"You're to old to be here...."

[SM1992]

"after all, Disney is for the kids" Using her logic, she shouldn't have been there either.
Disney is for everybody!
And I love your photo!

 

[Lady Hiss]

I feel your frustration and would’ve been just as shocked as you. Thanks so much for posting this so those of us who are ‘elderly’ might have a snappy comeback in our pocket should it happen to us. I’d refuse to move & tell her to plan better. Normally I’d let a child in front of me but the Mom’s behavior shouldn’t be rewarded so no, not gonna move.
Kinda reminds me of people on flights who didn’t get their seats early yet expect those of us who did to move - so they can sit with their kid, husband, grandma or whomever they’re traveling with. NOPE.

 

[goopysolelady]

It's so hard to think clearly when someone like that is so rude and entitled. What I would have liked to do was turn to crowd around me and ask if I was to old to enjoy the parade as this person here says I am? She says I'm taking a spot a child should have? Of course the words never come when they should, right?

I had at least 25 "responses" later that evening but, so true, it's hard to think clearly when you can't believe what you're hearing! I AM grateful our youngest granddaughter wasn't with me; she'd have probably been banned from Disney by now!

 

[goopysolelady]

I feel your frustration and would’ve been just as shocked as you. Thanks so much for posting this so those of us who are ‘elderly’ might have a snappy comeback in our pocket should it happen to us. I’d refuse to move & tell her to plan better. Normally I’d let a child in front of me but the Mom’s behavior shouldn’t be rewarded so no, not gonna move.
Kinda reminds me of people on flights who didn’t get their seats early yet expect those of us who did to move - so they can sit with their kid, husband, grandma or whomever they’re traveling with. NOPE.

My thought exactly; a warning to Disney Seniors to prepare. Seems like we encounter more and more rude/entitled people with each trip. Makes me sad; Disney World was/still is...my "happy place" yet all it takes is one person to spoil the entire day. Don't get me started on the airline seat issue you mentioned ! If you want to sit next to your family BOOK it that way...or pay for Early Bird boarding like we do (for the next couple of months anyway before Southwest changes their policy! )

 

[beccasmom]

There are no words (none that can be used here anyway) for such rudeness and disrespect. Karma has a way of catching up to such people.

 

[iwannabdduck]

I've actually had the opposite happen to me once when 2 parents directly in front of me pick up their kids and put them on their shoulders so they'd have a better view of the fireworks. Obscured the view for a lot more people than just me & wifey behind them that night.

The other unbelievably rude incident occurred in Epcot last year as I was leaning against the hand rail on the bridge between England and France admiring the lake view waiting for my wife to finish doing whatever wives do in the shops in France. That was when I heard someone say: "excuse me," & then yelled Excuse Me!! There was lady in her ECV or motorized cart, whatever they are called, about a foot from my leg. “I’d like to get by please,” she said. It was obvious she expected me to be the one who moved. I glanced over my shoulder to see how crowded the bridge was. There was plenty of room. The ornery side of my brain kicked in and I took a big step the other way still holding on to the hand rail. Then I said, “Okay, you ought to have enough room to get by now.” She didn’t say a word, but if looks could … well, you know … I wouldn’t be typing on my key board right now.

Still, I can share with you a ton more incidents of good, courteous and friendly people we've meet & talked with at WDW. Including complete strangers who volunteered to take some of our most memorable trip photos after they watched us struggling taking “selfies.” So yeah, we always try to make the best of it no matter what we run into.

 

[goopysolelady]

I've actually had the opposite happen to me once when 2 parents directly in front of me pick up their kids and put them on their shoulders so they'd have a better view of the fireworks. Obscured the view for a lot more people than just me & wifey behind them that night.

The other unbelievably rude incident occurred in Epcot last year as I was leaning against the hand rail on the bridge between England and France admiring the lake view waiting for my wife to finish doing whatever wives do in the shops in France. That was when I heard someone say: "excuse me," & then yelled Excuse Me!! There was lady in her ECV or motorized cart, whatever they are called, about a foot from my leg. “I’d like to get by please,” she said. It was obvious she expected me to be the one who moved. I glanced over my shoulder to see how crowded the bridge was. There was plenty of room. The ornery side of my brain kicked in and I took a big step the other way still holding on to the hand rail. Then I said, “Okay, you ought to have enough room to get by now.” She didn’t say a word, but if looks could … well, you know … I wouldn’t be typing on my key board right now.

Still, I can share with you a ton more incidents of good, courteous and friendly people we've meet & talked with at WDW. Including complete strangers who volunteered to take some of our most memorable trip photos after they watched us struggling taking “selfies.” So yeah, we always try to make the best of it no matter what we run into.

Met some wonderful people on this trip and try to stay focused on them. Incident for me involving an ECV/motorized cart AND a stroller too; stuck between them entering the MK. The gentlemen in the ECV was having trouble making his card ticket work and was attempting to get off to the side while the CM figured out what was wrong. I started moving backward to give him more room when I discovered there was a stroller not 6" behind me! I stumbled over it and, thank God, kept myself from falling but the man pushing the stroller "held his ground" ; he wasn't going to give me an extra INCH! Good for you for holding your spot on the bridge ; that's one time I would have done the exact same thing!

