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View Full Version : Biggest irritation with kids/parents



scaeagles
03-31-2003, 07:30 AM
I just read through the "annoying kids" thread, and the most irritating issue wasn't even discussed (unless I missed it). What I despise, being the dad of a couple of younger hildren who want to meet the characters, is the mob scenes that take place around the characters that come out on main street or in other "un-queued" areas of the park. We will stand politely making our attempt to get in to see them and take a picture, and all the while children and their parents will run up , come around the side, and force their way in. The kids are excited - I don't fault them. But the parents should be shot (notice no wink here!). I don't consider myself any more polite than the average guy out there, but I know rudeness when I see it.

This may be horrible, but after I get incredibly disgusted with the jerks who do this, I begin to bump them while they are trying to take their pics, and hope that they get home and find they have Mickey's feet only.

Does anyone have any strategies for dealing with this? I dread this more than standing behind chain smokers in line! ;)

Berry Princess
03-31-2003, 07:41 AM
I don't really have an clues about what to do except maybe yell to the person shoving the kid up there that it was your child's turn. I know years ago when I went with a friend and her daughter we had this problem too. We wanted to get her pic with Pluto and had a hard time getting anywhere to where we could get her up there before those crazed ones did. But I have found the best way to do the pics can be during the week when there isn't alot of people and go to Toon Town. Do the pics of characters at their houses and the ones that are out and about there. We have done it and there was no one around with the ones walking around. It was very nice. I do think this is something that Disney should fix cause I am sure there are alot of hurt kids at times who can't get up there to take a picture with whatever character.

dsnylndmom
03-31-2003, 07:41 AM
I try to keep track of who was in front of my boy's and when it's coming up to be "their turn" I'll say, ummm rather loudly I might add, "Okay guys as soon as she's done it's your turn, don't crowd anyone it's your turn next" and I put my foot down and make sure they go next. Also, it seem to work if you the parent next to you seems to have the same problem and isn't a pushy cut in front parent you can work together doing this. I've also done, when my boys are up there, "okay guys when you're done it's that little boys' turn" and the other parent is always appreciative and it helps out to have two parents do this. ALSO, I've actually had some CM's the one's that are attempting to help the character out, thank me for doing this! It works! Try it!

I always knew my loud mouth would come in handy sometime!;)

scaeagles
03-31-2003, 08:03 AM
Being a CM escort to those characters would have to be the worst job in the park!

MammaSilva
03-31-2003, 08:06 AM
I agree this is a common ongoing issue witht the out and about meet and greets. I have to give the CM's high marks in attempting to control chaos tho.... 'lately' I've noticed that a line tends to form even out in the Town square for different characters...but it does take the cooperation of the majority of the parents with class to pull it off, I've been known to say, excuse me but those little ones are next to the CM assisting the characters. Brandy is usually in her wheelchair and the characters are wonderful with her, but I do little things to avoid the crush.... we take advantage of toon town photo ops, we get there early and sort of hang out there where the characters come thru the gate from back stage and I ask the CM where they are headed .. note to parents, don't attempt to grab the photo while they are enroute, it slows them down and many times they gracefully but deliberatly just keep moving to their assigned location for that session.

For Tigger and Pooh, I just cough up the cash and take her to a breakfast at the Plaza Inn, Mickey is a no brainer... toon town and if it's important to know 'which' Mickey your child meets a 'smart' question to the CM about 'which MOVIES are being filmed today gets you a great answer, which "Mickeys" are available will get you a standard.. there is ONLY one Mickey Mouse answer... think before you speak to try and preserve the Magic for those around you :)

So far we have had 'so so' luck over at DCA with characters, when Mike and Sully were there the chaos was beyond attempting.. which was sad because Brandy loves those, characters...but we did meet Cruela DeVile.. a most awesome protrayal I must say :), and they got to meet Mishu and Mulan and Hunchback and Esmerelda over in the Hollywood backlot area...

mad4mky
03-31-2003, 10:15 AM
Originally posted by mammasilva
So far we have had 'so so' luck over at DCA with characters, when Mike and Sully were there the chaos was beyond attempting.. which was sad because Brandy loves those, characters...but we did meet Cruela DeVile.. a most awesome protrayal I must say :), and they got to meet Mishu and Mulan and Hunchback and Esmerelda over in the Hollywood backlot area...

