Disney Knowledge...there is a Right place and a right time

[Innoventions]

A week ago, I came back from an amazing trip to the world with my friends, all of them being first timers, it made the trip that more fun. We had a blast, and even though I "knew" more then them when it came to the parks I let them guide me, instead of me guiding them. Lets just say its awesome to experience the parks with and as a "first time guest"

One issue I did have was someone that we ran into on a monorail back to the TTC one night. While we were waiting in line, my friend being the sarcastic self he is stated, "i heard your only allowed to ride the monorail if you stayed at the Contemporary" (btw we were not staying at the Contemporary), knowing full well this is false. Our group had a laugh, but a women behind us chimed in and stated "the monorail is for everyone". Now, we all knew this in my group, and it was us joking around, but this women felt it was necessary to chime in, and in a know it all way. My friends, knowing that I was on a disney park message board stated "Oh, she must be a senior member". Funny thing is I cant help but believe them. She continued in the monorail too. Boasting her Disney knowledge. My friends didnt appreciate it and neither did I.

My question is, do you know or have seen people do this in the parks. And is there a right and wrong time to do it. I myself am very knowledgeable about the parks, and read up on them regularly but I dont go around and announce and act like i know everything because I dont, and I know its annoying. So again, is there an appropriate time, and have you witnessed this?

 

[rsoxguy]

A week ago, I came back from an amazing trip to the world with my friends, all of them being first timers, it made the trip that more fun. We had a blast, and even though I "knew" more then them when it came to the parks I let them guide me, instead of me guiding them. Lets just say its awesome to experience the parks with and as a "first time guest"

One issue I did have was someone that we ran into on a monorail back to the TTC one night. While we were waiting in line, my friend being the sarcastic self he is stated, "i heard your only allowed to ride the monorail if you stayed at the Contemporary" (btw we were not staying at the Contemporary), knowing full well this is false. Our group had a laugh, but a women behind us chimed in and stated "the monorail is for everyone". Now, we all knew this in my group, and it was us joking around, but this women felt it was necessary to chime in, and in a know it all way. My friends, knowing that I was on a disney park message board stated "Oh, she must be a senior member". Funny thing is I cant help but believe them. She continued in the monorail too. Boasting her Disney knowledge. My friends didnt appreciate it and neither did I.

My question is, do you know or have seen people do this in the parks. And is there a right and wrong time to do it. I myself am very knowledgeable about the parks, and read up on them regularly but I dont go around and announce and act like i know everything because I dont, and I know its annoying. So again, is there an appropriate time, and have you witnessed this?

Not to get all Miss Manners here (because, you know, I'm a guy), but the most appropriate time to offer information is directly after information is requested. Otherwise, silence is golden.

 

[Epic Epcot]

I keep my Disney knowledge within my group, it's none of my business to "correct" other people.

 

[happymom52003]

I keep my Disney knowledge within my group, it's none of my business to "correct" other people.

I agree. Sometimes I have a really hard time holding my tongue, but unless I am asked, I keep quite. The funniest thing though is when someone chimes in to give you or someone else advice and it is totally wrong information. On our last trip, we had a very long wait in the airport due to a delayed flight, and this guy sitting next to me in the terminal was giving unsolicited advice to another family next to him...and the amount of incorrect info he was giving them was insane. I REALLY had a hard time keeping my mouth shut!

 

[MKCP 1985]

My friends, knowing that I was on a disney park message board stated "Oh, she must be a senior member".

:lol: I love that!

Yeah, most of us didn't know all the details and secrets and shortcuts the first time we went. It is fun figuring out some of that stuff on your own.

Some friends and family will ask for some advice and others don't. Fine with me either way!

 

[kaos]

My wife makes fun of me for all my knowledge, but at the same time, calls me to ask for advice for her friends that are going. But all in all, I agree with rsoxguy- only answer when asked.

 

[wdwmemories]

Agree! Having so much Disney Info rolling in your head is only good when people ask for it (or for your own pesonal enjoyment). I have gotten 'the look' from family and friends when offering a tip when it was not requested. Lesson learned.

 

[marni1971]

It happens quite a lot. Best was last year sat beind someone on the TTA who was telling his companion all about the forthcoming enhancements to Space Mountain as we rode thru it. I just sat back and smiled....

