Guest Treatment from Team Members - Bad Experience

[NJGIRL]

Yep, there is was more value being a Florida resident. My kids don't really think of any of the theme parks as something special. Its just another one of there activities.

That's funny. Kids never realize how good they have it. My 17 year old still doesn't.

[DizneyFreak2002]

I wear glasses FT. I have never had any problems with wearing them on any ride at Universal

And you will continue to not have issues wearing them... Spoke to someone yesterday... People who wear glasses are still allowed to wear them on rides...

With that said, this isn't generating much in the way of positive news for Universal Guest Services... The biggest complaints from people aren't the metal detectors... it is the fact they have to give up with phones while waiting in line for the attraction... Further proof that people cannot function without their face buried in their phones anymore... Sad commentary on society today... Man how did people ever survive without smartphones? Oh yea, THEY ACTUALLY TALKED TO EACH OTHER...

[joanna71985]

With that said, this isn't generating much in the way of positive news for Universal Guest Services... The biggest complaints from people aren't the metal detectors... it is the fact they have to give up with phones while waiting in line for the attraction... Further proof that people cannot function without their face buried in their phones anymore... Sad commentary on society today... Man how did people ever survive without smartphones? Oh yea, THEY ACTUALLY TALKED TO EACH OTHER...

Oh good grief! That's just sad

[BrerGnat]

And you will continue to not have issues wearing them... Spoke to someone yesterday... People who wear glasses are still allowed to wear them on rides...

With that said, this isn't generating much in the way of positive news for Universal Guest Services... The biggest complaints from people aren't the metal detectors... it is the fact they have to give up with phones while waiting in line for the attraction... Further proof that people cannot function without their face buried in their phones anymore... Sad commentary on society today... Man how did people ever survive without smartphones? Oh yea, THEY ACTUALLY TALKED TO EACH OTHER...

Well, to play devil's advocate, people do use phones to keep in touch when splitting up at the parks. This is particularly true with families with small children who cannot or will not ride every attraction. Parents don't generally like to be "incommunicado" or unreachable when separated. Also, some people do need to be able to be reached for other reasons or they may have to conduct work while spending idle time in line.

Not everyone uses their phones for mindless tasks.

[Christine]

I'm sorry OP had a bad experience at universal. I have never had a negative TM encounter there. Ever.
As for their rules, I'll do what they need me to do. It's definitely not their favorite either, but rather a necessary evil.

As for snippy treatment, you're very lucky if you haven't been treated like that at Disney. I can give many instances where I have been. And many instances when I get the "military treatment" being yelled at with commands. Exiting MK after Wishes definitely comes to mind.

Neither is perfect.

Hopefully you will give it another try.

[DizneyFreak2002]

Well, to play devil's advocate, people do use phones to keep in touch when splitting up at the parks. This is particularly true with families with small children who cannot or will not ride every attraction. Parents don't generally like to be "incommunicado" or unreachable when separated. Also, some people do need to be able to be reached for other reasons or they may have to conduct work while spending idle time in line.

Not everyone uses their phones for mindless tasks.

Not playing devil's advocate at all... I figured that would be the reason people were more than ticked off at having to secure their phones in a locker and weren't allowed with them... so when I heard it was cause they couldn't play games, I was somewhat shocked, but not much... That's why I said such is today's society, people are buried face and head into their phones today and not taking in the world around them...

[NJGIRL]

I noticed on our trip to Disney two weeks ago that 80% of people waiting in the lines were glued to their phones....not talking to each other....not even looking at each other...I though it was sad.

[MNNHFLTX]

With that said, this isn't generating much in the way of positive news for Universal Guest Services... The biggest complaints from people aren't the metal detectors... it is the fact they have to give up with phones while waiting in line for the attraction... Further proof that people cannot function without their face buried in their phones anymore... Sad commentary on society today... Man how did people ever survive without smartphones? Oh yea, THEY ACTUALLY TALKED TO EACH OTHER...

There is truth in that for some activities. However, in the case of standing in line for long periods of time, I actually love having my phone. I love my family to the moon and back but we talk all the time, so there us hardly any need for lengthy discussions that will fill 60-90 minutes of waiting in line. Line-shuffling for long periods of time is mind-numbing, quite honestly, and anything that distracts and reduces the tedium is welcome. That said, I prefer to use the Express Pass for as many rides as I can to reduce wait time and allow us to have more quality family time doing other things at UO, like pool time or bowling or whatever. So, if they say no cell phones on those particular rides that's fine with me, as long as I can use Express Pass.

My worth.

