How should we follow up with this?

[MoonPet]

Hello all.

So my brother and his family are at the Poly this morning for breakfast and when they came back to their car they found this on their windshield:

Let's for a moment, pause, to chuckle at the spelling before we all get upset.

They were parked legally in a handicapped spot. They have the hangtag for my niece, who is five, and has a nasty nasty autoimmune disorder. This trip is the first to Disney for her since her diagnosis and, to put it lightly, the last 18 months for this poor darling (and her family) have been nothing short of hell on earth. Granted, none of this "matters" in a technical sense. When the City of NY issued the hangtag it was based on medical documentation submitted. Documentation they don't have to keep in their back pocket to satisfy idiots like the writer of this note.

My brother went back inside the resort and asked for a manager but no one came out. They went back to Saratoga (where they are staying).

I realize that management can't be responsible for the behavior and ignorance of everyone, but we all feel like we have to let someone at the Poly know. Any recommendations on who my brother should talk to would be greatly appreciated.

I'm sure you can imagine that we are all very upset.

Thanks so much,
Nicole

 

[mukorasirish]

I am so sorry that this happened to your family. I myself have rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. I have a handicap placard I use when I'm having a bad day. Often though, if I'm sitting or standing still you would never know that I suffer from this and I get some very negative comments from ignorant people. It is the frustrating part of having an autoimmune disease.

That being said, I understand you anger but I think you are misplacing those feelings. Disney does an amazing job working with disabled people to help them enjoy their vacations. Asking them to be responsible for the behavior of an individual who may, or may not, have been one of their guests in the parking lot on their hotel is a bit much. And quite honestly, you can't prevent people from expressing their opinions - it's the way this country works. Tear the note up and enjoy the vacation. I'd love to say that this will be an isolated incident but it won't be. Speaking from experience, it's maddening the first few times it happens but you can't let the ignorance of others impact your life. She is a sick little girls and needs the help. Who cares what any one else thinks?

I'm sorry that this had to happen on vacation.

 

[clanmcculloch]

What I would do is go to the front desk at SSR, show them the picture and let the person know that when you asked to speak to somebody at Poly nobody came. Personally, I wouldn't ask for a manager (I'm not sure what a manager will do beyond what a regular CM will do since I assume they'll just fill out some kind of incident report or even just make a note in a file somewhere but maybe I'm wrong). I would just ask that the incident be noted along with the fact that a manager didn't come out when you asked to speak to one.

After that, I'd drop it and try to forget it happened. You and your family know that you are following the rules. Do not give the power to negatively impact your vacation to such ignorant people. They don't deserve that kind of power over you. Your niece in particular deserves to not have her family spending any more time on such ignorance and hate. Focus on your vacation and being with your loved ones.

Again, that's just what I would do. That doesn't mean it's the only approach that would be right. I'm sure there are other ways to handle it that make just as much if not more sense.

I'm sorry that you and your family were subjected to this. Nobody deserves that. I really hope that you're able to move forward and enjoy the rest of your trip.

 

[Viva Las Disney]

I'd be furious but I wouldn't waste a second of vacation time on it, even Disney can't stop some people from being jerks.

I know it's easier said than done but I would chalk it up to a miserable person being miserable and just try to forget about it and enjoy your vacation.

 

[disney david]

Hello all.

So my brother and his family are at the Poly this morning for breakfast and when they came back to their car this morning they found this on their windshield:

Let's for a moment, pause to chuckle at the spelling before we all get upset.

They were parked legally in a handicapped spot. They have the hangtag for my niece, who is five, and has a nasty nasty autoimmune disorder. This trip is the first to Disney for her since her diagnosis and, to put it lightly, the last 18 months for this poor darling (and her family) have been nothing short of hell on earth. Granted, none of this "matters" in a technical sense. When the City of NY issued the hangtag it was based on medical documentation submitted. Documentation they don't have to keep in their back pocket to satisfy idiots like the writer of this note.

