Has anything "traumatic" ever happened to you or a family member on a Disney ...

[Disney1fan2002]

attraction? I was just curious, because Disney has such a smooth operation, but things do happen.

I found this out the hard way last October. My 2 yo and 4 yo were sent through the Haunted Mansion alone. We are a family of 5, so it was going to be me and the little ones in one car and my DH and DS (6) in the car behind us. Well, I don;t even really know what happened, the only thing I can guess is, the attendant sent us to a car the was too far foward on the platform, I stood while the two little ones climbed in, and all of a sudden, the door slide shut before I could climb in, thinking I somehow shut it, I tried to open it, it was sealed shut. Still in denial that it won't open, I kept pulling, w=meanwhile I am heading toward the tunnel, the man running the ride kept saying "too late" and I was thinking "what do you mean too late?, open the door to the car" well, I have now reached the tunnel, I was pulled off the moving platform because I was still holding onto the car, I realized I had to let go when the car went into the tunnel, because I would not of fit between the wall and the car, I would of lost my arm. I let go of the car, and the screams coming form my children!!! I yelled to my husband that they were in front of him...I turned to the attendant and asked where the exit was. I am in a panic now. He said no exit, I had to ride in a car to get to it. At this point, I felt I didn't have time to argue, they were now about 10-12 cars ahead of me. I jumped in a car, in disbelief that I have to spend time on the ride before I can get to my kids...I was trying to stay calm, but I just kept imagining how they were reacting to being in the dark with scary, noisy things and no one to comfort them. Were they trying to climb out? Were they going out of their mind with fear?? The ride could not be over soon enough. when I got off, my husband was holding the 2 yo, the baby was in hysterics. My 4 yo was standing next to him , and when she saw me she ran over and hugged me and just cried and cried, and said "mama, why did you leave us?" I lost it, I was sobbing uncontrollably. Coming out of the ride, people sitting around saw the kids crying, and kind of chuckled, kind of like, oh look, they were scared...but then they would see me and I was crying right along with them, they knew something was wrong. A manager of the ride came over and I told her what had happened, as best I could in my hysterical state. I just kept saying "they are 2 and 4, why didn't he stop the ride?"

The manager agreed it never should of happened, and she was going to go speak the the man. She offered to let us take another ride all together, and had them stop the belt, so the kids didn't get scared that I would miss the car. Amazingly, the exit is only a few steps to the moving platform. He could of very easily of pointed me to the exit, instead he told me I had to get on the ride. They stop the ride alll the time to let handicapped people on. That is what I was upset about. I flip of a switch, and they could of gotten my babies off that ride.

After that, a few hours later, kids being kids, they are fine, but I am still shaken up. we get in line for Buzz Lightyear, and my 4 YO is being a real pain in line. She is crying saying she doesn't want to go on, but my DH had taken the 2 yo on something else, and we had been in line for a long time, I wasn't going to have the 6 yo miss out, when I knew she would like it. She had been on it many times. I kept telling her she was going to go back to the room for a nap. I thought she was just overtired. Well, we get up to the moving platform and she is panicked! She was so afraid I was going to miss the car again. That explained why she was so upset in line. My heart broke for her.

Many people felt Disney should of compensated me somehow, but I guess I felt I didn't make a big deal of it at the time. I did call when I returned home, only because it was a day and a half later, and I was still so upset I had to call and talk to someone and get it off my chest how traumatic it was. Even my 6yo, still talks about it. It upset him too.

Anyone else have a not-so-wonderful story? I am still a big Disney fanatic, but I now know that they can stop any ride in an instant, and if something like that happens again, I am going to scream bloody murder until they stop the ride.

 

[hucifer]

Disneyfan, I hope I do not read any more posts like this! I was furious that the operator just stood there and basically said, "oh well."

I do not have any children, but I could really feel for your little ones in fear that their parents left them on in a place like that. My heart goes out to them and you...how terrifying for a parent!

 

[Magickndm]

It happened to me too on RnRC, but intead of my child going without me, she was too slow getting in and the bars closed and the ride took off. The whole ride I was just sick wondering where she was. When we finally got to the end she was there with a CM. I was soooo mad...I told the CM there that there was no excuse for what had happened. He really didn't seem to care too much, but offered to let us go again. My DD was 9 at the time, old enough to know not to wander away, but in my mind I kept thinking what if it were a smaller child? I guess these things just happen sometime though. We go to WDW at least 2 times a month, and I have to say that was the first experience I had ever had of that kind, but still one too many.
Children should be told ahead of time how to react and what to do if their family ever gets seperated. I always told my daughter to stay as close to where she was when we got seperated as possible and to only ask for help from adults wearing the CM badges.

