kidrericha
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Oct 16, 2008
- Messages
- 102
Just returned from our first trip to WDW yesterday. While we had a blast, there was one incident that I felt had to be posted, it upset me so much (at the time). It also marked the first time I ever complained to anyone at a Disney Park.
One afternoon at Epcot, we return to use our Test Track fastpasses for that day. When we get to the entrance there are some folks blocking our way as the cast member is explaining that they cannot use their fast passes yet. (Quick footnote: I found this happens quite often at WDW. We are DL passholders and just never run into this problem like we did in FL.) While we were waiting patiently for these folks to move a gentleman (Id say mid 40s) with daughter in-hand (about 9-10 years) push through us into the fastpass return line, show their passes and walk on in
I called out, Enjoy the ride, sir! As this sort of thing happens quite often in the parks, I have a personal policy to make it known (in a not-so-rude way) that there were people they just cut in front of and to let it go after that. So, I figured that was the end of it. We eventually got through, so lets enjoy the ride.
Then things got interesting. Inevitably, we were right behind Mr. Push-Through. While standing behind there I notice him pull a small ziplock bag out of his pocket filled with Test Track fastpasses. He then proceeds to place the fastpasses he had just presented into the bag and remove two others. Now, I know something stinks in Denmark.
The man was holding the newly removed passes in his hand, which was at his side. At this point my shoe conveniently felt a little loose on my foot, so I knelt down to tie it. While I was down there I saw that the new fastpasses were dated for December 10th 2008 (wouldnt remember that, but it was the day before my 30th b-day). Upon seeing this, the version of me who let that whole cutting incident from before go had left the building.
I admittedly feel and certain pang of guilt for this (especially at Disney), but at that moment I was absolutely gleeful that I was going to finally deliver comeuppance to someone who not only cut in front of people waiting patiently, but clearly felt they were above the rules that we all follow for the sake of everyones enjoyment.
Im really not usually one for revenge, but I believe in the do unto others philosophy. And I think that is especially applicable when at Disney. I mean, were all in this together, all trying to get that same feeling we love so much when were in the parks. The little things like letting someone enter a queue ahead of you or letting children in front of you for a better view of the parade. These minimally affect our enjoyment of the attractions, if at all. And yet, at the same time, they can make a world of difference for those other people.
Anyway, back to the story. So were approaching the fastpass collector and I am sooooo ready to drop the dime on this sucka. Finally, we get up there and the man hands over the expired tickets and scurries off, at which point I say to the cast member, Are you going to let that gentleman use fast passes from December of last year?
The cast member (who I cant remember the name of had some stubble, was wearing glasses), looks down at the passes, shrugs his shoulders and proceeds to rip them up.
Now, Im superfly TNT. First off, he stole my moment from me. I mean, this guy is a louse, alright. Not only is he cheating, he does it with his daughter right there. How can you like - nay how can you respect someone like that? More importantly, I had become vocal about the situation, which prompted my own 9-year old little girl to start asking questions.
What happened?
Why were his tickets for last year?
Why did he get to do that?
Why didnt they do anything about it?
This is where my anger with the situation really started to get directed properly. Forget my revenge. What kind of message does that send to my little girl about following the rules? I know some people may think Im making a mountain out of a molehill (Its just a ride; Its not like he got away with stealing or murder). Well, I say bull corn on that. I want my kid to follow even the small rules. They wouldnt be there if they didnt matter.
We ended up passing by the gentleman several more times as the queue snaked around. Again, Im ashamed to say that I did mutter words to him (Real nice, pal) and shot him dirty looks. He would look away each time. After the ride, I asked to see the show coordinator and made my frustrations known to him. He offered a voucher for some ice cream, which I appreciated, but wasnt really the point. Now that I reflect on it a week later, I suppose I never would have gotten complete satisfaction. I mean, what are they going to do, frisk him and confiscate his baggie of Test Track fastpasses (and lord knows what other rides).
Im just disappointed that when it really mattered when there was clear cut proof brought to a cast members attention that someone was breaking the rules they did absolutely nothing. Like I said, Im not totally proud of where my emotions went. But, then again, I dont think Im completely unjustified.