[DizneyFreak2002]

There is truth in that for some activities. However, in the case of standing in line for long periods of time, I actually love having my phone. I love my family to the moon and back but we talk all the time, so there us hardly any need for lengthy discussions that will fill 60-90 minutes of waiting in line. Line-shuffling for long periods of time is mind-numbing, quite honestly, and anything that distracts and reduces the tedium is welcome. That said, I prefer to use the Express Pass for as many rides as I can to reduce wait time and allow us to have more quality family time doing other things at UO, like pool time or bowling or whatever. So, if they say no cell phones on those particular rides that's fine with me, as long as I can use Express Pass.

My worth.

How did you ever survive theme park lines before smartphones? Geez, how did any one ever survive a theme park line without smartphones?

Sad that people NEED their smartphone for any kind of stimulation today... Yes, it is a sad commentary on our society...

[DizneyFreak2002]

I noticed on our trip to Disney two weeks ago that 80% of people waiting in the lines were glued to their phones....not talking to each other....not even looking at each other...I though it was sad.

It is sad... a whole generation is growing up with absolutely no social skills cause their face is buried in a smartphone of some sort of tablet... No one talks anymore... People rather play games than talk to their family or friends or, HEAVENS FORBID, talk to strangers and meet new people... you may just have to, GASP, talk to a fellow human... Oh the humanity!!!!

BTW, received a second confirmation that glasses can be worn on the coasters still...

[Tink1]

Live from universal.

Glasses. Asthma inhalers. Insulin pumps. Medical devices such as Braces etc are all allowed.

N

[LittleSpirit02]

Live from universal.

Glasses. Asthma inhalers. Insulin pumps. Medical devices such as Braces etc are all allowed.

N

Thanks Tink1!

Because the empty pocket/locker/metal detector policy is only used for 3 rides - is there a better way to prepare guests for the difference in queue expectation? I feel like many guests may enter the queue casually like the other rides and not realize till they get up to the metal detector that they aren't allowed something. Then TMs get frustrated, guests get frustrated and it just builds from there. That's probably when the entrance TMs start going a bit mad, too.

I think I speak for most when I say there is absolutely no problem putting items away (including phones) but the instant bombarding of "put that away!" as if I should've instantly known and am deliberately trying to be sneaky approach the line seems like maybe not the best...

I understand that when many aren't following (or maybe realizing?) the guidelines that TMs get frustrated cause they probably feel like a broken record. Just trying to think of a solution that helps both sides...

[John]

Thanks Tink1!

Because the empty pocket/locker/metal detector policy is only used for 3 rides - is there a better way to prepare guests for the difference in queue expectation? I feel like many guests may enter the queue casually like the other rides and not realize till they get up to the metal detector that they aren't allowed something. Then TMs get frustrated, guests get frustrated and it just builds from there. That's probably when the entrance TMs start going a bit mad, too.

I think I speak for most when I say there is absolutely no problem putting items away (including phones) but the instant bombarding of "put that away!" as if I should've instantly known and am deliberately trying to be sneaky approach the line seems like maybe not the best...

I understand that when many aren't following (or maybe realizing?) the guidelines that TMs get frustrated cause they probably feel like a broken record. Just trying to think of a solution that helps both sides...

The metal detectors happen before you get in the queue. We were there last month and at Rip Ride Rockit, they were at the entrance with two cast members and big signs instructing folks to put their stuff in the free lockers.

Bottom line - you should be able to live without your phone for a little while. I get we all do work, have to keep in touch etc, but we lived for a long time on this planet without the need to be out of touch for 20-25 minutes. If it's an issue, call or text the person who might miss you and let them know what is going on.

I do think it's sad.

I also think it's sad what fastpass plus has done to Disney. The other day Christine and I were in epcot. We were so focused on looking up information and trying to sync our fastpass plans (we were not previously link) that we walked - GET THIS - from the entrance gate to Imagination without looking up from our smartphones. After we did it, we turned to each other, realized what we had done - and both commented on how sad that was. We were in our own bubble with no interaction socially with anything around us.

That time (small talk, silly stuff or not) was precious to families and allowed us to bond and grow closer. I look back fondly on the conversations I had as a kid with my mom, dad and brothers while waiting in line. We didn't have something to keep us entertained other than our minds, and somehow we managed and had a great vacation.

I'm not a fuddy dutty by any means and I love technology, but on vacations, moderation is better and I just don't get the outrage or problem here.

Obviously, they have had some safety issues which have necessitated the use of metal detectors on the rides. I'd rather be safe on these type of things. If I was going on the simpsons, it would be overkill - but a high tech, complicated rollercoaster... maybe not so much.