My brother went back inside the resort and asked for a manager but no one came out. They went back to Saratoga (where they are staying).

I realize that management can't be responsible for the behavior and ignorance of everyone, but we all feel like we have to let someone at the Poly know. Any recommendations on who my brother should talk to would be greatly appreciated.

I'm sure you can imagine that we are all very upset.

Thanks so much,
Nicole

What you need is to talk to security they will fill outa report so if it happen to other people they can link them. Disney not responsible for your car or if other guest put stuff on your car in sorry I know it was wrong but that the facts. If they was using it legally then they should have nothing to worry about their at Disney. I know it hard I be mad to but in the end if I was in he right and following he law I have to let it go. If your going I go through all the trouble just to get a manager to say sorry but we can the held responsible for other guest we will let are security know so they can keep a eye out.

Are they looking for Disney to catch them or give them something. I would move on let it go if they want they can use the phone press zero get a Disney operator ask to speak to security at the poly or just security and talk to them. If they think it something they need to deal with they can meet with him.


It one of those thing you need to ripe up and throw away way make it a big deal and risk the kid worrying. It was a stupid thing to do and write but let not give it another thought spend that time with your kids creating positive memories.

Again sorry it happened and if they really want to deal with it then it have to be security.

 

[MoonPet]

I am so sorry that this happened to your family. I myself have rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. I have a handicap placard I use when I'm having a bad day. Often though, if I'm sitting or standing still you would never know that I suffer from this and I get some very negative comments from ignorant people. It is the frustrating part of having an autoimmune disease.

That being said, I understand you anger but I think you are misplacing those feelings. Disney does an amazing job working with disabled people to help them enjoy their vacations. Asking them to be responsible for the behavior of an individual who may, or may not, have been one of their guests in the parking lot on their hotel is a bit much. And quite honestly, you can't prevent people from expressing their opinions - it's the way this country works. Tear the note up and enjoy the vacation. I'd love to say that this will be an isolated incident but it won't be. Speaking from experience, it's maddening the first few times it happens but you can't let the ignorance of others impact your life. She is a sick little girls and needs the help. Who cares what any one else thinks?

I'm sorry that this had to happen on vacation.

I apologize if my original post wasn't clear. I don't expect Disney to be responsible for the behavior of others. Not at all. This isn't their fault. I just want them to know this took place - should a pattern emerge then obviously they would want to look into it further. They wouldn't know if a pattern was emerging if no one informs them of incidents.

 

[MoonPet]

Are they looking for Disney to catch them or give them something. I would move on let it go if they want they can use the phone press zero get a Disney operator ask to speak to security at the poly or just security and talk to them. If they think it something they need to deal with they can meet with him.

.

We don't expect that anyone will be caught, nor did we ask for anything to be given to us.

 

[MoonPet]

First, I want to thank everyone for their kind words.

I'm still definitely interested in knowing what others would do, but I wanted to share how we went about this.

I contacted the management team at the Poly on my brother's behalf and shared the incident with them. I was then was put in touch with central security. I relayed all the info to security - where and when the car was parked, make/model of their car, contents of the note etc etc etc - and the person I spoke to will make Poly security aware of the situation.

Aside from being upset I am a little creeped out. The person who wrote the note was obviously watching my brother and his family when they left the car. Otherwise how would the writer know they had kids (plural)? Clearly they didn't watch that closely though- or they would have noticed that giant "stroller as wheelchair" tag on the stroller.

But I digress. . . .

Thank you again for all of your kind words and please do chime in with how you might have reported the incident.

 

[disney david]

First, I want to thank everyone for their kind words.

I'm still definitely interested in knowing what others would do, but I wanted to share how we went about this.

I contacted the management team at the Poly on my brother's behalf and shared the incident with them. I was then was put in touch with central security. I relayed all the info to security - where and when the car was parked, make/model of their car, contents of the note etc etc etc - and the person I spoke to will make Poly security aware of the situation.

