Unsupervised Teenagers

[7swans]

I am very concerned that our students behave respectfully toward others during our upcoming trip.
We had our own nightmare experience with unsupervised teens during Nights of Joy 2001. I have also on separate occasions witnessed teens mocking overweight guests, cutting in line, and swearing while at WDW.

We are going to try to sensitize our students about the right of everyone at the parks to enjoy their vacation.

I would like your input as to both positive ideas to encourage our teens to good behavior and interaction with fellow guests, and examples of bad behavior you have witnessed to help me illustrate what others would consider rude.

This is very important to me personally, I hope to improve their character by this conversation, I truly value your input!

Thanks,

Chris

[AFMom]

That's a tough one. Sadly - there are still many adults who cause as much trouble as the teenagers.
:bugeyed:

[nono]

Carrying on a conversation with one's friends who are several yards away. I tell my kids to stand in line quietly, and when they see young adults behaving badly, they try to emulate it. It annoys the adults too. I'm not talking about "Hey you want lunch?" types of conversations, but gossipy, long winded chats that others must overhear. Only ever had that happen 1x.

I've not run into any other issues at WDW with young adults though. In fact, I've had several occasions where school trip kids went out of their way to talk to and play with my child(ren) while we waited in line or for a show to start. :blueflowe

[Blue&Gold]

I would like to think that you wouldn't have to tell Graduating High School Seniors what types of things might be considered rude.

If you cover foul language, rambunctious behavior that runs the risk of hurting someone, disrespectful attitudes towards others, or intentional breaking of park rules you've probably covered 95% of the behaviors "resonable" people would view as inappropriate.

For encouragement, you might want to discuss the idea that the other guests at Disney World have paid hard-earned $$$ for the opportunity to enjoy a "magical" (or at least entertaining) experience. Acting poorly or doing something to detract from that experience is analogous to stealing their admission money...

[7swans]

In fact, I've had several occasions where school trip kids went out of their way to talk to and play with my child(ren) while we waited in line or for a show to start. :blueflowe


This is what I am hoping for, any suggestions for interactive ideas?

[7swans]

For encouragement, you might want to discuss the idea that the other guests at Disney World have paid hard-earned $$$ for the opportunity to enjoy a "magical" (or at least entertaining) experience. Acting poorly or doing something to detract from that experience is analogous to stealing their admission money...

Thanks I will work this idea into our talk!

[carolina_yankee]

I like the bit about reminding your group what others have spent for this 'magical' vacation and Nono's story.

Maybe encourage your kids to think of ways they can be a part of sharing that magic with others? (Being friendly, looking for First Visit and Birthday buttons, etc.)

Dirk

[nono]

This is what I am hoping for, any suggestions for interactive ideas?

Eh, just let it develop. I think some adults see right through groups of teens. Tell them to skip talking to those folks. ;) Personally, I like to feed off teens' energy and perspective on the world. As you can tell from my original post, I've seen almost exclusively good behavior from the groups of kids I've encountered. The cool thing about a place like WDW, unless the bad behavior is happening in the room next to you or above you, you can get away from it pretty darn quickly.

[glypnirsgirl]

I believe that your kids will meet your expectations. By that, I mean that if you assume in talking to them that you will be proud of them and suggest that they think of ways to enhance each others and strangers experience and how much fun it is to make someone's day, they will do so.

While I was saving up money for college (and was a part-time student at a junior college) I waitressed in a restaurant near SMU, a campus full of highly privileged students. I was normally treated well by them. What was surprising to me was the high school students that would come in to town for conferences and camps (cheerleaders especially) - they were almost always uniformly nice to me. Much nicer than I expected.

I am old and fat now. I could easily be the butt of jokes from teenagers. If I see that someone is gearing up to be ugly to me, I head them off at the pass, I simply start asking them questions. Where are you from? Have you been here before? What have you enjoyed the most? (If they have been there many times) What should I make sure that I see? What do you think most people miss that you really like?

It is amazing that almost no one can be rude to someone that is treating them well.

