Walt Disney rolling over in his grave

[Chuck65]

Anybody want to put up odds on how soon this gets moved to the community board?

 

[TLSnell1981]

I don't insist other people change their behavior... that's not my business. However, it does surprise me how many people will give their kids a flu shot, buckle them in the car-seat, tell them the evils of the world, but with the great potential that comes from introducing kids to alcohol (at so-called controlled levels) they are still willing to take on the risks... that was my point. It's actually a very good question considering how risk-averse we are to children.

I can't make my kids avoid it, and in fact I'm glad they see it because that's the real world. But I teach them of the risks and I back it up by by showing them that being a non-consumer is a real option. Lots of people do it.

I'm not so much for pushing the issue, but I think really people do take a different perspective on drinking than other behaviors. Consuming alcohol is one of the least SMART things we do (based on the actual cause/effects). I wish people would just say I like doing things that push-the-edge and I'll do my best not to affect the people around me negatively.

Best wishes... I enjoyed your comments. Enough said

FYI... we'll be @ WDW on Saturday for 9 magical days!!!

You stated, that alcohol didn't belong in family parks. I was just wondering if that went for every family event.

You can't protect your children from everything you consider harmful or potentially harmful. We don't have that power. You have to instill good core values in your children. Do the best job you can to raise them and be there if they falter. You can't change everyone else's behaviors or values just because they are different from yours.

 

[blondeheroine]

It was so evident that my daughter remarked that weren't Disney parks created for children

Er. No.

Epcot wasn't intended to be a theme park at all. So I must sound the buzzer on this one.

Furthermore, I was under the impression that the parks were for everyone. Not just your kids.

 

[blondeheroine]

Well...if it is so offensive to some...there are alternative entertainment venues that might be more up their alley. They can spend money there!

http://www.creationmuseum.org/

http://www.livingbiblemuseum.org/

Now...c'mon...you know that Jesus changed the water to nice tasty grape juice!

Seriously, dude. You're cracking me up.

Alcohol, aka "liquid earplugs" (Frank Barone, "Everybody Loves Raymond"), just what I need after a bus full of screaming kids!

A Frank Barone fan!

Walt made Disney World for kids of all ages, not just the ones under 21.

No, I think the parks were created for families and children of all ages.

Disney is not for "kids", but kids of all ages.

BINGO!!

I think it's a bit ironic that folks would think Walt would roll over in his grave about alcohol in the parks, when the Magic Kingdom in Disneyland CA has a private club, designed by Walt himself, for his friends and associates to go and have drinks.

Word.

A couple of weeks ago we were at the Daredevil Stunt show at MGM and some guy seated next to me spilled his rum glowtini drink all over my purse. No apology, nothing. He talked to his self and seemed totally drunk during the performance.

Found it best just to get away from him quickly after the show. Looked like his wife/girlfriend had quite a job trying to help him walk.

Encountered another fellow while we were at the United Kingdom area for Holidays Around the World. He was sloppy drunk and screaming profanitys at his female companion, complete with the finger gestures. There were several small children waiting for Father Christmas and they had to be subjected to that nonsense.

Fine, if people want to "party" all through the parks, but I would like to see more security or police stepping up and cleaning up the drunks.

Well, in that case, let's go back to the woman who couldn't wait for the crowd to disperse after Wishes and wanted to get to Tomorrowland. She decided just to run over me with her stroller. Should we ban strollers?

And what about those parents who think they shouldn't have to wait and you should give up your spot to whatever event for their kids? Can we PLEASE ban them?

Honestly, these people are far more annoying than any drunk. And don't get me started about the people who bathe themselves in cologne.

Hey, it helps me not have panic attacks when I'm surrounded by hundreds of kids who don't understand the difference between personal and general space yet.

Note to self: buy beer.

Like one poster said, when I'm on vacation, I'm absored in my own fun and not being an adult hall monitor.

Amen. And a bucket of beer.