[DizneyFreak2002]

The metal detectors happen before you get in the queue. We were there last month and at Rip Ride Rockit, they were at the entrance with two cast members and big signs instructing folks to put their stuff in the free lockers.

Bottom line - you should be able to live without your phone for a little while. I get we all do work, have to keep in touch etc, but we lived for a long time on this planet without the need to be out of touch for 20-25 minutes. If it's an issue, call or text the person who might miss you and let them know what is going on.

I do think it's sad.

I also think it's sad what fastpass plus has done to Disney. The other day Christine and I were in epcot. We were so focused on looking up information and trying to sync our fastpass plans (we were not previously link) that we walked - GET THIS - from the entrance gate to Imagination without looking up from our smartphones. After we did it, we turned to each other, realized what we had done - and both commented on how sad that was. We were in our own bubble with no interaction socially with anything around us.

That time (small talk, silly stuff or not) was precious to families and allowed us to bond and grow closer. I look back fondly on the conversations I had as a kid with my mom, dad and brothers while waiting in line. We didn't have something to keep us entertained other than our minds, and somehow we managed and had a great vacation.

I'm not a fuddy dutty by any means and I love technology, but on vacations, moderation is better and I just don't get the outrage or problem here.

Obviously, they have had some safety issues which have necessitated the use of metal detectors on the rides. I'd rather be safe on these type of things. If I was going on the simpsons, it would be overkill - but a high tech, complicated rollercoaster... maybe not so much.

I'd give ya a Severus Snape clapping GIF, but no pictures

Everything John posted here is 100% true... it is sad that today, people need to have their heads buried in a smartphone/tablet, and cannot react to outside stimuli... They need phones, games, it's pathetic really.. And Disney is feeding the culture of creating brainless drones by now forcing you to vacation with your head buried in the phone/tablet... I'm sorry if people take offense to this, but it is very sad that you cannot function without your phone to stimulate you... it is sad that you cannot even bring yourself to communicate with family and friends, but rather play Candy Crush...

Vacations are, just like John said here, a great time to bond with your family or friends... In real life, we have work, the hustle and bustle of real life... Vacation is a perfect time to get away from that... Instead, no one wants to talk to their kids... They love them dearly but not enough to bond with them on vacation? No, they rather play games on their phone... Sad...

Disney used to be about theme... The small things we appreciated in the details... Now? Why bother? They are forcing you to stare at your phone/tablet while in the parks... Plus, as I said, people can no longer function normally if they don't get their Candy Crush fix in... Talk? Who needs it!!!! I got to level 135 on CC!!!! I'm AWESOME!!!!

[MizMissy]

That time (small talk, silly stuff or not) was precious to families and allowed us to bond and grow closer. I look back fondly on the conversations I had as a kid with my mom, dad and brothers while waiting in line. We didn't have something to keep us entertained other than our minds, and somehow we managed and had a great vacation.

Or, when you not only actually talked to your friends and family in line, but you met other people around you! My best memories were having a conversation and someone behind you hears a snippet of your conversation and loandbehold you grew up in the same town, or his best friend from third grade lives down the street from you, or some other truly "it's a small world" coincidence that you now miss out on because no one talks to each other ... or you simply learn something from a stranger or you have small talk about something inconsequential, like the weather ... that thing we used to define as "socializing."

I'm as guilty as the next person, but I do try to "unplug" on vacation ... but no one seems to ever truly unplug nowadays.

[BrerGnat]

You know, back before smart phones, people used to bring books to read in lines. Or they would study the park map. Kids would bring handheld games, video game systems, etc. Kids would blow bubbles in lines (wasn't THAT fun!?).

In general, people could be seen in public places with their faces buried behind newspapers, crossword puzzles, word searches. Women would knit, or crochet.

The truth is, tech is not ruining society. People are social beings, yes, but they also require time detached from others to reset their minds. Constant social connection is not normal.

I have been going to theme parks my whole life. I do not recall having deep long conversations in attraction lines. I recall lots of whining, complaining, and arguing. I recall lots of annoying behavior by kids and adults alike.

I am happy that one small device like a smartphone can replace the need to bring a bag full of stuff to keep myself and my kids occupied in lines. It is amazing, and that is what technology is all about.

Plus, on a personal note, my kids are autistic. They are almost 11 and 9. They don't have conversations with me. Or really with anyone else, no matter where we are. Dinner at our house is a silent affair. Every night. So, it isn't always "sad" when you see a family not talking to each other. Some families are just different. I assure you, we are not sad, and we are not neglecting our kids. They just don't talk except in small bursts to express needs.

