Just A Little Discouraged

[daringstoic]

Whoa...I often ask for a front seat on a ride especially if I'm travelling with a Disney Newbie. I just want them to have the "best" experience possible.

I don't mind waiting a bit and have them fill in the ride and ask me to wait until the next car/boat comes or anything but (ANY CM'S PLEASE FEEL FREE TO RESPOND) I didn't think about it being a pain for the CM's

Is this a Disney no-no? I've asked for the front seat on POTC, RnR and ToT (sometimes I ask for the "jump seat" on ToT for my newbie friends and I don't let them hold onto my lap bar) :drevil:

Anyway...am I being out of line by requesting this? I'd really like to know what Disney guests and CM's think

There is nothing wrong with requesting a specific seat on a ride. It can become stressful for the CMs to try to accommodate everyone's requests if 6 different groups all ask to sit in a particular row at the same time, but that's the CM's job to deal with it. I don't bother to request seats anymore, since I've ridden everything enough times, but I certainly understand doing that. No CM should ever snap at anyone for asking a question.
It did get frustrating working on Splash when people refused to sit in the front of the boat because they were convinced they'd get more wet. However, it was easier to give them a seat in a different row than try to explain that the drops really don't get you wet. It's randomly decided by the position of your boat when the water cannons go off. But I digress...

 

[Laura]

I don't want to read through this whole thread, but just wanted to say one thing.

Please be understanding of parents who have to take a little one out of line to go potty. Little kids cannot tell 30-60 minutes ahead of time when they are going to need to use the bathroom. If 45 minutes into a 60 minute queue a 4 year old suddenly needs to go potty, do you think they should have to leave the line and then go all the way back to the end? It does not affect your wait time at all for them to step out and use the bathroom and then step back in.

This scenario for us doesn't happen often, but occasionally with the 1 hour long lines we have had to step them out of the line for a minute towards the end.

I don't agree though with sending one person ahead to "hold a spot" while the rest of the party goes off to get food or use the bathroom. Everyone in a party should enter the line together. If an emergency arises 20-40 minutes down the road though, there should not be any issue with a person leaving the line for a moment as they've already established their place in the queue.

 

[Laura]

(sometimes I ask for the "jump seat" on ToT for my newbie friends and I don't let them hold onto my lap bar) :drevil:

Sounds like you haven't been to WDW in a long time. :lol:

 

[sublimesting]

The only bad CM experience I ever had was on Peter Pan last year. There were about 30 people in standby which is where we were. Well, when fireworks ended they got flooded with Fastpassers and stopped letting SB in. The CM literally let one group of standby and then 30 fastpassers. Normally, I love fast pass but that was really ticking me off as you had to wait about 8 minutes for each wave of 1 standby and 30 fastpassers. This turned into an hour and 20 minute wait. Finally we get to the turnstile and she puts up the chain and droves of people (and Brazilians) are rushing up and she let through about 100 fastpasers (I counted). I am getting agitated and muttering to my wife. I am standing there for about 15 minutes and now fuming to my wife and I hear the CM say to another CM: "He doesn't get through till my break I don't like the attitude he's giving." The other CM said "You can't do that." and the first CM said "Well, someone else can handle standby cause I'm NOT, they can all stand there till I'm done."
We got let in and I went after this CM to get her name etc and she literally ran away! I think her shift may have been done or something but when that chain dropped she scurried right off and away.

 

[slappy magoo]

The threat, or if required, the use,of physical violence, not only dissuades line jumpers, it also helps reduce inner tensions and gives a brief cardiovascular work out. Princes in exile raising the standard Drambuie Parading their anecdotes tired from old campaigns Holding their own last orders commanding attention We sit here and listen to all of the story so far.

Eh, there's no use trying to complain. When it gets right down to it, there's no one really left to blame.

So I'll blame it on you, you sugar mouse in the rain, you.

So you finally got around to converting the "M's" in your CD collection to mp3 or what?

 

[slappy magoo]

Back on topic, my two cents on the matter are this.

WDW's popularity is a little cyclical. Sometimes attendance isn't as strong as others, though they've been riding a wave for quite some time.

If WDW had to p*** off one group of people to the point of potentially not going back, in deference to another group, I'd much prefer they kick out the a-holes.

I'm sure we've reached a point technologically where a CM can have soe kind of "panic button" on him or herself, and if they're dealing with one or more unruly guests, they can quickly get Security over. Security can tell the troublemaker "let's discuss this somewhere quiet out of the heat, would you like a drink?" Then escort them off-property. Get the word out that WDW doesn't tolerate line-jumpers, verbal or physical abuse from their guests, whiny soccer moms, cocky teens, roided-up goombahs, etc. Behave, or you'll be ejected.

