Talking durring attractions. [Archive]

Driver_dylan

10-23-2006, 09:38 PM

I agree. I was once employed by Universal at the earthquake attraction, and can tell you from experiance that there is nothing more irritateing than the guests who feel that they have to talk over you to their parties.

During one particular day I had a guest who thought he needed to shout over my dialog in every room. Finally, I had enough. Stopped my show, and said the following; "sir the good people who designed the attraction that you are inside of thought it nessessary to supply me with a microphone for a reason. That reason is so that all these people around you who are being quiet can here over your incessent tripping.

The audience had a good laugh at this pricks expence, but as I knew he would went right to Guest services to complain. Thankfully, I had a forgiveing manager who had a sence of humor, so I wasn't raked over the coals to badly. The end result was a written repremand in my file. It could have been worse though, that kind of thing is a terminable offence.

BirdMom

10-23-2006, 09:51 PM

head mouse

10-24-2006, 07:34 AM

The ones I hate are the smart passes who have to prove that they "know" the attraction better than everyone else, and therefore do the recorded spiel word for word. It's like shut up already, no one is impressed.

:cool:

:o: I did that once. Well, not the WHOLE spiel, I didn't know the stretching room by heart at the time and I messed up and felt :o: so I shut up. Never did it again since. LOL

EpcotGolfer

10-24-2006, 08:23 AM

:o: I did that once. Well, not the WHOLE spiel, I didn't know the stretching room by heart at the time and I messed up and felt :o: so I shut up. Never did it again since. LOL

I sometimes say the punchlines to the old corny Jungle Cruise jokes to myself before the skipper says them. One time I actually got caught on it by a skipper, who then wanted me to come up and do the jokes. I stayed in my seat, but in hindsight, I should've taken him up on the offer.

head mouse

10-24-2006, 09:07 AM

dudspizza

10-24-2006, 09:13 PM

dudspizza

10-24-2006, 09:15 PM

LittleDollClaudia

10-25-2006, 01:09 AM

It bugs me to no end. I'm sorry if the attraction is boring you that much that you have to talk through it, leave!! Don't ruin the magic for the rest of us, you selfish bastards. Now if they were saying, "Oh wow, look at that!" I might be a little more forgiving. But when I hear, "So after this, did you want to get some lunch?" Umm, you couldn't have had that convo in line? Or if you need to talk, at least keep it in your row, okay? The entire boat does not want to know that you have been on this ride "x" times and you know all about it and then proceed to tell all the history you "think" you know. GRRR.. :mad:

felinefan

10-25-2006, 02:34 AM

bpgstudios

10-25-2006, 06:09 AM

Next time someone acts like they know the ride so well, offer them the opportunity to stop off at the casting office on their way out of the park! After all, if they know the ride that well, it shouldn't take as long to train them.... :D:
Damn good idea! But it will take the same amount of time to train them...since you need to know the operations aspect of the ride, procedures, dealing with guests, etc. There is so much more to do at each attraction than I think even guests that are friends of CM's know about. Someone should write an expose "My life in the Mouse Trap" ;) But thats another thread for another time...

Yes, it bugs me when people speil LOUDLY and don't shut up in attractions, but I'd be a bit of a hypocrite if I said I hate people that do it. Yes, I admit I sometimes speil quietly or mouth the words, sometimes hum or whistle area music, attempt my horribly butchered phonetic spanish speils (Hey they come in handy sometimes), or whatnot. Sometimes its just instinct especially when at one of my own attractions since its ingrained in my head. But I usually don't let it get loud enough to where anyone else can hear me.

I'm OK with people having quiet discussions about the attraction on said attraction, as long as its not a theatre or speil-based attraction like JC or GMR. That is kind of what Walt wanted IMO- a park where the family can have fun together. On Pirates yes it can get annoying at times, but you know what if they are discussing the details of the ride then the Imagineers succeeded. If they are talking about how horrible their flight was then the illusion of the 'fantasy place' hasn't worked for them or they are trying to bring their reality with them. Forget your horrible day when in a Disney Park and just enjoy the damn thing!

