Cell Phones!?!?!

[Melanie]

Ok Ok I realize this thread I started has gotten a little heated and I apologize. I have no problem with people using their phones while in line or walking around the parks. It is just completely rude during rides and when you see people ignoring their children.

Several people have said they have to be in contact with their office or work. Can someone explain to me what job they have where they have to talk to the office at 1:30 am on a Sunday night during EMH???? What job requires instant response that cannot wait 1 and a half minutes until Peter Pan is over?? Who the heck are these people constantly texting!!!!

I don't think this thread is heated at all. Just folks relaying their thoughts and experiences.

I doubt there is anyone doing business at 1:30am, but you never know. More than likely though, like it's been mentioned in this thread, it was just an enthusiastic Disney fan relaying their trip to others, and not realizing he/she was bothering those around them. Or maybe they did realize it....that would be the problem.

[Ian]

I doubt there is anyone doing business at 1:30am ...

Well there are these little things called time zones.

Trust me ... there are people who might have to be on the phone to take a business call at 1:30AM. That's only 10:30PM West Coast time and I often have clients and co-workers cranking at 10:30PM.

[Melanie]

Well there are these little things called time zones.

Trust me ... there are people who might have to be on the phone to take a business call at 1:30AM. That's only 10:30PM West Coast time and I often have clients and co-workers cranking at 10:30PM.

I said 'but you never know', and you bring up good points.

[Aurora]

My children are 11 and 16. They PREFER it if I ignore them.

I am in that club!

Wait until we have to deal with the next phase of rudeness -- recording on the iPad. I've already experienced this at my children's school, when I was sitting directly behind a dad who was completely blocking my view of the entire stage at a student band concert! Get ready...

[Laughin' place]

"Can someone explain to me what job they have where they have to talk to the office at 1:30 am on a Sunday night during EMH???? "

Here's my answer:
I am a divorce and custody attorney, and the focus of my practice is on highly confrontational custody matters. These often involve abduction / unlawful removal of children from their home states. I also deal with a fair degree of domestic violence and spousal/child abuse.

With that as my 24/7 life at home, I would LOVE to lock my phone in the room safe or leave it behind . I would like to leave my clients in the hands on one of my capable coworkers for a week or two so I could get away.

They prefer that I be there for them, and in emergencies, I am. I ask that they not abuse cell/text/email on nights/weekends/vacations, and the majority of them respect that.

I am not suggesting that I or my job is "special" or "more important". I use my phone very discretely in public, theatres, and on vacation or at the World. My objection is not to people using their phones or being absorbed in them - I only wish others to use courtesy and not infringe on others' enjoyment of the parks or life in general (loud talkers, bright screens, ringing phones, etc.).

So, some posters dont "get" why others HAVE to answer a text or a call. My client calling me at 130am during EMH knows why I have to answer, and is the one who makes the magical trip possible for my sons and I .

[magicalmom]

I'm grateful DH has a cellphone, or we couldn't leave home at all. He's got to be available 24/7. >sigh<

[11290]

Just wonder what all of those people that "just have to use the phone" did 10 years or so ago before cell phones became more available to everyone. We sure seemed to get by OK without them. Actually enjoyed the things around us without their associated distraction.

[SandmanGStefani24]

Call it wishful thinking.

You can't imagine how many times I've wanted to "stretch" my arms toward the person behind me and "accidentally" knock his camera into the waters of Pirates of the Caribbean.

If only I had guts.

LOL you and me both!

But WDW brings out the best in me and I just let it go...

[Hazmat]

As long as they don't interrupt my time and enjoyment I don't mind people using phones, the thing that really shocked me was in disneyland paris, there was a kid playing on his nintendo ds, whilst going round pirates. queue? Maybe? Ride? Why bother going?

[marlyn]

I completely understand that adults may need to be available 24/7 for work calls, etc... And I have no problem with discreet use of phones at WDW.

I do have a problem with teens and children plugged in to cell phones, hand held games etc... For my own kids putting the phones away and leaving hand held games at home has been awesome for all of us. They interact and experience more. While they ignore me at home, I find we become closer and have so much fun together while away. They are different when I unplug them!! And really, what important business do kids have? Getting them away from the constant texting to friends about nothing is a good thing!!

[princessgirls]

[QUOTE=BrerGnat;2182350]I am 100% okay with people using smart phones in lines. Lines are boring. I see people reading books in line, kids playing on handheld video games. Nothing wrong with either, I don't think. Honestly, sometimes you just want some time to veg out, and while in line for a ride seems like the perfect time to do so. No one likes waiting in line. And, if you spend ALL DAY with your family anyway, I don't see the harm in doing something non productive and non-interactive while in a line.

Amen Natalie...while my husband and I don't talk on our phones a whole lot, my husband is a lot happier when he can connect while on lines or during down time. We value family time, and engage in family conversation during dinner, and are not over the top with it at all.
Julie

[PirateLover]

Just wonder what all of those people that "just have to use the phone" did 10 years or so ago before cell phones became more available to everyone. We sure seemed to get by OK without them. Actually enjoyed the things around us without their associated distraction.

Businessmen/women certainly had cell phones 10 years ago...heck, I was 16 and I had my own. Before that, people had pagers/beepers. Before that people had answering services, or certain times they needed to find a phone and check in. Being tethered to a job is nothing new. At the same time, it's kind of "ahistorical" to compare life today to life 10-20 years ago. Job requirements and expectations have certainly adapted to the availability of technology.

[Terra]

Well there are these little things called time zones.

Trust me ... there are people who might have to be on the phone to take a business call at 1:30AM. That's only 10:30PM West Coast time and I often have clients and co-workers cranking at 10:30PM.

True! One of my good friends travels regularly over seas for his business. He's made middle of the night calls to other countries where it's actually the afternoon there. [or morning? something like that! ]

Anyway, It doesn't bother me at all. I'm generally having to much fun to notice others that much anyway Plus I admit, I'm on FB updating my status for fellow Disney nuts so they know what I'm doing at every turn!

[Zawadi]

My mobile (cell), which is also my business 'phone stays off all time except an emergency. This is for 2 reasons roaming charges because it has a UK SIM and it's really hard to buy a USA SIM (without having to buy a "burn" 'phone).

I go to WDW for a vacation to get away for a while - not to use a 'phone all the time