Not so magical

[Blackburn23]

Sorry I put my kids on my sholders for all shows. Being 39 inches tall makes it hard to see and they deserve to see and experience the magic just like the adults standing g in front of them. I am not rude or purposely blocking a view but will always continue to do so as the magic to them is real and I pay to endure that they feel it and experience it.

 

[raven]

Thankfully neither I nor a family member has ever been more than tapped by someone in a ECV.

Consider yourself lucky then.

I was sitting on a bench on the curb at Hollywood Studios a couple of years ago waiting for a friend to arrive. 2 women in ECV's pulled up right in front of me and I had to move my feet to get out of the way. They didn't know each other (apparently) but were trying to take a photo of a squirl under the bench I was on. The woman in the front ECV then backed into the ECV behind her and a screaming match then pursued. All the time I am sitting there, unable to move out of the way, while they attracted the attention of everyone walking by.

 

[draybook]

Consider yourself lucky then.

I was sitting on a bench on the curb at Hollywood Studios a couple of years ago waiting for a friend to arrive. 2 women in ECV's pulled up right in front of me and I had to move my feet to get out of the way. They didn't know each other (apparently) but were trying to take a photo of a squirl under the bench I was on. The woman in the front ECV then backed into the ECV behind her and a screaming match then pursued. All the time I am sitting there, unable to move out of the way, while they attracted the attention of everyone walking by.

I've always been amused at the way people go bananas when they see a squirrel at a theme park, as if they just spotted the Loch Ness monster or something.

 

[raven]

I've always been amused at the way people go bananas when they see a squirrel at a theme park, as if they just spotted the Loch Ness monster or something.

First year DAK was open I went on the Safari and barely saw any animals. The woman next to me shoved me out of the way to capture a bird on camera because she was determined to see something I guess.

 

[The Empress Lilly]

So . . . you want to ban selfie sticks, iPads, kids on shoulders, mobility scooters, the "basically just fat", and of course, those villains- the dawdlers.

What part of communist Soviet Russia is this park going into?

Sounds like the WDW of Reagan's America to me.

 

[NelsonRD]

Except that rules mean nothing if you don't enforce them, and that IS Disney's fault.

My question is how? How are you going to ban or enforce CM's from being grumpy? More pay will not do it. Sure it will the first day or two, but that is about it. Then what? Fire them? That will start many evil Disney threads about how Disney is putting the poor cast members in the unemployment line to save a buck. How are you going to enforce no flash photography on a ride? Stop it? Make them get off? If they banned ipads and selfie sticks, this board would light up with how Disney took away their photography devices so they would be forced into purchasing memory makers. Oh the greed.....

In theory it sounds nice to create laws for a perfect world, but the reality of it is, we do not live in a perfect world.

 

[draybook]

My question is how? How are you going to ban or enforce CM's from being grumpy? More pay will not do it. Sure it will the first day or two, but that is about it. Then what? Fire them? That will start many evil Disney threads about how Disney is putting the poor cast members in the unemployment line to save a buck. How are you going to enforce no flash photography on a ride? Stop it? Make them get off? If they banned ipads and selfie sticks, this board would light up with how Disney took away their photography devices so they would be forced into purchasing memory makers. Oh the greed.....

In theory it sounds nice to create laws for a perfect world, but the reality of it is, we do not live in a perfect world.

It's not my job to devise methods of enforcement. However, of all of the things you listed, no flash photography on certain attractions is the only one that is an actual policy.

And I don't see how not having a selfie stick would stop you from taking pictures. And as far as tablets go, why on earth would people not want to take something more convenient, like a phone or an actual camera....I just don't understand that type of thinking.

 

[DisneyGirl3820]

*Ban mobility scooters unless there's a genuine disability or ailment that requires one. I lost count of the amount I saw that were basically just fat. Yes I know they might have a medical condition but let's be honest, they probably haven't.

Thanks for saying what many of us feel with regards to the scooters. Our last trip was a disaster between the scooters and the strollers. We were hit in the back of our legs with quite a few strollers and yelled at by people in scooters to "clear the way." We also got stuck behind countless double-strollers when we were trying desperately to get to the First Aid station for my daughter. We got dirty looks from a few people because we walked around the strollers. Hoping the new hub helps with this because it's really unsafe when the path is completely blocked by strollers and there is no way to get around.

