Talking during shows

[SteveO]

Going a tad out on a limb here but I am curious to see a discussion about this.

As much as I like all of the rides at WDW, I especially like non-ride theater experiences like the 3-D movies and the live performances. I was very excited to be able to see "Finding Nemo - The Musical" last week; it was one of the things I was most looking forward to. Before I go into my "rant", let me say that I thought it was a brilliant piece of theater. Loved it. Now, the rant:

I was saddened by how much talking there was by audience members during the show. It was not just kids (which I somewhat understand) but adults who seem to forget that they are not in their living rooms watching TV. I'm not talking about whispering; but full out talking; commenting on what's going on in the show, the costumes, etc. It was all around me; and it was very much distracting.

Am I the only one who feels this way? I hate to feel like an old curmudgeon, but it seems that many people forget that they are not the only ones in the theater. I like "letting go" and fully immersing myself in the experience. Every time someone around me starts chatting, it pulls me out of that experience. Why can't people just sit and be quiet and when it happens, try to quiet their kids?

[Wayne]

SteveO,
You are not the only one who is disturbed by this type of behavior and no it doesn't mean that you're an old curmudgeon. It's part of a cycle where people have become so accustomed to being entertained in their own private space (ie the livingroom in front of the TV) that they have forgotten (if they ever knew in the first place) how to behave in public. It's part of an attitude that places the big ME as the center of attention and to heck with everyone and everything else.

The big question is how do we reverse this obnoxious trend?

[BigRedDad]

It has to do with respect. Respect is something that has gone to the wayside. People have no respect for others anymore. I am sure you may sit at a restaurant and have someone talking as loud as they can on their cell phone. It is a lack of conscious awareness and respect towards others.

As for the kids, that is to be expected. They are at Disney, their attention span is short, and they are letting off energy. But from adults, that is rude and disrespectful.

[PeterPan]

Also, the vast majority of these talkers have never been to a live stage show, where it is imperative that the audience respect the performer. Disney has truly, truly raised the level of their theatrical experiences in the theme parks - probably because of their new-found experience in the world of Broadway. Even tho the productions become more elaborate and the quality has escalated to unbelieveable levels, the audience of the theme parks has not changed. What you have is Normal People on Normal Vacations, unprepared for the level and quality of theater they are about to experience. They just assume that normal theme park behavior is acceptable. Frankly, it is NOT - especially when live performers are up there (hanging on WIRES for crying out loud) pouring their hearts and souls into world-class performances.

I don't even accept rude talking and bad behavior from children in these circumstances. Children need to learn that there are outside voices and inside voices, etc. Even at a Disney theme park, they can learn this.

[Goes4FastPass]

Too many people nowadays get most of their entertainment from a TV in an environment where they can talk and eat and walk around and scratch etc.

The few moments of their lifetime they find themselves in audience at a live event they have no idea how to act.

[Jared]

Not to break the mood of the thread, but I haven't noticed a problem.

Guests stopping in the middle of rows and taking flash pictures during dark shows still bother me more than people consistently talking. Generally, one good hush quiets most disruptive audience members.

Maybe I am too used to the television generation.

[poeticeclipse]

I think that it is simply people forget that others might actually want to hear what's going on. Even though you're sitting in a space with over 400 hundred people at times, it doesn't give anyone the right to treat it as though they are at home alone.

I've had a few similar experiences that pretty much ruined a ride but also made for a few laughs the rest of the week.

On The Great Movie Ride we sat in front of a man who was video taping and decided that commentary was the way to go even though we had a guide at the front of our vehicle. EVERY TIME we passed a new scene he chose to say in a very loud voice "they just don't make 'em like that anymore." He probably said it ...oh... 12 times not counting during the movie at the end of the attraction. His poor grandson next to him probably thought "Shut it, Gramps!" My family and I ended up saying "they don't make 'em like that anymore" after every ride that we enjoyed.

That same week when we were in the World we rode It's a Small World. We enjoy humming along quietly to ourselves just like every other human who rides. But a man right behind took it a step too far. He didn't know the very simple words to the song so he chose to "lad ee daah" along with it. And, on top of that, he clapped VERY loudly along and to make it worse, he had no sense of rhythm. So we had to listen to a guy "kind of" sing and "kind of" clap along to the IASW theme. About 3/4 of the way through the attraction my sister in law and on both turned around and gave this guy a death stare. The rest of the day we decided to give the death stare at random moments just to make ourselves laugh. What a great trip!:cloud9:

[2Epcot]

Am I the only one who feels this way? I hate to feel like an old curmudgeon, but it seems that many people forget that they are not the only ones in the theater. I like "letting go" and fully immersing myself in the experience.

I feel the same way when I go to see a live show, or even a movie in the theater. When I hear someone talking it just takes me out of the moment ... especially if they talk loud. I don't recall too many problems when I've been to Disney's shows, but at least two or three times I was really annoyed.