 

[CWIPPERMAN]

OK.... I really feel bad for what happened to you. It is obvious that there was a breakdown in the way things should have been done. But can someone who feels that she should have been "Compensated" explain this? I'm not taking away from the situation this unfortunate family was put through at all. But, I am sick of every little incident or mistake resulting in "I'm going to sue you", or "I need to be 'compensated' for my pain". I guess that the folks that feel this way must lead a blessed life - and never make a mistake or have an accident. I just can't comprehend why folks will think that if something goes wrong they should get paid (not referring to the original poster - she obviously has her head on straight on this issue... but I'm referring to the people that say she should get paid).

You know... the same folks that are demanding some sort of refund or "compensation" if their burger is cold in the middle... or their hotel room is missing a spare roll of toilet paper - are the same folks that complain when Disney (or anyone for that matter) raise their ticket prices $1.00.

I have a suggestion to you people. When you have made it one full year without tripping, slipping, dropping something, misplacing something, or making a mistake..... then you can ask anyone you want for money (hell..... go buy a lottery ticket, because since you never make a mistake - you should be able to pick the winning numbers without any problems). But until then, realize that we are all human and will make mistakes. And when they happen..... that doesn't mean "It's Payday".

(Once again..... I am not trying to take away from the original poster in any way.... I am very sorry this happened.... this issue just hit my hot button).

 

[ktglads]

Disney1fan2002, I know you were not the actual one who wanted the compensation and as you said, others that you told this story to thought that you should receive something. The thing is, you did receive compensation. You were allowed to ride the ride again without having to go back and wait in line. The manager could have just said that she would speak with that CM and leave it at that. Instead, she offered to allow you to go through again without making you all wait in line again. I really don't know what those people you told expected Disney to do for you. Yes, your kids were scared, but it is not like they were injured on the ride. I'm sorry, but maybe it is a "big" deal right now, but it really did not do permanent damage to these kids. Tears were shed, but chances are that if you ask your kids if they want to go back again, they would agree in a heartbeat.

By the way, what were you told when you called 2 days later? Just curious....

 

[perdidobay]

The OP didn't say she should have been comped... she said other people suggested that she should have been. It sounds to me as she called later just to "vent" about her experience so no one else would have that same thing happen.
I would have done the same thing.........

 

[Memph1s]

This is the scariest thing I have ever heard of in HM. I can only hope that the CM running the ride did not realize the kids were only 2 and 4. I think Disney should have done something. They did more than make a mistake they put these kids lives in real danger. If they had climbed out of the car they could have easily been killed. I'm not suggesting some large monetary thing but it would have been nice if they got the kids ice cream or a small stuffed animal to help comfort them.

Offering to send them back through the most terrifying thing in their lives was just dumb. There was no excuse for this. I would be willing to bet that it can be attributed to cost saving cut backs. There used to be at least 2 CMs working this ride. One at the front of the belt assigning the seating and one at the other end of the belt making sure everyone is properly loaded and settled. It sounds like there was only one CM doing both jobs.

We have seen this more and more over the last year. The last time we went on the Land in EPCOT the CM that rode in the boat and gave the tour also was the one that assigned the seating. It made the wait be much longer because no one was getting the next group ready before the boat arrived.

 

[Magickndm]

Originally posted by CWIPPERMAN
You know... the same folks that are demanding some sort of refund or "compensation" if their burger is cold in the middle

I have to say CWIPPERMAN, I agree, a lot of people want something for nothing, but if I pay good money for a burger and I get it served to me cold, you bet I'll send it back to get what I paid for.

 

[CWIPPERMAN]

Originally posted by Magickndm
I have to say CWIPPERMAN, I agree, a lot of people want something for nothing, but if I pay good money for a burger and I get it served to me cold, you bet I'll send it back to get what I paid for.

OK.... I should clarify. If my burger is cold in the middle I'll take it back and ask for another. But where I have a problem is this mentality that if your burger is cold in the middle.... not only should you get a new burger, but you should eat free for the rest of the day, and get passes to eat free the next time you return to the park. People make mistakes. I really doubt that the CM working the ride was intentionally sending two small children through the ride alone. I would venture to guess that he/she didn't realize the kids were there or that they were alone. The problem I have is if something like this happens, there are folks out there that would demand free passes, meals, toys, and hotel rooms. I work in a profession that is very apt to being sued for any small mistake. It really gets on my nerves that some people resort to demanding something for nothing over the most minor incident. I would venture to guess that these kids won't remember this incident a year from now.