We've had terrible luck (??...its not luck...it's more of customer service, keeping the lines in order, etc) at DCA as to visiting with the characters.

We still have never gotten to visit with Mike and Sully...and the CM's have always been rude...
It's been frustrating. BUT...we did get to see Stitch one time there...that was good...
I hope on our next trip...we'll finally get to see Mike and Sully...
DL...we've never had a problem The CM's couldn't be nicer, and the characters are wonderful...just wonderful...

AlanaP
03-31-2003, 10:49 AM
I do what dsnylandmom does. I figure out who was there first, then say loudly and often.."after the girl in the pink(etc) it is YOUR turn sweetie.." I will NOT put up with butters either, I am known to yell at people when they butt in front of me or anyone else. We went to Knotts this weekend, and the couple times we saw characters there, there was this surly "attendant" making sure people took their turns, and helping to get kids looking at the camera..I do that! maybe Disney should hire ME to escoort the characters..nah Id be fired in 2 days..Im not nearlt sweet enough for them...

Alana

Gemini Cricket
03-31-2003, 11:17 AM
Do the CMs assisting the characters have to follow certain guidelines to follow regarding which kid goes next? It seems like something Disney would regulate...

I love mamma's advice about Mickey. Ralphie and I went to get a picture with Mickey in WDW at the Toon Town Fair. I asked the CM which Mickey we were about to see and she said, 'There's only one Mickey Mouse.' Ralphie, being a Muggle, looked at me and said, 'What the heck did she mean by that? They only have one employee working this line? There's a hundred people in line...' :rolleyes: I had to explain it to him. (You have to be patient with Disney Muggles. ;))

Back to kids and characters, I would caution telling a kid directly that they cut or that they're not next. Because parents and kids are like bears and cubs. You pick on a cub and the bear runs from the forest and will try to disembowel you... :D

ChipmunkStar
03-31-2003, 01:14 PM
Alright, I got pulled into it. I am a character hostess. That's right. One of those "escorts" you're all talking about.

To shed some light on a few things: If a character is not in a location, generally we try to make a semi-circle around the character rather than a line which could become a huge safety hazard (i.e. a line in MainStreet could lead directly into the path of an oncoming firetruck or Omnibus, one in Toontown could lead into the path of an oncoming Jolly Trolley, etc.). The characters are usually pretty good about seeing who is where when, and try to keep a tab on who's turn it is next.

If I am hosting such a situation, I try as hard as possible to make sure nobody is cutting, or else I will send them to the very back of the group and tell them to try again. Unofortunately, to accomplish this every single time, that would require having a host with every single character, which we don't. There's usually on or two atmosphere hosts at a time in a land (i.e. if Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, Chip, Dale, Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, and Max are all on Main Street at Town Square, there's more than likely ONE HOST for all of them. It's happened to me before, trust me, this job is WORK).

Now, To answer another comment: No it is not the worst job in the park. I LOVE my job more than anything, It is one of the most fulfilling thigs to have the most stressful day at work, and then to have the CUTEST kid in the world just run up to the characters. . . I have had tears in my eyes more than one time a day. Yes, it can get stressful (the parents are usually the pains, the kids are only following what leads their parents have given them), but in the end it is all worth it. Because to be able to help a hild overcome their fear of Mickey Mouse, or to see the joy in a child's face when they meet Pluto, or to see some of the "little princesses" give their favorite real princess a curtsy, or helping a child with a disability visit with Buzz Lightyear (my first and favorite Make a Wish visit completely brought me down to tears, even thinking about it is making me well up) THAT'S what the job is all about. We make the magic, and extend it for guests to come.

ChipmunkStar
03-31-2003, 01:20 PM
Also, if somebody is very intent on trying to get a photo with the characters, DO NOT stand in their way. Trust me, their vision is set on their exits, simply ask if they'll be back soon or not, because if not, they're probably coming back in 30 minutes.