My family and I arrived for a spot in MK about one hour prior to a Spectromagic parade last year and about 15 minutes before it started, a family with several small children SQUEEEEEEZED into our space. The kids were totally unruly and ended up spilling one of the drinks on our bag and I got a sucker stuck in my hair. To me, this was a HORRIBLE experience, yet I think it happens quite a bit. I had to explain to my kids that not everyone has the same 'rules' as we do and all we can worry about is ourselves.
Are there unruly kid/family police out there?
I've never seen anyone falling down drunk at EPCOT. Maybe I've just been lucky.

Unruly kid/family police? I think these cops would be far busier than any drunkard police.

Next time you go to Disney, I would advise that you simply spend more time enjoying yourself and your friends or family and less time watching others in disgust.

It is your responsibility to teach your children about alcohol and no one else's. So yes, you can tell them exactly what you hypothetically stated:

Why should it be society at large that carries the brunt of responsibility in how your children view the world? That's the job you assumed when you became a parent.

Is there some sort of standing ovation icon I can use here? Because that's fantastic.

 

[jarrdisney]

I've been pretty darn toasted in the following locations. I don't apologize for it. I never puked, spilled anything, or dropped any f bombs.
WS - France
Boardwalk
Flying Fish
Bellevue Lounge
Artist Point
Victoria and Alberts
CA Grill
Poly Pool

There are a-holes everywhere. Drunk and sober.

 

[icarus]

I didn't have a big problem with beer at WDW on our last trip. It was pretty low key for the most part, and I don't recall lots of beer carts rolling around, peddling it.

That being said, I've been to many theme parks, including Six Flags, A Paramount and the Busch parks, as well as Universal Studios, and smaller parks. The 2 Six Flags parks that I've been to seem to have a heavier drinking element to them than the others, and at night things would get slightly rowdy, but not uncontrollable like I've seen at the county fair.

I think probably the most disturbing thing that I ever noticed was at Universal Studios a few years back during the Halloween Horror Nights. It seemed like there were beer carts everywhere I turned, with many people walking around towards the end of the night in a druken daze. Probably the strangest thing was that people were actually drinking (and some cases excessively) while waiting in line. The line for the Hulk stands out in particular as I remember many rowdy groups which made the line a bit uncomfortable at times. It also seemed like there were many kids drinking that were not of age as well.

There's definitely a time and place, and my first thought is that the wrong time would be th hour long line for a high speed coaster.

. . . A guest who was having a beer w/ his lunch & didn't want to walk w/ it was almost clubbed over the head by a CM to take a cup.

I'm not sure I understand this:
- Was the guests choice to sit at a table or walk away from the food place?
- If so, I don't understand why he would be told to leave, and what that has to do with having a beer?

 

[disneygirl29]

I think people are getting drunk confused with those who enjoy a drink within reason.... I do not excuse or believe that Disney allows people to be drunk or disruptive (drinking or not).

I think as with any situation where kids and adults are in the same spot for entertainment and to be together it is not meant as a drinking party-- however like with a good meal I may have a glass of wine, or if I am in Epcot strolling thru the Worlds I may sample different foods or drinks-- and I enjoy that.

I guess with anything in life it is moderation! and different things for different people.

I would say if you notice someone who has had to much to drink to quietly mention it to a CM to handle-- if it is not being handled... I would do that with some who was being disruptive drinking or not, if it was inapporiate it is just that and needs to be delt with.

I myself have never noticed anyone drunk or acting disruptive and I have been there at different times throught the year, with 31 visits.

I am sure too that Disney has to obey all state rules as far as serving and cutting people off.

I know I will be there in less than 7 days and I plan on having a glass of wine at Le Celliar and maybe even at Coral Reef (dinner) and I might even try a sample or to of beer from different places too... never know if the mood hits me!

 

[jarrdisney]

I think probably the most disturbing thing that I ever noticed was at Universal Studios a few years back during the Halloween Horror Nights. It seemed like there were beer carts everywhere I turned, with many people walking around towards the end of the night in a druken daze. Probably the strangest thing was that people were actually drinking (and some cases excessively) while waiting in line. The line for the Hulk stands out in particular as I remember many rowdy groups which made the line a bit uncomfortable at times. It also seemed like there were many kids drinking that were not of age as well.

