Pop Century and Tour Groups from you know where

[LeFouX2]

I told the Pop hotel administration that I was going to do this so here it goes!

We just returned from staying at Pop on 7/16/12. There were over 300 youth from South America staying there while we were there. They were horrible and made our stay very stressful. Even though they were everywhere at Pop, the biggest problem was in the dining hall. It was so bad that on the last night, our family had enough and I went to the hotel manager to complain. The only solution he could give us was to move us to a another resort but I told him that we did not want to move on our last night and really wanted to stay at Pop. Plus, the problem needed to be resolved for all of the families staying at Pop. Most of them just watch the South American tour groups in disbelief. I'm sure they were thinking the same that I was..."we spent all of our vacation money to stay here and this is what we get?"

So here's the issue with what happened continuously in the dining hall:

They stood in chairs to sing and chant the entire time. So loud that you could hear them at he hotel reservation counter. When I was complaining to the manager at the front desk, you could here them and he had to ask me which pool there were at. Which pool? You could hear them where we were standing. Shows you that they are totally not too concern. It's money!

The SA youth cannot walk around properly in the dining hall. They run you over, run around, walk in circles, etc. Be very careful on using a tray. They are loud in line and will allow others to cut in line in front of you.

They will take up every chair in the dining hall. You will have no where to sit.

The leaders of the youth groups were sometimes the one that lead them in chants, songs, etc.

We ate in the dining hall once. We had to take more of our meals back to the room to eat.

The hotel manager gave me a card to email someone to voice my concerns. I told him that this has changed my view of Disney so much and I only hope that others come forward to voice their concerns so that Disney will take some action on this. They must limit the number of groups that stay at the value resorts and give them specific guidelines to be able to stay there. I'm sure that if we this would have happened at Great Wolf Lodge or another family resort, the youth would be given specific guidelines or booted out of there.

Please help me and contact Disney if you have the same concerns or seen some of this too, please email Disney at wdw,[email protected]

[buzznwoodysmom]

So sorry you had such an awful experience with the tour groups. We are headed there next week and I've been reading about tons of negative experiences regarding them. We're not at a value resort, but I've heard they are staying at other levels of resort this year as well. I'll cross my fingers we don't encounter any rude behavior. The tour groups I don't mind, it's just the poor behavior that I'm worried about.

[VWL Mom]

I'm sorry you had to go through this, it sounds like a nightmare. We did run into the tour groups on our trip and the chanting and running was a bit unnerving but not to the degree you had. My boys thankfully had FP to BTMRR on day because the groups didn't and all I heard was their chanting the entire time I waited. Had I been in line, I would have had to leave.

I agree, either Disney has to step up and reprimand them and limit the amount they have in a hotel at one time. They certainly shouldn't be allowed to make a guest go through what you did.

Let us know how you make out.

[madhatterrules]

I just returned on 7/8 and I observed that behavior in the parks and at many counter service restaurants. What was really shocking was at EPCOT we had several of the kids from one of the large groups sitting beside us and they grabbed chairs from all the other tables making it impossible for anyone else to actually sit & eat their food. Then when they were done, about 15 of them they stood up and left all their trash and food waste all over the tables. The poor cast member working the seating area had to make many trips to the trash cans to throw everything away and clean up after them. Very rude behavior was what we saw.:(

[darthmacho]

Sad thing is that in the rest of the world, Americans are considered to be boorish. Sorry that you had a bad experience. I hope this doesn't happen to my family in August.

[anewvision]

We have had these type of experiences over the past 10 or 12 years it is usually at the parks. I won't let them hold places in line, one or two gets in line then 15 or 20 tries to cut in front of everybody. And on narratived rides having them speaking their language very loudly as to override the narrator.

[j2k]

Wow, that sounds like a very stressful time for you and your family. I am very surprised at the reaction of the manager. I understand that they want the money from the tour groups but what about alienating lots of the other people whose money is just as green as theirs.

