Waiting in line for rides, meeting people

[Sorcerer's Apprentice]

I'm a fairly shy person around strangers, but as I get older I become more and more brave. We've (as a family) shared in a conversation or two in lines waiting for the rides at DL but that has been the exception, rather than the rule. I want to change that my next visit. I figure, about 80% of the time in the park is spent in line. But my concern is some people may not want to engage in conversation, (e.g. "Where are you from, have you been to DL before?" etc.) The few conversation were very interesting. It made the time at the park a lot more special. Now, some of the experiences on some of the rides has been very fun as well. Some notables ones especially on the Grizzly River ride. In fact a couple of girls had so much fun with my son (then just shy of age 6) they asked if we would take a picture of them with him after the ride. That was very cool!!!

So I'd live to hear about your stories from lines or rides. I bet there are some great ones out there!

[Lynn, Renaissance Woman]

Re: Waiting in line for rides, meeting people

I frequently visit the Park by myself and enjoy talking to people at the Parks (or anywhere, for that matter). If someone doesn't respond, I just turn to someone else. Not everyone wants to share this way.
Sometimes it starts with a question about if this is their first trip or where do they live. Sometimes I can offer information.
At the Wine Cellar at the hotel, there are some people who visit year after year whom I have come to know.
I also bring pennies to give to children for wishes.
Meeting and interacting with others is one of the things I always enjoy.

[ALIASd]

Re: Waiting in line for rides, meeting people

The Wine Cellar at the DLH is an exceptional place to meet and chat up people. Chloe and Lori there are easily some of the best DLR CMs around. I've met many people there ranging from parents of PoD parade performers to WWII vets to cute meeting and convention attendees.

P.S. I was engaged into a impromptu marketing and menu suggestion meeting there a few nights back. They will begin new and more varied events there in the near future, think wine tastings and wine flights.

[codelyokorox]

Re: Waiting in line for rides, meeting people

I generally talk to people everywhere at Disneyland. If I hear them asking questions, I'll tell them the answers IF I know (or I'll tell them I have a good idea, and to double-check go to a Cast Member). I sometimes end up riding alone, or am paired up with another person, so I talk to them... I was stuck on Splash Mountain one time with a family who talked to me. It was nice.

I'm a friendly person. ^^

[Datameister]

Re: Waiting in line for rides, meeting people

I haven't chatted in lines a whole lot, though I did sit down next to a middle-aged couple in Tomorrowland a month or two ago. They asked me what I was holding; I told them it was a churro, and explained what they were when asked. I guess churros haven't hit it big up north...but anyway, we talked about the weather differences between here and their neck of the woods. It was pretty cool. Disneyland at its best encourages communication between people who'd normally never talk to each other.

[sunnygirl]

Re: Waiting in line for rides, meeting people

I don't think I've ever chatted up strangers at DL. Usually I'm there with one or more people, and I conversate with my group rather than those around me.

[Sorcerer's Apprentice]

Re: Waiting in line for rides, meeting people

I don't think I've ever chatted up strangers at DL. Usually I'm there with one or more people, and I conversate with my group rather than those around me.

Yeah, as we are there as a family we talk amongst ourselves for sure, but being shy and uneasy around strangers, naturally I assume other a the same way.

[SilentDante]

Re: Waiting in line for rides, meeting people

I don't often approach people to start line conversations (it's just not in my nature), but I will often chime in with helpful advice when I feel it's warranted. Also, FWIW, whenever someone in line talks to me (happens about once a trip), I'm always more than happy to chat them up. I've met some really nice and interesting folks in line. So, even though I'm not inclined to talk, it certainly doesn't bother me. I would hope that being in the happiest place on Earth would have that effect on others, as well, and no one would be rude if you tried to talk to them, but YMMV.

[Kritter]

Re: Waiting in line for rides, meeting people

I usually tri to converse with people if I am by myself in the park. If they don't feel like talking... then so be it. I'm a very friendly person, but I was with a really obnoxious group on splash mountain one night, but I still had fun conversating with them.

I love talking and meeting new people. Makes they day alot better.

[karebear]

Re: Waiting in line for rides, meeting people

While in line for Splash Mountain a few years back, we started talking with a guy who was there alone in work dress attire. It turns out that he had some time after a meeting that he had flown in for, so he came to DL. He was a large tire salesman, like the ones for monster trucks. It was interesting to hear about his job in a very slow moving line.