From what I know Halloween Horror nights is pretty much an adults only event. They say it is not intended for anyone 14 and under.

 

[icarus]

From what I know Halloween Horror nights is pretty much an adults only event. They say it is not intended for anyone 14 and under.

Yes, that seemed to be the case, and maybe why the place had more of a party atmosphere vs. a magical family atmosphere.

The event was definitely geared towards late teens and older. It seem to be the late teens, not old enough to drink that I noticed more than others acting a bit wild, and holding suspicious beverages


While it didn't bother me too much, I did see looks of concern on the faces of other guests.

 

[Feralpeg]

I doubt that most people have a problem with folks having a couple of drinks and enjoying themselves at WDW. The point being that people need to realize their limits and drink accordingly.

I do think it is more of a problem in areas that become very crowded. Under normal circumstances, even during F&W, Epcot is so large that a person a little under the influence wouldn't even be noticed by most. Now, put that same person in an area where people are standing shoulder to shoulder and it becomes an issue. That is what prompted my response.

It was so crowded in the Osborne Lights area right after Thanksgiving. Disney is selling beer and hot chocolate from the drink carts in the middle of the Osborne Lights area. One lady had definitely had a few and was weaving around with a cup of beer in her hand. She managed to slosh it over me and another guest. She said she was sorry, but it really didn't help my shirt a great deal.

Then, before we left, a guy was waving his arms around and being very loud. I know he was just having a good time with his friends. They were all drinking. But, he was gesturing so wildly that he smacked my DD in the face as we were making our way by in the crowd. It was way to crowded to be gesturing like that. DD wasn't really hurt, but startled by the whole thing.

I just don't feel beer in the middle of such a crowded area is a good idea. It doesn't bother me a bit if people drink elsewhere. I've been know to have wine at Epcot. I just stop before I can no longer control my actions.

 

[blondeheroine]

From what I know Halloween Horror nights is pretty much an adults only event. They say it is not intended for anyone 14 and under.

I'm surprised that people don't get this with their marketing (I mean, this year was Freddy, Jason and Leatherface as the mascots - all of which are stars of R-rated slasher films). However, I know that there are still those people out there who just don't get it. On YouTube, there's a video of a man marveling at some rather clueless woman who brought her toddler to HHN.

And, of course, these are always the people who come about later complaining about how Universal "isn't for kids" because they brought their kids to HHN. Amazing.

 

[utilidor]

How exactly do we know that Walt would be rolling in his grave for this?

Drinking is not a problem at the 4 theme parks. Not at all.

 

[deekaypee]

The problem with invoking a rolling-over-in-his-grave Walt as the reason behind the stance on alcohol in the parks is
1) Walt is dead (that grave-rolling acknowledges this), so we can't know what he'd think TODAY;
2) Walt died in 1966, over 40 years ago;
3) When Walt was alive, he believed the parks should change constantly;
4) Walt's position on the theme parks were that they were for families, which is a much different position than just-for-children (not to mention there are several different kinds of families );
5) Quoting Walt can support a variety of points and positions. (Kinda like the Bible, that way.) For instance, Walt also said, ""You're dead if you aim only for kids. Adults are only kids grown up, anyway."
6) The Magic Kingdom, based on Disneyland, does not serve alcohol; this is in keeping with the vision Walt presumably had for the theme parks when he was alive. All the other parks, part of the Disney resort as PPs have mentioned, were built later & are include the vision of others in the Disney corporation, including the Disney family and Imagineers. They are not built strictly based on Walt's vision. If they had been, Epcot wouldn't have even been a theme park. Oh, and as a tasty tidbit--it is possible to get alcohol in Disneyland, if you're able to get into Club 33. So it's not quite as cut-and-"dry" (bad pun, I know) as Walt didn't approve of alcohol in his theme parks.
7) Have I mentioned that Walt is DEAD?

ETA: Can you tell I just don't like the WWWD (What Would Walt Do?) argument? I prefer folks state their opinions as theirs, not position them as if their opinions are channeling the spirit of ONE of Disney's creators and thus somehow more authoritative.