One of the things that one of my friends that teaches special education students always tells her students before an outing is, "Isn't it nicer to exceed someone's expectations instead of living down to them? Don't you want people to think, "well aren't they wonderful" instead of something not nice.

I am sure that your kids will be wonderful!

Elaine

[Colorado Belle]

:iagree: Assume that the kids will live UP to your expectations of them and that is half the battle. I think it's ok to tell them that you know that they are great kids and that they'll make you proud.

I think, for yourself, you could print out some of the cast appreciation cards from Tagrel's site. If the kids see you passing these out and comment or ask for some of there own...have some extra, but I think it better that you do NOT pass them out and tell the kids to pass them out IYKWIM.

One 'trick' I've learned is...if the kids are starting to act a little inappropriately and you are worried that it will start to go downhill...is to get them in a group and tell them that a guest or cast member the day before had commented on how great the kids were...or even better that a cast member/visitor had commented effusively on so and so's behavior ...often the rest of the group tries to outdo each other in being 'kind' so as to generate more of these positive comments.

[7swans]

I like the cast appreciation suggestion, & will definitely check that out.
I intend to have to sort of positive conversation putting forth the expectation of good behavior that many of you have suggested.
I was trying to think of concrete suggestions to give them encouraging them to interact with people they are in line with, or perhaps sharing a lunch table with. I think just getting them to notice other people & engage them in conversation will win the battle.

I thought we could ask them to collect as many locations as possible by asking where people are from, or start a game of some sort with others in line.
Any suggestions along those lines?
Chris

[nono]

Well if they want to get a toddler talking, tell them to overguess on their age. Say "Are you 5?" to a 3 year old and see how many words they can string together correcting the questioner. :hahahaha:

Prepare the kids if you do a "Where are you from?" type game that there are smarty-pants adults like me who will give them silly answers. Best to play along at that point. It can make the time in line go quite fast.

[Smitty]

I was in charge of the door prizes and raffles for our children's post prom party two years ago and found that awarding additional raffle tickets was a great incentive for getting the students involved in the activities offered. The kids were given a ticket each time they participated in an activity such as the Velcro wall, Sumo Wrestling, pick-up basketball, etc. They also received tickets from chaperones that saw them treating each other nicely or wearing the post prom t-shirt they received upon arrival. Some students even got a ticket for napping when they were worn out! The great thing was that no one even asked what the raffle prizes were, they were just happy to have an additional chance to win something. Some items like $5 gift cards and donations to local businesses were given to the winners and everyone was extremely well behaved and left the party exhausted, but happy.

I have also planned bus trips for adults in the past and had great success with raffle tickets. There is always someone that is habitually late and when you are on a schedule, 44 people shouldn't have to wait for the 45th to make it back to the bus. My bus trip buddy and I offered a ticket to each person that was on the bus at the designated time and each night on the way back to the hotel we pulled one ticket for a prize. On the ride home we drew numerous tickets and gave away lots of small items. The first time our "late person" didn't get a ticket when she arrived at the bus was the last time she was late!

Since the students you are taking are going to be unsupervised at times, you could consider having them nominate each other for tickets at the end of each day. Sharing random acts of kindness with one another will make for an incentive to behave the following day.

Incentives (I don't consider the opportunity to win a prize a bribe!) can really make a difference with all ages. If you have a Disney Store in your area, you could even purchase Disney Dollars before you leave and award $1 here and there to be used while they are in WDW. Good luck with your trip.

[Loretta7]

We live in England and are very lucky as we usually visit WDW once a year, but for a lot of people visiting from England and other countries it is a real 'once in a lifetime' trip. As the parks attract a lot of visitors from abroad they are, in a way, representing your country as well as your school.

There has only been one incident which we found really annoying and that involved students from a South American country pushing their way past everyone to board a bus at the end of the day. In general we have found teen groups in the parks to be friendly and we enjoy talking to them in the lines and while waiting for shows. I'm sure your group will make you proud.

You could also mention that during the Year of A Million Dreams, cast members are looking out for people who do kind acts for others and awarding them special Tink pins, one to keep and one to give away to someone they see doing something for others.