We are heading to WDW in a couple weeks, staying at CSR and I hope we don't have this issue. I'm actually keeping my fingers crossed that they'll be gone by then, or better behaved. :)

[Tink#64]

So sorry that you had that horrible experience! I would be feeling the exact same way! We've encountered the BTG's the past two years in the parks June, but Thankfully not at Pop! Luckily, our resort was still our peaceful & magical resort! I've read that they don't necessrily stay at Value's & I'm just ever so thankful that we didn't run into this at Pop either of our last two stays. And yes, it would definitely change my mind, propbably to much of WDW, because if the Mgmt at Pop responded in this way, I'm assuming this is the way they were instructed to respond! My GUESS is that this is the WDW behavior across the board for these groups! If that wasn't the case, then they probably wouldn't have been behaving SO BADLY!

Why oh why do so many people feel the need to be so loud, so over the top, with that "PLEASE recognize me" behavior? My DS's are are 14 & 16, and they know that I can not stand any behvior that screams "LOOK AT ME"! Very sad that so many are growing up, feeling like they need to send that "look at me" message, or haven't been taught anything of common courtesy! Truly annoying for those that were raised with these ideas! :nono:

[micky95]

when you see the flag RUN the other way.my dw & i have had our share of experience with them.RUDE,RUDE,RUDE!!!i've seen other post about this that says its a cultural thing. fine ,but your not there your here.i've always believed that disney should have a brochure for what is acceptable behaviour in this country to give to people.when my fil would go abroad they were told what was acceptable behaviour for the country they were in.

[VWL Mom]

i've seen other post about this that says its a cultural thing. fine ,but your not there your here.i've always believed that disney should have a brochure for what is acceptable behaviour in this country to give to people.

I don't think it's a cultural thing but rather large groups of inadequately supervised kids traveling together in general. I do think Disney needs to give any group that falls into that category a code of conduct agreement that needs to be completed by each participants parent/guardian before they step foot on property.

[LandFan]

I don't think it's a cultural thing but rather large groups of inadequately supervised kids traveling together in general. I do think Disney needs to give any group that falls into that category a code of conduct agreement that needs to be completed by each participants parent/guardian before they step foot on property.

I agree!:mad:

[W24toISMdirect]

Um, I gotta say this post could have been made just as effectively without referance to ethnicity. Indeed I've witnessed this type of thing from large tour groups of U.S. youth (check out All Star Sports when they have a bunch of a middle school sports teams in). Some large groups are managed in such a way that they can enjoy WDW as a group and not create chaos for other guests, and some unfortunately aren't. Management of this type of group is the responsibility of the group leadership, who should be held accountable by resort mnanagement if a group is causing a disturbance for other guest. It is unfortunate that things did not work out well during your vacation.

[Tigerinvestigator]

We took a group of 45 youth to WDW two years ago. We had 4 youth to every adult chaperone. At the request of the Disney group rep (who was absolutely fantastic) we split up for rides, meals, and transportation. They actually requested we do that and it did make it much easier to manage the parks. My guess is these groups are getting the same requests from Disney but just not honoring those requests. I agree Disney should do something to break these groups up and require much more and much better supervision. We never had any issues with the 4/1 chaperone ratio.:thumbsup:

[Katzateer]

It is possible for large groups to travel and be at WDW and not cause problems for other guests.

We used to have BIG problems at EPCOT during our early December visits with Brazilan groups. I am sure a lot of it was cultural differences but there was a lot of line cutting, crowding right before Illuminations, and loud, rude encounters.

Other trips we have had bus and resort issues with cheer groups.

our last trip Cheer worlds were going on and the groups were large enough that they took up the entire ferry boats to MK. Once we got into the parks didnt have any problems - they seemed to break down into smaller groups. All the members I encountered were well behaved and very friendly and no problems.