OK that's my rant for this thread.

GaTechGal

10-25-2006, 09:48 AM

I was at EPCOT last Friday and there was a Mexican family that would not shut up through the entire pre-show for Soarin', heck, we couldn't hear Partrick do the spiel. Then, they ended up right behind up on "Living with the Land" and didn't shut up again.

When we left the pavilion, I actually stopped my wife and watched which direction they went before proceeding on to see Figment.... they were so annoying....What I REALLY hate is when a party of non-English speakers think they need to have one of thier group translate attractions and do so in a regular speaking voice so everyone can hear. That happened to us the first time in the American Adventure. Had to go over to the Biergarden for a cold one to calm down.

head mouse

10-25-2006, 10:15 AM

What I REALLY hate is when a party of non-English speakers think they need to have one of thier group translate attractions and do so in a regular speaking voice so everyone can hear. That happened to us the first time in the American Adventure. Had to go over to the Biergarden for a cold one to calm down.

Oh don't EVEN get me started on that topic. I will say this, and only this. I will NOT defend my responce in any way. This is how I feel and if someone does not like it, then tough titty gritty kitty.

~note this is not directed at you GTG~

*clears throat*

This is The United States of America. Our native toung is American English. If you are going to visit here or live here, then I sugest you learn to read, write and speak english. If I chose to visit or move to Mexico, I would have to learn spanish to survive. I live in North Georgia, We call it "Little Mexico" I swear ther are more mexicans here then in Mexico. It pisses me off that every where I look I see signs, notices, posters, porducts in stores all writen in english and spanish. And hell, I have even see some writen in LARGE Spanish then under it in small print english. WTF???

*end rant*

hobie16

10-25-2006, 11:16 AM

I was in a comedy club where Marsha Warfield, the female baliff in the TV show Night Court, was performing. There were a couple of guys two rows back that were more interested in talking than listening. Marsha finally had enough and told them off with the implied threat that if they didn't shut up she'd wade through the crowd and shut them up. She's big enough to back up the threat.

mechurchlady

10-25-2006, 04:11 PM

Worst has to be the off key singers in It's a Small World and other attractions. Also bad is people who sing, spiel or comment when they do not have it down right. I have see several performances by Billy Hill and the Hillbillies where people knew the whole show line by line.

I hate when people say to me or someone else "Did you see that?" which leads to a discussion on what i missed or did not miss. You are there to be entertained so why are you on the cell phone or other device, chatting with people, eating, and otherwise destracted? I am guilty of doing this of course.

head mouse

10-25-2006, 04:41 PM

You are there to be entertained so why are you on the cell phone or other device, chatting with people....OMG. We were on Pirates (back in 2004 B4 the new add ons) and this lady behind us was on the phone all the way through tthe que line, and then onto the boat she went. She talked so loud We were in the very front of the boat and when we got to the scene where the Pirate Ship is shooting the cannons, I turned to her and said "Would you please shut up so the rest of us can enjoy the ride!" The entire boat started clapping and chearing. She gave me a dirty look and said into her phone "I'll call yo uback in a little bit" and hung up.

I have no problem speaking my mind.

BirdMom

10-25-2006, 06:10 PM

This is The United States of America. Our native toung is American English. If you are going to visit here or live here, then I sugest you learn to read, write and speak english. If I chose to visit or move to Mexico, I would have to learn spanish to survive. I live in North Georgia, We call it "Little Mexico" I swear ther are more mexicans here then in Mexico.So if you go to France or Italy for a week, you plan on studying the language for six months or more so that you speak fluently and speak nothing but the local language while you're there? Spanish is my first language, but I speak English to my traveling companions while in Mexico unless I'm speaking with the locals. I mean, be realistic. I don't expect everyone who comes here on vacation to speak the language. Obviously, it's enormously helpful in getting around, but it's not a requirement if someone doesn't intend on establishing residency.