 

[ZerasPride]

What would I say? Nothing! I'd be too shocked! As well as, with her child around, what I'd be thinking wouldn't be appropriate to say around children. But my feelings would be hurt, and I'd think "No wonder some kids are brats-they learn it from their parents."
Sometimes I get situations like this-one time I was solo at Coral Reef and had the perfect tank-side table. Two young children came over while I was eating and they were really interested in watching the fish, and we talked about what kind of fish they might be, etc. Suddenly Mom appeared, berating them for "disturbing the lady" and apologized profusely to me. As I told her, they were great company, and I got to play pretend Grandma, even though mine were at home. I've had many a parent appologize for their kids, but I'd be speechless if anyone essentially said I was taking space or something that their kids deserved.

I agree with this statement so much! Yes I would have been completely dumbfounded at the unkindness at such a happy place as Disney. Parades and fireworks especially seem to bring out the Hunger Games attitude in many folks. That is why I either watch from outside the parks or book a dessert package. People of all ages have every right to exist and enjoy things. Even Disney things. No matter the age! I hope you continue to enjoy the parks and ignore the uninformed and the ignorant!

 

[fla4fun]

Oh, the vocabulary I could use to describe that woman, if only this weren’t a family friendly board!

The thing is, that woman had no way of knowing if that was the OP’s first visit or 100th visit. Sometimes people don’t get to visit as children, or bring their own children. My grandmother was a senior for her first and only visit. Maybe that was the OP’s once in a lifetime opportunity to visit Disney and their first time seeing the show. While she may have been disappointed that her kids didn’t have a front row view, that was poor planning on her part and nothing to do with the OP. There is no policy manual somewhere stating that you can only visit Disney if you are a child or have children with you. Also, Disney certainly doesn’t charge less as people age out of some of the more popular rides like they do with a child rate for those who haven’t aged into them yet. Full price, full access. If you want a good parade or fireworks spot, take the time out of your day and get it early.

I would not have moved, because to me that sends the message that she can behave even worse towards the next person to get her way. I would have let her gripe and complain throughout the entire show and just ignored her. No one has the right to treat anyone in that manner, regardless of age, and I would not have given her the satisfaction of a response. She was nothing but a bully.

OP, I am sorry you had to deal with such a rude guest in such a happy place.

 

[goopysolelady]

Oh, the vocabulary I could use to describe that woman, if only this weren’t a family friendly board!

The thing is, that woman had no way of knowing if that was the OP’s first visit or 100th visit. Sometimes people don’t get to visit as children, or bring their own children. My grandmother was a senior for her first and only visit. Maybe that was the OP’s once in a lifetime opportunity to visit Disney and their first time seeing the show. While she may have been disappointed that her kids didn’t have a front row view, that was poor planning on her part and nothing to do with the OP. There is no policy manual somewhere stating that you can only visit Disney if you are a child or have children with you. Also, Disney certainly doesn’t charge less as people age out of some of the more popular rides like they do with a child rate for those who haven’t aged into them yet. Full price, full access. If you want a good parade or fireworks spot, take the time out of your day and get it early.

I would not have moved, because to me that sends the message that she can behave even worse towards the next person to get her way. I would have let her gripe and complain throughout the entire show and just ignored her. No one has the right to treat anyone in that manner, regardless of age, and I would not have given her the satisfaction of a response. She was nothing but a bully.

OP, I am sorry you had to deal with such a rude guest in such a happy place.

If I could turn back the clock, I would stand my ground too. As I do have some difficulty hearing, I could not hear 100% of her "ranting"...only the parts I was looking directly at her, so I did have some concern for my safety. My balance isn't the greatest and one good unexpected push from the older sister could easily have set me tumbling! I spent a couple minutes weighing my options. The pull to stay on principle was strong but honestly I really wanted the better view of the fireworks I got from the Space Mountain area. I had my few pictures of the Castle so that mission was accomplished. I kept thinking, "How does she know this isn't my LAST chance to see the Fireworks Show; I'm far from a "spring chicken" and each trip is more difficult. As the saying goes, it's "water under the bridge" but I did want other Disney Seniors to be more prepared than I was. I've dealt with a lot of things during my visits but never anything like this!

 

[katallo]

What a rude individual and a terrible example for a child. The only thing I can add is one day she’ll be that age too.

 

[The Mayor]

What I would have said to her would show up as ****** here. Keeping it PG I would have stood my ground and told her that my money paid for that spot and if she wanted a better view then she should have showed up earlier. When I've been in certain situations like that, if people are polite I will always offer my spot to a child. Rude like that woman then they can go pound sand.

Sorry you had to deal with that.