As an example... on my trip last year, I had a big problem with the transportation service. I certainly didn't call or e-mail WDW demanding a refund, free stuff, or a discount next time. I chalked it up to just being an inconvenience. There are some folks that would have overlooked all of the great things that happen at WDW, and let the bus service spoil their whole trip. I don't want to live my life focusing on the negatitives. I just think that the folks that are suggesting getting comps or free stuff should examine themselves for perfection - before demanding perfection from others.

 

[Golter]

He's not saying you shouldn't send it back, he's saying that you shouldn't expect it to be free. I try to live by this rule - If I feel that I am wronged by someone, before I get upset, I give them an opportunity to make it right. My definition of right is getting me back (as close as possible) were I was before the incident happend. If my burger is cold, give me a hot one. If I buy something in a store and I get it home and it is broken, take it back and give me one that is not. I live by the theory of indemnity - get me back to where I was not anymore, not any less. People error, cut them some slack.

 

[4greatboys]

What a scarey story. Glad your kids are okay. They were awfully small to be on any ride alone. 2 yr old have a mind of their own so aside from them being scarey they could have easily tried to climb out to find mom or dad.
ktglads there is nothing worng with them being offered another ride without having to wait in line. Thank God her kids werent injured but they were way to young to be on ANY ride alone. I'm not saying they should be granted a free trip to Disney or anything like that but another ride without waiting in line was the least they could do for the family. And maybe the kids would be able to enjoy that ride since they were scared to death the frist time around.

 

[ktglads]

No, I did not mean that there was anything wrong with allowing her and her family to ride again without waiting in line, I meant that the extra ride WAS the compensation that her friends wanted. What I meant was that there really should not be any need for ADDITIONAL compensation beyond the extra ride. Like you said, they really did not deserve a free trip or something along those lines. The manager attempted to replace the memory of the scary ride for the kids with one that was a lot less scary. That was the right thing to do. She was not required to do this. I just think that giving her anything above and beyond that is not necessary. In my eyes, her family was compensated once. Sorry if you thought I meant that she did not even deserve the re-ride in the first place. She did deserve it. I just meant that not all places would be willing to even do that.

 

[strawberryblonde]

I got chills reading this story, so sorry your family went through this. Thanks for posting because it is now in the back of my mind that a ride CAN be stopped. Had you read a post like this one, prior to your trip, you would have known to insist louder and longer until the ride was stopped. I'm so sorry that the ride wasn't stopped, I hate it that the 2 and 4 year old went through the ride alone. I wouldn't expect compensation either, but I am surprised that a bigger gesture wasn't offered ( a little plush to hold onto for the next time through the ride or a balloon to help perk up the little ones). I would think this is a pretty unusual thing to happen, it's not like they would have to be handing out plushes left and right. I've heard of ice-cream cones being replaced that fall (not Disney's fault and yet they "fix" it just because). I'm not usually for people getting things for free (as the price is passed onto others sooner or later) but in this case it would have gone a long way in turning a very scary (and potentially dangerous) moment around (of course it wouldn't be taking away the danger but that damage had already been done). Best wishes to your family and I hope future trips are uneventful.

 

[Horizons16]

well i am the most talented walker ever... everyone knows this!

I walked into a wall. Full stride and just WHAM!

oh well i wasnt hurt, just my pride lol

 

[Local_Girl]

Disney1fan2002--

Wow--what happened to your family was pretty traumatic! I'm sure I would have been frantic as well had my little ones been on that ride alone. I would also hope that the ride would have been stopped had the CM known that the children were only 2 and 4 years old--you didn't mention in your post if you actually told the CM their ages, but I understand you were under much duress at the time. Fortunately, you all made it to the end of the ride safely.

The most important thing I gained from your post (and I hope other parents of small children are getting this as well...) is how careful we should be as we get on and off rides at the parks. Please don't take this wrong, Disney1fan--I don't mean to blame you for what happened!! I'm just saying that knowing such things can and do happen, parents of young children should be extra careful. DH and I really hustled ourselves and the kids when we entered/exited rides and if either child was moving too slowly or stumbled, etc. we grabbed them quickly and carried them if necessary. It's easy to get distracted by belongings as well--dropping a camera or backpack, etc. but personal safety should be paramount, because other things can be replaced.

 

[C.Ann]

What a scary, scary thing for your babies and you!! I almost started crying while reading your post because I was imagining that being my little granddaughter.. I would have been out of my mind!!!!

Thanks so much for posting this.. I'm hoping to go back to Disney with my granddaughter in Dec. and I will make sure that when approaching a ride her mom get's in FIRST - then my granddaughter - and then me.. At least that way if the ride takes off she'll have someone with her..

I can't believe they wouldn't stop the ride!!!!!!