My daughter as been with dancers at WDW. They were given a few PAGES of information on behavior and I think it went smoothly for anyone that was around them.

I think a lot depends on the adults with the groups.

[Wolf]

I think Disney should implement a system for requiring X amounts of chaperones, we encountered such bad behavior in a January trip one year we had a hard time recovering, it was absolutely a horrible experience, we couldn't get away from them. It was so frustrating. I think they should have some sort of breifing before they are unleashed, my money is just as green as theirs and my happiness shouldn't suffer so they can act like wild animals on a rampage. :-o

[#1donaldfan]

I agree that these groups are getting out of hand. This year, thank goodness, we were able to stay at AKL, so we didn't run into any at the resort, however at the parks they were absolutely EVERYWHERE.....more than I have EVER seen !! We stayed away from them as best we could and had a great time. If I were at POP or Riverside, or anywhere they were, I would have BEGGED to move. I save for a year to go and when I get there I want to enjoy spending my money through having fun, not sidestepping and listening to obnoxious, unsupervised kids. I don't think even if Disney asked them to be more "calm" they would. The chaparones they have are kids themselves. We are just going to have to learn to out manuver them and enjoy our time as we can !!! :number1:

[squijee]

I have seen these groups literally run over small children and never offer to help them up or even say they were sorry. They have also nearly pushed my elderly mother and aunt down...I had a few choice words for them...this behavior has got to stop before someone gets badly hurt.

[Gator]

My grandpa used to say, "1 boy is 1 boy. 2 boys are half a boy. And a group of boys trigger national states of emergency."

Mob mentallity triggers quite easily when there's no control. I remember waiting for Fantasmic! and having them chanting and then screaming at what seemed to be some celebrity. But that was the extent of their obnoxious behavior. I've never had much trouble with them, though I've seen them all over the parks and expected more trouble than what we got. I've had more trouble from cheerleading groups than the Brazillians.

[MNNHFLTX]

Um, I gotta say this post could have been made just as effectively without referance to ethnicity. Indeed I've witnessed this type of thing from large tour groups of U.S. youth (check out All Star Sports when they have a bunch of a middle school sports teams in). Some large groups are managed in such a way that they can enjoy WDW as a group and not create chaos for other guests, and some unfortunately aren't. Management of this type of group is the responsibility of the group leadership, who should be held accountable by resort mnanagement if a group is causing a disturbance for other guest. It is unfortunate that things did not work out well during your vacation.I agree on most points. And I do think any group of under-supervised teenagers have the capacity to get out of control, no matter where they are from. I do have to say that there are some cultural differences that might add to a small portion of the problem with the groups from Brazil--mainly in the manner of queuing and conversation (having a few friends from Brazil, I can tell you that they have a tendency to talk over each other and it can get a little loud sometimes). But they probably stand out because of the bright group apparel and because there are just so many of these groups at certain times of the year.

I totally agree that the problem has to be addressed (or start being addressed) before traveling groups of youth get here. And I've always said that Disney should require a certain number of chaperones to supervise and be accountable if things start to get out of hand. But honestly, Disney has dropped the ball on this over the years and would probably have a hard time enforcing it now. Not fair to others visiting there, for sure.

[eandrsmom]

Just a thought, has anyone not allowed them to cut in line? I mean, I thought it was Disney policy that there was no line cutting. If me and my family refuse to move, what are they going to do? I think they'd be able to understand the word no, even if they don't speak English. And Lord help them if they are running and knock down one of my little ones-Mama bear will NOT be happy! It will get ugly!!

[TinkerbellT421]

Just a thought, has anyone not allowed them to cut in line? I mean, I thought it was Disney policy that there was no line cutting. If me and my family refuse to move, what are they going to do? I think they'd be able to understand the word no, even if they don't speak English. And Lord help them if they are running and knock down one of my little ones-Mama bear will NOT be happy! It will get ugly!!