One afternoon at Epcot, we return to use our Test Track fastpasses for that day. When we get to the entrance there are some folks blocking our way as the cast member is explaining that they cannot use their fast passes yet. (Quick footnote: I found this happens quite often at WDW. We are DL passholders and just never run into this problem like we did in FL.) While we were waiting patiently for these folks to move a gentleman (Id say mid 40s) with daughter in-hand (about 9-10 years) push through us into the fastpass return line, show their passes and walk on in
I called out, Enjoy the ride, sir! As this sort of thing happens quite often in the parks, I have a personal policy to make it known (in a not-so-rude way) that there were people they just cut in front of and to let it go after that. So, I figured that was the end of it. We eventually got through, so lets enjoy the ride.
Then things got interesting. Inevitably, we were right behind Mr. Push-Through. While standing behind there I notice him pull a small ziplock bag out of his pocket filled with Test Track fastpasses. He then proceeds to place the fastpasses he had just presented into the bag and remove two others. Now, I know something stinks in Denmark.
The man was holding the newly removed passes in his hand, which was at his side. At this point my shoe conveniently felt a little loose on my foot, so I knelt down to tie it. While I was down there I saw that the new fastpasses were dated for December 10th 2008 (wouldnt remember that, but it was the day before my 30th b-day). Upon seeing this, the version of me who let that whole cutting incident from before go had left the building.
I admittedly feel and certain pang of guilt for this (especially at Disney), but at that moment I was absolutely gleeful that I was going to finally deliver comeuppance to someone who not only cut in front of people waiting patiently, but clearly felt they were above the rules that we all follow for the sake of everyones enjoyment.
Im really not usually one for revenge, but I believe in the do unto others philosophy. And I think that is especially applicable when at Disney. I mean, were all in this together, all trying to get that same feeling we love so much when were in the parks. The little things like letting someone enter a queue ahead of you or letting children in front of you for a better view of the parade. These minimally affect our enjoyment of the attractions, if at all. And yet, at the same time, they can make a world of difference for those other people.
Anyway, back to the story. So were approaching the fastpass collector and I am sooooo ready to drop the dime on this sucka. Finally, we get up there and the man hands over the expired tickets and scurries off, at which point I say to the cast member, Are you going to let that gentleman use fast passes from December of last year?
The cast member (who I cant remember the name of had some stubble, was wearing glasses), looks down at the passes, shrugs his shoulders and proceeds to rip them up.
Now, Im superfly TNT. First off, he stole my moment from me. I mean, this guy is a louse, alright. Not only is he cheating, he does it with his daughter right there. How can you like - nay how can you respect someone like that? More importantly, I had become vocal about the situation, which prompted my own 9-year old little girl to start asking questions.
What happened?
Why were his tickets for last year?
Why did he get to do that?
Why didnt they do anything about it?
This is where my anger with the situation really started to get directed properly. Forget my revenge. What kind of message does that send to my little girl about following the rules? I know some people may think Im making a mountain out of a molehill (Its just a ride; Its not like he got away with stealing or murder). Well, I say bull corn on that. I want my kid to follow even the small rules. They wouldnt be there if they didnt matter.
We ended up passing by the gentleman several more times as the queue snaked around. Again, Im ashamed to say that I did mutter words to him (Real nice, pal) and shot him dirty looks. He would look away each time. After the ride, I asked to see the show coordinator and made my frustrations known to him. He offered a voucher for some ice cream, which I appreciated, but wasnt really the point. Now that I reflect on it a week later, I suppose I never would have gotten complete satisfaction. I mean, what are they going to do, frisk him and confiscate his baggie of Test Track fastpasses (and lord knows what other rides).
Im just disappointed that when it really mattered when there was clear cut proof brought to a cast members attention that someone was breaking the rules they did absolutely nothing. Like I said, Im not totally proud of where my emotions went. But, then again, I dont think Im completely unjustified.
, you were absolutely right about bringing it up to manager.
CMs should pay attention to what they are looking at. Wonder what would happen if CM cought him, would this man be escorted from the park or what.
But I figure it's up to the CMs to do the policing, not me. If the CM doesn't care or isn't paying attention, it's not something to get riled up about. Which ISN'T to say I would have been happy about it! It's also not a reason, in my opinion, to display poor behavior by making remarks in line. It's not going to make a bit of difference in the other person's actions, anyhow. If the CM did miss the date, he had already let the guy through and might have even been embarrassed by your calling him out on it.
That's why I eat so much ice cream at WDW!
