What would you have done? (tour groups)

[noname70]

I've seen this issue come up a bit in other threads but on our last trip we were waiting for the parade to start in MK when a number of tour group members jumped/squeezed/stood in any space at the last minute.
I saw a woman with some kids (who had been waiting a LONG time) get very upset as a few of these guys were right up in her personal space.

Anyway, I exchanged a few words with them and it got a bit intense. I could tell the family was appreciative, but my wife was not as it did make the parade somewhat uncomfotable wondering if things would escalate.
Now that I'll be traveling w/a child of my own I hope this type of incident does not happen again. What would you do?? :brick:

 

[wdwishes2005]

besides bringing a nightstick? or mace?


actually i doubt it will happen again and if it does, call the disney police on 'em.

 

[GaryT977]

If a bunch of people cut in front of me, I'd say something to them, though I doubt it would change anything.

 

[fiftiesdean]

kinda tell them that people have been waiting for a long time in this spot, and it's rude to come up at the last minute and act ignorant to everyone else. If that fails, tell a CM to get security....this happened to us last night @ Phantasmic.

 

[lawyergirl77]

Yup, I probably would have gotten security... Had they stepped in front of me, I would have gotten testy, but probably made room. Stepping in front of kids and families, however, makes my blood boil...

 

[PhilosophyMagic]

The problem is... what can security do when the groups are so big? I'm sure security tries to leave them alone to avoid major conflicts that could cause a scene and affect a lot of people. However, I would like to see how security responds to complaints about those groups.

Honestly, I wish Disney would end group sales to those tour companies, but I guess they make a lot off of them. The only way I could imagine that happening is if people complain a lot. Maybe we should complain about the tour groups causing problems when we go during those months.

It seems to me like Disney is not really a place for groups at all, but rather for people to travel with their friends or family. I went once with a group when I was in high school, and it really does take away from the atmosphere and "magic," and people in groups generally aren't as appriciative, not to mention the "group psychology" that allows people to feel that they can get away with causing disturbances, etc.

 

[col]

I've seen this issue come up a bit in other threads but on our last trip we were waiting for the parade to start in MK when a number of tour group members jumped/squeezed/stood in any space at the last minute.
I saw a woman with some kids (who had been waiting a LONG time) get very upset as a few of these guys were right up in her personal space.

Anyway, I exchanged a few words with them and it got a bit intense. I could tell the family was appreciative, but my wife was not as it did make the parade somewhat uncomfotable wondering if things would escalate.
Now that I'll be traveling w/a child of my own I hope this type of incident does not happen again. What would you do?? :brick:

i think its great what you did.
i would of said something even if i was with my family or on my own, you wouldnt want someone or people ruining your holiday. but you always get people who let it pass but then you get people who take advantage and tell there whole family to come over.
congrats for saying something!:sohappy:

 

[Connor002]

besides bringing a nightstick? or mace?


actually i doubt it will happen again and if it does, call the disney police on 'em.

your way sounds more effective than everyone else

:lookaroun :lol:

 

[Iakona]

We had this problem at AK is January. My family and I got there early for rope line seats as did another family. 5 minutes before the parade started a family (from Europe) started elbowing their way between the 2 families. I, never being shy, tried to pilotely tell them we had all be there for a while ended up getting into an arguement with the other father. They then began to speak about how rude American's were, to which I felt the need to respond that it was rude for someone from any country to push people out of their spot. The family then began to speak another language (eastern european I beleive) so we couldn't understand them. Sad thing is if they had asked if we would make room for their child I would haveeasily (I have done it many times), but they chose to try and force their way in.

After the parade the other family that they tried to push aside came up to me and thanked me for holding my ground and making sure they did not get stepped on.

In short, sometimes no matter where you go there are idiots. Personally, I deal with the situation and then forget about, after all if I left dopes effect me then they would ruin my vacation!

 

[unkadug]

....this happened to us last night @ Phantasmic.

 

[wannab@dis]

Sad thing is if they had asked if we would make room for their child I would haveeasily (I have done it many times), but they chose to try and force their way in.

We've done this several times without someone asking. I don't mind making room for kids, but I also don't move easily when someone starts pushing their way into our space.. whether it's a tour group or a family.

 

[Ralph Wiggum]

an elbow to someone's eye is a universal language. I've learned that no matter how you approach someone's rudeness in the parks, you're the jerk. I called someone out about smoking in a queue at Busch Gardens a couple of weeks back. after a half-minute of F-bombs directed at me, I lost it. trying to politely tell someone what they're doing is wrong seems to be out the door anymore. so now I'm on offense.

 

[bhickman]

besides bringing a nightstick? or mace?

actually i doubt it will happen again and if it does, call the disney police on 'em.

By far the best idea here so far !!!!

But my experience is to get VERY VERY close to the offender and make them VERY VERY uncomfortable.. sometimes it works and sometimes not but this is where I start... if nothing else I thoroughly upset my DW.