Aside from being upset I am a little creeped out. The person who wrote the note was obviously watching my brother and his family when they left the car. Otherwise how would the writer know they had kids (plural)? Clearly they didn't watch that closely though- or they would have noticed that giant "stroller as wheelchair" tag on the stroller.

But I digress. . . .

Thank you again for all of your kind words and please do chime in with how you might have reported the incident.

I am glad. you got to speak to someone sorry for my misunderstanding I didn't know what you wanted. Now they will know about it and if it happens again their or another Disney resort they can see the pattern.

Did they ask for a photo or copy of the letter so if it happens a again they can at least match it to theirs.

 

[SueM in MN]

If it happens again, I would contact security.
Luckily, it is not the resort they are staying at - if it was, I would ask security to kind of make a special effort to make sure your car is OK as they make rounds. Chances are that you will not run into that person again, but I agree it is good to let the resort it happened in case someone does it again to others.

 

[Michigan]

I hate to say this but it's just something they will have to get used to happening. My oldest is 23 and my youngest is 15 both have spina bifida and are full time wheelchair users. I have a what used to be a Ford 15 passenger van before I removed the bench seats and installed a rear lift and I can't even count the number of times people (mostly senior citizens) have told us we should be ashamed for parking in a handicap spot. Sad thing is even after you point out to them the chair they still argue that it isn't needed.

 

[weswife]

Oh my!!!! I guess its true, it takes all kinds. I agree its hurtful and maddening all at the same time. I too would have reported it, just to have that paper trail. I agree its nothing to do with Disney and security can only do so much. Its so sad people treat others in this way.

On one of our Disney trips, I had to "listen" to a woman on the bus go on and on and on...... about wheelchairs and boarding. It was a very loooooooong ride from MK to CBR!!!! We decided to IGNORE her and so did everyone else. It was so painful to look at my DD sitting there listening and I remember the hurt on my DS' face listening to her! When she got off the bus, she looked at my DD and said "BYE WHEELCHAIR!" Oh I wanted to let her have it! After she got off, I could just feel everyone feel at ease on the bus...

Enjoy your trip!

 

[Tink575]

We were once reported and got a ticket for parking in a handicapped parking spot at a hospital. My tag was on the rear view mirror, and we parked there at 5AM when my husband took me in for eye surgery. I was having general anesthesia and would be a few hours, before my dh could see me, so he went out to the car and drove off to go get something to eat. Someone took his pic and turned him in! We then had a whole run around mailing in copies of my tag and even my med insurance bill showing I had surgery that day.

I was turned in by some self-appointed Handicapped Parking spot vigilante.

 

[bidnow5]

Just enjoy your vacation I have had problems with stupid people many times I would have an ulcer if I let it bother me. I don't look handicapped and have had people confront me because of my placard. I don't say a word because they aren't with my time

 

[Tink575]

Just enjoy your vacation I have had problems with stupid people many times I would have an ulcer if I let it bother me. I don't look handicapped and have had people confront me because of my placard. I don't say a word because they aren't with my time

The person who reported us saw my dh getting in the car and he looked and was an extremely healthy man then. I agree that the actions of this ignorant person should not interfere with the poster's enjoyment of their vacation. They have a problem obviously, the OP does not.

 

[Luv Bunnies]

Wow. The ignorance of some people is just amazing. I would never question someone parked in a handicapped space if they have a valid tag. Obviously there's a need for it, whether visible or not.

That said, I probably would not have pursued the issue any further than feeling a little sorry for the person who wrote the note. Their poor spelling and disgusting attitude won't get them very far in life.

You have both a need and a permit to use the space. It's no one else's business as to why. If they want to leave a note, that's their problem. I'm not sure what security would be able to do. Even if they were able to identify a pattern of these types of incidents, they would have to catch the person in the act. Even then, I'm not sure it's a crime to put a note on someone's car. At most, the person would be told not to touch other people's property. The type of person who would leave such a note isn't going to be deterred from feeling or acting that way with a little reprimand from a security person at WDW.

