Celebrity treatment

[SurfinTX]

Tommy Hilfinger gets this treatment? If WDW lets that happen then it opens up to tens of thousands of the well to do to get the same. I can understand Tom Hanks or Depp. What if a senior VP from a bank that financed Disney's latest venture did it?

Going again would have elicited a groan from our group if we had been there.

 

[patsal]

Wow! People seeing Usher and Tommy Hilfiger. I've never seen anyone famous at WDW. The closest I've come to spotting a celeb was the other weekend. We saw that redheaded kid that used to be on American Idol. (BTW, he certainly did not receive any VIP treatment.) Hehehehehehe!

Yeah, but his parent's own DVC and he goes every year--I work with his uncle (on his father's side).

A few years back Kelly Ripa and her husband and oldest son were escorted from the back of Space Mountain and thier guide was using a walkie talkie and told them that the next shortest lined ride was Snow White and then they headed over there.

I don't have a problem with any celebrity being removed from the general public line if there is a security hazzard or if it may impact their children's experience in a negative way to have mom or dad mobbed by people and not get the attention from their parents they deserve. I do think they should have to get off rides and go to a "holding room" of some sort to wait their turn to ride without being mobbed.

 

[WilsonFlyer]

We had this come up in another thread discussing perks and privaleges. I was told that the MK (and all of WDW for that matter) was suppose to be where everyone was equal, free love in the streets, Donnie and Marie. You know. All that kind of stuff.

It happens ALL the time (the celebrity stuff and the lines). I see it quite often because we go fairly often. I think many people never see or notice it. It will continue to happen. I don't care for it either but I do understand why it's done.

We all pay the same park entrance price (depending on the ticket you purchase, of course. They DO PURCHASE their tickets, don't they? Of COURSE they do! LOL) so we should all get the same treatment, right? It's the Happiest Place on Earth where everybody's the same regardless their socio-economic status, right?

 

[THUNDERMOUNTAINMOMMA]

I think I saw something on the E network about TH. It was a while ago, but if I remember correctly, he got into a fight with another celeb (maybe a rock star?) at a crowded night club. Anyone remember this? Maybe they were afraid of him "starting something" in line!

 

[DJ Disney Kid]

yeah, get that. But it's not fair that he motioned to ride over and over. That's just selfish!

Well its the same idea as us getting out of line and getting right back in line. If a celebrity wants to ride again, he can't just get off and get back in line. There really is no other option than to just keep riding.

Think of it like this, celebs are not really "enjoying" the parks. Much of the magic and enjoyment is found in queue's like TSM or Everest, where you and your family talk and share stories. Celebs have none of that. They are shuffled through back hallways all day and have to spend the whole day with a VIP guide. Im sure many of us remember seeing that Travel Channel Disney special with the VIP guide and we all realized how we wouldn't like it, since they are with you all day, even when you eat dinner and stuff. As a celeb, there is no time to relax on Main Street and just take in the view or anything. Just rush from ride to ride.

I know you think they are receiving special treatment, but when you think about it, they really aren't enjoying WDW the way its meant to be enjoyed. So let them have their front of the line access, I got to interact with a talking Mr. Potato Head and they didn't!

 

[bytheblood]

...do you actually listen to what your saying? Your asking people to be harrassed and saying "they chose to be famous" as grounds to justify it. That makes no sence (sense) at all. The guy who went on that ride most likely went on it 2ce for the whole day and was done with it. How is that a big deal? It is a matter of safety and common sence.

No, what you are saying makes no sense. I am sure he did not go into the park, ride TSMM twice and leave....more than likely, he did this at every ride in the park and possibly for a few days.

Has nothing to do with safety and common sense. It is common courtesy to ride once, get off and go about your business if you expect everybody to stop everything for you just because you design clothing.

 

[MightyMom]

Along the same lines... I'm wondering how ya'll feel about this....

Very often when we are riding, a CM will ask us if we want to ride again. Big Thunder Mountain (on several occassions), Buzz Lightyear, Dumbo.... I know there were a couple more rides.... I just can't think right now.

DS uses a wheelchair..... and I guess the CM realizes how much effort it takes to get him out of a chair and into a ride..... so they've asked if we would like to ride again.

The majority of the time the CM will ask my son.... and of course (as any child would) he screams YES!

I guess it probably is considered "bad manners" on the Dis for us to accept the second ride...... I think I have a pretty good idea what everyone will say!

 

[HappyDisneyMemories]

I personally wouldn't know Tommy Hillfger if I trip over him.

I don't know why but this made me crack up! I wouldn't know him either BTW.