 

[J.C.&ALI'SMOM]

Consuming alcohol is one of the most risky behaviors, and we're bringing that into a theme park.

I think this is the basis of the disagreement. I (and it seems some others as well) don't think that consuming alcohol is one of the most risky behaviors.

I just don't think alcohol is meant for a family park. It kind of surprises me that people tout their ability and their pride for control, and a love for the different varieties especially with so many little people watching..

Again I think WDW are parks for everyone and every member of the family. Not just children. Should people who like to enjoy a beer responsibly, hide it from their children? If I was ashamed enough to hide it from my children, I would not do it at all. I just think that it is something that we do once in a while. If they understand that adults can drink responsibly without behaving poorly, doesn't that take some of the mystery out of it for kids?

I'm not saying we should ban alcohol as a society, but it's one of those risks ours seems willing to take for such little gain. So what do I tell my 3 kids? A little alcohol can lighten your mood, more can make you drunk if you drink too much and affect your behavior. I believe life can be enjoyed without the fix, so that's why we don't drink. I rarely meet others that feel this way... but think about it if the kids listen then the risk is gone..

Again, I am not sure that it is one of the most risky behaviors. Sure life can be enjoyed without it, life can be enjoyed without many things (trips to WDW), but we do them anyway.

FWIW, I have never noticed a major problem at WDW... a little roudiness is the worst I've seen.

So it's not a problem, yay!! No reason to stop sales of adult beverages at WDW.

I don't insist other people change their behavior... that's not my business. However, it does surprise me how many people will give their kids a flu shot, buckle them in the car-seat, tell them the evils of the world, but with the great potential that comes from introducing kids to alcohol (at so-called controlled levels) they are still willing to take on the risks... that was my point. It's actually a very good question considering how risk-averse we are to children.

I can't make my kids avoid it, and in fact I'm glad they see it because that's the real world. But I teach them of the risks and I back it up by by showing them that being a non-consumer is a real option. Lots of people do it.

I'm not so much for pushing the issue, but I think really people do take a different perspective on drinking than other behaviors. Consuming alcohol is one of the least SMART things we do (based on the actual cause/effects). I wish people would just say I like doing things that push-the-edge and I'll do my best not to affect the people around me negatively.

Can you explain more about the risks of having a couple of beers at WS and riding a bus or monorail back to your hotel? That seems pretty safe to me. Or having some drinks at the resort pool before the bus takes you to dinner?

 

[CanadianGuy]

This one has moved into Community Board territory and that's where it's headed. See ya there,

Knox

 

[profdsny]

We look forward to our afternoon or evening at Epcot just so we can walk around and have a couple of beers. We do it at the Boardwalk too. I don't think I've ever seen anyone visibly drunk at WDW.

I would agree at $5 a beer, it's a nice money maker for Disney.

$5 beer? I haven't seen it that cheap, though it could be. I was going to make a point that at the cost of beer there someone isn't likely to get too wasted.

 

[PrincessTiff]

I would much rather see someone enjoying a beer or glass of wine then puffing on a cigarette in Epcot.

Me too.

 

[WatchinCaptKangaroo]

Sorry dude, Walt is already spinning in his grave over the atrocity that is California Adventure. How else do you think the parks were powered during the power crisis that CA experiences each summer?

 

[OLT2004]

" Just came back from WDW & was HORRIFIED to see that guests are now not only allowed but ENCOURAGED to walk around the parks (assuming MK is exception) with beers. "

Walt did not want beer or alcohol sold @ the park...

 

[LotsOfQuestions]

I certainly understand business & I know that beer has been sold in EPCOT for years ... but having tons of people walking around w/ beer is dirty, smelly, & common. WDW's joy is largely in the fact that it's not like anywhere else in the world. Now it is. It smells like Six Flags now. Blecch. And I saw 2 people spill beer on children while I was there.

Where is your statue? Obviously, somebody as righteous as you must have a statue somewhere?**


**Prince Edward....The Prince and Me - one of dd's favorite movies