 

[chrisney]

View attachment 954987

FELLOW DISNEY SENIORS...I returned a week ago from a 5 day visit for the Flower & Garden Festival. I'd like your opinion on how you would have handled a situation I encountered. BOTTOM LINE...I was told by a fellow Disney guest (youngish mother) that (direct quote), "You're to old to be taking up a viewing spot for the fireworks; after all, Disney is for THE KIDS"

Briefly, I was solo at this point and chose to not watch the fireworks on Main Street because of the crowd. I'm "vertically challenged" and 99% of the time my view of the Castle is blocked. I wanted a few pictures of the Castle during the show and 30 minutes before went to the spot in the picture above...the area to the right of the Tomorrowland entrance behind the "rocks". While the spot wasn't perfect, I was able to view the top of the Castle. As the show began a youngster, maybe 4-5 years old, pushed me aside. I moved slightly but didn't want to loose my view (the area had become crowded compared to when I arrived and there were only 2 other adults in the spot) when the mother made the statement from behind me. She kept making unkind comments about "elderly people taking spots from children" and after about 5 minutes I left. As I passed by her she told me, "It's about time!" I won't deny, my feelings were hurt; I don't ever remember being addressed like that before. I met some WONDERFUL people on this trip but this lady wasn't one of them! What would you have done?

I'm pretty sure I'd have had to tell her that g-d willing, her precious child will be able to see fireworks for many years to come, whereas as an OLD person it could very well be my last time. And then watch her deflate. As a scooter user (not just in the park but every day) I am no longer shy at pointing out my existence either! I try to be nice about it, but keep hoping that people just don't realize how what they do affects other people.

 

[DVCjj]

That is by far the rudest and dumbest Disney World comment.

I'm old and my family's been going since 1971 and stayed at Polynesian & Contemporary that year. Insane amount of trips between then and now. Money from people like us has contributed in a small way to new rides and attractions.

Everyone who has the desire and financial ability (we dumbly borrowed from a credit union to go that first year in order to stay at those two credit. Yes, crazy. But oh so nice.) deserves to go.
Didn't know there were "Age Police" at Disney World.
I'm sorry you encountered it. Chalk it up to mental illness.

 

[goopysolelady]

That is by far the rudest and dumbest Disney World comment.

I'm old and my family's been going since 1971 and stayed at Polynesian & Contemporary that year. Insane amount of trips between then and now. Money from people like us has contributed in a small way to new rides and attractions.

Everyone who has the desire and financial ability (we dumbly borrowed from a credit union to go that first year in order to stay at those two credit. Yes, crazy. But oh so nice.) deserves to go.
Didn't know there were "Age Police" at Disney World.
I'm sorry you encountered it. Chalk it up to mental illness.

Oh I'm so glad someone else said, in a round about way, I'VE HELPED BUILD THE DW YOUR CHILD IS ENJOYING"! Our family is the same way as yours, insane amount of trips between us all from Texas (daughter has been 3 times this year already!) and plans for a lot more. (DGD is now living in Florida working on her Master's in Meteorology so we have the perfect "excuse" to fly to Orlando!) Love the "Age Police" statement! As a veteran, I love the fact that I can advise younger people on their visits, some local, planning their first trips, and many in the parks who I've met and started a conversation with. I chalked her statement up to "entitlement" since there seems to be a lot of that these days but dang it...I'm "entitled" too! Paid for my ticket, have been loyal to Disney even when I've disagreed with some of their policies and decisions (still upset Great Movie Ride and Magic Express are gone ) and forked over a LOT of money over the years for our trips. Just hope these discussions have given fellow Disney Seniors "ammunition" for if and when this happens again.

 

[elvispursley]

WOW!! I’m absolutely astounded (although should t be, at this point) at the atrocious behavior of this woman. I’m not a senior but my mom is and she’s my WDW travel buddy. I’d likely have been escorted out of the park if someone said that to her.

At MNSSHP last year, an entitled “Karen” screamed at my mother after crossing in front of her (my mom uses a scooter) and stopped, causing my mom to nearly hit her. I definitely laid into her about her behavior (both cutting a scooter off and yelling at someone in front of her kid). Absolutely not going to tolerate that. And I would’ve snapped back at this appalling piece of trash had I been witness to this woman’s behavior toward the OP. Just wow….

 

[Brian Noble]

"You're to old to be taking up a viewing spot for the fireworks; after all, Disney is for THE KIDS"

Oh, I was born on February 29th, so really I'm only 14.

 

[Tinkaboo]

So sorry you had that experience...guess when the Manners and Social Propriety Train went by...she clearly missed it! I don't understand why people want to be so ugly sometimes...

 

[TCRAIG]

I would have said ’Sorry sweetie - I’m old and I don’t hear real well, could you repeat that a lot louder please so everyone can hear’…

 

[Sparrow'sLady]

I would not have moved. I would have told her that if Disney is for kids, how is it that only adults can pay for it. I would have also asked her if she would like for me to get a Cast Member and have them confirm if you should move or if they should move her out for harassment.