Disney Line Jumping policy

[Jason82807]

I couldn't find a definitive statement on this anywhere else. Does anyone know what Disney's policy on line jumping is? It was my assumption that saving spots is not allowed, and if you leave the queue line for any reason you may not re-enter to meet up with your party except at the very back of the line. Can anyone confirm or clarify this?

Edited November 22, 2015 by Jason82807

[coasterkid124]

I would say that it prohibited. It's the universal rule for most theme parks. I definitely wouldn't risk getting ejected from the park after paying so much to get in.

[Jason82807]

I would say that it prohibited. It's the universal rule for most theme parks. I definitely wouldn't risk getting ejected from the park after paying so much to get in.

 

I agree. It should be common sense but I've met/talked to several people who don't see it that way. I wish Disney would issue a definitive statement on it.

[robbalvey]

I couldn't find a definitive statement on this anywhere else. Does anyone know what Disney's policy on line jumping is? It was my assumption that saving spots is not allowed, and if you leave the queue line for any reason you may not re-enter to meet up with your party except at the very back of the line. Can anyone confirm or clarify this?

I'm wondering why you're even asking this question? Common courtesy for other people would tell you that you are not entitled to leave the queue and come back for any reason at any time. This shouldn't even be a question on this forum.

[Jason82807]

I'm only asking to settle a debate I was having with other Disney fans.

[Jason82807]

BTW everyone on this discussion board is in agreement on line etiquette. Why does it seem like I'm being attacked more by the people who agree with me than the people who disagree with me?

[ECZenith]

I can speak for Disneyland at least as far as west side attractions goes. While working at Indy or Thunder we had several positions monitoring the queue, rotations at Indiana Jonea included greeter, fast pass validator, merge

, rotunda, and just before the elevator/staircase. These positions would be to keep the lines moving and assist guests.

 

Our leads would ask that we let guests leaving the queue know that leaving your place in line would result in them not being able to re enter. I personally would make exceptions for emergencies , most of the time it was someone in dire need of the restroom. As for line jumping , at Indy we had cameras in the temple hallway and rotunda areas, as the long hallway between the temple entrance and rotunda was a frequent place for people to jump over the wall and potentially skip the hour plus exterior wait on busy days. This was especially difficult with children under 46" as many parents who had been turned away for having a child that was too short, would go up the exit and jump over the fence with their little ones.

 

Of course we measure three times at Indy so these people were always found out , but this was an issue at Indy almost every five minutes or so. Safety first parents !

[LuminousAphid]

Safety first parents !

No, that goes out the window as soon as Billy starts pouting after he's told he can't ride *insert ride name here*

 

I'm going to assume that as a general rule, parks don't allow re-entering a line, but that doesn't mean you won't see it happening. It just comes down to how well the park polices the line, and most parks won't want to spend resources on something like that if it's not going to make them any money. Disney is probably the one exception and might kick people out of line (did they ever actually eject anyone from the park for doing this Zenith?), but I would not expect anything to be done about it in any other park.

[cfc]

BTW everyone on this discussion board is in agreement on line etiquette. Why does it seem like I'm being attacked more by the people who agree with me than the people who disagree with me?

 

Er, I'm not seeing a lot of people "attacking" you here.

[Nrthwnd]

Safety first parents !

No, that goes out the window as soon as Billy starts pouting after he's told he can't ride *insert ride name here*.

 

And that means it's the PARENTS responsibility to explain to little Billy, why he couldn't ride the ride. If there is a height

check "something" at the entrance of the queue, the parents have to be responsible for checking.

 

And if they aren't and don't...tough. It's a learning thing, right?

 

(My sidebar over.)

Walibi Holland has this great "height checker" that instantly lets parents (and kids) know

what their kids can and can't ride. It's that easy. Maybe Disney should invest in this, lol!

[robbalvey]

BTW everyone on this discussion board is in agreement on line etiquette. Why does it seem like I'm being attacked more by the people who agree with me than the people who disagree with me?

Maybe because you weren't clear on why you were asking? Don't be coming down on the rest of us when it's your fault you were clear in your original post. And really, who's attacking you????

Edited November 24, 2015 by robbalvey

[RollerManic]

This may be slightly off the current topic, but it's incredibly fitting to the title:

 

I have noticed a lot more line curting at WDW than other parks. It's very easy as a lot of queues are much wider. To atop them takes a phyical barrier and cooperation form the line, else they have plenty of spcas to walk past people who just don't care.