 

[magicalfoursome]

Well its the same idea as us getting out of line and getting right back in line. If a celebrity wants to ride again, he can't just get off and get back in line. There really is no other option than to just keep riding.

Think of it like this, celebs are not really "enjoying" the parks. Much of the magic and enjoyment is found in queue's like TSM or Everest, where you and your family talk and share stories. Celebs have none of that. They are shuffled through back hallways all day and have to spend the whole day with a VIP guide. Im sure many of us remember seeing that Travel Channel Disney special with the VIP guide and we all realized how we wouldn't like it, since they are with you all day, even when you eat dinner and stuff. As a celeb, there is no time to relax on Main Street and just take in the view or anything. Just rush from ride to ride.

I know you think they are receiving special treatment, but when you think about it, they really aren't enjoying WDW the way its meant to be enjoyed. So let them have their front of the line access, I got to interact with a talking Mr. Potato Head and they didn't!

Are you kidding me? You actually sound sorry for celebs? They chose this career and are living lives of luxury. I feel sorry for children who are too sick or poor to go to WDW.

 

[weesignlanguage]

Along the same lines... I'm wondering how ya'll feel about this....

Very often when we are riding, a CM will ask us if we want to ride again. Big Thunder Mountain (on several occassions), Buzz Lightyear, Dumbo.... I know there were a couple more rides.... I just can't think right now.

DS uses a wheelchair..... and I guess the CM realizes how much effort it takes to get him out of a chair and into a ride..... so they've asked if we would like to ride again.

The majority of the time the CM will ask my son.... and of course (as any child would) he screams YES!

I guess it probably is considered "bad manners" on the Dis for us to accept the second ride...... I think I have a pretty good idea what everyone will say!

That is liking comparing apples to oranges. It is a totally different scenario when you are talking about disabled or injured people! I can't imagine anyone having a problem with a special needs child going on a ride a second time...if so they need to have their heart checked. I think that your assumption that DISers would think this is bad manners is off the mark. I feel most DISers would have no problem with your son taking a second ride! At least, I hope so....

As for famous people, I'm all for safety, especially when their kids are involved but I think they should have to wait in some kind of private room till it's their turn...but then again...life isn't fair and we all know that some people will get special treatment regardless of whether they deserve it or not. Just reeks for the rest of us...ha!

 

[MightyMom]

That is liking comparing apples to oranges. It is a totally different scenario when you are talking about disabled or injured people! I can't imagine anyone having a problem with a special needs child going on a ride a second time...if so they need to have their heart checked. I think that your assumption that DISers would think this is bad manners is off the mark. I feel most DISers would have no problem with your son taking a second ride! At least, I hope so....

I guess I should have explained that unless you saw me load my son onto a ride.....how would you know he was disabled??? Someone waiting to get on the ride and watch us "go again" would not assume he was disabled... and would assume that we were getting special treatment.
That's why I am assuming most here would consider it bad manners. Know what I mean??

 

[Mr. & Mrs. Smith]

For security reasons it is probably realistic for celebrities to get special treatment. It would cause quite a commotion for them to stand in line with us regular people. It isn't like there are hundreds of them bumping the rest of us. I am more ticked about media types receiving special treatment.

But isn't it their responsibility to stay safe? Don't they typically employ body guards and a slew of other people to make sure they are safe and comfortable? Then why can't their entourage stand in line with them as they wait and keep them safe, if this is the concern?

But really, does Tommy Hilfiger even qualify as a celebrity? I didn't know they sold his clothes anymore.

Believe me, he is indeed a celebrity and I don't think the HF clothing empire is about to go out of business any time soon.

Not all celebrities are alike, and not all feel like they should get front of the line privileges etc. I know a celebrity or two personally, I won't name names to protect the innocent (especially given the tone of the thread) but I can assure you I've personally seen them wait around like everyone else unless (and it has happened) a cast member or security agent insisted for OTHER guests safety (not being trampled etc) they be whisked to a special sideline.

I agree. When we were in MK, on the horses waiting for the Carousel to start up, who came on right after us after standing in line? Democratic presidential candidate at the time, Dennis Kucinich and his super hot wife. This was back in August when even I recognized him from being in the media all the time and I live in Canada. Yet, he was still standing in line and waiting his turn like everybody else.

Well its the same idea as us getting out of line and getting right back in line. If a celebrity wants to ride again, he can't just get off and get back in line.

Ummm....yes they can!

 

[Jenvenza]

Along the same lines... I'm wondering how ya'll feel about this....

