my experience at Disney.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060725/us_nm/life_rejuvenile_dc

"In two years of research, Noxon found that half of the people who visit Disneyworld are adults without kids, making the theme park the most popular adult vacation destination in the world..."

I don't know his research methods so lets not get into a big arugment about that. Just take it for what it is, a studied observation that not everyone is coming to Disney for their children.

Disney really does appeal to a broad range of ages. It's a resort though, unlike the theme parks which tend to be more "child oriented" (with their kiddie section, and teenagers/young adults with the thrill rides).
There are lots of things for adults of all ages too.
I'm not surprised that Disney is one of the top adult vacation destinations.

I did mention that Disney was for kids. What I mean is that when you're a kid, Disney is just so magical...it's like the world we wish was reality. And for us who grew up with Disney it still feels that way when you go there...no matter your age. So in a respect, Disney is for kids...b/c even if you're up there in age...it still brings out the kid in you

 

[Siege898]

disney should just have bleachers and based on your height you stand on a different level so everyone has an unobstructed view :brick:

come on guys almost everyone has to have a partly obstructed view.

 

[wedway71]

Im going to get some Inspector Gadget shoes with the springs for when someone blocks my view.:sohappy:

 

[kag1984]

I don't like kids on parents shoulders... but that's just cause it makes me so nervous. I still remember walking down Sunset Blvd at MGM and hearing the sickening sound of a little girl falling off her dad's shoulders and cracking her head on the pavement... and then the screams. Just thinking about it makes my stomach all queesy. But I do understand that parents want their kids to see the shows and parades, but I much prefer the parents holding their kids in their arms infront of them. I think it's much safer, and it doesn't block the view for everybody else behind them.

 

[Marge10369]

I don't like kids on parents shoulders... but that's just cause it makes me so nervous. I still remember walking down Sunset Blvd at MGM and hearing the sickening sound of a little girl falling off her dad's shoulders and cracking her head on the pavement... and then the screams. Just thinking about it makes my stomach all queesy. But I do understand that parents want their kids to see the shows and parades, but I much prefer the parents holding their kids in their arms infront of them. I think it's much safer, and it doesn't block the view for everybody else behind them.

I agree with you about it being a safety issue. During our trip in 2000 we were watching a prade in MK - I was trying to stay out of the way of the crush of the crowd because I had recently had my knee operated on and was still a bit slow in moving.........well a man with a little girl on his shoulder was jockying aroud to get a better position - stepped on a cookie someone had dropped and started to fall - well I was able to block his fall - his little girl did not fall - but I did and reinjured my knee and spent the rest of my vacation in a good deal of pain. Funny thing he never even said I'm sorry or even excuse me.

 

[disneypearl]

Im going to get some Inspector Gadget shoes with the springs for when someone blocks my view.:sohappy:

Now I am going to have the Inspector Gadget song in my head.

 

[niteobsrvr]

Disney really does appeal to a broad range of ages. It's a resort though, unlike the theme parks which tend to be more "child oriented" (with their kiddie section, and teenagers/young adults with the thrill rides).
There are lots of things for adults of all ages too.
I'm not surprised that Disney is one of the top adult vacation destinations.

I did mention that Disney was for kids. What I mean is that when you're a kid, Disney is just so magical...it's like the world we wish was reality. And for us who grew up with Disney it still feels that way when you go there...no matter your age. So in a respect, Disney is for kids...b/c even if you're up there in age...it still brings out the kid in you

Something interesting just occurred to me. While Walt intended the Disney parks for children and adults alike, if you look at the story behind the creation of the parks and its context, he was really building something for adults. To substantiate my theory I submit the following quotes from Mr. Disney:


"Your dead if you aim only for kids. Adults are only kids grown up, anyway. "

"Why do we have to grow up? I know more adults who have the children's approach to life. They're people who don't give a hang what the Joneses do. You see them at Disneyland every time you go there. They are not afraid to be delighted with simple pleasures, and they have a degree of contentment with what life has brought - sometimes it isn't much, either."

"I go right straight out for the adult. As I say, for the honest adult. Not the sophisticates. Not these characters that think they know everything and you can't thrill them anymore. I go for those people that retain that something, you know, no matter how old they are; that little spirit of adventure, that appreciation of the world of fantasy and things like that. I go for them. I play to them. There's a lot of them. You know? "

“Saturday was always ‘Daddy’s Day’ with the two daughters,” Walt recalled in a 1963 interview. “So we’d start out and try and go someplace . . . I’d take them to the merry-go-round and I took them different places and as I’d sit while they rode the merry-go-round and did all these things - - I felt that there should be something built, some sort of amusement enterprise, where the parents and the children could have fun together. So that’s how Disneyland started . . . it all started from a daddy with two daughters wondering where he could take them where he could have a little fun with them, too.”

Here is a little video I found regarding Disneyland. (I hope the link works)

Disneyland Video