Now if you're talking about moving here to stay, yes, then I agree that one should adopt the local language. But frankly, as I've pointed out at other times, my mother's ancestors have been in California since this was New Spain. Spanish was the first European language spoken in many parts of the U.S., so I find it rather annoying when other folks don't like the sound of it at all. If anything, my family has the right to demand that you gringos get out :D: of California yesterday.

And the only people who really have the right to rant about all of it are the Native Americans, and see how good European culture has been to them :eek: Yes I'm being facetious.

Personally, in all my job functions at Disneyland I was always grateful for one person in a large group of non-English speaking tourists who could translate and get the group to do what we needed them to do. I don't think it's possible to find a hundred different ways to mime "shut up" or "no flash" or "get in the boat," considering that gestures are different for every culture.

head mouse

10-25-2006, 07:36 PM

So if you go to France or Italy for a week, you plan on studying the language for six months or more so that you speak fluentlyYes. If I plan to visit another country, I would study the language enough to be able to speak it fluently enough to survive for the duration of my trip. I would not expect that country to list EVERYTHING in their language and English.

and speak nothing but the local language while you're there?When talking to the locals, ordering food, communicating. Yes. If I am traveling with friends/family I would prob speak English to them (ya know kinda like how Spanish people will hang around a group of non Spanish speaking people and talk to each other in Spanish).

And the only people who really have the right to rant about all of it are the Native Americans,Then on behalf of the Cherokee Tribe, let me be the first to tell you all to get the hell out. :D: :p:

The point being made is How can anyone expect to conduct business of any kind if you cannot speak the language.

I used to work for a video rental store. In the mornings I would make "late calls" 9 out of 10 calls were to Mexicans who didn’t speak English. So how do I say "Your movies are late, bring them back" No speak English. So we loose the movie because it never got returned.

We lost an average of 10 movies a month due to this.

MagliteL13

10-25-2006, 09:22 PM

I sometimes say the punchlines to the old corny Jungle Cruise jokes to myself before the skipper says them. One time I actually got caught on it by a skipper, who then wanted me to come up and do the jokes. I stayed in my seat, but in hindsight, I should've taken him up on the offer.Next time, I urge you to take him up on the offer. Depending on who the skipper is you may or may not be totally humiliated. That's something that happens at least once a shift. Usually, unless they've been a skipper, what happens with the Jungle Jokes is that the guest doesn't present them in the right way and the crew either doesn't laugh or ends up laughing at the guest and not at the joke. There are many ways to handle that type of situation. Never under estimate a JC skipper. When in doubt, there's always the threat of squeeze play. ;)

Okay, had to get that off my chest.

I hate those that talk over stretch. I'm not trained at Mansion...yet, but a good chunk of my friends work over there. I hate cell phones on boats. I hate loud conversation, that's not related to the spiel, on boats. It ruins the experience of being in the middle of nowhere for the other guests... especially if it's their first time.

I had a couple of DL APs who were heckling me really badly. I love hecklers, they make it interesting--but these guys wouldn't let me get an entire joke out before saying something. While the crew was boarding, I remember hearing a girl say that she'd never been on this before, so the APs just pissed me off even more. It wasn't until they reached for my fake-disney-gun-attached-to-the-boat that I had cause to call security (which is what I quietly did in the temple). Needless to say I don't think they'll be heckling a WDW JC skipper anytime soon.

On rides like SSE, HM (after stretch), and Peter Pan, having a quiet conversation is okay, IMO. Whenever a CM is talking, that's when I draw the line. Ya never know when there's some safety thing gonna be thrown in somewhere.

And one step down, and yeh. Off of the soap box.

LittleDollClaudia

10-26-2006, 01:43 AM

:jumps up on her soapbox and takes a deep breath:

I should let this go but I can't. I am going to get personal here. Cujo, Polar, you can slap me later.

Churchy, what color is the sky in the world that you live in? If you had read my post, you would see I encourage people who sing in Small World or other attractions like Splash Mountain. It means that they are living the magic. Now by your comment, does that mean you would excuse children but not happy adults? From your postings it seems that you resent having to share the park with others. Granted, there are some troublemakers, but you sound as if you want to put ALL guests into a cauldron and set it to broil. It's guests like you that are the problem, not the harmless families wanting to enjoy a special day.