[John]

You know, back before smart phones, people used to bring books to read in lines. Or they would study the park map. Kids would bring handheld games, video game systems, etc. Kids would blow bubbles in lines (wasn't THAT fun!?).

In general, people could be seen in public places with their faces buried behind newspapers, crossword puzzles, word searches. Women would knit, or crochet.

The truth is, tech is not ruining society. People are social beings, yes, but they also require time detached from others to reset their minds. Constant social connection is not normal.

I have been going to theme parks my whole life. I do not recall having deep long conversations in attraction lines. I recall lots of whining, complaining, and arguing. I recall lots of annoying behavior by kids and adults alike.

I am happy that one small device like a smartphone can replace the need to bring a bag full of stuff to keep myself and my kids occupied in lines. It is amazing, and that is what technology is all about.

Plus, on a personal note, my kids are autistic. They are almost 11 and 9. They don't have conversations with me. Or really with anyone else, no matter where we are. Dinner at our house is a silent affair. Every night. So, it isn't always "sad" when you see a family not talking to each other. Some families are just different. I assure you, we are not sad, and we are not neglecting our kids. They just don't talk except in small bursts to express needs.

Ah Natalie - the yin to my yang. I can always count on you!

No where did I say it was "Ruining our lives" and like I said - we didn't have to have deep conversations, we were just communicating. Again - I'm as big a nerd as the next person.

By the same point, we also were free to explore the park without being pinged every 5 minutes by our parents - where are you. Some of our first taste of freedom came there.

And dinner in our house was never a silent affair - though I get why it is in your case. I can't begin to imagine your challenges. It was interactive (when we weren't running to events, games or otherwise). Not perfect, but we tried as a family to converse.

It goes to both sides of that equation.

Back to the topic at hand - 25 minutes without your phone can be done, and it shouldn't be a big deal.

[John]

Or, when you not only actually talked to your friends and family in line, but you met other people around you! My best memories were having a conversation and someone behind you hears a snippet of your conversation and loandbehold you grew up in the same town, or his best friend from third grade lives down the street from you, or some other truly "it's a small world" coincidence that you now miss out on because no one talks to each other ... or you simply learn something from a stranger or you have small talk about something inconsequential, like the weather ... that thing we used to define as "socializing."

I'm as guilty as the next person, but I do try to "unplug" on vacation ... but no one seems to ever truly unplug nowadays.

Funny you mention that - we ended up talking to a family on the monorail during one trip because of our "family shirt". I ended up taking the girl my age in that family to my prom and I went to hers. Talk about connecting

My parents have remained connected to them ever since our trip back when I was a teen. CRAZY!

[BrerGnat]

Ah Natalie - the yin to my yang. I can always count on you!

No where did I say it was "Ruining our lives" and like I said - we didn't have to have deep conversations, we were just communicating. Again - I'm as big a nerd as the next person.

By the same point, we also were free to explore the park without being pinged every 5 minutes by our parents - where are you. Some of our first taste of freedom came there.

And dinner in our house was never a silent affair - though I get why it is in your case. I can't begin to imagine your challenges. It was interactive (when we weren't running to events, games or otherwise). Not perfect, but we tried as a family to converse.

It goes to both sides of that equation.

Back to the topic at hand - 25 minutes without your phone can be done, and it shouldn't be a big deal.

I wasn't really responding to just your response , John. I agree that less than a hour without a phone is not a big deal. No one should be "outraged" about having to give up anything for such a short period of time.

I also think the over reliance on phones built into Disney's system is a pain. And I also found myself traversing large distances in the parks without ever looking at where I was.

However, I was just responding more to the notion of how "sad" it is when people don't interact socially at all times. It's not something that comes naturally to a LOT of people. I suppose I am more sensitive about these kinds of judgments given my family situation.

[John]

I wasn't really responding to just your response , John. I agree that less than a hour without a phone is not a big deal. No one should be "outraged" about having to give up anything for such a short period of time.

I also think the over reliance on phones built into Disney's system is a pain. And I also found myself traversing large distances in the parks without ever looking at where I was.

However, I was just responding more to the notion of how "sad" it is when people don't interact socially at all times. It's not something that comes naturally to a LOT of people. I suppose I am more sensitive about these kinds of judgments given my family situation.

I got what you said - to me it is a bit of a cultural shift. It's not that there weren't those who didn't interact in the past - just seems like we are moving more towards the world depicted in Wall-E

20 years ago - you knew EVERYONE who lived on your street or the parents of who your kids interacted with. Not so much anymore.

Anyway, back to metal detectors - LOL.