 

[NelsonRD]

It's not my job to devise methods of enforcement. However, of all of the things you listed, no flash photography on certain attractions is the only one that is an actual policy.

And I don't see how not having a selfie stick would stop you from taking pictures. And as far as tablets go, why on earth would people not want to take something more convenient, like a phone or an actual camera....I just don't understand that type of thinking.

It doesn't matter. People are going to do things, policy or not. Just like another post on this thread claimed they were going to put their kids on their shoulders no matter what, so addressing him in that situation is going to be confrontational, and 'less magical'. I highly doubt, that somebody is going to say, oh sorry, and stop doing whatever it is that is annoying you.

I am not defending iPads, or selfie sticks. I am just going on an extreme on how people are going to complain if they can't, and others complain when they do.

I find it funny that the ones who do not offer any solutions are often the first to complain and criticize what is being done.

 

[flynnibus]

My question is how? How are you going to ban or enforce CM's from being grumpy? More pay will not do it. Sure it will the first day or two, but that is about it. Then what? Fire them? That will start many evil Disney threads about how Disney is putting the poor cast members in the unemployment line to save a buck. How are you going to enforce no flash photography on a ride? Stop it? Make them get off? If they banned ipads and selfie sticks, this board would light up with how Disney took away their photography devices so they would be forced into purchasing memory makers. Oh the greed.....

In theory it sounds nice to create laws for a perfect world, but the reality of it is, we do not live in a perfect world.

Oh please

Excuses excuses. The lack of evidence is not what holds Disney back.

 

[raven]

My question is how? How are you going to ban or enforce CM's from being grumpy?

They did it about 15 years ago. Why not now?

Management needs do less walking around with a trash picker and trading pins and start being leaders.

MK rope drop at the Hub in 1998: A CM is standing on the opposite side of the rope, not conversing with anyone, dark sunglasses on and wearing a scowl on his face. Manager pulls him aside to talk to him. When the CM returns he removes his sunglasses, steps on the guest side of the rope with a smile on his face and is suddenly cheerful and full of conversation.

It worked then. But the current way it's being run is stuck in the I-Don't-Care mode.

 

[NelsonRD]

Oh please

Excuses excuses. The lack of evidence is not what holds Disney back.

What does that post mean? I have no idea what your point is?

I am not making excuses. I am just stating that you can make all the laws and policies you want, people are still going to be rude, and almost impossible to enforce.

 

[draybook]

It doesn't matter. People are going to do things, policy or not. Just like another post on this thread claimed they were going to put their kids on their shoulders no matter what, so addressing him in that situation is going to be confrontational, and 'less magical'. I highly doubt, that somebody is going to say, oh sorry, and stop doing whatever it is that is annoying you.

I am not defending iPads, or selfie sticks. I am just going on an extreme on how people are going to complain if they can't, and others complain when they do.

I find it funny that the ones who do not offer any solutions are often the first to complain and criticize what is being done.

Odd, I don't see your solution posted here....

And I'm not sure on how to curtail flash photography short of booting them the first time. I'm not against the idea, but I don't think it's realistic.

 

[NelsonRD]

Odd, I don't see your solution posted here....

And I'm not sure on how to curtail flash photography short of booting them the first time. I'm not against the idea, but I don't think it's realistic.

That's funny. I didn't post a solution. My point was not to post a solution. My point was no matter what, people are going to complain. If they make an announcement to stop, people are going to get upset over bad show. If they stop the ride, it ruined the experience. If they put glass up so the flash reflects and prevents pictures, people are going to try anyways. All they while people are complaining.

Maybe, my solution would be to put a strike on your magic band every time your caught doing it, and after 3 strikes, your locked out of your hotel room and told to go home......

 

[flynnibus]

What does that post mean? I have no idea what your point is?

I am not making excuses. I am just stating that you can make all the laws and policies you want, people are still going to be rude, and almost impossible to enforce.

It's not impossible. You set a standard and punish those that fail to meet it. If you cause a disruption to other guests that is significant enough Disney should address it to the offender and back it up. Instead Disney takes them aside and apologizes and hands them fastpasses.

Every person in the park has a ticket to id them. Use a demerit system and eject problem people.

Yes there are impossible standards, yet Disney doesn't even enforce the most basic one your neighborhood deli would.