[carolina_yankee]

Well if they want to get a toddler talking, tell them to overguess on their age. Say "Are you 5?" to a 3 year old and see how many words they can string together correcting the questioner. :hahahaha:

Prepare the kids if you do a "Where are you from?" type game that there are smarty-pants adults like me who will give them silly answers. Best to play along at that point. It can make the time in line go quite fast.

Silly, as in "I'm here on vacation form my job at a NASA science camp in Antarctica" or, "I'm from the 3rd planet of the dog star system?" :)

[nono]

:Pokepoke:Silly, as in "I'm here on vacation form my job at a NASA science camp in Antarctica" or, "I'm from the 3rd planet of the dog star system?" :)

More like the second one! It's whatever crosses my mind at that moment...

[Canuck]

One big suggestion would be to get your teens to respect the cast members who help make the magic and follow their directions. Help them realize that a lot of these people take Disney jobs not because of the pay, which isn't that great, but because they like helping people have a safe, happy, magical vacation.

[lthunt72]

What about giving them a light colored or white T-shirt and challenge them to find people from each state to write their state on the Teens shirt and see which students come up with the most states or most unique??? This would be a positive interactive choice as long as your students use "how to approach people and ask respectfully" manners. :grouphug:
Terri

[jiggerj]

I have been following your posts on your upcoming adventure 7swans and I really need to thank you! If it wasn't for involved parent/teaches/guides/friends then am I am sure alot of the kids that are going wouldn't have this opportunity to visit WDW. :clappingh. Your concern and commitment is magical itself! :dust:

I agree with nono with having a good old fashioned "chat" before you go. I love what nono said on the Gay Days thread. Perfect! :)

anyhooo... how about hitting up the dollar stores and getting bulk load of glow necklaces to give out? And like Canuck said- CM interaction! You can get a fan in epcot in Japan and have the cm write their name in japanese on each (the small fans are around 2 bucks) or maybe do a BIG fan and have all the kids pitch in and put all their names on! That would be cool to display in the school after!

I am sure you will have a great time and dont worry- there is so much to do and I am sure with you being involved it will be a memories these lucky kids will treasure! :)

[carolina_yankee]

What about giving them a light colored or white T-shirt and challenge them to find people from each state to write their state on the Teens shirt and see which students come up with the most states or most unique??? This would be a positive interactive choice as long as your students use "how to approach people and ask respectfully" manners. :grouphug:
Terri

Great idea in principle - but don't you think guys from other states will be all over the idea of writing their state on the girls t-shirts? (Or vice versa?) :innocent:

This could turn into a great "Oh now they didn't!" post!!

Dirk

[mkhurley]

Great idea in principle - but don't you think guys from other states will be all over the idea of writing their state on the girls t-shirts? (Or vice versa?) :innocent:

This could turn into a great "Oh now they didn't!" post!!

Dirk

Not if they go that first week in June being discussed elsewhere..........:holymoly:

:ROTFL:

[7swans]

Thanks everyone, Great ideas! It is so fun to come home & see so many posts on your thread!
We are all getting pretty excited about the trip. We met with the students today.
I asked them to raise their hands if they have ever been to WDW, only about 5 or 6 out of 35 have been there before.

I had been trying to think of a practical way to reward them for good behavior & the completed scavenger hunts. The raffle idea is a possible solution.

We handed out room assignments today, everyone seemed pleased, it is a relief to have that behind us.

We will be paying for airfare, our tickets, our rooms, and our dining cards this week. :woohoo:

Thanks everyone!

[tinker_me_happy]

The only time I encountered rude teenage behavior was also that from groups of teens from Brazil. It was the most HORRIBLE behavior, not even worth repeating. Line skipping was done EVERY WHERE, and they acted like they had the "Right" to do what ever THEY wanted. The few chaperones that were with them would turn and look the other way when they saw any bad behavior. One thing I would encourage your teens to do is if they want to join up in a line with their friends, have the ones in front move to the rear to meet up rather than have some cut in. I am sure your teens will be polite and respectful, in part because that is what you expect of them.

Good Luck and Have Fun!