Will that make a few people angry enough to never come back? Possibly, but doubtful. When you've got kids aching to go to WDW, you make the sacrifices.
What WILL happen, however, once that word gets out, is that some people, the kind of polite shiny happy people you WANT around youon a WDW vacation, will be that much happier. They'll be the ones who return more often. That's what will set the chain of events in motion WDW needs to have happen to let civility reign in the parks. Show people who behave well that their behavior is appreciated, by ejecting, NOT rewarding, the jerks who can't behave in public.

And a word of advice, and I'll make it as apolitical as possible, bad behavior is going to get worse. The economy is in the stinkhouse, it's not going to get better any time soon, lots of people are on edge, even when on vacation, especially if it's an expensive vacation. We live in very uncertain times, poll after poll suggests we're neck deep in a malaise, and we have no real stewardhship to get us out of it. People need something to look forward to, a light at the end of the tunnel. For some of us, on a personal level, it might be the vacation we're looking forward to. But then when we're on it, we have to "look forward to" going back to the crapola. Until the economy picks up, and certain other world events straighten out (which could take 50, maybe 100 years), lots of people are going to be more unhappy than happy.

So you listen, with a tear in your eye, to their hopes and betrayals, and your only reply is "Slainte Mhath" (a li'l shout out to P.N.)

 

[CommandoDisney]

nobody should have to deal with abuse. thats why its called "abuse". if it was deserved it would be called "rightful criticism" or "reprimanding". nevertheless, people have bad days. i personally cant recall anytime i had to deal with an abusive CM or even just a cranky one who was going beyond "just doing their job" but im sure it happens. i know that i personally have gotten cranky at my job and even in WDW so it makes sense others would.

that does mean if a CM is yelling at you for no reason to just grin and bear it? no absolutely not, if you didnt do anything wrong. getting just as confrontational with them? no. that sounds like youre looking for a fight. if you are honestly doing what is 100% right, you shouldnt need to put up that much of a fight, because someone around you or another CM could back you up.

one of the most annoying phrases ever is "im paying your salary" unless that it coming from your boss or the head of the company you work for. that is completely ignorant. this is capitalism so technically everyone is paying everyones salary if you want to look at it that way. i work for the government so essentially all of you (americans that is) are paying MY salary. do any of you have any right to demand something of me? not a chance.

 

[slappy magoo]

nobody should have to deal with abuse. thats why its called "abuse". if it was deserved it would be called "rightful criticism" or "reprimanding". nevertheless, people have bad days. i personally cant recall anytime i had to deal with an abusive CM or even just a cranky one who was going beyond "just doing their job" but im sure it happens. i know that i personally have gotten cranky at my job and even in WDW so it makes sense others would.

that does mean if a CM is yelling at you for no reason to just grin and bear it? no absolutely not, if you didnt do anything wrong. getting just as confrontational with them? no. that sounds like youre looking for a fight. if you are honestly doing what is 100% right, you shouldnt need to put up that much of a fight, because someone around you or another CM could back you up.

one of the most annoying phrases ever is "im paying your salary" unless that it coming from your boss or the head of the company you work for. that is completely ignorant. this is capitalism so technically everyone is paying everyones salary if you want to look at it that way. i work for the government so essentially all of you (americans that is) are paying MY salary. do any of you have any right to demand something of me? not a chance.

Why are you here? Shouldn't you be working? CHOP CHOP!
:animwink:

 

[sublimesting]

Why are you here? Shouldn't you be working? CHOP CHOP!
:animwink:

Didn't you read, they work for the government.....:animwink::lookaroun

 

[ArielLover]

Exactly.:lookaroun

Nothing wrong with waiting in line as an adult for Ariel's autograph and picture , is there????:lookaroun:lookaroun:lookaroun

 

[WhatJaneSays]

4. When you chain your stroller to a hand rail, and I call security to cut the chain, How am I an A**Hole?

I haven't see that one in a while ... but I do understand the mentality of it. Being from a high-crime metropolitan area before moving to Florida I had a very hard time getting over how people would just leave things around. In Toledo you learned very quickly that anything not nailed down or chained up was going to be stolen the moment you're out of view.

I'm sure there are some people that, even in an environment like Disney, could never understand how any smart person could just leave a buggy or wheelchair out in the open.

 

[markjohns1]

Whoa...I often ask for a front seat on a ride especially if I'm travelling with a Disney Newbie. I just want them to have the "best" experience possible.