[Ginarella]

Re: Waiting in line for rides, meeting people

I strike up conversations with people all the time while waiting in line. I'm just a social butterfly.

The people I usually talk to are from out of country or out of state and visiting DL for the first time. And it does make the line go smoother and faster.

[Lynn, Renaissance Woman]

Re: Waiting in line for rides, meeting people

The Wine Cellar at the DLH is an exceptional place to meet and chat up people. Chloe and Lori there are easily some of the best DLR CMs around. I've met many people there ranging from parents of PoD parade performers to WWII vets to cute meeting and convention attendees.

P.S. I was engaged into a impromptu marketing and menu suggestion meeting there a few nights back. They will begin new and more varied events there in the near future, think wine tastings and wine flights.

Lori is terrific. I've known her since her now 16 year old daughter was born. Orlando told us a bit about the new things planned. I'd love to hear more. I did enjoy a wine tasting there once (Flora Springs, I believe). I'm not fond of all the private parties on Saturday nights. That's my usual night to hang out there.

[2DieFR]

Re: Waiting in line for rides, meeting people

My sister and I were paired up with a dad and his kid in a gondola on the Sun Wheel one time, and they were fun to talk to. They were from San Diego I believe and they told us what a good time they were having, and since we were over Midway Mania we got to point out to them what was going on.

We also often end up starting spontaneous conversation with families while waiting for the fireworks to pass the time.

[Jolly Trolley]

Re: Waiting in line for rides, meeting people

I find it especially entertaining to talk to tourists at points..whatever little tip you give them, they start looking at you like you're Walt Disney or something. :lol:

[nileprincess]

Re: Waiting in line for rides, meeting people

I have talked to people in line on occasion, but my parents and I are really bad - the second we get in a long(ish) line, we all pull out a book and start reading! We're not doing it to be anti-social, we just like to read!

[DLandFansAZ]

Re: Waiting in line for rides, meeting people

Once in a rare while, but most likely when we are waiting for either Fantasmic or a parade.

[mypupmickey]

Re: Waiting in line for rides, meeting people

Since I go by myself regularly, I sometimes end up in conversations with strangers. While in line at Nemo this summer (yeah, 2+ hours) I struck up a conversaton with a man who was holding space for his family. (I know that's a whole other thread & a pet peeve for some...they had toddlers and it was blasted hot, so as long as I know ahead of time I don't really mind.) They had never been to Dland before & I saw that he had won the fast past card from YOMD. I told him congratulations, but he didn't really understand that it was a kind of big deal, didn't even know what FP's were. Long story shot (too late ), since they were not going to DCA that day, and I was, he gave me the card with the FP's for DCA. I felt like I'd won something!

[ministrychick77]

Re: Waiting in line for rides, meeting people

when i get the chance i like talking to people. we went to DL for our honeymoon, and while we were waiting for fantasmic to start, we got into a conversation with a father and his daughter. it was kind of a cold night, and the little girl (who was like 6 or 7) was really cold. she started scooting towards me, then started snuggling with me!! lol her father kinda tried pulling her back towards him, but she had no part of it. i was warm, and that's what mattered. i told him i didn't mind. eventually he ended up going a little later (still before fantasmic started) and got hot drinks for himself, his girl, and me and my hubby as well. then fantasmic started and all was well.

but it is fun talking to random people because you at least have disneyland in common.

[thejoshualee]

Re: Waiting in line for rides, meeting people

People always comment on the custom t-shirts we wear, which is the point of them I guess.

But other than that, it's weird, people ALWAYS strike up conversations with whatever group I'm in. I don't mind, but it happens all the time.

[Trintara]

Re: Waiting in line for rides, meeting people

I don't often talk to other people at the park, aside from my group. Like nileprincess, I'd prefer to pull out a book and read. My dad and sister on the other hand...

My sister can't stop singing and dancing all over the place. And those people who compliment her singing only egg her on! Yes, it's fun sometimes, but is she like this only at disneyland? No. She is her own twenty-four hour seven days a week show.

My dad just likes to be a nice guy. Whenever we sit down to wait for the fireworks I can guarantee you he'll be talking to someone within five minutes. And since he's a tall guy, and feels bad about blocking people's view, he'll even offer to hold up other people's children so they can have a better view. I'm surprised how many people accept! I guess he looks harmless. And I must admit it is better than starting the show with him next to me, and ending it wondering where the heck he went and discovering he let every child in the park stand in front of him so now he's practically back at the entrance. )