What would you have done? (tour groups)

[Magic Maker]

I work with people in situation of conflict daily, I am a WDW CM. The best thing to do is first approach them by giving them the benefit of the doubt. Anytime I talk to someone smoking in a non smoking area I start with, "I am not sure if you are aware, but the park is actually non-smoking. Luckily there are designated areas throughout the park." And then point them to the nearest one.
Most of the time that works, when it doesn't that's when I stop it up a notch. HOWEVER, a Cast Member has more authority that a Guest in the eyes of an offender. Sometimes it is best to approach a Cast Member and kindly ask for assistance. Bare in mind, the CM may not have witnessed the offense therefore calmly ask for their assistance.

 

[mousebymarriage]

Well being a Jersey Girl with a take no crap attitude, I would have politely reminded them that "don't even think about standing in front of me because I was here wayyyy before them". If that didn't work then I would not so politely remind them that if they didn't move my foot would fit nicely up their @**. Usually being that blunt(or should I say rude) back will get them to move on.

I, too have no problem with letting someone else's little ones stand in front of me for a parade etc. it's the adults who know what they are doing and really could care less that makes me INSANE!
Oh by the way I usually do not have to say my offensive little greeting loud enough for any kiddies to hear, talking low through clenched teeth looking totally p.o.ed is quite adequate!

 

[Iakona]

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

Well, I have the mean look down when I need to, I am not what you would describe as small, but I have a feeling the wife would draw the line at the B.O.!!!

As for the culture issue a couple of points.

I was not mentioning their country other than to highlight that after mouthing off and being called on it they reverted to another language.

As far as the personal space thing; I guess anything is possible, but they were actually pushing us aside. When we go to foreign countries we make sure we do a little research. An example is Mexico. We knew ahead of time that there were certain cultural differences. As responsible tourists we knew this and as a result we were much more comfortable.
In this case it is not a matter of my culture is better than theirs; It's a matter of their actions were rude and obnoxious no matter what culture.
Rudeness is not limited to other cultures, I have experienced plenty of rude Americans.

 

[McArcDes]

I too have had similar experiences while waiting for parades etc. I agree with you whole heartedly that you should stand your ground and make these people take there rightfull place at the back of the crowd. I dont care what country you are from, Queen, King or lowlest begger, you wait your turn and take what space is available when you arrive. Not the space of the people that have been sitting there for a long time before the parade starts thinking they will have a great view of the show. If you show up late tough for you! Take what is available and have consideration for those already there!

The only exception I will make to that is I will always let children up front. The parents though can wait at the back of the crowd. This all boils down to curtiousy and respect. When ever I visit and place that is not my home I act as a guest should. You conduct your self with patience, kindness and respect. You try and make where you are a better place for your having been there. These things are universal (no, not Disney's compitition) no matter where you come from North, South, Far East, Middle East or just next door.

In an idea world we would not have to deal with these issues. Unfortunatly we do not live in an ideal world. So stand your ground, ask a CM to help and remember to watch the show and smile.

 

[Mmmeredith]

I was not mentioning their country other than to highlight that after mouthing off and being called on it they reverted to another language.

I wasn't worried about your statement -- since they made the "rude American" comment, it was definitely relevant to mention that they weren't American (otherwise it would be confusing). Just wanted to stop the anti-everyone but us replies before they started. It happens all too often where an innocent thread gets tainted by that.

 

[fiftiesdean]

lol, sorry, lonnnng day :slurp:
Fantasmic

 

[tigger_rox00]

darn shame

that's so wrong...I would have felt the same way. But, you have to understand that in Mexico and the central and south americas, the culture is very comfortable squeezing in next to someone. If you go down there, you will see a bus packed with people and to us, we would go no way, but to them it's no problem. So the biggest problem is the culture barrier. The tour groups do alot of things they wouldn't consider wrong in their country, but to us (and me included) is wrong. I think disney could figure out a way to make things a little smoother.

TTFN

 

[EpcoTim]

I have zero problem tossing someone when they get out of hand. Most of the times words with those people dont work. But DISCREETLY shoving them over something or into a planter will get the point across real fast. It worked wonders for the father of two small kids who had some morons using his stroller as a step to better see the parade. But then they went and got a CM on us, so you have to watch it.

 

[Marjorie]

hello there

I think that some of you are getting confused.

Culture, and mannors are not the same thing.

I am from P.R. and I understand what you say about the busses for example, because I'm used to be in a bus full with people very close to you to get to the University.

But another thing is mannors. Last year we got seated very early like at 6:00 to get a good place to see Spectro Magic,we are a family of 4 grown ups and what we did was that we placed our bags between each of us so if some family with children came we would give them the space.

And that we did we then got together, and gave the space to a family with 2 little children and gave them the space.

So if somebody asks as we always do,asking if the space is taken, then we sit.

