We travel to theme parks a lot and hear all sorts of “people peeves” from park goers. I’m a pretty level-headed frog... dealing with my two tadpoles, I have to be. Plus, we pack patience wherever we go. But I wanted to share some of the pet peeves that really seem to “bug” people. Recognize any?
1. The “It’s Not Skipping if I Pretend I Don’t See You” Guy
This person usually rears his or her head at the bag check, turnstile and counter service lines. We’re all going for the same goal, right?
2. The “Let’s Blame the Cast Member” Guy
It’s not normally the poor Cast Member who had to tell guests that Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is temporarily down who personally broke the ride. Smile at at the poor, unfortunate soul and come back later.
3. The “Who Me?” Guy
This is the person who sees the small children patiently waiting for the parade to start with their parents who saved the spot for them an hour in advance, but squeezes his or her way onto the edge of the sidewalk anyway. Have you ever found yourself thinking, “Hey, I’ll move back for other children to get a front row view, but not for you, buddy!”?
4. The “If I Physically Push the Crowd, It’ll Move Faster” Guy
This is not a cattle drive, but do you ever feel like some people think it is? Ever not press the gas the millisecond the light turns green and the guy behind you lays on the horn? Same idea. Just relax, everyone is here to have fun!
5. The “Let’s Pretend We’re the Monkees” Guys
It was a great way to start a Monkees show, but it doesn’t work walking four-by-four in a crowded theme park. Slim down to a worm-like line and everyone gets where they’re going much faster.
6. The “I’m Bringing Enough to Stay for a Week” Guy
Yes, I carry a backpack, but it’s a “normal Dad-size” one. You can’t pitch a tent and camp out in the park, so what’s with these hiking backpacks that could wipe out an entire crowd with one pivot?
7. The “Watch Me Lose My Temper” Parents
It sometimes seems like tantrums rarely originate from the kids (kids can sniff out parental stress like a cheetah), so does it kill you to see parents who completely lose it and have meltdowns worthy of a Dr. Phil episode?
8. The “It’s OK If I Don’t Wash My Hands” Guy
There isn’t enough hand sanitizer in the world to make up for a good ol’ fashioned hand-washin’.
9. The “I’m Finished Eating But I’m Not Moving” Guy
I’m not saying you have to gobble your food and scram, but it’s not a coffee shop. The popular hang-out for these people... Casey’s Corner in Magic Kingdom. I know there are benches around the corner next to First Aid and Baby Care, but I’d like to leave those for those in need of First Aid and Baby Care!
10. The “I’m Not Giving Up My Seat” Guy
The Frog Family likes to stay on-property, so we definitely take advantage of Disney transportation to and from the parks, but what about when able-bodied adults refuse to give up their seats to parents with a 40-lb. stroller and two little ones in tow? What is this...the Titanic?
Like we’ve said before, patience is the most important thing to pack: Everyone is a bit different, which is part of the joy of theme parks! Even when dealing with small annoyances, theme parks are still some of the “Most Magical Places on Earth.”
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