[Kynna]

7Swans you are going to have a great trip. I love the fact that the thread didn't become a teenager bashing opportunity and instead everyone people offer great way to help the kids solicit the respect they deserve from others. You wouldn't beleive how many times I've seen kids get their feelings hurt by an adult who just assumed they were up to no good. I could tell you stories that would make your toes curl.

I would point out to them that to the children at the parks they are essentially adults. Conversations that are to mature for kids who may be around them should be saved for another time when little ears might be listening.

The important and tricky part about it is being clear on your expectations without being condescending. From the sounds of your posts it seems that you really care about the kids and want them to have a great time. Once your teens tune into that they will rise to the occasion.

[7swans]

7Swans you are going to have a great trip. I love the fact that the thread didn't become a teenager bashing opportunity and instead everyone people offer great way to help the kids solicit the respect they deserve from others. You wouldn't beleive how many times I've seen kids get their feelings hurt by an adult who just assumed they were up to no good. I could tell you stories that would make your toes curl.

I would point out to them that to the children at the parks they are essentially adults. Conversations that are to mature for kids who may be around them should be saved for another time when little ears might be listening.

The important and tricky part about it is being clear on your expectations without being condescending. From the sounds of your posts it seems that you really care about the kids and want them to have a great time. Once your teens tune into that they will rise to the occasion.

Thanks for the encouragement!

I will be sure to make the 'adult conversation' point.

You hit the nail on the head, the difficulty is in gaining their attention & respect without sounding like an overbearing paranoid grown-up.

I chaperoned a trip to the Cleveland Playhouse this week, our students were much better behaved than some of the other groups there. That was encouraging!

Rozzie should you happen to read this thread, the play was "Pride & Prejudice!":beatinghe

[greenban]

I believe that your kids will meet your expectations. By that, I mean that if you assume in talking to them that you will be proud of them and suggest that they think of ways to enhance each others and strangers experience and how much fun it is to make someone's day, they will do so.

While I was saving up money for college (and was a part-time student at a junior college) I waitressed in a restaurant near SMU, a campus full of highly privileged students. I was normally treated well by them. What was surprising to me was the high school students that would come in to town for conferences and camps (cheerleaders especially) - they were almost always uniformly nice to me. Much nicer than I expected.

I am old and fat now. I could easily be the butt of jokes from teenagers. If I see that someone is gearing up to be ugly to me, I head them off at the pass, I simply start asking them questions. Where are you from? Have you been here before? What have you enjoyed the most? (If they have been there many times) What should I make sure that I see? What do you think most people miss that you really like?

It is amazing that almost no one can be rude to someone that is treating them well.

One of the things that one of my friends that teaches special education students always tells her students before an outing is, "Isn't it nicer to exceed someone's expectations instead of living down to them? Don't you want people to think, "well aren't they wonderful" instead of something not nice.

I am sure that your kids will be wonderful!

Elaine

Mee Too.

While nothing anyone could say about me, matters the least to me, once one of my children came crying to me about something someone else said about me, that she overheard. So, Elaine, I really like your idea, and think it is great for all, not just us fat old farts.

With my kids, they have been taught by word and example, to leave everywhere cleaner than when we came in. We pick up litter on our way into McDonalds, or blowing around the parks at WDW. I have also taugh my children to talk to 'neglected' people. Lonely seniors, 'funny looking' or different acting kids as well as obviously handicapped people (wheelchairs, braces and Down's and the like). Besides doing something nice for someone else, we are rewarded by a warm smile and a bright shine from the receipent's eyes. I consider it a Mitzvah as well.

If you really want to drive home the action, perhaps some role playing with your teens. Have one pretend to have a handicap, another two pretend to be that child's parents or siblings, and have one or two others be mean and disrespectful, then walk away. Then have the family react, speaking what they were thinking aloud. "If they only knew our son, how hard he struggles to..... I would take that pain myself if I could. I just want to go back to my room and cry., etc." Perhaps have a sibling cry, "why were they so mean....."

Then follow up with a brief, ideal encounter.... "Hi, what's your name, how do you like Disney, what's your favorite ride, etc." This time let the parents say, "What nice kids/teens, how nice, Wow that made our day, etc." Finally when the 'nice' teens walk away, one could say, "Hey man that was really cool!" or the like.