Chances are, you won't encounter this person again on your vacation. Don't even worry about it any further. Karma will take care of them!

 

[disney david]

Wow. The ignorance of some people is just amazing. I would never question someone parked in a handicapped space if they have a valid tag. Obviously there's a need for it, whether visible or not.

That said, I probably would not have pursued the issue any further than feeling a little sorry for the person who wrote the note. Their poor spelling and disgusting attitude won't get them very far in life.

You have both a need and a permit to use the space. It's no one else's business as to why. If they want to leave a note, that's their problem. I'm not sure what security would be able to do. Even if they were able to identify a pattern of these types of incidents, they would have to catch the person in the act. Even then, I'm not sure it's a crime to put a note on someone's car. At most, the person would be told not to touch other people's property. The type of person who would leave such a note isn't going to be deterred from feeling or acting that way with a little reprimand from a security person at WDW.

Chances are, you won't encounter this person again on your vacation. Don't even worry about it any further. Karma will take care of them!

While your right security might not be able to do much and this is a very low priority for Disney security and it might not be a crime but if get more complaints and if they catch them they can trespass them. For causing problems I guess the op brother lucky they decide to leave a note instead of waiting and starting something with them. That also why Disney will want to know because next time it might be more then a note so Disney will want to nip it in the bud. It also be good when they do a patrol of the parking lot and they see a note on a car to look at it and if they see someone leavening a note they can talk to them.

 

[cobright]

I guess I don't see what the issue is.

Someone mis-perceived your situation and got upset enough to write a note and post it on your car (non-destructively). They haven't harmed anyone by calling into question your right to park there. They haven't actually challenged your peace of mind at all, you know you should park there and will continue to do so.

Now consider this, many people who appear as the OP's family appears do NOT have a valid claim to those spots. Those people actually will feel uncomfortable knowing that their practice is under scrutiny and may be less likely to do it.

Either way, I don't see the issue worth more than a read-crumple-toss. If I caught the letter writer in the act I would certainly tell them what's up so that they might re-calibrate their perceptive skills a bit.

But neither here nor there I would appreciate watchdogs on this issue even if they occasionally get it wrong.

 

[cobright]

I would add that the letter writer is a 35-45 yr old American born woman who prides herself on being right but spelled 'yourselves' wrong.

 

[utterrandomness]

I guess I don't see what the issue is.

Someone mis-perceived your situation and got upset enough to write a note and post it on your car (non-destructively). They haven't harmed anyone by calling into question your right to park there. They haven't actually challenged your peace of mind at all, you know you should park there and will continue to do so.

Now consider this, many people who appear as the OP's family appears do NOT have a valid claim to those spots. Those people actually will feel uncomfortable knowing that their practice is under scrutiny and may be less likely to do it.

Either way, I don't see the issue worth more than a read-crumple-toss. If I caught the letter writer in the act I would certainly tell them what's up so that they might re-calibrate their perceptive skills a bit.

But neither here nor there I would appreciate watchdogs on this issue even if they occasionally get it wrong.

Imagine how you might feel if this happened to you on a regular basis. It really sucks to be challenged at every pass because you don't fit people's interpretation of disability. More than that, it can actually cause harm in the form of low self esteem and anxiety issues caused by constantly being accosted by strangers, even in the form of notes.

I don't think that harassing people, verbally or through notes like this one, does anything to solve the problem of people who don't need them using the spaces, it's only harmful. The people who use the spaces without a permit or a valid need don't care about consequences and they don't care about taking a space that someone needs. I don't appreciate the people who consider themselves watchdogs, just waiting to jump all over people they think are fakers. It's harmful, and it's just plain hurtful and scary to be accosted like that all the time. I refuse to accept being accosted so that people can feel better about "calling out those fakers" because you never really know who is and isn't faking.

Edit: on the topic of this thread, I think OP did the right thing in notifying the resort. They should know about cases like this on their property, especially, as others have said, if this becomes a recurring problem.