Any annoying things about WDW

[JohnnySharp2]

Yes, sorry. Mum is back in hospital and was having a "rrrrraaaarrr" moment there, so everything just came out, and not so eloquently as I would have liked. No excuse, but I am sorry.

One kid in a wheelchair, I wouldn't bat an eyelid at, it was just we saw so many families with two, or even more kids riding in the one chair - surely that has to be unsafe, if nothing else. Perhaps I was just paranoid, but it did make me a little more suspicious. Annoyed or not, I would never say anything to or around people - been on the receiving end - just moan in private and carry on.

RE: Children in buggies - it doesn't 'ruin' my holiday as such, just gets under my skin. And no, I don't have a say over other kids, I only know I wouldn't let my kids, esp of some of the ages we saw, ride in strollers. I just can't help but worry that by allowing it, we're breeding the next generation of lazy, obese adults. Perhaps they weren't so 'far off' with WALL-E after all. (The whole pushchair thing is not a Disney bug-bear for me, just a general one! )

No problem, hope your mum is ok.

The reaction of people, when our son gets out of a wheelchair and walks is something that plays on our minds - however, Autism is a complex subject and even dealing with those on a day to day basis the answers for us are still not there.
For him to walk around a theme park is impossible - though naturally everywhere else we encourage him to walk like the rest of us.

Most families with autistic children just want to do the same things and be treated the same as everyone else.
I would rather stand in a queue at a ride for 20 minutes with Josh than feel the need to use the GAC card to 'beat that queue' - as it improves his patience and just means we do what all the other guests are doing.

 

[jjpenguin]

I try to get my tolerance level waaaay up before my holiday, (just wish I could keep it there when I get back); my thinking is I'm here to have a great time, this doesn't mean it's all about me. More's the pity that other people do think so, but I try not to let these rude and inconsiderate people ruin my holiday. They have to live with themselves!

Having said that of course I have my pet peeves. The one that bothered me most this holiday was all the people texting and mailing in the parks instead of enjoying the parks and the company they were with. A man in the queue answering e-mail instead of interacting with his young daughters, people sitting in pirates and playing with their cellphone... etc.

One more to do with Disney than with the guests is the extremely fast service in some of the nicer restaurants. Even after mentioning it to the server that we wanted a leisurely meal we still had our appetizers and main course served within 30 minutes. (After that we practised delaying tactics and didn't have pud till an hour later...)

 

[higgy66]

RE: Children in buggies - it doesn't 'ruin' my holiday as such, just gets under my skin. And no, I don't have a say over other kids, I only know I wouldn't let my kids, esp of some of the ages we saw, ride in strollers. I just can't help but worry that by allowing it, we're breeding the next generation of lazy, obese adults.

I have to just say that you can't judge children purely on a one off glance.
My daughter turned 6 last week (need to change signature!) and she's taller that the 8 year olds at school. When she was younger and in a stroller we got lots of glances thinking she was too old. Also when people hear her speak or hear her trying to read all the signs around her (she's mad about reading) they just assume there's "something wrong" with her and give us pityiful smiles. Aaarrrghhh! I sometimes feel like getting her a t shirt printed saying I'm only 6 - so let me behave like one!

 

[scottish mum]

I have to just say that you can't judge children purely on a one off glance.
My daughter turned 6 last week (need to change signature!) and she's taller that the 8 year olds at school. When she was younger and in a stroller we got lots of glances thinking she was too old. Also when people hear her speak or hear her trying to read all the signs around her (she's mad about reading) they just assume there's "something wrong" with her and give us pityiful smiles. Aaarrrghhh! I sometimes feel like getting her a t shirt printed saying I'm only 6 - so let me behave like one!

I know what you mean my DD4 is really tall, about size of 6 yr old and when she acts up people don't understand. I've also had people asking why she's not in school instead of doing the shopping with me. People should just learn to be not so judgemental until they know the facts of everything.

 

[JohnnySharp2]

I just think when you see children in strollers and wheelchairs you just have to let them be, I don't see how it can spoil anyone's holiday.

In an ideal world our son would walk everywhere, but then again in an ideal world he wouldn't be autistic and would be able to talk also.