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

OMG. I can totally understand your panic- my heart was going through my throat just reading your post! My youngest two are close to those ages- 2 and 5yrs old.... I would definitely be freaking OUT if that had happened to me! Thank goodness they were okay physically though. *wow- scary!*

 

[Disney1fan2002]

Originally posted by ktglads
Disney1fan2002, I know you were not the actual one who wanted the compensation and as you said, others that you told this story to thought that you should receive something. The thing is, you did receive compensation. You were allowed to ride the ride again without having to go back and wait in line. The manager could have just said that she would speak with that CM and leave it at that. Instead, she offered to allow you to go through again without making you all wait in line again. I really don't know what those people you told expected Disney to do for you. Yes, your kids were scared, but it is not like they were injured on the ride. I'm sorry, but maybe it is a "big" deal right now, but it really did not do permanent damage to these kids. Tears were shed, but chances are that if you ask your kids if they want to go back again, they would agree in a heartbeat.

By the way, what were you told when you called 2 days later? Just curious....

Yes, we were offered the ride and I accepted it in a heartbeat. I had the "fall off a horse" mentality. I felt the kids should go on agian right away, WITH me so that they can see all those scary moments again, with me there to comfort them. That way, their ride would be less scary. Does that make sense? I just didn't want them to have that as their last memory of the Haunted Mansion.

You are right when you say it was not me who felt I needed compensation. For the first 2 weeks of telling people, it was what everyone had said. Even a few people who spend alot of time going to Disney. I am not one to demand anything. If Disney had offered even an ice cream cone for the kids, it would of showed me that the situation upset them as much as me. Does that make sense? I was disappointed, I would be lying if I said otherwise. 7 years ago, when I was at Disney with my friend, there was a cricket in our room. My friend was freaked out. I was joking. Jiminy came to visit. I tried to catch the thing and let it out, and when I pulled the end table out from the wall, she saw the thing hop, she really freaked out. She called down to the front desk to complain about the cricket, they came and moved us into the room above us ( we were at the ALL Star Movies) just for the night, until they could remove the cricket. For THAT inconvience, they said that night was "on the Mouse" meaning, my account was credited $83. We got a free night. Because a CRICKET was in our room. I knew then, that Disney goes above and Beyond to make a bad situation good again. Now, comparing the two incidents, which one do you think Disney SHOULD of reached out on? Agian, I am not saying that because I was not offered much, that Disney stinks ect, because, I know had I followed up, wrote a letter, demanded, ect...I am sure I would of gotten something. I am not like that. My kids will be fine. When they bring it up ( mostly my 6 yo, because he is the worry wart) we sit down and talk about what happened. This incident has not caused me to bad mouth Disney, on that same vacation, actually the day before, we had just purchased the DVC. We will be going back, and look forward to going back.

As for the CM realizing the ages of the kids ( to whomever posted it) yes, he was aware of how small they were, he was standing right next to me as I was helping them climb in the car. Any one could look and see that their tiny bodies were not 7 years old ( the minimum age for any child to ride without an adult on any Disney ride). That was what I was upset about with the CM,and that is what I told the manager I spoke to from home. On every single ride there is a sign that says you must be 7 years old to ride without an adult. She completely agreed with me. It was absolutely wrong, wrong, wrong. As for how the conversation went, I was satisfied that they realized how bad this situation was. She was going to call a meeting with the CM's and go over what had happened, she specifically told me she would get the name of the CM on the ride from the other Manager, ..... call me bad, or what-not..it helped me feel better just imagining him getting reamed out, and I hope it happened if front of his co-workers. I am sorry, but I felt that THAT was compensation enough for me. She was very grateful that I called, because now it made her aware of the situation, and like she said, it will help to avoid it happening agian.


Thanks for all the support. Like I said, Disney is usually so good with safety, but I wanted you all to be aware that things like this DO happen. Unfortunately. I did not mean for this to turn into a "should she or shouldn't she be compensated debate."

 

[eeyore0062]

I am so sorry this happened to you and your family, and considering that kids aren't allowed to ride without an adult until they are 7, I would have thought that the ride would have/ could have been stopped. I know it must have been frightening for both you and your children.

That being said, I have never seen anyone not be able to get on the Haunted Mansion ride in the alloted time to embark. Was there a problem that caused this to happen--- maybe I missed something in the original post?

As far as compensation, no I don't think it warrented compensation, either, but the original OP said she wasn't seeking compensation, in the 1st place.

Why do these posts always turn out to be slams on the original OP's anyway?>

 

[Disney1fan2002]

I have never seen anyone not be able to get on the Haunted Mansion ride in the alloted time to embark. Was there a problem that caused this to happen--- maybe I missed something in the original post?

Yes, in my OP, I had said I don't really know how it happened, I must of been sent to a car too far ahead on the platform.