It's rooted in disney's lack of training and trust in its employees convoluted with a misguided sense of customer service.

 

[flynnibus]

That's funny. I didn't post a solution. My point was not to post a solution. My point was no matter what, people are going to complain. If they make an announcement to stop, people are going to get upset over bad show. If they stop the ride, it ruined the experience. If they put glass up so the flash reflects and prevents pictures, people are going to try anyways. All they while people are complaining.

Maybe, my solution would be to put a strike on your magic band every time your caught doing it, and after 3 strikes, your locked out of your hotel room and told to go home......

Simple... Watch the video... Confront txt people after they get off and dress the issue with them. If they are repeat offenders then discipline them by ejecting them. It's not impossible, Disney simply doesn't care enough to want to confront guests.

 

[NelsonRD]

It's not impossible. You set a standard and punish those that fail to meet it. If you cause a disruption to other guests that is significant enough Disney should address it to the offender and back it up. Instead Disney takes them aside and apologizes and hands them fastpasses.

Every person in the park has a ticket to id them. Use a demerit system and eject problem people.

Yes there are impossible standards, yet Disney doesn't even enforce the most basic one your neighborhood deli would.

It's rooted in disney's lack of training and trust in its employees convoluted with a misguided sense of customer service.

I think from a business standpoint, Disney has to tread cautiously in this area, and they know this. Disney has made national news in the past for simply telling people what they were wearing was inappropriate. Or when a cast member moved his hand to block a kid from unzipping his suit, and being accused of 'punching' the 'poor kid'.

Unfortunately, it seems the ones that cause the most problems have the loudest voice.

 

[tribbleorlfl]

*Ban adults from putting kids on their shoulders during shows.

You know, I see this one pop up frequently on threads and "top Disney annoyances" polls (along with the related stroller and "kiddifying" of Disney comments) and I get a hearty chuckle everytime I see it. Why? Because they're typically made by people who either don't have kids or are older parents who don't remember what it was like to have small children.

Do you have any idea why a lot of parents result to putting their kids on their shoulders? Because adults who crowd front rows and prime viewing locations of said shows (parades, fireworks, etc) and then treat any attempts by the shorter set to get in front of them as incursions on their national borders. Honestly, it has been my experience that the only people that let kids in front of them so they can see are other people with kids.

A sampling of actual comments my son and daughter have been subjected to in previous years while politely asking for some room to squeeze in:
"Don't you touch me."
"I don't think so."
"If you wanted to see the parade, you should have gotten here sooner."
"..." This guy I thought was especially rude because he spent the entire parade on his smart phone and just stared at my son's futile attempts to get by him with a smirk.

So, up on our shoulders they went.

Sure, anyone who does this should be aware of their surroundings and do their best to not negatively impact other's viewing experiences, I just find it ironic you (and others) are railing against parents for blocking the views of people behind them but not those in front that are blocking kid's views. As long as Disney doesn't provide dedicated "kids only" sections for all shows and allows inconsiderate adults to hog all frontal viewing spots, I reject calls to prevent kids from being able to enjoy the parks like everyone else.

Not speaking for everyone here but my wife is wheelchair bound much of the time and we refuse to use ECVs for the same reasons many here complain about them. Most users don't know what they are doing on them, driving them is a learned skill for most and the vast majority I see have trouble with basic navigation control and is much worse when crowd levels go up.

And no I never want to trade places, I see what my wife deals with in a chair.

I think it's clear most have us have experienced people in ECV'S that didn't have full control. I for one remember helping someone in one who got stuck on some steps after accidentally throwing theirs into reverse.

That being said, your bolded statement is a perspective sorely lacking in these discussions. It's easy to criticize ECV drivers and call for their banning, but few people have experienced what it's like for someone in one.

Sadly, my eyes were opened to how the disabled are treated by the general public a couple years ago. My wife and I were celebrating our 10th Anniversary with a day at the MK (since we had our honeymoon there), but because she was 2 weeks away from delivering our daughter, I pushed her around in a wheelchair.

Attitudes and behavior towards her ranged from ignorance and obliviousness to righteous indignation. The most common thing I noticed was people walking around then back in front of us as if we were slowing everything down.

