Do People Really.......???

[monkeyguy31]

no don't move on in disneyland paris i have seen ppl use annual passes with the id of someone else ! a family had 5 annual tickets and 5 ppl but one ticket was someone elses in the family that was at home or something but wasn't there i mean thats just wrong why not buy another there only 80 something euros

 

[DisneyfeverTN]

To those that feel they aren't doing any harm in breaking the rules - your children are watching so don't be surprised when they do something in their teenage years and bring your rule breaking up to you. It will always come back to bite you. Use some WISDOM in your decision making. I have raised 4 teenagers and you will need all the help you can get.

ITA! I was thinking the same thing. I guess some people are ok with breaking rules when it means they can have fun and not pay for it. Teach your children well. Don't be surprised when they show you what you have taught them. My DS is taught to follow the rules, whether he agrees with them or not. I teach him that he is to respect the rules at his school, at other people's houses, and anywhere else he might be. I can't teach him those things if I don't do the same thing myself. I look at it this way, if I can't afford to pay for something, then I'm not going to do it.

As for saving money by sharing food, I think it is an excellent idea. If Disney sells a bun only, then they are obviously fine with people sharing a double burger.

 

[Reflection]

Only up to page 13 in this thread thus far and I bet myself that a 'those-of-you-who-say-you-always-follow-the-rules-must-never exceed-the-speed-limit' post would occur before a 'those-la-di-da-deluxe-resort-staying elitists-who-stupidly-spend-all-that-money-for-just-a-hotel-room-to-sleep-and-shower-in-and-who-look-down-their-noses-at-the-value-accomdations-hoi polloi' post.

I was wrong; the 'never-exceed-the-speed-limit post did not occur until page 13.

My .02 ramblings... There is a difference between being frugal and being cheap. Being frugal, IMO, means using legitimate efforts and opportunities to get the best value for your money, so that the end result is essentially a win-win for the customer and the business entity. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being frugal.

Being cheap, on the other hand, means taking actions (including those that are unethical and possibly illegal) that are strictly self-advantageous--whether this is using services you did not pay for (not buying food in a CS restaurant but making a salad, or purchasing only a soda and making said salad; using the amenities at a resort one is not staying in, etc.), hosting an event and expecting your guests to pay your tab, ad infinitum. Cheap people (in accordance to the definition above) use all manner of rationalizations (generally described as their 'rights' or they cite regional behaviors, or they cite the deep pockets (or greed, as they see it) of the business they intend to scam) to justify their actions. Being cheap, as described above, is not a good thing.

As for the buy a double-burger meal and order an extra bun--sounds like a good frugal step to me, although I would not do this or some of the other frugal tips (not because this is wrong, clearly it is not), but because it seems like way too much effort for such a small return.

I think the poster who raised the question about budgets and folks who 'have' to take such steps in order to afford WDW (or any vacation destination for that matter) might need to look at their overall financial picture), asked an appropriate question. I don't see class wars, elitism, or anyone being looked down upon. And for the comment someone made about going to WDW before paying one's bills: color me .

Pool hopping and resort amenity rule breaking--I would never think to do this--let alone plan a morning's or afternoon's outing around such behavior. I imagine the folks at WDW whose job it is to deal with the actions of guests who skirt the boundaries must shake their head in amazement at some the things people try to take advantage of.

 

[chobie]

People taking it upon themselves to "suggest" that other people should not be spending their money on vacations are being snobby, pure and simple. It is not a valid question, it's nobody's damn business and unless people ask for someone's financial advice, its just plain rude to offer it. All it illustrates that money does not equal class, because anyone with class would know better than to tell strangers who have not asked what they should or should not spend their money on.

 

[Future Guy]

Well, if you visit Universal Orlando, you can:

1.) Pool hop if you are an onsite resort guest (gasp!)
2.) You can reuse old refillable mugs at the parks (but refills cost around $1.29)

I've done the salad thing at the fixins bar, but not intentionally. I put so much lettuce on my burger and half of it ends up falling out and I have a mini-salad!