I think since you are alreasy sensative to potential problems, that your group won't be one of the problem groups.

Good luck!

-Tony

[OttawaWendy]

I work with our church youth group and my youth are really extremely responsible when they are away from their parents. I think that is because I expect a lot from them. We recently went on a weekend retreat and the other two leaders couldn't be there at the last minute, and I never had to go into the kitchen - they prepared and cooked meals and cleaned up without my supervision (of course, it has taken time to get to that point).

One of the things that I find is that they listen to each other better than to adults. It is almost instinctive at this age to assume that adults will ask too much of you, but when they are asked by their peers, it becomes ok. So we have leaders for each activity (i.e. cooking dinner) and they are in charge of getting it done. We've had lots of discussions about what makes a good team leader and what makes a good team member, and they've experienced first hand how frustrating it is trying to get something done when others are goofing around. So they have a lot more responsibility.

One of the things this has led to is that they enforce "rules" and respect on each other. They run wild when it is appropriate, but if one of them isn't being serious during a serious discussion, the rest of them call him on it.

So... in terms of a bunch of high school students, I would ask them what kind of behaviour they think is appropriate, what kind of behaviour shows them to be mature, and what kind of behaviour in their peers doesn't reflect badly on them. And then I would give them explicit permission to call each other on inappropriate behaviour. You could even say "so if you lost it a little, and did something inappropriate, what would you want a friend to say to you?". My guess is that you'd get a reasonable list of things, and then you can say to all of them "don't be afraid to use this list. How one of you acts reflects on all of you, so you are each responsible for your own behaviour, and for the behaviour of others in our group."

Another story, but maybe not very useful: One of the leaders in my group teaches Inuit students from the far north of Canada. In Inuit cultures, elders are treated with a respect that is unknown in typical North American culture. Like royalty is the closest I can describe. So a few years ago the Inuit students come to our church to perform their dancing and throat-singing, and there's a buffet dinner. True to form, we all rush up to eat. One of the Inuit students (maybe she's 18) actually starts to cry because she was so upset at how rude that was to the elders (in Inuit culture, all the elders would go first, or would be brought their food, before anyone else even considered going up). When we told our youth that story, they were ashamed. Anything that gets them to acknowledge the needs of others is contrary to the general message of our society (which is all about putting yourself first), and is good.

[dianeschlicht]

Your ideas to engage in conversation when you hear young people acting up is a good one. I have done that many times in line, and sometimes just to help out a poor parent who is struggling with an overtired youngster who doesn't want to go along with the program. Once, I came across a group of high schoolers from Australia at Disneyland. I was by myself because I had gone along to Anaheim with my DH who had to go for his job. The kids were all waiting for Big THunder Mountain and jeering at one of their group who was afraid to go. I told him if "grandma" could ride, it wasn't that scary, and that he should ride with me. He did, and he loved it!! I then continued to escort them around the park for a couple hours and both they and I had a great time! Later in the day, I kept running into them, and they always greeted me as "grandma". Kids of any age up to 18 or so will respond to respect with respect if given a chance.

I think the way you are handling them before the trip is perfect!

[7swans]

Thanks that was kind of you to say.
We will be chaperoning @ prom this Saturday, another chance to observe our group!
I will be working on the 'the talk' over the next few days and likely deliver it late next week.
I will let you all know how it goes.


Our park hoppers & dining cards arrived, won't be long now !:)

[Hallfamily4]

I'm getting excited for you! This is going to be a wonderful trip of a lifetime for these students. They are so lucky to have someone like you who is so involved.
I enjoy reading your posts, and can't wait to read your trip report when you return. It won't be long!!

[paulrae]

Ask them what they deem to be rude or bad manners...That then gives you their benchmark and take it from there.....Tell them up front what you expect from them and what are the consequences of bad behaviour...from everything you have said in this thread so far, you sound great and it really sounds like the Kids respect you and what you are doing, tell them to enjoy the trip because they will remember it for the rest of their lives..I'm sure they will want that memory to be a good one

I have to say I have only ever been worried by teenagers/young adults behaviour once while I have been in the states...back in 2001 while staying in Clearwater around easter time (Spring break?) My Wife, daughter then 8 and Son then 1 he was in a buggy & I are walking back to our hotel from the beach when we see a group of young guys around some very flashy cars...

