I have been off this thread for days & can't believe what I've been reading. Truly Fantasia's family tragedy tops the "What is the Worst you've witnessed at WDW" thread. I sure feel silly posting about my DD's lost watch. I guess this thread shows us how very fortunate we have been the thousands who have not had worse things happen or witnessed and that includes those of us who have not planned Our Grand Family Vacation & had a Hurricane (or 2!) come through!
Tink2dw: thank you so much for posting such a great solution. I have that one memorized. Hope I don't have to use it though
I do wonder though if WDW isn't actually less like the world outside when it comes to having to encounter/deal with awkward social situations as there is very likely to be a higher percentage of people there with disabilities (hidden or not) along with many a stressed, tired family (some extended families who are not so close, but are there together for some Magic) of any ability. After all, isn't The Trip to DisneyWorld with the family one of those life wishes many people have (or someone in their family does & drags them along!). I have tried to be careful to try to teach my kids that you have NO idea what is going on in these people's lives/bodies.
This goes to the parents who take an infant in the heat of the summer (their business, please use common sense, there can be heart-wrenching reasons for such a decision)
-- the able-bodied LOOKING people who don't OFFER up their bus seat (but surely 9 youth are not so afflicted & SOMEONE on the bus could have offered AND there's many an able-bodied looking FEMALE who is actually, quite normally, ill from pregnancy that isn't showing as she sits). I loved the poster earlier who put it into perspective how much longer everyone on the bus would be waiting if a tragedy or just plain vomiting on someone ocurred on that bus!
-- the people using wheelchairs who APPEAR healthy -- you DON'T KNOW & I'd like to think & teach my children NOT to assume the many people they see in WDW in wheelchairs are just cheating -- what an awful mind-set to have while touring the park. There's many a loved relative (of all ages, but more frequently with Senior Citizens, hence the offering up of one's bus seat to Seniors, females, & obviously burdened people) who is there after dealing with chemo, surgery, whatever. AND that includes the people who can get up out of their wheelchairs AT TIMES (& often so as not to unnecessarily occupy a handicapped seat in a ride that someone who can't get out of the chair at all does need). We all know how much walking & lining up is done at Disney -- & in the heat.
-- the chubby person/family eating a Disney treat. Who cares? Does one actually know what their diet is the rest of the time or their health issues. My kids don't eat ice cream/candy daily -- I'd hate to think anyone assumed that (from a proud Mom nutritional standpoint) from watching us eat at WDW & weight is not an obvious issue for this family (except perhaps lack of it). Point is well-taken though about manners while eating. Yuck!
-- the family with the Senior Citizen/child with autism/Tourette's, etc. who starts behaving strangely. I first assume that family has tried all measures to keep things managable for all & least embarassing & stressful for their family, but with strange schedules, strange environments, lots of physical effort, and possibly stress from other park-goers, Florida sun & heat, late meals, etc. meds can be out of wack. I feel bad for the family & fortunate that that wasn't 1 of the challenges my own family had to deal with on our trip (there were others). Bet you there are a lot of families at WDW dealing with such afflictions more so than I might find per capita in my town. Great learning opportunities for the children & adults around.
I am so happy this thread is here though as it sounds like we all needed a place to vent these frustrations at the flaws in our Happiest Place on Earth experiences. Thanks for listening to my long post!
Loved the Kindergarten Lessons for Life .
& I am definitely watching out when I pass roofers now.
I am so very sorry for your loss. I hope Disney handled it as well as could be for your and your childrens sake. I hope you and your children are doing alright. You will remain in my daily prayers.
). 
:thewave: 