 

[KimberlyC]

Pool-hoppers now know they are breaking the rules, but they don't care.

No one here will actually report a pool-hopper if they find one.

"Dirty" diapers on a stroller is icky.

Splitting a hamburger is no big deal, just don't get two sets of toppin's!

Did I forget anything?

Steve

Yes!!! You forgot to ask why Mr. Footlong Hotdog gets no love.

 

[kaysmommie]

Good LORD, what kind of an education do you have, anyway? I'm sorry, but I'm having a really hard time understanding where you are coming up with this jazz! WHAT PART OF THIS LOGICAL STATEMENT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE TO YOU:

When a person pays extra money to stay at the Grand Floridian... as opposed to... say.... ASMo (which is where I'll be staying, BTW)... THE POOL AT THE GRAND FLORIDIAN IS FOR THEIR USE ONLY. Why? Why do you ask? (again and again and again?)... BECAUSE THEY PAID FOR IT! I didn't pay for it when I paid $79 a night to stay at ASMo! How many different ways does a person have to paint it?

Okay, I am sorry. It's a tragic flaw in my personality. Go ahead, make some lame joke about it not being the only flaw. Of this I am well aware....but I can't help it! I'm trying to save the world... one misguided person at a time. LMAO!

Why do people say your logic is warped? BECAUSE YOUR LOGIC IS WARPED! There's no other way about it. Perhaps they need to change ALL of the pool signs to have the exact resort NAME on them... for people like you who need to have it spelled out so plainly. OR, maybe Disney was just giving people like you too much credit in thinking that it was easily understood that "Pool use is for resort guests only" means THE RESORT WHERE THE SIGN IS HANGING!!!!

Oh, I am so done with this thread! I've made it a personal challenge. I am home sick today, my mom has my daughter for the day, and I should definately be sleeping instead of crusading on the DISboards!

Couldn't have said it better myself!

 

[DMRick]

Order a double cheeseburger & ask for an extra bun?

Did it last week at Beaches and Cream. The extra bun was not free, by the way (and sometimes they split the meal before they bring it). We do it because we share most meals. Can't fit in dessert if I eat a full meal. They give you a lot of French fries, and half is all either of us want. It also saves us money to spend elsewhere in Disney. We do tip a little more, since we are only buying one meal (plus, to add insult to injury, we drink water, not soda).

 

[Lizzybee]

Ya know I guess I was wrong about the salad from the fixin' bar thing. I assumed it meant, not even buying anything and just making a salad on who knows what leftover plate that was stuffed in the backpack. It was a really funny image in my head, I saw someone literally making a salad from the fixin bar without a burger to put it on. If you mix the right amount of ketchup, mayo and relish it might taste sorta like 1000 Island dressing. I guess for those of you who bought food it's totally legit, I mean that's what it's there for.

 

[BarbWB]

I have to say that meal-sharing at Disney is the best thing ever ... we threw away a TON of food on our last visit. If you actually look at the calories consumed, it is outrageous!!! The portions are sooooo huge on everything, especially CS meals. We ate at Pecos Bill's and the 6 of us ordered our own meals (4 kids, 2 adults). We could have been happy with half of it AND we didn't even make it to the fixin's bar b/c the lines were crazy.
Next time we go, we will be efficient and share. I'd even consider the "extra bun" option ... no one needs all of those fries anyway!!

 

[dwaters]

There is a difference between being frugal and being cheap.

What about bringing Cokes on your trip and packing the empty cans and bottles in your suitcase so you can return them for the five cent deposit when you get home? I've heard of people that do this. I do it on car trips but I'm not sure if I've done it when flying.
I guess that's frugal, while cheap is returning bottles in a bottle law state that were purchased in a non-bottle law state. Remember the "Seinfeld" where Kramer and Newman drive a truckload of bottles from NY to MI because the bottles are worth ten cents versus five? I love that one because I'm sure someone somewhere has tried this, figuring profit versus gas/mileage etc.