In any case I am a Type A personality so I do become a little intense when someone dis' my family. Hasn't happened yet but proably end up mouthing off.. then end up in the Disney Detention Center, and fined for disrupting the Disney Magic....

--------
My rule: Allow the kids to the front but this doesn't mean thier 6'4" parent!!
--------

 

[CAPTAIN HOOK]

You must stand up for what you believe - if this includes voicing your opinions towards tour groups or families encroaching on your space or ability to view the forth coming parade THEN DO IT.
As long as these rude, selfish people believe that they are able to just turn up at the last minute and push to the front then they will continue to do so. Unfortunately, too many people are happy to be trodden on for a peaceful vacation and don't like causing a scene.
All I can say is this - when I've taken the time and trouble to stake out my vantage point - don't push in front of me or my family or spoil my view. I have been known to kill people with just a single frown

 

[CoffeeJedi]

...5 minutes before the parade started a family (from Europe) started elbowing their way between the 2 families. I, never being shy, tried to pilotely tell them we had all be there for a while ended up getting into an arguement with the other father. They then began to speak about how rude American's were, to which I felt the need to respond that it was rude for someone from any country to push people out of their spot...

Hmmm, interesting. i'm going to go out on a limb and play devil's advocate :fork: and say that in their country, like much of continental Europe, they have a very different sense of "personal space" than Americans. It's not rude to be very close to someone in crowded conditions over there, so they percieved you as rude for blocking them from joining the crowd of people.

However, if you're going to come to America, read a travel guide or something. Observe that we like a bit more personal space than you do and adapt while you're here. I'd do the same thing in Europe, i wouldn't elbow people out of the way or make big displays trying to clear my god-given 6 sq ft. around me, i'd just accept that things are "different" where i am, and adjust accordingly.

 

[noname70]

You must stand up for what you believe - if this includes voicing your opinions towards tour groups or families encroaching on your space or ability to view the forth coming parade THEN DO IT.
As long as these rude, selfish people believe that they are able to just turn up at the last minute and push to the front then they will continue to do so. Unfortunately, too many people are happy to be trodden on for a peaceful vacation and don't like causing a scene.

I agree :sohappy:

 

[nibblesandbits]

It seems to me like Disney is not really a place for groups at all, but rather for people to travel with their friends or family. I went once with a group when I was in high school, and it really does take away from the atmosphere and "magic," and people in groups generally aren't as appriciative, not to mention the "group psychology" that allows people to feel that they can get away with causing disturbances, etc.

Side note: Except sometimes when you are in those groups you are there with your friends...I went to Chicago in a huge group, but my best friends were on that trip with me, and we had a great time together. (Not exactly like Disneyworld...but the same kind of mentality)

 

[sabian]

I understand trying to recognize cultural differences, but come on. This is the United States. Let's face it, they have chosen to come here. I admit, i try and understand diffrences to an extent. But, they are also responsible for learning about the culture in which they are entering. Personal space, whatever. Trying to push people out of line that had lined up previously is rude. Regardless of culture, it would take a real numb skull to not realize the difference between waiting for a parade and reasonable personal space. Anyone who has ever caught a parade at Disney knows that there is no such thing as personal space. If Europeans are used to closer personal space than Americans, as it relates to the pradaes and fireworks at Disney, then they must be O.K. with those around you climbing onto your shoulders to enjoy the show.
All due respect, the whole personal spacxe theory , i believe is hogwash, because Disney parade wathchers are always shoulder to shoulder. There is no room for personal space. That group and those families were A, #1, first class idiots who had no regard for the comfort of others. This whole political correct stuff is rediculous.
I have stood next to and met many people from Europe who stood next to me at parades and at fireworks, they were cordial, and we were able to carry on nice conversations prior to the parade begining. Please , no excuses for the idiotically inconsiderate. Regardless of their country of origin.
would we allow a visitor from mountainous regions to pitch a tent at the top of Space mountain because their culture includes that they live in mountainous regions? I hope not.. :wave:

 

[Mmmeredith]

I sense this is going to turn into another my-culture-is-better-than-your-culture thread. Let's please stop that before it starts (after all, there've been plenty of threads dedicated to that). It was rude of them to refer to "rude Americans," and I think you handled that situation well...I don't see a point to letting people barge in last minute.

As far as people barging in, I feel prevention is key. Puff out your chest, stand with your legs a bit apart, and try to look bigger than you are. Often times people (women in particular) are subconsciously trying to make themselves look smaller. I've found that when I'm conciously trying to look bigger, no one barges in where there isn't room. Otherwise, look mean and develop a strong B.O. Rest assured, no one will get too close to you then :animwink: !

 

[bhickman]

Otherwise, look mean and develop a strong B.O. Rest assured, no one will get too close to you then :animwink: !

Hmmmmm B.O. ---> Now there you go a silent but deadly way of crowd control.. I think I've come across a few people using this technique and your right they seem to have lots of room!