Being on the cautious side I pull my wife and daughter to the opp side of me so I'm between them and us, as we approach a couple of lads are shouting and swearing at each other...to my amazement, another guy from the group walks up to both of them and smacks them around the ears...walks directly up to me and my wife and says "Please excuse my friends Cussing"..I nearly fall over..in England we are more likely to be sworn at!...

oh and Never judge a book...

[7swans]

Never judge a book... is a good motto. :iagree:

My DS 15 has a truly kind helpful nature, but looks to some a little scary. He has had green hair this past month (in honor of St. Patrick's day, the stuff is tenacious!)
His hair is a bit longer & his clothes a bit darker than we would like, but he is a good kid, his head is in the right place. This too shall pass.

Sometimes it is the clean cut ones who don't look the part who are really up to no good.

Thanks Wendy for the PM from you & your hubby, I am not sure if I thanked you already or not, I have been busy! Anyway I appreciated it!

[TriciaS]

Another thing to consider is to discuss appropriate actions in public. I can remember waiting on lines with my children and seeing teenagers all over each other and kissing right next to us. Very awkward!!
It was terrible, since we were waiting in line there was no escape! Not fun!

[JimP]

Another thing to consider is to discuss appropriate actions in public. I can remember waiting on lines with my children and seeing teenagers all over each other and kissing right next to us. Very awkward!!
It was terrible, since we were waiting in line there was no escape! Not fun!
I've seen the same thing with adults. Somehow... that seems more out of place.

/Jim

[NYDVC]

I've seen the same thing with adults. Somehow... that seems more out of place.

/Jim

Not only that, I always laugh when they get offended that people are looking at them. :bugeyed: GET A ROOM :idontgeti

[nono]

Yeah, when I see teens smooching, I think, "Oh, I remember how that felt." When I see adults acting that way, I think, "I wonder where their spouses are." :rolleyes:

[mkhurley]

Yeah, when I see teens smooching, I think, "Oh, I remember how that felt." When I see adults acting that way, I think, "I wonder where their spouses are." :rolleyes:

I do that all the time when I meet my wife somewhere to eat....hostesses ask if they can help me, I say I'm looking for my girlfriend, a beautiful blonde about so tall that just came in, usually they direct me to where she's seated. I'll take another moment to look around causing them to ask if there is something else...to which I reply....No, just making sure my wife isn't here also......then go sit down. :hahahaha:

What good is life if ya ain't havin fun...........:yes:

[glypnirsgirl]

Hi - I was over at the Tour Guide Mike website and on the forum, they had posted some contracts for children to sign regarding their expectations and agreements regarding their behavior. The contracts for kids are too "young" for your group, but the idea is a worthwhile one. I have only modified the contract that I found:


Civil Code 1: You are not responsible for anyone else having a good time, but you are responsible for your own good time. However, you may not do things that actively interfere with another person’s positive experience. This even applies to people we do not know. Examples:
1. Being loud as you walk past other hotel rooms or excessive thumping around if we are not on the ground floor.
2. Making other people feel stupid for liking “It’s a Small World”
3. Being rowdy or obnoxious on rides or in lines.
4. Whining to attempt to get your way or too avoid the planned activities.

Civil Code 2: All of the adults on this trip are people you know and trust. You are expected to be respective and responsive if they give you instructions. However, this many adults means that there is quite a bit of room for contradictory or multiple instructions being given at any time. It is not disrespectful to communicate that your parents have given you permission to do something or that someone else has already asked you to help them with something, if done in a polite tone of voice and pleasant manner.

Civil Code 3: We will be spending a lot of time together. We will share small spaces, get tired, and get hot. This is a potential breeding ground for hurt feelings. Please be careful in your teasing. The comment that is taken in fun at home might be taken seriously by a hot, tired, hungry person.