 

[mickeyfan2]

I told DH about the "dirty diaper". He started to laugh thinking about those diapers smelling like a salad. If we see one on our next trip we are both going to burst out laughing.

 

[agnes!]

Sorry if this has been posted already.
I remember reading in some WDW guidebook a while back @ the dirty diaper on the stroller trick. But they said to take an unused diaper, pour some root beer or coke in it, wrap it up like it's been used & put it in a plastic bag, then hang the bag on the back of the stroller.
This was supposed to keep others from taking your stroller for their own use.

agnes!

 

[WDWtinkbell1982]

I guess I look at it this way...I would like to think of myself and a Disney Person...who wants to see everyone enjoy the most magical place on earth. So does any of this bother me...like pool hopping. Somewhat....but this is how I feel....because I can see both sides....

Sure....Come swim at "my" pool at SSR. Just be respectful of the rules...don't make me babysit your kids...don't take so many condiments that my family and I can't have any....clean up after yourselves....mind your business and be respectful.....that goes for everyone.

 

[Lizzybee]

I told DH about the "dirty diaper". He started to laugh thinking about those diapers smelling like a salad. If we see one on our next trip we are both going to burst out laughing.

I guess they could kill two birds with one stone...make the fixin bar salad in the clean diaper, then tie it on the stroller when done with the salad so people will think it's a dirty diaper.

 

[mickeyfan2]

I guess they could kill two birds with one stone...make the fixin bar salad in the clean diaper, then tie it on the stroller when done with the salad so people will think it's a dirty diaper.

 

[KimberlyC]

I guess they could kill two birds with one stone...make the fixin bar salad in the clean diaper, then tie it on the stroller when done with the salad so people will think it's a dirty diaper.

I just got queasy. This is a nasty visual image.

 

[minnie61650]

Putting an extra person in a room exceeding Disney limits...this is a hot topic for me. The whole vacationing world, not just Disney, is designed around a "family of 4". and help us that have exceeded that "norm". Because I have 3 children, does Disney offer me an upcharge on my room rate? Heck no! My family would be perfectly content in one room but I have to pay for an entire additional room for my 6 yo. Because I have a third child I pay DOUBLE, being forced to get a second room. So at the POP I am paying 79.00 extra per night for my 3rd child! I certainly agree that if you have more children you need to pay more but DOUBLE? So, if someone is "sneaking" an extra person into the room in this situation can you blame them? Sorry, I won't feel the least bit guilty about my family sharing one mug! ..........................


P.S. Stanger swap? What do you have to offer? I might be interested! Ha Ha.

As a mother of 4 I feel your pain.

My children are all grown now but when they were younger if we wanted to stay on Disney property our choices were Fort Wilderness cabins , 2 rooms at Disney Inn (now SOG) or 2 rooms or a suite at a monorail resort. In 1988 Disney opened their first Mod (CBR) and we were able to rent 2 rooms at a more reasonable rate. The DVC hotels were not built yet and POR was not built until 1991 and while they have some rooms that slept 5 there were very few options for a family of 6.
At least with a family of 5 you do have the option of renting a room at POR
(for the small amount of diffence in in price I think I would also choose 2 connecting rooms at value. 2 TV's and 2 bathrooms are big pluses) and there are a lot of Deluxe rooms you could rent that sleep 5.(even more money but at lease 5 can sleep in one room).

I have been writing to Disney for years (as I am sure many others have also)asking for more options for families with 3 or 4 children.

I am so happy that is Disney is opening up their family suites which will sleep
6.
The Suites are $11 more a night than booking 2 connecting standard rooms.
But if you wanted a fridge for one of your connecting rooms the cost would be $10 extra a night.
The suites also come with a coffee pot and a microwave. You cannot rent those for your connecting rooms. The Suites are located in the Calypso and Jazz building which are the nearest buildings to the food court and bus stop. If you booked two connecting rooms in the Calypso building it would cost you an extra $20 a night. $10 extra a night for each rooms.