Also, never EVER touch another guests' child. I've seen fist fights break out over it and it is not pretty. (heck it even ticks me off a LOT) Ive even had to say to people "Excuse me, is that YOUR child? No? You wouldn't want somebody else to touch your child so DO NOT touch theirs. Thanks."

And unfortunately, Mike and Sulley are not in the park anymore. . . They've gone back to lovely Monstropolis.

mad4mky
03-31-2003, 01:54 PM
Originally posted by ChipmunkStar
[BAnd unfortunately, Mike and Sulley are not in the park anymore. . . They've gone back to lovely Monstropolis. [/B]

Awww...That's too bad. My daughter, who has Down Syndrome, will be disappointed...
I know the CM's have a difficult time with all the children...
But...in the case of Mike and Sulley...there was a line. No...SAP's "thank you"...we were told...:(
So, we got in the back of the line...only to be told after 5-10 minutes...."oops...we have to go now".

Why didn't she tell us BEFORE we stood in line for 5-10 minutes?? This happened TWICE.:(
We'll be back at (such and such a time)...to only come back for the same routine.:rolleyes:

Ok...so my kids aren't destined to have their picture with Mike and Sulley. :rolleyes: Life will go on, and we'll still continue to enjoy the parks.
Bottom line is...we have a great time there...and 95% of the CM's love their jobs and do a great job of making everything "magical". While I am disappointed in not getting the picture... I really have no complaints...and my kids will live...:D

jamsandwich
03-31-2003, 04:25 PM
Ah, the kiddy mosh pit :)

The mob effect is amazing. On our last trip, my wife and I were taking some pictures around the park and I made a goofy pose next to the Goofy statue by the fence around Walt's statue.

Next thing I know, Goofy's standing next to me. It was a great photo op, and sort of a "magic" Disney moment. Next thing we knew, there was a huge crowd. It was astounding.

-J

Gemini Cricket
03-31-2003, 04:30 PM
ChipmunkStar~
Thanks for posting your input on this topic. I've learned a lot!
:)
CM's rock! :)

Tigertail777
03-31-2003, 10:56 PM
I just have to add that it isnt just kids that like to get pics with the characters, both I and my parents tried to as well. But parents seem to have this mental thing about adults gettting pics taken with characters-- they go crazy! I really tried to get pics of my mom and dad with the characters, but only managed once the other times parents kept pushing their kids in the circle, and pushing my parents away with dirty looks. The only way we even got ONE picture was by getting equally rude and pushy. We even asked nicely and got retorts that this was for kids, and they just HAD to take a good 8 (very slowww) pictures per character per kid with their precious darlings. I am sorry but lots of parents were just plain RUDE and only cared about themselves and their kids and no one else. OK done venting, but please remember the characters are NOT just for kids....

DaddyB
03-31-2003, 11:07 PM
I've gotta say (and I know mine is an unpopular opinion) that the worst thing that ever happened to meeting characters in the park are those silly autograph books.

It slows the line down SO much when poor Eeyore has to figure out how to grab a pen that is being handed to him and then figure out where to 'sign' his 'autograph' in a book being shoved into his paws. Even trying to visit with the princesses or other face characters is SO slowed down by all the little kids (and teens, AND ADULTS!) getting an 'autograph' in their collection.

Standing in back of a line of 20 parents and children trying to encourage my little girl to be patient for as long as it takes is frustrating indeed when adding that extra dimension of autograph hounding a 17 year old kid inside a 30 pound costume.

I can hardly wait until my little girl turns to me and asks me to buy her first autograph book... There's no way I could say 'no'.

sigh.

dasrock
03-31-2003, 11:48 PM
I agree this drives me crazy.
That's why i have my wife go in, I stay in the rear and offer back up...just in case
:)

Berry Princess
04-01-2003, 08:23 AM
Tigertail777 you are so right. It isn't just kids that like to take pics with characters. I have gone to do it with Stitch a couple of times. We have done family pics as well with Mickey and a few others when our oldest son wouldn't go by himself but would with us. And you always seem to see those from other countries doing it too and they have no kids. I think some of those parents seem to forget that once they are in Disneyland we basicly all can be kids as well.
And as for autograph books. I haven't really found them to be to annoying. Its basicly the same as those that are taking more then 1 pic and have to have a pic of each kid alone with each character and a group one. I have seen those characters sign them like nothing. After awhile of doing that I guess they just learn to figure it all out and get it done as fast as they can to move the line along. I do see no point to those books though but to Disney it is making them some money.

adriennek
04-01-2003, 09:14 AM
Originally posted by Gemini Cricket
I asked the CM which Mickey we were about to see and she said, 'There's only one Mickey Mouse.'