There is no doubt people will look at us next year when they see Joshua getting out of his wheelchair and walking unassisted.
There is no getting round that. We just have to block out all of this and try and enjoy our holiday.
If any CM's make comments, like they did last time, my response may not be quite as calm as it was then. In reality it will probably just be a few looks and stares - but I can give a real 'dirty look' so beware , back then it was the sort of thing that could spoil our day, but not anymore, my attitude towards this now is as hard as a granite chopping board *bought a new one today hence the comparison* and our next holiday will be our best yet.

As Janet says for the majority there are perfectly good reasons why they need help getting around the parks - Josh looks like any other normal boy but has disABILITIES that will effect him and us for the rest of our lives. *hate using the term 'normal' boy because in our eyes he is*

And let's hope Disney get the 'Dulux' out for those blue lines, they really are in a poor state and almost unrecognisable at night - lessons to be learned from Universal's excellent resort entrance and parking facilities = "an annoying thing for me about WDW"

Speech number 762 concluded.

 

[DebIreland]

Speech number 762 was wonderful Johnny. Very well said.

I often think of this post here from a couple of years ago from D,L and K's Mom explaining why the Guest Assistance Pass is so important and why you shouldn't judge kids and adults in strollers and wheelchairs. It's an excellent post and a great education to many.

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Speech number 762 was wonderful Johnny. Very well said.

I often think of this post here from a couple of years ago from D,L and K's Mom explaining why the Guest Assistance Pass is so important and why you shouldn't judge kids and adults in strollers and wheelchairs. It's an excellent post and a great education to many.

Thanks dear friend.

 

[bazzanoid]

by the time we'd done the simpsons and MIB Jaws and Disaster were both still closed.

Opening time at Jaws depends on how well he's eaten his cast member. Can't have sharky having a bout of gas mid-ride.

Hi,
This thread reminds me of the old Aussie joke:

How can you tell when a plane full of Brits has landed?

You can still hear the whining when the engines have stopped...

Mick.

Yup, you're on holiday in Orlando, just landed, and the first thing you do is complain about the rush of heat through that little gap between walkway and plane as you disembark...

 

[bazzanoid]

See I know some people do this,but I wouldn't only time I clip peoples ankles is when they seem to think it's fine to whizz past and get in front (usually when leaving the parks at evening).Have you ever tried to push a buggy with a toddler in,with a few ignorant to the fact you have a buggy? frustrating,Can you tell it winds me up

I recall one man *quite big* practically falling onto my DD as he was trying to cut through it's like cutting a car up mid flow..

I have no problem with peeps pushing toddlers in strollers, but it really gets my goat if the brat in question (and they always are a brat to make matters worse) is 8+ years of age, legs scraping on the floor or so bent up the kid can't see out. If he/she's tired of walking sit and rest or take it home for a while!

That's about it really.

 

[bazzanoid]

Anyone can order from the children's menu and pay the "child" price. Elder dd used to be a very fussy eater and she was still doing that at some places when she was 18. Younger dd was eating from the adult menu at 11 (and thus we paid adult prices). That all seems eminently fair. You get what you pay for regardless of age. Buffets, I'll concede, are a tricky one.

Thinking about the ticket price, I don't see the logic in the argument that it should be cheaper for children. Babies, yes, but not children. Same with flights - they're taking up the same seat which could be occupied by a full fare paying adult. Playing devil's advocate, it could be argued that those without children are subsidising those with them.

At theme parks particularly, they charge an adult price at a younger age because all rides are height-based - as far as the companies are concerned, once you're 12ish you're most likely tall enough to ride everything, and therefore they can justify in charging full price.

 

[jockdog]

I think that the DDP is one of worst things Disney has introduced - especially free dining. The food has become very generic since DDP was introduced. And so have the lounge menus, both drink and food.

 

[Paul (tigger fan)]

I just think when you see children in strollers and wheelchairs you just have to let them be, I don't see how it can spoil anyone's holiday.

In an ideal world our son would walk everywhere, but then again in an ideal world he wouldn't be autistic and would be able to talk also.

There is no doubt people will look at us next year when they see Joshua getting out of his wheelchair and walking unassisted.
There is no getting round that. We just have to block out all of this and try and enjoy our holiday.
If any CM's make comments, like they did last time, my response may not be quite as calm as it was then. In reality it will probably just be a few looks and stares - but I can give a real 'dirty look' so beware , back then it was the sort of thing that could spoil our day, but not anymore, my attitude towards this now is as hard as a granite chopping board *bought a new one today hence the comparison* and our next holiday will be our best yet.