Civil Code 4: Please be responsible for your own belongings. Only take as much into the parks as you are comfortable carrying all day. Our hotel rooms are not large – please be sensitive to your roommates’ comfort and do not spread your belongings everywhere.

Civil Code 5: This is not the time or place for romantic interludes. You should not make excessive displays of affection in public. You should spend the night in your own room.

[7swans]

Well I finally gave my behavior talk to our group yesterday.
They were very receptive to the conversation, I am glad that I had the talk with them, and feel obliged to thank you all for your input :grouphug: you were a big help!

I have been working on my scavenger hunts & tip sheets for the parks, I do hate the thought of needing to transport all of that extra paper in my luggage. But I know it will help the students to get the most out of the trip.
Thanks much again to all of you, I will let you know how it goes!
Chris

[tinker_me_happy]

Enjoy your trip! I think the kids will have a great time!

[mousehouse]

Mmmmm...wonder how the trip went?
Personally, I think I would have approached things more as a game. The reason Disney is cool is because people learn from the CM's to make magical moments, to help, to smile etc...

if you made it a game for them to mirror this behavior i think you would find most would be decent anyways. competition is good for the soul

[7swans]

Thanks for your interest mousehouse, the trip went amazingly well. I posted an update in the trip planning forum & one more under trip reports;



DH is heading up next years trip planning team! :headbrick

[MouseKid]

We were on Spaceship Earth and we had just started to go up the hill. Well about halfway through the ride my sister and I started to hear a sound like rocks or something hard was hitting our car but we thought it was something with our car and just ignored it. But then the noise continued and next thing you know my sister and I were getting hit by small pebbles and hard candy. It was a bunch of teenagers behind us throwing all this stuff at us. We told our parents and they said there going to tell the Cast Members when we got off. So we kept on turning around and telling them to stop then next thing you know my stepmom was hit in the head by one of the things they were throwing (this is the time to RUNNN in fear lol). She was SOOOOO mad. She was about to get out of the vehicle and go over there and yell at them. But, my dad held her down. So finally after like 5 mintues they stopped throwing things at us and by this time the ride was almost over. When the ride was over we immediately told a Cast Member and told them it was the kids behind us. So when there car came around the corner, they all acted like they were asleep. So, once they were off the ride they were pulled to the side and Disney Police came in from every direction asking us questions and asking them questions. It was CRAZY!! I have never seen so many police in my entire life! But anyway, when we got into some light i had stains all over my shirt from the candy they were throwing. They put the candies in their mouths and threw it at us. Then we found out one of the kids that were throwing all these things was a Cast Member!!!! So he was fired (I think). Here's the best part..........OUR FLIGHT WAS LEAVING IN LIKE AN HOUR!! We still had to go back to the resort (SSR). So one of the park managers came over and we told him we had to leave to go to the airport. So they walked us to the back part of Epcot and we got to see "behind the scenes" lol. So thanks to those immature teenagers we almost missed the magical express bus and our flight.

(i just reallized I kind of went off topic. woops. sorry. :tongue:)

[newjerseynick]

Originally posted by MouseKid:
We were on Spaceship Earth and we had just started to go up the hill. Well about halfway through the ride my sister and I started to hear a sound like rocks or something hard was hitting our car but we thought it was something with our car and just ignored it. But then the noise continued and next thing you know my sister and I were getting hit by small pebbles and hard candy. It was a bunch of teenagers behind us throwing all this stuff at us. We told our parents and they said there going to tell the Cast Members when we got off. So we kept on turning around and telling them to stop then next thing you know my stepmom was hit in the head by one of the things they were throwing (this is the time to RUNNN in fear lol). She was SOOOOO mad. She was about to get out of the vehicle and go over there and yell at them. But, my dad held her down. So finally after like 5 mintues they stopped throwing things at us and by this time the ride was almost over. When the ride was over we immediately told a Cast Member and told them it was the kids behind us. So when there car came around the corner, they all acted like they were asleep. So, once they were off the ride they were pulled to the side and Disney Police came in from every direction asking us questions and asking them questions. It was CRAZY!! I have never seen so many police in my entire life! But anyway, when we got into some light i had stains all over my shirt from the candy they were throwing. They put the candies in their mouths and threw it at us. Then we found out one of the kids that were throwing all these things was a Cast Member!!!! So he was fired (I think). Here's the best part..........OUR FLIGHT WAS LEAVING IN LIKE AN HOUR!! We still had to go back to the resort (SSR). So one of the park managers came over and we told him we had to leave to go to the airport. So they walked us to the back part of Epcot and we got to see "behind the scenes" lol. So thanks to those immature teenagers we almost missed the magical express bus and our flight.