When I ask this question, I usually word it "What movie is Mickey filming?"

The first time I took each of my children to DLR as babies, the first thing we did was visit Mickey. With Matthew, Mickey was filming Sorcerer's Apprentice. When we went with Spencer, I told the CM that it was Spencer's first trip and it would be really neat if Mickey was filming SA today because that was Matthew's first picture, etc. It was amazing- he was! ;)

You could also ask what he's wearing? But you should do it quietly if there's a line because people behind you in line might see a "Different" Mickey ;)

Adrienne K

scaeagles
04-01-2003, 09:59 AM
ChipmunkStar -

You are my new hero. Anyone who could deal with being a "character hostess" and not deck all of the rude people has the patience of Job.

You know, I've tried most of the tricks listed for the "kiddy mosh pit", as someone put it, but still get frustrated. You know, this ties in really well with the whole smoking thread. No matter who you are, and no matter what you like to do, common courtesy on all sides and an ability to see it fro mthe other point of view would make every day life so much better!

The bummer thing is now that my 9 year old is pretty much over seeing the characters, my 3.5 year old is really into it! And i've got an 18 month old coming up! ACK! I've never been into seeing the characters myself, and quite frankly I'm not sure why adults do. To little children, it is really Mickey Mouse! It is Goofy! Or Pluto! Or whomever. To me, they are adults dressed up in costumes. Does this make me some kind of weirdo?

Lani
04-01-2003, 10:14 AM
Originally posted by scaeagles
This may be horrible, but after I get incredibly disgusted with the jerks who do this, I begin to bump them while they are trying to take their pics, and hope that they get home and find they have Mickey's feet only.Bob Sehlinger's "Unofficial Guide to Disneyland" suggests that for those stubborn folks who refuse to turn off their flash, you quickly stick your hand in front of the lens as they are taking a photo.

All jesting aside, have you considered just saying, "You should wait in line like everybody else"? If they get defensive, maybe a "We don't want to teach our children that's OK to cheat and cut in line, right?"

scaeagles
04-01-2003, 10:33 AM
I have aggressively told others that a lot of people have been waiting longer than they have. Most choose to ignore me, but I actually had one tell me "I don't see any line here". I repeatedly bumped her during her photos. :~D

DaddyB
04-01-2003, 12:01 PM
Originally posted by scaeagles
I have aggressively told others that a lot of people have been waiting longer than they have. Most choose to ignore me, but I actually had one tell me "I don't see any line here". I repeatedly bumped her during her photos. :~D

I can absolutely understand your frustration, but repeated physical contact in that manner would be a dangerous thing, both physically and legally.

scaeagles
04-01-2003, 12:30 PM
I can absolutely understand your frustration, but repeated physical contact in that manner would be a dangerous thing, both physically and legally.

Thanks for your concern, but maybe you've never been involved in one of these mobs. It is impossible to avoid contact. When I say bump, it's very gentle - just enough to make their camera move.

Wizard69
04-02-2003, 12:24 PM
I try to keep track of who was in front of my boy's and when it's coming up to be "their turn" I'll say, ummm rather loudly I might add, "Okay guys as soon as she's done it's your turn, don't crowd anyone it's your turn next" and I put my foot down and make sure they go next. Also, it seem to work if you the parent next to you seems to have the same problem and isn't a pushy cut in front parent you can work together doing this. I've also done, when my boys are up there, "okay guys when you're done it's that little boys' turn" and the other parent is always appreciative and it helps out to have two parents do this. ALSO, I've actually had some CM's the one's that are attempting to help the character out, thank me for doing this! It works! Try it!


I do the same thing.