 

[MAF]

You could always do what I've done, step on the back of their heels "accidentaly"....:lookaroun

 

[CAPTAIN HOOK]

Now in years goneby when the kids were smaller, if we arrived late for a parade usually someone at the front would invite them through to view the parade - similarly, we've done the same.

However, its a far different ball game when adults come pushing and shoving through and block the views of kids (and adults) that have been sat patiently for some time. I'd have no hesitation AT ALL to voice my complaints and make my feelings known. I f that didn't work then await the arrival of the first Disney CM.

 

[NOLADisneyFan]

This situation is frustrating to say the least.

Generally speaking, I'm a relatively large person...usually have a pretty grumpy look on my face...so that stops some problems...Also, my DW and I stand side by side to watch a parade or whatever.

What really burns my butt is when, someone from any country, city, state, planet...pushes up behind me with their kids EXPECTING me to let their kid stand in front of me.

Now, I have NO problem inviting smaller folks...even adults to stand where I am. As long as my wife can see what she wants, I will suck it up and watch the parade with an obscured view. But, don't EXPECT me to do something when I did the right thing and got a spot early.

The other thing that bugs me is when I get a bunch of teenagers who scream and announce every princess or character and try to be funny as he/she passes...a parent announcing characters to their kids, no problem...two adults talking about a character as he/she passes at a normal voume level, no problem...but screaming or vulgar teens are a FIRST CLASS PAIN. It bugs me, but I'm not going to get into a dither about it. DW gets more upset. I start laughing, and sometimes I start making fun of them. Ahhh...memories. No offense intended to the teens on this forum.

Bottom line is: though it is aggravating and we should stand up for ourselves, the best thing is to be polite, smile a lot, share some space for the kids, call a CM over if necessary...and if all else fails, break out the mace.

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

When people try and push to get in front of DH for a parade he will normally say something like "oh, was I in your way? Pardon me for waiting here for the last 30 minutes, waiting to see the parade." He will however let little kids stand in front of him, even if he is in a scooter (he is disabled). We were at MNSSHP last year and he was in the scooter. There were two small children around 6 or 7 that were outside of the disabled rope and they just could not see at all. They kept having people cut in front of them and their parents were getting nervous because they were getting further and further apart. DH asked the parents if it was okay for them to join our group, then asked a CM if they could go and get them and bring them over so that they could see.

 

[hcswingfield]

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.

Is this why the Emma Lazarus poem on the Statue of Liberty refers to them as the "huddled masses"?

 

[Kerby626]

I'd attempt to persaude them to my point of view. Then if the wife didn't pull me away...Introduce them to the Marine Corps in me that doesn't back down. And probably get things taken care of....Or get escorted out. Either or.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

I'd attempt to persaude them to my point of view. Then if the wife didn't pull me away...Introduce them to the Marine Corps in me that doesn't back down. And probably get things taken care of....Or get escorted out. Either or.

I could soooo picture you and my dearest going off if someone came along and barged in front of us girls or the boys... Such good men y'all are.

((hugs))

Miss you guys!!!!

 

[Hakunamatata]

I think Disney should be proactive and for large tour groups have an area sectioned off for them to view the parades from so they are not barging in on the other guests. Make it mandatory for them to be in that area during parade times if they are going to watch.

 

[ImaYoyo]

Here's an interesting tidbit for you, Disney does not provide discounts to groups. Really. The only advantage they have as booking as a group is that they can have their tickets mailed out WAY in advance, or they can have them held at a group ticketing window to have 1 person pick them up rather than everyone standing in line individually. Don't believe me? Call 407-828-3200 and ask what discount groups get on tickets. The answer? No discount.

My point being, even if Disney stops "Group Ticketing", these groups are still going to visit, because it makes no difference to them.

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.

 

[Hakunamatata]

Here's an interesting tidbit for you, Disney does not provide discounts to groups. Really. The only advantage they have as booking as a group is that they can have their tickets mailed out WAY in advance, or they can have them held at a group ticketing window to have 1 person pick them up rather than everyone standing in line individually. Don't believe me? Call 407-828-3200 and ask what discount groups get on tickets. The answer? No discount.

My point being, even if Disney stops "Group Ticketing", these groups are still going to visit, because it makes no difference to them.

May very well be for ticket only purchases, but I would believe that if I called up Disney and said that I need a package deal for 250 people, they will give me some type of discount rate, either on the tickets, the lodging, or give me a package deal. It just makes too much business sense to do that.

 

[ImaYoyo]

May very well be for ticket only purchases, but I would believe that if I called up Disney and said that I need a package deal for 250 people, they will give me some type of discount rate, either on the tickets, the lodging, or give me a package deal. It just makes too much business sense to do that.

Nope. You get a discount on rooms if you have more than 10 rooms, done on a contracted basis, but there are no 'packages' offered and no ticket discounts offered, whether you have 10 people or 10,000 people.