[robbalvey]

^ How often or when did you go? Because other than maybe Brazillian tourist season, I actually don't see a lot of line jumping at WDW at all, and we are there 2-3 times a week.

[RollerManic]

^I've been twice, once on my spring break in '09 and another time last year during The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train opening week/ Star Wars. The second trip I remember was pretty packed at MK and HS and the other two parks were hit or miss on certain days - but never overly crowded.

 

I saw most of the line jumping at MK, particuarly in Haunted Mansion's, Splash Mountain, and Seven Dwarfs's queue. Thats to be expected during the new hotness of 7DMT and the massive "tunnel" leading to the mansion, I guess.

 

Honestly, you could say that of all the parks I visited, SFGADv's culprits were the most ignorant line skippers, but WDW did have the the widest queues that could at been anytime, *and were*, taken advantage of.

[Andysol]

No clue what the official policy is- but I'm always 100% fine with a kid and a parent going out for a bathroom break and coming back. Anyone who has kids knows- you ask them if they need to go- they say no. Then 10 minutes later theyre dancing and they cannot hold it.

 

Thats the only exception I make before I give them the oh so threatening dirty look.

 

 

ETA: I rarely, if ever have seen line cutting at Universal or WDW- and we go quite a bit. Six Flags on the other hand...

[jynx242]

I was at MK a couple of weeks ago in the FastPass line for Big Thunder Mountain. I saw a cast member escorting a pair of teenage girls out of the line who were caught line jumping.

 

I think it happens everywhere (and at MK especially during Brazilian tourist season) but Disney seems to do a pretty good job with it. Remember, they can't always see it happening - but when they do I've always seen them address it.

[robbalvey]

No clue what the official policy is- but I'm always 100% fine with a kid and a parent going out for a bathroom break and coming back. Anyone who has kids knows- you ask them if they need to go- they say no. Then 10 minutes later theyre dancing and they cannot hold it.

 

Thats the only exception I make

I absolutely disagree. As a parent with a kid who frequents theme parks we always ask her if she needs to go to the bathroom before getting in a line. If she does, we take her. Sometimes Elissa would take her anyway just in case. If for any reason she had to go so badly that she couldn't hold it until the end of the line, we would get out of line and then get back in line again AT THE END OF THE LINE.

 

Because that's how it's supposed to be done. Tell me what lesson you are teaching your child by showing them it's "ok" to leave a line and come back? Explain to me how that's a good life lesson.

 

It's not. And it's unacceptable. PERIOD!!!

Edited November 24, 2015 by robbalvey

[Andysol]

No clue what the official policy is- but I'm always 100% fine with a kid and a parent going out for a bathroom break and coming back. Anyone who has kids knows- you ask them if they need to go- they say no. Then 10 minutes later theyre dancing and they cannot hold it.

 

Thats the only exception I make

I absolutely disagree. As a parent with a kid who frequents theme parks we always ask her if she needs to go to the bathroom before getting in a line. If she does, we take her. Sometimes Elissa would take her anyway just in case. If for any reason she had to go so badly that she couldn't hold it until the end of the line, we would get out of line and then get back in line again AT THE END OF THE LINE.

 

Because that's how it's supposed to be done. Tell me what lesson you are teaching your child by showing them it's "ok" to leave a line and come back? Explain to me how that's a good life lesson.

 

It's not. And it's unacceptable. PERIOD!!!

 

 

We also ask our kids if they need to go to the bathroom. If she does, we take them too. Sometimes Elisabeth (my wife) would take them anyway just in case. Ok- our stories are identical so far. If for any reason either of them had to go so badly that they couldn't hold it until the end of the line (So we can agree that this does happen- regardless of how strongly you encourage and force bathroom breaks)- and then we have our difference of you going to the end of the line and us holding a spot. What I would do is look at the people directly behind and ask if they care if she goes to the bathroom. No one would ever say no. They leave, come back in 3-5 minutes, and all is well with the world.

 

I'm all about finding "life lessons" in little things we do all the time. But I don't believe this is one. Because if I see a mom and 3 year old who left the line to take her daughter to the bathroom- and then I see them going back to where the husband is- I don't get upset about it- at all. In fact, if my kid were to ask me "Why is that person going up there"- I could tell them that the little girl had to go to the bathroom and they are going back to where their daddy is. Mountain out of a molehill here.