I don't mind waiting a bit and have them fill in the ride and ask me to wait until the next car/boat comes or anything but (ANY CM'S PLEASE FEEL FREE TO RESPOND) I didn't think about it being a pain for the CM's



Is this a Disney no-no? I've asked for the front seat on POTC, RnR and ToT (sometimes I ask for the "jump seat" on ToT for my newbie friends and I don't let them hold onto my lap bar)



Anyway...am I being out of line by requesting this? I'd really like to know what Disney guests and CM's think

It's not really out of line to request this, but there's one thing to understand about the CM with whom you are making this request. A CM who is in a loading or assigning position is in a fast-paced and high pressure spot. Arguably more than any other position, this CM has a direct impact on the hourly ride capacity, which directly impacts the wait time for all of the guests. Having a hold up or something that is causing row/seat/lane assignments to be delayed can cause a series of problems, worst of which would be to send an empty ride vehicle (especially with a line full of people). Also, you're making the other guests already on the ride wait to get off (ever sit and wait on POTC, Test Track, or others?).



As an example, at M:S you have about 2 minutes to move 40 people in varying party sizes to 10 teams of 4. During this time you have to be checking height requirements if needed, answering guest questions, making sure people are listening to your assignments, getting guests in the queue to move forward, and any other odd issue that might come up. Sometimes you have two rooms open at the same time, requiring you to move 80 people in that time. And M:S is one of the easier attractions from what I've heard.



So to sum it up, it's not out of line to request it, but it can bring increased stress to a CM in an already stressful position. Also, if you do make such a request, clear the way as that CM needs to keep the line moving to fill the spots that you didn't want.

 

[Elonwy]

It's not really out of line to request this, but there's one thing to understand about the CM with whom you are making this request. A CM who is in a loading or assigning position is in a fast-paced and high pressure spot. Arguably more than any other position, this CM has a direct impact on the hourly ride capacity, which directly impacts the wait time for all of the guests. Having a hold up or something that is causing row/seat/lane assignments to be delayed can cause a series of problems, worst of which would be to send an empty ride vehicle (especially with a line full of people). Also, you're making the other guests already on the ride wait to get off (ever sit and wait on POTC, Test Track, or others?).



As an example, at M:S you have about 2 minutes to move 40 people in varying party sizes to 10 teams of 4. During this time you have to be checking height requirements if needed, answering guest questions, making sure people are listening to your assignments, getting guests in the queue to move forward, and any other odd issue that might come up. Sometimes you have two rooms open at the same time, requiring you to move 80 people in that time. And M:S is one of the easier attractions from what I've heard.



So to sum it up, it's not out of line to request it, but it can bring increased stress to a CM in an already stressful position. Also, if you do make such a request, clear the way as that CM needs to keep the line moving to fill the spots that you didn't want.

I never really thought about it much before so I'm glad I asked. The rides I generally ask for are the RnR and POTC and I usually just say when I get to the front of the line "can I wait for the next boat and have a front seat?"

They usually just tell me to go behind whoever is just getting in the front seat for this ride or ask me to stand aside until they fill up once then tell me to go to the front.

I haven't had any CM's so much as roll their eyes or even look a little peeved at me so I didn't think about it causing problems for them. I guess I just wasn't aware of the entire scope of their job.

 

[TinkerbellK]

on the chaining on strollers/wheelchairs

I haven't see that one in a while ... but I do understand the mentality of it. Being from a high-crime metropolitan area before moving to Florida I had a very hard time getting over how people would just leave things around. In Toledo you learned very quickly that anything not nailed down or chained up was going to be stolen the moment you're out of view.

I'm sure there are some people that, even in an environment like Disney, could never understand how any smart person could just leave a buggy or wheelchair out in the open.

i too understand both sides of the problem. there are times you cannot bring a wheelchair into a line (like POTC). same with strollers. i have a bike lock on my wheelchair to secure it if i have to leave it. however, i lock the wheel to the frame so it cant roll off without me. maybe this is something people can do with strollers. it can be moved a short distance, but not too far.

however i am glad when people remove strollers from handrails. when i am not in my wheelchair i often rely on handrails to keep me upright. i do not want to have to detour around strollers!

 

[WDWKat26]

It just makes me scared to think about what our world is turning into. It happens every day with the Entertainment Cast, we have guests threaten physical violence against our attendants because they have to wait 3 minutes for Mickey to get a glass of water. What they don't know, is that Mickey will be even more energized and focused when he comes back, because YOUR kid will be the first child and not the last of an exhausting 30 or 45 minute set!