The most important reason I would recommend the Suites over 2 connecting rooms for families is because Disney does not guarantee connecting rooms for families.if there are 2 adults Disney can split the adults and children into two rooms that are not connecting. They try hard not to do this but it can and does happen sometimes. If however it is one adult with 5 children Disney has to somehow find connecting rooms since some of the children cannot be left in a room without an adult.
I remember reading Taximomfor4 thread about her families problems at the All Stars it was heartbreaking.
Here is what she said in a thread about connecting rooms that was posted a couple of weeks ago:

At the All Stars, we had "guaranteed connecting rooms for family)...half of our stay was 2 adults, 4 kids and the other half was 1 adult with 4 kids. We waited for our rooms to be ready, but they did not connect. (We did pre-checkin at 4:30am, and called after 3pm for our room assignments, as instructed.) We will never again count on getting connecting rooms. We book them, but if it will ever be only one adult again, we will get a suite, probably offsite. It was very stressful, trying to figure out what we should do. All my kids were under 11.

Here is the thread:
http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1095679

Have fun at Disney!

 

[AnaheimGirl]

Whew! Made it through the whole thread and every time I had something to say, someone else already said it for me, except this:

Isn't it awfully messy to pull apart the double cheeseburger and made two single cheeseburgers out of it? That would be my deterrent from doing that.

We also think most restaurants (not just at WDW) give out too many fries with their burgers. Of course, our problem isn't that we'd waste them, it's that we'd waist them. We'd end up eating them all anyway, just because they're there, walking out stuffed and uncomfortable, and gaining weight because of it.

So, yea, we do the "order one cheeseburger meal and one single cheeseburger, then share the fries/drink" thing. For us, the extra money we pay for the cheeseburger, over the cost of "doubling" the cheeseburger meal, and adding the .79 bun, is well worth having two complete burgers come out, and saving ourselves the dirty work.

Notes I said "for us". I know some of you will disagree and that's fine. It doesn't bother me what you think of my ways, as it shouldn't bother you what I think of yours. We all draw the line in a different place, and that's OK. I like threads like this, because I enjoy hearing other people's points of view.

 

[kpk89]

I keep picking up an undertone in this thread that bothers me a bit. It's the whole "If you can't afford to do everything without thinking about it, just stay home."

I have been working points programs, rolling change, and trying to stash whatever money I can for 6 years to get my children to Disney. There have been numerous set backs in this - car breaks down, new water heater, that kind of thing. But I will never give up. This is my dream.

I'm thinking at this point we'll be able to go in about 2 years, when kids are 12, 10 and 8. And we will not be able to just do whatever without thinking. We'll be doing this on a budget. Now I will never use the fixings bar to make a "free" salad. That's not what it's for. But I won't hesitate to buy 3 meals for 5 of us and split it. Once I buy the meals, they're MINE and how we use them is up to us, right?

But I really get hurt by the idea that if we have to do this on the cheap we're somehow less "Mouse-worthy" or something. Should we maybe be using this money for something else? Maybe. But I know my children won't be children for very long, and I will split meals, pal mickey swap, buy souvies at Walmart, or whatever it takes to share this dream with them, as long as it's within the rules. (so no, no extra people snuck in the room or mug swapping)

Sanctus, I hope that you and your family get there ahead of your 2 year estimate. You sound like a really great mom who is wise with her dollars.

I agree that sharing meals is no biggie -- whatever the reason. I hate to see food go to waste.

Disney is the most magical vacation there is. It's the stuff dreams are made of. Nobody should judge how anyone gets there or how they manage to do it without breaking their "real life" budget that they must return home to.

To answer the OP, I think the answer is YES to all of those questions, though I've only read about it here, never seen it in person.