Walt gave this wonderful gift to everyone, not just for your solitary usage. I don't believe I have seen you post a positive message, ever. You seriously need to go to the park and just immerse yourself in the joy of being there. Forget about the other people and remember why you started going in the first place. It's a totally different visit.

Think about this for a moment. Some people wait their entire lives to make the journey to visit a Disney park, especially Disneyland. You are able to go whenever you please. Keep that in mind next time you go. Why would guests trek from all over the world to visit there? It must be something pretty damn wonderful for that to happen. Walt made something from nothing. That's an amazing feat. I for one, applaud that and feel lucky ever time I am honored to walk on that soil.

That's my two cents. Feel free to spend them or save them for a rainy day.

:gets down off her soapbox and walks away with a magical spring in her step:

SirWillow

10-26-2006, 08:54 AM

Interesting reading.

People who talk over spiels, pre shows, or CM's making announcements do bug me. Especially if they're doing it loudly and about things that are completely unrelated to the ride. But at the same time there have been times that I've been guilty of doing it myself, though I try to keep it quiet. Especially when you have kids, it happens. With all the "Why's", "What's", and "How's" that they ask, they don't wait til it's over all the time.

Cell phones though- I am just appalled by how clueless and stupid some people are when they use them. Grrrrr.

I really wanted to comment on head mouse's comment though, about visitors from other countries having to speak fluent English before they come. Forgive me, but I think that you're a bit out of touch with reality. To learn to speak a language fluently, you're talking about 1-2 years of intense study from most people- something that's pretty much impossible for most people to do on top of work, families, and other normal activities.

And especially when the place they're visiting is wanting to bring in visitors from other countries- in case you hadn't noticed, Disney is a major international destination for a reason. Because it directly appeals to people in other countries, it has to be prepared for a large number of those visitors to arrive not speaking English, and take steps to help them. And it does. In some cases, that means tour groups with interpreters. And that's ok.

In fact, if you're going to do much of any international travel, that's pretty much the rule everywhere you go if it's a tourist destination. I've been to Japan, Thailand, Hong Kong/ China, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Colombia. If I were to have to do what you insist on, then somehow when I was in high school I would have had to learn to be fluent in Japanese, Thai, and Chinese while doing my normal studies and would have been deprived of a life changing trip and an incredible learning experience. And while I know some Spanish, I can't claim fluency. That certainly didn't take away from my other trips, nor did it prevent me from being successful in the work I was doing on them, or being able to communicate with the locals.

In other words, step into reality instead of whatever the heck it is. Oh, and also on behalf of the Cherokee tribe, let me be sure to welcome in all of the visitors. Don't worry about the English, we'll take care of you. And thank you for visiting and helping to provide me with a job that I love more than any other I've had!

head mouse

10-26-2006, 09:47 AM

I really wanted to comment on head mouse's comment though, about visitors from other countries having to speak fluent English before they come. Forgive me, but I think that you're a bit out of touch with reality. To learn to speak a language fluently, you're talking about 1-2 years of intense study from most people- something that's pretty much impossible for most people to do on top of work, families, and other normal activities.Let me set thigns straight here.

I am not saying they should learn every word in the english language. They just need to be able to comunicate the basics.

I don't understand who they can come here and not speak one word of english, and expect to survive.

How can you ask directions, or get general help if you can't talk to the person?

Oh, and also on behalf of the Cherokee tribe, let me be sure to welcome in all of the visitors. Don't worry about the English, we'll take care of you. And thank you for visiting and helping to provide me with a job that I love more than any other I've had!Yes, thank you for taking our land and leaving us with a little section to call home.

hobie16

10-26-2006, 10:53 AM

If you had read my post, you would see I encourage people who sing in Small World or other attractions like Splash Mountain.I would hope that Disney actively promotes singing along with the music in Small World. Every boat should have a tenor, a soprano and a bunch of uninhibited squeaky kids. And, whenever you get to a country where the dolls are playing drums, beat on the seats! :twisted:

GaTechGal

10-26-2006, 11:40 AM

Since I was the one that started all the stuff about non-English speakers, I'd like to clarify my experience. The gentleman (I use that term scarcastically) was translating this show for his daughter in a regular speaking voice. I was not sitting next to him but to his daughter. I tried to give him the "please be quiet look" and even shushed him several times, but since I was sitting next to his child I tried not be be too agressive. If he had just lowered his voice I think we would have all had a better experience.