They wil ignore you and push by you. Have seen it happen. DBF had to keep reminding me to calm down and that we were in Disney. But I almost had it out with them a few times.

[eandrsmom]

I don't care where we are, be it Disney or any other place, if someone pushes me or one of my children it will get ugly. I will make a scene and call for security. And, I don't see it sitting very well with my husband either. If Disney is going to encourage these large groups of kids to visit, without adequate supervision, I'm sure they realize that there is a potential for problems. I've been in February during the cheerleader competitions and never experienced what is being described. The teens that I witnessed during those times were no problem whatsoever. It seems disheartening to think that with all the money being spent on a Disney vacations, they'd allow groups that cause such upheaval to have free reign in the parks.

[ransam]

every trip i have been there, i have never had a problem w/ these groups.

when they start singing i try to sing along or tap my feet.
when they cut in line, i let them, i'm on vacation, what do i care if it takes a little longer to go on a ride?
If i get pushed by them, i assume it's accident. i have been pushed by many people at Disney, its' a huge park w/ hundred of thousands of guests, i am constantly running into people.

I really like what they add. I love their joy. I love that spirit. It adds to my vacation.

same way w/ the Cheerleaders groups.

[darthmacho]

I don't care where we are, be it Disney or any other place, if someone pushes me or one of my children it will get ugly. I will make a scene and call for security. And, I don't see it sitting very well with my husband either. If Disney is going to encourage these large groups of kids to visit, without adequate supervision, I'm sure they realize that there is a potential for problems. I've been in February during the cheerleader competitions and never experienced what is being described. The teens that I witnessed during those times were no problem whatsoever. It seems disheartening to think that with all the money being spent on a Disney vacations, they'd allow groups that cause such upheaval to have free reign in the parks.

I understand what you are saying, but I don't think WDW will do much to stop it. It's probably a cash cow for them. As for your attitude towards being pushed, I could probably get over being pushed myself, but if someone pushed my wife or kids? Probably going to be a scene...



every trip i have been there, i have never had a problem w/ these groups.

when they start singing i try to sing along or tap my feet.
when they cut in line, i let them, i'm on vacation, what do i care if it takes a little longer to go on a ride?
If i get pushed by them, i assume it's accident. i have been pushed by many people at Disney, its' a huge park w/ hundred of thousands of guests, i am constantly running into people.

I really like what they add. I love their joy. I love that spirit. It adds to my vacation.

same way w/ the Cheerleaders groups.

Your patience is commendable...good luck with that! ;)

[eandrsmom]

Well, I am trying to be optimistic. I really don't mind large groups of teens. (I have two myself.) Singing and chanting don't bother me either. It's the thought of them getting physical (especially with my DS8 and DD5) that really bothers me. With crowds, you're bound to get bumped every once in awhile. But to be deliberately pushed by someone who wants to cut in line is not going to be tolerated.

[Cinderelley]

Other cultures do not have the same view of waiting in line as ours does. Pushing forward is just their way of life. With that being said "When in Rome, do as the Romans do."

Personally, I would have taken it up with the groups themselves. It would be very difficult for a manager who is not there to play the he said/she said game.

[disneynarula]

Part of the problem is not that the kids behave like this but that Disney turns a blind eye towards it.

I am sure these tour groups spend tons of money at Disney and Disney wants to keep them happy.

[jamiem]

This is a large group issue. I used to work for a group travel agency. We used to take over 200 high school students to DLP for several days every summer for Magic Music Days. We never had the whole group in one hotel.

Disney needs to be aware about this particular group and tour company. Disney can take corrective action for this particular tour company for future trips. They need facts and proof before they can communicate with the tour company.

[wildernesslady]

How hard would it be for Disney to post extra CMs to monitor the lines when they know the crowds will be larger. They definitely are making a lot more than it would cost to pay them. Also, how about some extra security at the resorts. They know the groups are coming, shame on them for not being better prepared. Especially since there seems to be a good amount of complaints filed.