 

I'm sorry- I just totally disagree with your assessment- particularly if you have multiple kids at a theme park who are staying extremely hydrated in August in Florida and having different bathroom schedules and breaks.

 

I think being so angry about something so trivial as a kid going to the bathroom is borderline overreacting. Hopefully, the bold and italicized print and exclamation points don't translate to the real world and are more subdued. Kids on shoulders during parades/fireworks and flash photography during dark rides are way more rude and inconsiderate than an emergency bathroom break for a child- which I feel is neither rude nor inconsiderate.

[michaellynn4]

We also ask our kids if they need to go to the bathroom. If she does, we take them too. Sometimes Elisabeth (my wife) would take them anyway just in case. Ok- our stories are identical so far. If for any reason either of them had to go so badly that they couldn't hold it until the end of the line (So we can agree that this does happen- regardless of how strongly you encourage and force bathroom breaks)- and then we have our difference of you going to the end of the line and us holding a spot. What I would do is look at the people directly behind and ask if they care if she goes to the bathroom. No one would ever say no. They leave, come back in 3-5 minutes, and all is well with the world.

 

Why don't you ask all of the other people behind you in line, as well? You getting out of line and re-entering at the same spot affects all of them just as much.

 

I don't have kids yet, but I've attended parks with my 8-year-old cousin. A couple years ago, we waited in line for a ride and, after already asking her if she needed to use the bathroom before we got in line, decided in the middle of the line that she did in fact need to go. After we left and let her use it, we got back in line at the end. She didn't understand why we couldn't go back to where we were and I explained the rules to her and told her next time, if she doesn't want to wait twice, she needs to go before we get in line like we asked. I haven't had that issue with her since.

 

Rules are there for a reason. Am I going to get argumentative or confrontational with someone who acts in the manner you described? No, especially if their nice and courteous about it. Given my druthers, if I HAD to choose, I'd much rather have that than a bunch rowdy, inconsiderate teenagers. However, I'd never do that myself because, as Robb said, it IS a teaching opportunity, and one for a very simple rule at that - "cutting in line is not allowed".

[Andysol]

Why don't you ask all of the other people behind you in line, as well? You getting out of line and re-entering at the same spot affects all of them just as much.

Well, no, it wouldn't affect them at all if my spouse and kid left and came back or if they just stayed. Its still 4 people in front of them regardless. The only difference would be they get the "advantage" of 4 spots because someone left the line.

 

I don't have kids yet, but I've attended parks with my 8-year-old cousin. A couple years ago, we waited in line for a ride and, after already asking her if she needed to use the bathroom before we got in line, decided in the middle of the line that she did in fact need to go. After we left and let her use it, we got back in line at the end. She didn't understand why we couldn't go back to where we were and I explained the rules to her and told her next time, if she doesn't want to wait twice, she needs to go before we get in line like we asked. I haven't had that issue with her since.

 

Rules are there for a reason. Am I going to get argumentative or confrontational with someone who acts in the manner you described? No, especially if their nice and courteous about it. Given my druthers, if I HAD to choose, I'd much rather have that than a bunch rowdy, inconsiderate teenagers. However, I'd never do that myself because, as Robb said, it IS a teaching opportunity, and one for a very simple rule at that - "cutting in line is not allowed".

If it was just you and an 8 year old- of course, that wouldn't make sense, as there isn't another family member waiting. And anyone who would get confrontational or argumentative about something like that would be an extremely poor teaching moment. Understanding and compassion are fantastic attributes that could be encouraged through teaching tools- for that family that did excuse part of their group for an emergency if your kid were to ask.

 

Look- there are two sides of most coins. And the whole "learning opportunity" can be construed however you want. @robbalvey mentioned going to WDW 2-3 times a week. While I perceive that as a fantastic opportunity and him being fortunate to spend so much time with his family- one could just as easily argue that you are teaching your kid something that isn't sustainable in most people's lives. Being at WDW 3 times a week is- for most families- unrealistic. So how is that teaching your kid anything other than a fantasy that likely won't be able to be replicated once they are an adult- and could even set them up for inadequacy they may feel for their spouse or significant other who can't provide such luxuries. That's not my take- but I'm just proving how you can take any "life lesson" and turn it any way your perspective fits.

[robbalvey]

we have our difference of you going to the end of the line and us holding a spot. What I would do is look at the people directly behind and ask if they care if she goes to the bathroom. No one would ever say no. They leave, come back in 3-5 minutes, and all is well with the world.