When I'm in my local theater seeing a movie, and people are talking, my thoughts are the same ... People seem to think they are sitting at home watching a DVD. When I go to a Disney or Pixar animated feature I expect to hear kids talking, and I will even go out of my way sometimes to see films with kids to see how they like the film. On the other hand, when I'm going to a live theater show, or seeing a serious drama at the movies, I don't want to hear kids, or adults talking.

[Marilyn Michetti]

I like that Steve ! Curmudgeon ! Got to find a way to use that in a sentence today. GREAT word !:D

[Ian]

I don't really like the shows much, so I guess I don't really notice it.

The picture taking and video taping on rides doesn't bother me at all, but I do get irritated when people talk loudly during the rides (especially if they're being obnoxious about it).

As far as people singing on rides ... I think that's kinda fun. I like to see other guests enjoying themselves, so it really doesn't work me up.

[lightyearfan]

nope as the rest of the post go on here let me say that your not alone! last year at Stars Wars Weekend, we saw a show that Warrick Davis was hosting, which was actually a great show , that was until all the rude people that were around us started yapping it up! i too give kids the pass when it comes to them getting a little restless, but when the parents do nothing about it , thats what erks me. at this same show a kid was jumping from 1 parent to the next and instead of telling him to stop , they said outloud, well there kids what do you expect, i expect to have you as a parent to take the kid out of the show , it was obvious that the child was disinterested after 10 minutes! as far as we adults are concerned , maybe its just me, but when me and dw are at a show, we do our best to not disturb the guest around us so that we all can enjoy the beauty of a Disney Stage Show.

Victor

[angedeaile]

Ugh...reminds me of my experience with Sounds Dangerous.

I had some REAL Obnoxious "adults" that definitely ruined our experience on our last trip.

Right from the get go, one turned on their phone and used it as a light source. Others told him to shut it off, but he argued back.

Finally he gave in after a good 5 minutes, but once it was dark again, some group near him began to heckle. Just shouting comments when the rest of us were trying our best to hear the show's low volume through the headsets.

I saw a CM standing in the corner during the cell phone light portion waiting for her to do something...nothing. Not even when the group was shouting at the screen and ruining it for the rest of us.

Others, including myself, would shout for them to shut up, but no luck. They would snicker and continue. I felt so helpless.

This just goes to show, it isn't always kids you need to worry about.

I think they should have “be quiet” CMs. Their sole purpose is to regulate the noise during shows.

[mjaclyn]

I think there is a certain amount of noise you should expect at the Disney shows. Like the small child who excitedly jumps up and yells "Mommy, there's Nemo!!", or who laughs out loud while trying to reach for 3D images. That type of noise IMO is what WDW is for and it doesn't bother me at all.

On the other hand, it DOES bother me when children are yelling, whining, crying or being obnoxious during the shows and parents ignore it. It also bothers me when adults talk loudly to each other or on their cell phones and they are very aware that it's disturbing others.

So, I guess it depends on which type of noise you're referring to because some of it is rude and some of it is part of being a kid at Disney.

[mrsgaribaldi]

Not only does it bother me, but on some attractions I actually have trouble hearing, think Living with the Land and Jungle Cruise. I had a woman behind me talking to her child, not about the ride but other things. On the Jungle Cruise a man sat far apart from his family so that he could yell to them at every chance. Lucky for me I have no trouble telling people to be quiet:blush:, even kids if the adults with them are not going to do it. Excitement is one thing from a child, that I like to see:mickey:

[Disney Doll]

I haven't been bothered much by talking, but cell phones and flash photography are another story. It never fails- plenty of announcements and warnings about cell phones and flash photography before the show starts yet there are always several people who fail to turn off the ring tones and the flashes. So irritating! I agree that it has to do with a lack of respect.

[jedigrrrl]

Have you been to a movie theater lately? It's becoming common for people to talk, answer their phones, yell at the screen, make dumb comments.... it's next to impossible to enjoy a movie outside of my living room anymore. I used to go to the movies once a week, now I barely go once a month. And it doesn't matter if I go Saturday night or Wednesday afternoon, if there is ONE OTHER PERSON in the theater with me, they talk. It's unbearable and theaters do nothing to stop it..
UGH!:mad:

[Ian]

I think there's a big distinction between people who are being obnoxious and people who are talking about what they're seeing on stage because they are enjoying it.

I try to remember when I'm in Disney World that the vast majority of people you see there have probably never been there before and may never come back again.

I think it's totally normal for people to be blown away by what they're seeing and maybe lose track of where they are and what they're doing. I kinda like to see people who are just so wowed by what's going on that they can't control their reactions. I especially enjoy hearing the kids shout, "It's Nemo! It's Nemo!!" That's what Disney is all about, if you ask me.

I think sometimes we all lose track of the fact that not everyone who goes to Disney World is like us. I always try and see the place through the eyes of someone who's never been there before and be just a little more tolerant than I am in other places.

Now that's not to excuse people who are being downright rude and obnoxious, of course. I've seen plenty of that behavior and that I won't tolerate.

[indytraveler]

Talking during the stage shows??? Being obnoxious??? Where on the WDW property are these things happening? :D I just try to ignore the behavior best I can. I've lowered the expectations of everyone else so when I come across good behavior I tell them how appreciative I am.