:jawdroppi:holymoly:

What was that cast member thinking?! If that happened to us, I would just hope I could hold my DW back!:burningma

Nick

[carolina_yankee]

So, once they were off the ride they were pulled to the side and Disney Police came in from every direction asking us questions and asking them questions. It was CRAZY!! I have never seen so many police in my entire life! But anyway, when we got into some light i had stains all over my shirt from the candy they were throwing. They put the candies in their mouths and threw it at us. Then we found out one of the kids that were throwing all these things was a Cast Member!!!! So he was fired (I think).)

The CM was beyond stupid, and should have known that there would be video evidence, too.

I've never seen teens truly misbehave at WDW (a little high energy hear and there), but I would have settled for nothing less than their heads in this case. I'm glad Disney took good care of you in getting you to your resort.

Dirk

[MadHatter's House]

We were on Spaceship Earth and we had just started to go up the hill. Well about halfway through the ride my sister and I started to hear a sound like rocks or something hard was hitting our car but we thought it was something with our car and just ignored it. But then the noise continued and next thing you know my sister and I were getting hit by small pebbles and hard candy. It was a bunch of teenagers behind us throwing all this stuff at us. We told our parents and they said there going to tell the Cast Members when we got off. So we kept on turning around and telling them to stop then next thing you know my stepmom was hit in the head by one of the things they were throwing (this is the time to RUNNN in fear lol). She was SOOOOO mad. She was about to get out of the vehicle and go over there and yell at them. But, my dad held her down. So finally after like 5 mintues they stopped throwing things at us and by this time the ride was almost over. When the ride was over we immediately told a Cast Member and told them it was the kids behind us. So when there car came around the corner, they all acted like they were asleep. So, once they were off the ride they were pulled to the side and Disney Police came in from every direction asking us questions and asking them questions. It was CRAZY!! I have never seen so many police in my entire life! But anyway, when we got into some light i had stains all over my shirt from the candy they were throwing. They put the candies in their mouths and threw it at us. Then we found out one of the kids that were throwing all these things was a Cast Member!!!! So he was fired (I think). Here's the best part..........OUR FLIGHT WAS LEAVING IN LIKE AN HOUR!! We still had to go back to the resort (SSR). So one of the park managers came over and we told him we had to leave to go to the airport. So they walked us to the back part of Epcot and we got to see "behind the scenes" lol. So thanks to those immature teenagers we almost missed the magical express bus and our flight.

(i just reallized I kind of went off topic. woops. sorry. :tongue:)

MouseKid, kudos to you and your family for standing up to this group of kids. My kids would've been embarrassed if I made a big deal (which wouldn't have stopped me). Nice to know that Disney police are quick to respond. A lady once fainted in line in front of us and it was like stealth ninjas - emergency people seemed to come out of the walls to help!

[MouseKid]

MouseKid, kudos to you and your family for standing up to this group of kids. My kids would've been embarrassed if I made a big deal (which wouldn't have stopped me). Nice to know that Disney police are quick to respond. A lady once fainted in line in front of us and it was like stealth ninjas - emergency people seemed to come out of the walls to help!

Well we were a little embarrassed (we meaning my sister and I) but we were also really mad for hitting our parents and us so we kind of ignored the embarrassment part.

"emergency people seemed to come out of the walls to help!"

When there is a problem with medical or trouble (like vandalism or in our case, stuff being thrown at us) like you said, they do come from EVERY dircetion. They poor in from like secret doors and hallways. lol. It's crazy.