And Head-Mouse, I'd be willing to bet you live up in the carpet capital. I've got a lot of friends that live up there and I know it's been really rough on you folks.

bpgstudios

10-26-2006, 11:50 AM

I would hope that Disney actively promotes singing along with the music in Small World. Every boat should have a tenor, a soprano and a bunch of uninhibited squeaky kids. And, whenever you get to a country where the dolls are playing drums, beat on the seats! :twisted:
Evil. Pure evil. Just what we need... 23 guests beating on seats. We know how long it took WDW to get us a nice (9 month) refurb on small world, and we treat the damn thing with respect. Now Pan on the other hand... those guests come off the thing yelling "Fire Mr. Smee!" and "Help me, Mr. Smee! Help me!"

Just thinking of Pan right now makes me want to walk backwards. Can we get a smiley walking a belt, oh gods of the emoticons?

head mouse

10-26-2006, 11:59 AM

And Head-Mouse, I'd be willing to bet you live up in the carpet capital. I've got a lot of friends that live up there and I know it's been really rough on you folks.Yep Yep Good ole' Dalton GA. Home of carpet. And yet nothing to wipe our feet on LOL.

Bienvenido a Dalton, capital de la Alfombra del mundo.

:p:

hobie16

10-26-2006, 12:00 PM

Evil. Pure evil. Just what we need... 23 guests beating on seats. We know how long it took WDW to get us a nice (9 month) refurb on small world, and we treat the damn thing with respect.Are the seats that weak?

head mouse

10-26-2006, 12:09 PM

Are the seats that weak?No, but I agree with bpgstudios. The ride vehicles were not made to become drums, or to be writen on, or carved on, or anything other then to transport guest throuh the ride.

Talk about kiling the magic. How about getting into a ride vehicle and finging gum in teh seat, or seeing "Sara loves Billy" on the back of the seat.

hhsrat

10-26-2006, 04:29 PM

In some cases, that means tour groups with interpreters. And that's ok.

The problem is the tour groups without interpreters, or who have interpreters that also can't speak english.

head mouse

10-26-2006, 05:28 PM

The problem is the tour groups without interpreters, or who have interpreters that also can't speak english.

Or the groups where the interpreters try to speak louder then the CM or speil, which makes this a complete loop of topic. :D:

Main Streeter

10-27-2006, 04:13 AM

:gets down off her soapbox and walks away with a magical spring in her step:
LittleDollClaudia, your post displays loyalty, dignity, the logic of a CM, a touch of class, & wisdom. So often I tease you. ;) Today I applaud your courage. :star: You are my hero LDC! YOU ROCK. :hi5: Please keep this magical spring in your step. We should all be so fortunate.

IndyandMarion

10-27-2006, 07:01 AM

I really dont mind it. Seriously. Why? I can hear some of you asking.

Well its simple really, I allow them to say the first two lines of a spiel and its all ways the same.
Two Lines
Teeth shattering from elbow strike
Silence from everyone else.

Then I wake up and realize it was only a dream.

Back in reality, I hate it so much. Dont even get me started on Coaster (Vets here know about that)
SG: Wait a minute, I love that idea.
Me: What? You shutting up right now?

But in the GMR reality. If anyone who has never worked at the ride, can sit through the show and say the lines word for word. I will, without question, remove Here's Your Sign from this site.

*Don't worry folks, it'll never happen. . .Because its never the same show twice.*

head mouse

10-27-2006, 09:55 AM

But in the GMR reality. If anyone who has never worked at the ride, can sit through the show and say the lines word for word. I will, without question, remove Here's Your Sign from this site.