[crazeedizneefinatic]

I agree! Adults and children talking, yelling or screaming should be warned once about excessive noise. 2nd warning should be the CM escorting them out of the show. I don't mean a child or adult oooohing and awwwing over the show but a child having a tantrum, an adult heckling or so on. I am a Mom of a 6 year old. I would never dream of allowing him to yell or scream during a show but I can safely say he wouldn't dare. Why?? Because he was taught manners and courtesy. Something nowadays that is nonexistant! Just remember those children who were allowed to do it when they were young will grow up and do it as adults. Another pet peeve at shows is also cell phones. Jeez, these people act so important! What kills me is seeing people walk around with their bluetooth headsets chatting away! Arn't we all supposed to be on vacation?? Unless your a physician on call whats the point? I am a small business owner and a phone is my lifeline to my customers but very very rarely do I use my phone in public. WHY?? My parents taught me manners and courtesy!

[magicman]

Too many people nowadays get most of their entertainment from a TV in an environment where they can talk and eat and walk around and scratch etc.



Those pesky scratch curmudgeons...quite the annoyance.;)

[PirateLover]

Beat this one-
Carousel of Progress, December 05. Woman brings a crying baby on the ride. Literally, the baby was crying when they entered and CMs said nothing. Instead of trying to appease her child she talks very loudly to someone on the phone. Her older child starts to ask her questions about the ride and she just ignores him. He starts yelling "MOMMY, WHAT IS THE DOGS NAME!!!!" And then SHE yells at HIM to be quiet, and continues her loud conversation while the baby continues to cry. I think that was the closest my head has come to exploding.

I do think there is something to be said for the fact that many of these people have never been to a "real" show. I mean I've never seen worse behavior at the theater than when I went to a local production of Beauty and the Beast. But still, you think some things would just be common sense.

[Donald A]

This is not just an occurance at WDW but likely at every city in this country.

[TheRustyScupper]

Yea, But . . .

1) Yea
. . . sometimes there are inconsiderate people
. . . it can disturb others around them
. . . it might detract form the show
2) But
. . . this is Disney
. . . it is meant for fun and entertainment
. . . a little in-theater talk and laughter is expected


NOTE: Movie houses and live theater should be quiet for all (with the exception of James Bond 007 and Star Wars movies). However, at Disney, you want talk about the play and sometimes even yell out loud. I do, however, scorn people using cell phones.That is NOT part of the show or show experience.

[Goes4FastPass]

Yea, But . . . a little in-theater talk and laughter is expected.1. Laughter is audience participation.
2. Applause is audience participation.
3. Talking is audience rudeness.

It's one thing for a small excited child to call out "There's Dory!" but another for mom and dad to discuss where they want to eat when the show is over.

How people conduct themselves in live shows at WDW is like so many other situations: One guests 'right' to enjoy themselves should be limited to not interferring with other guests enjoying their visit.

[prttynpnk]

How people conduct themselves in live shows at WDW is like so many other situations: One guests 'right' to enjoy themselves should be limited to not interferring with other guests enjoying their visit.

So true....
But there's another issue here- how you behave at a live show can distract and often mess up a stage performance- these are real people trying to perform with lighting, effects and other things going on while they work- extra noise and distraction can lead to accidents in a live theatre setting and have to be curtailed as much as possible.
It's not the kids that are the problem- it's the so-called adults.
So how's that for curmudgeony? :cool:

[SteveO]

Glad to see all of responses. It was not so much the kids bothering me but adults who would answer their children's questions and comments in the "outside" voices (so they could be heard above the actors) or talking to another adult. I fully expect the "There's Nemo" stuff. But not incessant chatter which I experienced.

The one thing that I have to comment on is that "it's Disney World" and therefore we need to expect/accept the chatting and rude behavior. This should not happen anywhere. Period. Someone posted that they no longer regularly go to the movies anymore; neither do I for the same reason.

[LoriMistress]

I'm a pretty uptight person when it comes to people talking in a movie theatre. Though, when coming to an amusement park, expecially WDW/DLR, there are numerous kids stuck with tired parents. Of course, kids are going to talk. And during that time, you watch parents flip out over the smallest thing--just because they've been on their feet all day and it's the only time they had to sit down and "cool off" in the parks.

Of course, I disapprove of loud talking (by adults), talking on cell phones, or a bunch of teenagers being too loud and using fowl language). Thank god, I never had experienced that at any of the Disney Parks.

[Ian]

So how's that for curmudgeony? :cool:Excellent curmudgeoning!

Or is it curmudgeonness? Curmudgeonosity??

[joelkfla]

I saw a CM standing in the corner during the cell phone light portion waiting for her to do something...nothing. Not even when the group was shouting at the screen and ruining it for the rest of us.

It seems like most attractions cms will do anything to avoid confronting guests over anything but a safety issue. It's the same with guests smoking in common areas.

I don't know whether they're trained not to upset the guests by talking to them, or they just think they're not paid enough to deal with the hassle. I have heard that guests (especially those who are rude to start) can be very abusive to cms when confronted.