Very often when we are riding, a CM will ask us if we want to ride again. Big Thunder Mountain (on several occassions), Buzz Lightyear, Dumbo.... I know there were a couple more rides.... I just can't think right now.

DS uses a wheelchair..... and I guess the CM realizes how much effort it takes to get him out of a chair and into a ride..... so they've asked if we would like to ride again.

The majority of the time the CM will ask my son.... and of course (as any child would) he screams YES!

I guess it probably is considered "bad manners" on the Dis for us to accept the second ride...... I think I have a pretty good idea what everyone will say!

Not even the same thing. I dont think anyone would mind if your son got to ride twice in a row. That is just the CM spreading some Disney magic, and if anyone got PO'd about that, then they would just be nasty people.

Celebs doing it because they are "famous" is something else all together.

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

I wouldn't care about Celebs at Disney unless it's the Ghost Hunter folks, the Supernatural guys or Dr. Who. Everyone else would be safe from me.

So I'm trying to come up with a way for Celebs to ride without getting mobbed and closing the ride for everyone else.

So how about they get ushered up front and put on the ride. Then the car or two behind them is left empty.

Then us normal folks get to board as usual.

Then if the celebs want to go again, they can stay on, everyone else unloads and the CM's leave the empty car between the celebs and everyone else so they can continue loading the vehicles with us everyday folks.

When they are ready to leave, the ride stops, lets them off and all continues as usual.

That sounds pretty logical and most of the time they wouldn't be holding up the whole ride just for them.

 

[krismom]

Along the same lines... I'm wondering how ya'll feel about this....

Very often when we are riding, a CM will ask us if we want to ride again. Big Thunder Mountain (on several occassions), Buzz Lightyear, Dumbo.... I know there were a couple more rides.... I just can't think right now.

DS uses a wheelchair..... and I guess the CM realizes how much effort it takes to get him out of a chair and into a ride..... so they've asked if we would like to ride again.

The majority of the time the CM will ask my son.... and of course (as any child would) he screams YES!

I guess it probably is considered "bad manners" on the Dis for us to accept the second ride...... I think I have a pretty good idea what everyone will say!

Absolutely NOT!!!! Your son has circumstances that require accommodations be made in order for him to enjoy the park and rides to the fullest extent. I love when I see a CM give another go around for a child with special needs.... that's a ride I don't mind waiting for!
With celebrities- were talking entitlement attitudes. That is something that I have no tolerance for!

 

[magicalfoursome]

I guess I should have explained that unless you saw me load my son onto a ride.....how would you know he was disabled??? Someone waiting to get on the ride and watch us "go again" would not assume he was disabled... and would assume that we were getting special treatment.
That's why I am assuming most here would consider it bad manners. Know what I mean??

I would think there is a reason and not question it. I know there are many children that go to WDW with illnesses and disabilities and I would gladly give them front of line privledges and extra rides. Now celebrities who feel entitled are totally different. Our society treats them with such awe it is ridiculous. I think we should be in awe of firefighters, policemen, soldiers etc.. they risk their lives to protect and save others.

 

[Mahnahmahnah]

I just read this in "Entertainment Weekly"#1001 July 11, 2008:

Behind The Scenes - Mark Millar, who co-created the "Wanted" comic(the movie with Angelina Jolie) discusses his brush with Hollywood-
"And when we went to Universal Studios, we could go on rides without waiting in lines."

Who even KNOWS who this guy is!
And he's bragging about not waiting in lines!

 

[lovethecastle]

I guess I should have explained that unless you saw me load my son onto a ride.....how would you know he was disabled??? Someone waiting to get on the ride and watch us "go again" would not assume he was disabled... and would assume that we were getting special treatment.
That's why I am assuming most here would consider it bad manners. Know what I mean??

Hey MightyMom,
I also have a ds who is in a wheelchair(totally nonambulatory). The difference is that Tommy Hilfiger asked to go again & again & in your family's case you are asked by the cm. Of course your son should say yes & you shouldn't feel you have to defend this.

Your son is handicapped & TH is not. I hope you can see my point. I don't know about you but we don't get front of line privlege.
________________________
Sandy

 

[Doc CW]

They should have to wait with us, honestly there is really nothing special about them that should give them the right to get in front without waiting and then to be able to go around again is ridiculous

 

[DisneySweetheart]

I saw Bachelor Bob and his wife Rebecca Buddig at AK. I was getting ready to board Expedition Everest. They were ushered in through another entrance and asked where they would like to ride. They chose the front car. They walked behind me in line. I really didn't think much of it at the time, but I'm sure I would have been upset if they bumped me.