What do you think the appropriate punishment would be?

[mommy2allyandaveri]

On our last trip (a couple of weeks ago, super hot), on our last day we had not ridden Grizzly River Run. We noticed it had been down most of the day. After taking an afternoon break we went into DCA right around when it had opened back up. Grabbed FP's and came back a short time later to ride. Stand by line was about 60 minutes or so. Got on the ride and after the first drop the ride stopped. We sat there for about 30 minutes and our group of 5 or so boats were escorted off. At this time we found out that some teenager, looked about 17 to me, had jumped off the ride, into the water before the last big drop. This was apparently the 2nd time it had happened that day, which was why it was down all morning. It was explained that this was a huge safety risk. If he had gone down along with one of the boats he would not live to tell the tale.

As we were getting off, an adult made a comment to him along the lines of "thanks for ruining it for everyone" and he responded that his buddy dared him to do it and he was getting $10 out of the deal. Lovely...

I actually didn't even care that we got stuck, but here is what really bothered me. After we got off, the kid was "detained" with CM's and it appeared that some managers had come over. I was waiting around for DH who had gone to get a new FP so we saw and heard the interaction between the kid and CM's. Basically the kid said he was sorry, shook the CM's hands, said no harm was meant, and walked away with his friend.

We were completely shocked and appalled that this is all that occured. The ride was shut down for hours because they have to completely drain the ride and go through all their safety checks, AND the kid could have died if they hadn't stopped it in time! My kids could not believe that it was just no big deal.

What are your thoughts?

 

[mom2rtk]

He should have been ejected from the park for at least the remainder of that day.

 

[bcwife76]

I think he should have been escorted out of the park (and not allowed into the other one if he had a hopper pass) for that day at the very least.

 

[krusty007]

Agreed, at a minimum, he should have been ejected.

 

[DharmaLou]

When we were there 2 weeks ago, we had a delay getting off our IASW boat as they were loading a handicapped individual in the boat in front of ours. A man with a toddler got irritated and got off, shimmying against the rail. He encouraged everyone else on our boat to do so (of course we weren't stupid). His wife stood up to get out and the CM running the ride told her if she did she would be ejected from the park. She stayed on the boat. I don't know if they would have done it, but I have no patience for that crap and would hope they would be ejected.

 

[Indiana Scott]

I think a 1 year ban would be more appropriate.
Maybe he would grow up a little during that time.

 

[gottalovepluto]

He should have been kicked out for at least the day. Period. Disney is getting absolutely lackadaisical about guest safety! They have the right to kick you out for violating rules, and it's time they start.

 

[mommy2allyandaveri]

I was thinking banned for life but maybe I'm being to harsh! What an example this sets for my kids. Break the rules, no problem!

 

[gottalovepluto]

The more I think on this (I can't get it out of my head, it could have been horrifying) the more concerned I get. 2 kids in 1 day?! This sounds like it has become a "thing" for stupid teens. Fads fade eventually but gosh I hope nothing bad happens before it does!

 

[planningjollyholiday]

I think I'm getting old and crotchety because I would be inclined to ban this kid for 5 years, and then after that put him on "probation" and if he as so much as dropped a piece of popcorn on the ground I would ban him for life. This is so dangerous and stupid, I am shocked disney didn't do anything.

 

[IBLarsen]

I can't help but think the earlier one in the day had been from the same group of kids. One did it, so the other did it....Hard to imagine there are that many stupid people in the park in the same day. I think they should be penalized and escorted out of the park, and if they were proven to be minors I think parents should be informed or made to come collect them from security detainment. If not minors, then escorted off property. Monetary fines for ride downtime caused would be nice as well!Even if not a huge amount, just to make a point to be held accountable for stupid choices.

 

[Shanti]

On our last trip (a couple of weeks ago, super hot), on our last day we had not ridden Grizzly River Run. We noticed it had been down most of the day. After taking an afternoon break we went into DCA right around when it had opened back up. Grabbed FP's and came back a short time later to ride. Stand by line was about 60 minutes or so. Got on the ride and after the first drop the ride stopped. We sat there for about 30 minutes and our group of 5 or so boats were escorted off. At this time we found out that some teenager, looked about 17 to me, had jumped off the ride, into the water before the last big drop. This was apparently the 2nd time it had happened that day, which was why it was down all morning. It was explained that this was a huge safety risk. If he had gone down along with one of the boats he would not live to tell the tale.

As we were getting off, an adult made a comment to him along the lines of "thanks for ruining it for everyone" and he responded that his buddy dared him to do it and he was getting $10 out of the deal. Lovely...

I actually didn't even care that we got stuck, but here is what really bothered me. After we got off, the kid was "detained" with CM's and it appeared that some managers had come over. I was waiting around for DH who had gone to get a new FP so we saw and heard the interaction between the kid and CM's. Basically the kid said he was sorry, shook the CM's hands, said no harm was meant, and walked away with his friend.

We were completely shocked and appalled that this is all that occured. The ride was shut down for hours because they have to completely drain the ride and go through all their safety checks, AND the kid could have died if they hadn't stopped it in time! My kids could not believe that it was just no big deal.

What are your thoughts?

He should have been banned from the property. Amazing how permissive our society has become, and not in a good way.

The only thing the apology & handshake routine taught that teen was that he can easily escape the consequences of his actions.

 

[beachdreamr1229]

Disney jail. Seriously. But, I'd settle for a 1 year ban.

 

[smartlabelprint]

Can you write your experience to Disney?

 

[Niltiac]

At the very least it seems like they should have escorted him out and called his parents. If that was my kid I would want to know so he could be disciplined and so that I know to no longer allow him unsupervised in theme parks. Maybe having to be chaperoned at that age would make an impression on him. If he's 18, then I think some kind of temporary ban is in order since he's not mature enough to visit safely.

He could have been killed, and if he'd tried this on another ride he could have endangered the other riders. Thank goodness most rides have locking safety belts.

 

[BatBunny]

I can't help but think the earlier one in the day had been from the same group of kids. One did it, so the other did it....Hard to imagine there are that many stupid people in the park in the same day. I think they should be penalized and escorted out of the park, and if they were proven to be minors I think parents should be informed or made to come collect them from security detainment. If not minors, then escorted off property. Monetary fines for ride downtime caused would be nice as well!Even if not a huge amount, just to make a point to be held accountable for stupid choices.

2nd that idea! Kid could have gotten killed for a lousy $10, unbelievable...I would have also made the kid wear a sign that said "I shut down a ride for $10" as he was being escorted out of the park.

 

[tarheelalum]

Kicked out right then and a one year ban. If he comes back during that year he gets arrested for trespass.

 

[tdhickey]

The kid should have to ride It's a Small World consecutively for the the length of the delay he caused.

 

[cruisehopeful]

I would think he'd be kicked out of the park for the rest of the day, but if he were there without parents, I'm sure Disney wouldn't want the liability of just putting him out on the street.

 

[Indiana Scott]

The kid that paid him the $10 should be banned as well.