*Don't worry folks, it'll never happen... Because its never the same show twice.*Good. cuz I'd hate to see "here's your sign" removed.

Zazu

10-27-2006, 09:19 PM

Just thinking of Pan right now makes me want to walk backwards. Can we get a smiley walking a belt, oh gods of the emoticons?It's god, singular. And sure, I got that: :belt:

bpgstudios

10-29-2006, 08:48 AM

It's god, singular. And sure, I got that: :belt:
Sweet. Now if only I could get him to walk the belt for me :)
:belt: :belt: :belt:

LittleDollClaudia

10-30-2006, 01:34 AM

Aww, Main Streeter, you have made me blush. I do appreciate your kind words. I actually just went to Disneyland this Thursday and had a absolutely wonderful time. The Halloween decor was just fabulous and I thank Polar33 for taking us! Jack and I are very grateful! I will post pics of our trip soon.

http://img157.imageshack.us/img157/2517/animhaloweencat3rs7.gif (http://imageshack.us)

Main Streeter

10-31-2006, 01:10 AM

The Halloween decor was just fabulous and I thank Polar33 for taking us! Jack and I are very grateful! I will post pics of our trip soon.

http://img157.imageshack.us/img157/2517/animhaloweencat3rs7.gif (http://imageshack.us)Please do post! Glad you & Jack had DL Halloween fun:) Have a frightfully great time tonight. :evil: Tis your night to spook & rock. :skellingt :D:

felinefan

11-08-2006, 05:32 PM

Don't they still make phrase books anymore? I know they also have handheld computers for translating so that if you can't pronounce/read what you typed in and translated by the device, you can at least show the display to the person you wish to communicate with. I remember back in the 60s and70s there would be phrase books out for any language you could imagine--even Esparanto. But at least carry a good dictionary and learn at least the pronounciation system; that could help.

idratherbeinwdw

11-10-2006, 06:56 AM

Guests talking during attractions is certainly annoying. But I'd trade a talker any day for the guest who sat next to me and changed her baby's WAY STINKY diaper during the Little Mermaid Show. And of course the kid was screaming the entire time.

I'm a mom, so don't think I have no sympathy for parents. My kids are grown now, but I wouldn't ever have considered changing a poopy diaper in public!

redfraggle

11-10-2006, 07:20 PM

Hey, I love reading this stuff, been away for ages, but having a good read and needed to comment.

As for talking, i dont have a problem with discrete converstation regarding the attraction, but LOUD normal chat drives me INSANE. I love people enjoying themselves as long as it doesn't stop others from doing so. People reacting to the stretch room in HM is great. It lifts the mood and is different every time. But talking about what to do next, that is not acceptable.

Last year in WDW I had a few occasions where I quietly and calmly told the other guest to "cram it!". Like another poster, on Pirates I had a woman on a cell phone, in the queue, talking loudly. I simply told her this wasn't the time or the place. Sure, she was pissed, who was I to tell her what to do? But like everyone around, we all paid good money to have a good time. Leave real life behind for a little while. It isn't much to ask.

As for the language barrier, I only had one experience. In line for something (can't remember what) their was a family of 4 standing behind me. They were really close and touching me (mainly the kids but the parents didn't give them any room). I don't want to be touched in line. All this time they were talking, loudly, in Spanish. They could have been talking about the attraction, but I couldn't tell. I gave the kids a few chances to stop touching/pushing me, but eventually had to turn and tell them to quit it. I also added that they could keep the noise down. They made gestures that they didn't understand what I was saying and continued to talk LOUDLY and push/touch me. I turned around moved the family BACK made large arm gestures to show the space between us and made it very clear not to cross it. I then added a huge SSSSSHHHHHHH. Other people in line were grinning ear to ear. They kept their distance and kept the noise down.

I don't enjoy telling people to shut up, but it seems there are so few of us out there that will pull people up for bad behaviour. I will continue to do it as long as there are rude people out there. Also, it saves a CM having to do it and stay within the guidlines. They can complain to City Hall about me, but whats it gonna do? I don't work there.