As Janet says for the majority there are perfectly good reasons why they need help getting around the parks - Josh looks like any other normal boy but has disABILITIES that will effect him and us for the rest of our lives. *hate using the term 'normal' boy because in our eyes he is*

And let's hope Disney get the 'Dulux' out for those blue lines, they really are in a poor state and almost unrecognisable at night - lessons to be learned from Universal's excellent resort entrance and parking facilities = "an annoying thing for me about WDW"

Speech number 762 concluded.

Hi Johnny,

You do not need to justify your reasons to anyone why Josh is in a buggy.

If that is their biggest gripe then they are more to be at than reasoned with.

Life is too short .

Paul

 

[SanFranciscan]

No matter what country we are from and what country we are in we are going to annoy each other. There is something about the human brain that is very reptillian. The popularity of destinations like Walt Disney World speaks to their ability to drug that beast into sleep. When it stirs at Disney World, it is still a big screaming King Cobra.

I have never traveled around the U.K. so I am not in a position to know whether the British person who posted here that England was a rude, intolerant country is correct or not. My husband and I were at Disney World last October. Given the high number of people there at the time with British accents, of course we heard Brits complaining; but we fussed pretty good ourselves, in our California accents, before we figured out the transit system around Orlando. It is the stress of being lost in a strange city and so forth that can make people selfish, angry, and greedy for some sense of security. That is particularly true for those of us who don't travel much and are trying to overcome our fears.

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Hi Johnny,

You do not need to justify your reasons to anyone why Josh is in a buggy.

If that is their biggest gripe then they are more to be at than reasoned with.

Life is too short .

Paul

cheers mate.

 

[Beth__WDW23/6/02]

I have to just say that you can't judge children purely on a one off glance.

Completely agree my 9year old was in a stroller till around 5 years old also a wheelchair at one point as she suffers Perthes Disease (hip problem,causes immense pain and a constant limp).The amount of people who would tut and look at her was disgusting.
Our other DD is 3 and she looks around 4 in her height she's very tall,And again the same looks.
Why has parents should we feel "frowned upon" no matter where we are just because a child is in a stroller so on.I bet many times if you go ask the parents there is a good reason why but then as parents why should we justify why?

 

[bazzanoid]

Hi Johnny,

You do not need to justify your reasons to anyone why Josh is in a buggy.

If that is their biggest gripe then they are more to be at than reasoned with.

Life is too short .

Paul

Just to clarify my post about older kids in strollers... if there's a reason for it, fine, but i see so many parents have them just in case the kid gets tired, no other reason... just a pet niggle, nothing major!

One major problem i have with WDW is that they close the parks at night, i mean, come on, as paying guests we should be able to ride all night if we want to!

 

[kevin harrison]

Just to clarify my post about older kids in strollers... if there's a reason for it, fine, but i see so many parents have them just in case the kid gets tired, no other reason... just a pet niggle, nothing major!

Here's a question - how do you know if there is a reason for the kid having a stroller?

I'd stop digging..

 

[DCLMan]

Just to clarify my post about older kids in strollers... if there's a reason for it, fine, but i see so many parents have them just in case the kid gets tired, no other reason... just a pet niggle, nothing major!

I don't understand why people complain about older kids in strollers. If I want to rent one how does it affect you personally? Why should there be a "reason" for it? I really don't get it. If it makes my kids happier then that's a good thing for them and me.

 

[JohnnySharp2]

post edited

 

[bazzanoid]

I don't understand why people complain about older kids in strollers. If I want to rent one how does it affect you personally? Why should there be a "reason" for it? I really don't get it. If it makes my kids happier then that's a good thing for them and me.

I don't know, i think it's just me!!! Most of it stems I think from when i was there in 2003 at Animal Kingdom and surrounded by strollers.... methinks that day slightly jaded my opinion of them!!!! Doesn't bug me, just a minor thing that crosses my mind....

Moving on, and trying to keep the topic away from strollers, people ignoring the instructions when getting on/off the trams - they specifically tell you which way to go at times, yet peeps just ignore it and walk in the opposite direction, causing chaos for others.....

You know, it's my observation that most niggles about WDW don't seem to be about WDW at all, but about the habits of other visitors.... i actually think there is nothing that is annoying (for me) about WDW itself.