 

[Pioneer Hall]

I keep it to myself and my group unless I hear someone in a nearby group ask a simple question that I know I can answer to make their lives easier. I also have been known to approach people looking at park maps as if they were safari guides and help them find where they need to go. It does drive me insane though when you are standing in line with a "Disney Expert" who has the knowledge of a bus driver.

 

[Tomi-Rocket]

I have only spoken up when I may have overheard someone or people wondering about something. That's the only time I would say anything without being asked directly. I hope beyond hope that I don't sound like a know-it-all, I just try to be as friendly as possible.

 

[CoffeeJedi]

Just a few minutes ago I overheard some coworkers talking about WDW. Nothing specific, just saying how much fun it is, and that they'd rather be there than here. I could make out something about a past vacation and how they had fun.

It took everything in my power not to leap over the cubical wall- "Hey! You guys talking about a trip to Disney!?!? Any questions?!?!?!"

Instead I just smiled and put on my headphones.

 

[wizards8507]

Just a few minutes ago I overheard some coworkers talking about WDW. Nothing specific, just saying how much fun it is, and that they'd rather be there than here. I could make out something about a past vacation and how they had fun.

It took everything in my power not to leap over the cubical wall- "Hey! You guys talking about a trip to Disney!?!? Any questions?!?!?!" :-D

Instead I just smiled and put on my headphones.

I think overhearing conversations is relatively painless because your have the option of grinning and carrying on. The real challenge comes when you're actually in a conversation about the World and people try to give YOU tips or boast their incorrect knowledge.

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

I know everything and feel it only right I share that knowledge with those less fortunate.

 

[Master Yoda]

Not to get all Miss Manners here (because, you know, I'm a guy), but the most appropriate time to offer information is directly after information is requested. Otherwise, silence is golden.

This is pretty much the rule I follow. The only time I give advice unsolicited is when I see someone getting ready to make a mistake like heading toward the monorail when they want to go to Wilderness Lodge.

 

[ThinkTink721]

I try to only offer my WDW opinions or knowledge when asked...I have found that some people don't react well to "advice". :zipit: :wave:

 

[Monty]

I guess I'm a busy-body. :shrug:

If I were to overhear someone saying that only guests staying at Contemporary could use the monorail I would correct them. Politely and without interrupting, but if I can overhear them so can others who might not know and could believe them.

I also volunteer information when I overhear someone say something blatantly wrong that would/could interfere with someone else's enjoyment. As an example, I overheard a woman telling her children during Expedition Everest soft openings that they couldn't ride because only Annual Passholders were allowed. I pointed out to the family that I'd been riding all day and just had regular tickets. If she didn't want to ride, that's fine, but if she was lying to her children about it I have no problem calling her out on it. :shrug:

If you know something and can help a guest who is misinformed, why wouldn't you?

 

[mousefan1972]

This is pretty much the rule I follow. The only time I give advice unsolicited is when I see someone getting ready to make a mistake like heading toward the monorail when they want to go to Wilderness Lodge.

Yep, I do the same. In fact the only time I can recall my saying something to complete strangers was last Christmas. It was quite late and we were on the monorail from Epcot to the TTC. As the train pulled into the station, I overheard a woman ask her husband (they had 3 young kids) if they needed to get off. The husband said no, that the train would go to their hotel next. And they continued to sit there as the train emptied out. The kids looked exhausted. I don't normally speak up, but I did then, and told the parents that the train was going back to Epcot. The Dad looked at me like I was crazy. I assured them that the train they were on went only to the TTC and Epcot, and if they wanted to go anywhere else, they had to get off. They eventually did, and the Mom thanked me as we exited.

Otherwise, I keep my big mouth shut.

 

[hooters dude]

I know a fair bit about Disney. When in the parks I often hear nonesense being talked but it's not my business to correct people. Often my wife will look at me when we overhear people make claims about things like which is the older attraction etc, she can usually tell from my face whether I know and if they're right or not. We keep it between ourselves.

 

[harveyt0206]

I tend to keep my information to myself. I have learned from experience that even though I have a fair amount of Disney knowledge, I too have mis-information. And trust me, people are happiest when they can tell you how wrong you are about something that you thought was correct. Who knows how we learn bad information, but while I feel comfortable with the big, easy questions, i.e) "the 3:00 parade starts at, well, 3:00", I tend to keep my opinions to myself.

 

[raven]

I was sitting outside of Earl of Sandwich last summer near a group of college ages kids. One of them was obviously a CP trying to inform everyone of all of the things he knew about the place. But in fact most of his information was wrong but I just chuckled.