More tour groups from South America?

[markstudy]

I've heard a lot of stories that the weak dollar is causing even more tour groups from South America to show up this month? Any truth to this?

Any good stories?

Thanks

[bpgstudios]

I don't know if its particularly the weak dollar as a cause, but there has been an unexpected influx of Brazilian tour groups over the last 2 weeks in Magic Kingdom. Had 2 or 3 groups of 50 in Philhar per hour last weekend. Some were good listeners, some were pretty crappy and rowdy. Took me by surprise as I didn't remember them showing up in January last year (I remember lasy year they came in the summer, june or august maybe).

[Cranbiz]

I too have noticed an influx of Brazillians the last week or two. Most have been much better behaved than the last groups.

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

maybe someone from guest relations is sending them some info about how to behave?

[mechurchlady]

Maybe all the bad ones are barred from the parks or maybe the Brazillian government realized that its people are a pain in the neck and that the Brazilian nation has lost face because of them rowdy arses. Get me to WDW and I will take care of them with my ECV.

[rwdavis2]

I saw 3 at MK on 1/18 and another couple groups at Epcot on Tuesday the 22nd. No problems that I experienced. Maybe they should be the rude groups on Journey into Imagination with Figment? To be polite, that ride is lacking.
Bob

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

I saw 3 at MK on 1/18 and another couple groups at Epcot on Tuesday the 22nd. No problems that I experienced. Maybe they should be the rude groups on Journey into Imagination with Figment? To be polite, that ride is lacking.
Bob

I have never seen any when I have gone to WDW, but then again we usually go in September. I have read quite a few stories, some funny, others just sad that SG's seem to have a "herd" mentality.

[Ms. Matterhorn]

I don't know if its particularly the weak dollar as a cause, but there has been an unexpected influx of Brazilian tour groups over the last 2 weeks in Magic Kingdom. Had 2 or 3 groups of 50 in Philhar per hour last weekend. Some were good listeners, some were pretty crappy and rowdy. Took me by surprise as I didn't remember them showing up in January last year (I remember lasy year they came in the summer, june or august maybe).

Well, it is summer in Brazil!

[Big Wallaby]

The ones this year haven't been all that bad. At least, not at KSR, and not when I've been working land positions (any position *NOT* driving a truck, regular to any attraction). I have also been lucky that I did not wind up driving them, except one group that had a guide that wanted to translate, and they all listened, and they were quiet. Not sure what they thought of the poacher scene. For that run, I turned off Wilson, just took them on a tour of the animals, complete with the conservation facts and message. It takes a finesse, but it can be done.

[HarryFromMarydelDE]

I've seen tons and tons of Brazilian guests in the Confectionery for a while now, I've never had any problems with them except for a handful of language problems which were usually pretty easily resolved (it helped that we had a lot of Brazilian ICPs until last week). I like them, but the younger ones seem to be "extra-giggly" so I guess they might be a problem on some attractions. As someone pointed out, most of Brazil is in the Southern Hemisphere so it's their summer. I definitely think the strong real/weak dollar is having an effect, as I have had a number of conversations with Brazilian ICPs on this subject. (I have also had quite a few Canadian and British guests mention the exchange rate as a reason they are making the trip this year.) Someone told me that Disney has really increased their advertising throughout South America recently, I don't know if this is true but if it is it might be having an effect as well.

-Harry