2 incidents in particular, however, stick out in my mind. I was pushing her along when a guy just kept backing up, taking a picture. He backed right into her, knocking her drink out of her hand. He yelled at us, though, for running into him.

Later, as we were leaving, we decided to hit up the Emporium on our way out. I was pushing her towards one of the curb ramps that leads into the store when I noticed a guy walking towards the same ramp at the same pace and at roughly a 45* angle from us. We looked at each other, and I figured he'd just let us use the ramp and he'd step up on the curb. Instead, he jogged to beat us to the ramp. He turned around as if to say, "Yeah, I just beat you."

All these topics go to show is we all need to do a better job of being aware of our surroundings and more considerate of others, though some have far more work to do than others.

 

[Spikerdink]

Just one comment on the thought that people insist on going during school holidays. Back when my kids were little and you needed to take the family someplace, be it vacation or family requirements you just called the school told them that you child would be out for a few days. Ask to have assignments given to fill in for the time missed and went about your merry way.

Now it takes an act of congress to get your child out of school during unscheduled times. And in their over-educated logic, they punish the child for something that the parent is doing, as if the student had any say in the matter. It's practically a criminal offense now. As my kids neared the end of their required educational obligation they were actually threatened by school officials to be denied graduation if they had unauthorized lost time. And they were both Honor Roll students. If people want to go, they have to go during school breaks. It's the only time that they can without a whole set of unpleasant results.

As a teacher, I can tell you why it is a problem at least in my classroom. I plan out my lessons, projects and exams to maximize educational seat time and the amount of support I can give my students. There have been many times (and my colleagues have told me the same) that the student's families are going on vacation the week before (or after) the scheduled break - usually I am also told that this is because it is much cheaper. I put together a packet of information, but it is not the same as presenting the topic and explaining how all the information fits together. This time is usually when I try to finish my units so I can evaluate the progress of the student before they are out of school for a week +. When I am asked for the work, and give an assignment, when it is returned to me more often than not it is not what was required, but something that was hastily thrown together in the time before or after the vacation ran.

In many classrooms (not mine, but will tell you what friends have said) the new Common Core curriculum is very involved and requires that the student receive daily, direct instruction from the teacher. To miss 5 lessons can put a serious detriment on the student's understanding and ability to manage not only this topic but others that build upon it.

These are reasons that it is a problem for parents to pull a student out of school for a week. I understand that sometimes it is not an option, but the school calendars are available approximately 8 months before the school year, and planning your trip around them goes a long way to helping your son/daughter succeed.

That's my opinion - if you disagree, that's fine, but let's keep the discourse friendly.

 

[NelsonRD]

As a teacher, I can tell you why it is a problem at least in my classroom. I plan out my lessons, projects and exams to maximize educational seat time and the amount of support I can give my students. There have been many times (and my colleagues have told me the same) that the student's families are going on vacation the week before (or after) the scheduled break - usually I am also told that this is because it is much cheaper. I put together a packet of information, but it is not the same as presenting the topic and explaining how all the information fits together. This time is usually when I try to finish my units so I can evaluate the progress of the student before they are out of school for a week +. When I am asked for the work, and give an assignment, when it is returned to me more often than not it is not what was required, but something that was hastily thrown together in the time before or after the vacation ran.

In many classrooms (not mine, but will tell you what friends have said) the new Common Core curriculum is very involved and requires that the student receive daily, direct instruction from the teacher. To miss 5 lessons can put a serious detriment on the student's understanding and ability to manage not only this topic but others that build upon it.

These are reasons that it is a problem for parents to pull a student out of school for a week. I understand that sometimes it is not an option, but the school calendars are available approximately 8 months before the school year, and planning your trip around them goes a long way to helping your son/daughter succeed.

That's my opinion - if you disagree, that's fine, but let's keep the discourse friendly.

I have taken my girls out of school for family time and vacation. I will tell you - the school schedule is more damaging to my girls education than the week I spend away with my family. Getting my girls back into school routine after Christmas break, Presidents break, Spring break, and Summer break is more of a challenge. And I did not even include snow days, holidays, and just plain, no school because of something days.

I am pretty confident for the next few years, I will be able to support my girls education by helping them with their assignments.

I work all year, and I get the flexibility to choose what weeks I take off. With that said, spending time when the parks are less crowded makes a world of difference for most of us. Even if that means I have to do a little addition and subtraction along the way.