 

But this is why what you are doing is totally unacceptable. When you go and ask people behind you if you can leave and come back, you are now BURDENING OTHER PEOPLE WITH YOUR PROBLEMS!!!! And that's totally unfair to the strangers around you in line. Now someone else is required to make a judgement call on the thing you want to do, and based on what they say, perhaps could end up in some sort of altercation they might want to avoid. All because of YOU!

 

Of course outloud they are going to say "sure" because that's a lot easier than saying "Really, dude? REALLY?!?!?! You really think you're above the rules and entitled to leave and come back whenever you want with your kid???? And you think that's ok? Ugh... Sure... Take your stupid kid to the bathroom. Go. And maybe next time, try not bothering me about it or try taking your kid before you get in line, or maybe pal, here's an idea, deal with your problem and go BACK to the end of the line like a respectable human should."

 

Because that is what is really going through people's heads.

 

 

I'm sorry- I just totally disagree with your assessment- particularly if you have multiple kids at a theme park who are staying extremely hydrated in August in Florida and having different bathroom schedules and breaks.

 

That's great. You're welcome to disagree with me. But you're also wrong. No two ways about it. And if you were in line in front of me and wanted to take your kid and and come back. Damn right I'd tell you no and damn right I'd alert a cast member if you tried to come back. And here is the policy to back me up on that:

 

Thank you for contacting us regarding the Walt Disney World® Resort.

 

The general rule for parties in line is that every member of the group

must be present and enter the attraction together. Another person

showing up later, for any reason, is typically not allowed to catch up

with their party. We hope this answers your question.

 

I hope your next visit is filled with many more special memories.

 

Sincerely,

 

Betsy Kent

Guest Communication Services

Walt Disney World Resort

 

If you leave the line, you have LEFT THE LINE. Sorry, but you shouldn't be allowed back in regardless of who you've bothered behind you to get "permission" or whatever.

 

I get it. Going to parks with kids is not easy. But be the responsible adult and a good role model. You are just teaching your kid that it's "ok" to be above the rules, be irresponsible and do whatever the hell you want to, regardless of who you have to bother around you in the process. And that is not right.

Edited November 24, 2015 by robbalvey

[robbalvey]

Oh, and one more thing. If you're at Disney parks in August, WHY ARE YOU EVEN STANDING IN A LINE?!?!?! Don't you know there is plenty of ways to get FastPass+ and other tips and hints to avoid standing in long lines with your kids?

 

Seriously, if you're telling me that you're standing in long lines out in the heat with your kids in August then your problems are MUCH bigger than figuring out how to take your kids to the bathroom.

Edited November 24, 2015 by robbalvey

[Jason82807]

Oh, and one more thing. If you're at Disney parks in August, WHY ARE YOU EVEN STANDING IN A LINE?!?!?! Don't you know there is plenty of ways to get FastPass+ and other tips and hints to avoid standing in long lines with your kids?

 

Seriously, if you're telling me that you're standing in long lines out in the heat with your kids in August then your problems are MUCH bigger than figuring out how to take your kids to the bathroom.

 

Even the fast passes have lines, and people cut in them. We are perfectly fine with managing the heat and our bladders while waiting in line. I felt like I was being attacked because it seems like you don't even want this topic discussed here. Again, I'm not here to debate Disney line policy, just to find out what it is. Disney's website does not mention their policy on line jumping.

[robbalvey]

Even the fast passes have lines

Really? The 10 or maybe 15 minutes you might wait in the FastPass line is a huge issue for you? Wow, sometimes people just shock me with the things they think are "problems." SMH

[robbalvey]

After having to remove some "I'm above the rules no matter what you say" obnoxious posts by some people who have now found themselves banned from this forum (and we thank you for weeding yourselves out, hopefully your obnoxious attitude will also weed you out of some parks and the rest of us will never have to deal with you either) I will simply not tolerate people who cannot understand basic rules of visiting a theme park. I don't care if you're an annual passholder, a DVC member, a senior executive of some company, or whatever superstar you think makes you more entitled than the next person. The rules apply to EVERYONE!

 

When it comes to line lumping, the rules are very clear...

 

If you leave the line and come back, FOR ANY REASON, you are line jumping. If you are trying to justify your reason for doing it, you're just making excuses.

 

I don't think I can make it any clearer than that.

Edited November 24, 2015 by robbalvey