The worst part is, when people are rude and then complain, "Where's the Disney magic now?" Well, it's hard to produce magic when someone is a jerk! You can put perfume on a pile of ________, but in the end, it's still ________ and the stench will soon outstink the perfume. If you catch my drift...

 

[Elonwy]

Sounds like you haven't been to WDW in a long time. :lol:

was there last in Sept 2007 and March 2007, why?

 

[WDWKat26]

Also, I just thought of something. At Grad Night on the Maps, there was a verbal warning that if there was any kind of misbehaving that the kids WOULD be thrown out of the park. Honestly, it needs to be that way now on ALL park maps. In my honest opinion I think there needs to be a "Disney Park Etiquette" book and i'd like to write the section on Character Meet and Greeting.

 

[joanna71985]

Whoa...I often ask for a front seat on a ride especially if I'm travelling with a Disney Newbie. I just want them to have the "best" experience possible.

I don't mind waiting a bit and have them fill in the ride and ask me to wait until the next car/boat comes or anything but (ANY CM'S PLEASE FEEL FREE TO RESPOND) I didn't think about it being a pain for the CM's

Is this a Disney no-no? I've asked for the front seat on POTC, RnR and ToT (sometimes I ask for the "jump seat" on ToT for my newbie friends and I don't let them hold onto my lap bar) :drevil:

Anyway...am I being out of line by requesting this? I'd really like to know what Disney guests and CM's think

Nope, it's not a problem.

Nothing wrong with waiting in line as an adult for Ariel's autograph and picture , is there????:lookaroun:lookaroun:lookaroun

No, of course not!

It just makes me scared to think about what our world is turning into. It happens every day with the Entertainment Cast, we have guests threaten physical violence against our attendants because they have to wait 3 minutes for Mickey to get a glass of water. What they don't know, is that Mickey will be even more energized and focused when he comes back, because YOUR kid will be the first child and not the last of an exhausting 30 or 45 minute set!

The worst part is, when people are rude and then complain, "Where's the Disney magic now?" Well, it's hard to produce magic when someone is a jerk! You can put perfume on a pile of ________, but in the end, it's still ________ and the stench will soon outstink the perfume. If you catch my drift...

Tell me about it.

 

[sarabi]

Um nope. You may not understand that expression. But its cool, Id still be there.

Quote cynicall: Nope. Disney is.

Well, Im paying to be there, they are getting paid to be there.

Quote DisneyAnole: Then maybe you should pay them more. Ever heard the expression, 'You get what you pay for?'

No offense, but you sound about as belligerent as the CM in the Dinosaur story.

And thats cool, doesnt bother me. Have a cm negatively cross me and Ill be as belligerent as I want.

A little visualization here:

You are in line for a ride but you can't get on because the loading CM is engaged with an argument with a guest who won't shut up or stand down and therefor can't load. Would this bother you? Or am I to understand you are paying to be in Disneyworld not only to "shut the ride down" if need be, but also to deal with other guests who feel like "shutting the ride down" for their own reasons? Am I to understand you'd rather pay a CM to argue with you than to help you load onto a ride?

Did you consider that you may anger people other than the CM by "shutting the ride down"? Cuz to be honest, the CM most likely doesn't give a crap, but the guests... the other guests who paid to be there? Yeah, they will be pretty ticked at you. And this in addition to your behavior will the CM will get you at least escorted out of the queue.

But thank you for demonstrating a crucial point in this thread: People these days really don't see beyond themselves. Add that to a sense of entitlement and yes, they are difficult to deal with. All you can do is forget about these people and hope they someday see past their 13 year old mentalities.

 

[daringstoic]

Also, I just thought of something. At Grad Night on the Maps, there was a verbal warning that if there was any kind of misbehaving that the kids WOULD be thrown out of the park. Honestly, it needs to be that way now on ALL park maps. In my honest opinion I think there needs to be a "Disney Park Etiquette" book and i'd like to write the section on Character Meet and Greeting.

We used to joke at work that they should convert the train station into a theater and require all guests to sit through an etiquette seminar before being allowed to enter the park. We had a whole list of points that would be included in the presentation, for which we volunteered to write the script. For some reason, our managers never passed this suggestion on to their higher-ups...:drevil:
It included:
1. Trash Cans 101
2. The Concept of the Height Requirement
3. Respect for Others
4. Advanced Queuing
5. Methods of FastPass Usage
6. Counting to 10: How to Determine the Size of your Party
7. Following Simple Instructions: Seminar on Row Numbers
8. The Use of Sunscreen
9. Loading and Unloading from Ride Vehicles
10. Proper Character Interaction