Your Turn
The practice of hiring disabled children to get to the front of the lines at Disney has come to light recently. Many people condemn the practice of rich families hiring a child so they can move to the front of the lines. How does the disabled child feel about picking up a few bucks and seeing Disney for free? Is it the worst thing ever?
It's up there with one of the worst things ever.
ReplyDeleteMy guess is that the disabled child's parents are the ones putting them up to this.
ReplyDeleteA non-story in my book. As long as all parties are cool with it (and properly compensated), it doesn't bother me.
ReplyDeleteI have an issue with people manipulating the system to get ahead of others in general, so I am opposed to it on principle.
ReplyDeleteIn terms of exploitation, how old are these kids? If they're old enough to make their own decision AND they get to keep the money, then it's their call. If they're too young to decide and/or their parents pocket the money, then it is terrible.
But again, I think it sucks in general for the families who save up for years to make the trip to Disney Land/World, only to experience less of the park due to longer lines.
I think there are worse things. Just remember, when you have the moral depth of a puddle, I believe lady Karma rubs her hands together in glee as you walk by, waiting for idiots just like this. Assholes.
ReplyDeleteYes, I have a problem with it. It's dishonest.
ReplyDeleteWhoa, what!? Who comes up with this stuff?
ReplyDeleteThe whole Disney parks machine SUCKS! Get rid of the fast pass for those with the bucks and let everbody stand in line-equally.
ReplyDeleteI went to Disneyland about 10 years ago. The "handicapped" have a special line and get on the ride while many others in the regular line still wait. And wait. The first occurance we saw of this seemed very approriate. It was a young teen in a wheelchair with a partial leg amputation. Then while waiting for the Small World ride we witnessed a whole family, about 10, get in the disabled line and get on the ride. And the disabled person...was only wearing a knee brace. We witnessed various examples of questionable disabilities moving to the front of the line, so to speak. The final straw as seeing two older teens/early 20's girls waiting in the disabled line with their thonges coming up from the back of their pants and wearing flip flops. No visiable imparement in the least. Once was sitting on the bars for the line. I later came to learn that people go to the park offfice to get the permit to stand in that line. So, it seems if they have friends that worked there they got the permits. I hated that trip so much, for the line issue and other things, that I will never, ever, ever step foot in another Disney park.
ReplyDeleteObvioulsy, the abuse was rampant 10 years ago and it's still going on today. Only, in a more creative fasion.
I was under the impression from the article that they were disabled adults? They were working for a tour company as sort of tour guides while the implication was that they would pretend in the park to be part of your family to use the line. Perhaps I misunderstood and the child's parents were the "tour guides."
ReplyDeleteme too...
DeleteIt is better than pushing your kid down and flashing your bar associating card at the medical tent.
ReplyDeleteIf they cover expenses too (lunch/drinks) then good for the disabled kids, as long as the money they earn is spent on them. If it is mom or dad pimping them out and using the $$ for blow and booze, then I got a problem with it.
Think about it. It probably isn't too easy finding a sitter for a disabled kid. Here you have someone paying your kid to take him/her to Disney. Mom and Dad get a worry free afternoon together. Double win!
I think @Jessica is right, the story I read was that it was an adult 'tour guide' who could be hired. Nasty and unfair. It's not like standing in line with a fully able child is a picnic.
ReplyDeleteAs I understand it the reason for the queue jumping is that some people need specific wheelchair accessible cars for some rides - if you're an adult with a knee brace you shouldn't be abusing it.
It's not OK to make other families stand in line for a longer time to accommodate your precious little snowflake. Unless your child has a disability that means they're in a chair or can't wait around without having an upset of some kind then you are abusing the privilege and the other people in the park.
I read it like Jessica, that these were handicapped adult tour guides--from an agency who specialized in this.
ReplyDeleteIt is kind of skeevy for the people doing the hiring, but on the guide's side it gives people a way to have a job and make money who might not be employed other ways.
i have a problem w/ Disney in general.
ReplyDeleteNazi Land. One day Disney will take over the world...from their crap parks (overpriced) and their relentless marketing machine that poops out endless amounts of crap. Why, I'd swear there's probably a Disney line of surgical lubricant and laxatives. Bet on!
Disney has a pass that allows you to go to the front of the line. It is very expensive (hence why some turn to this company) and no disability is required.
ReplyDeleteSo if someone is looking to get the same benefit for slightly less money (but still expensive) out of their pockets, it's the same difference to the other park guests. Either way, those who can pay more get better treatment. Those who can't, are screwed over.
As for the disabled parties, everyone talks like they're charity cases being abused by this. Not at all, they are willing participants who get paid to go to Disney. (Also, it sounds like they are all adults, which makes sense since renting out kids seems ripe for awful things.)
Basically, I think the whole theme park system is screwed up if you can pay to cut in line. If Disney has a business model that allows it, it makes no difference to me if they're in on it or not.
What pass are you talking about? I've been a Disneyland Annual Passholder for over 15 years, at the Premium level (the most expensive you can buy because there are no blackout dates), and I've never heard of a pass that's even more expensive to get to the front of the lines (because I'd be up for buying that).
DeleteI think this is disgusting classist bullshit. What's worse is that the rich people doing it probably think it's all a big joke. "Oh, look, I have a cute little disabled kid with me! Can I go to the front of the line? Thanks Disney, you're a doll! Tee hee!"
ReplyDeleteI can't speak for all children, but I have a bad heart and have trouble walking long distances or standing too long and I probably could have gotten one of these passes when I was in Disneyland (I've heard Disney's not too picky). But as a child I would have been horribly embarrassed to be ushered to the front of the line because of this while everyone stared at me. I bet a lot of these kids being used by rich people feel embarrassed too.
I think this is disgusting classist bullshit. What's worse is that the rich people doing it probably think it's all a big joke. "Oh, look, I have a cute little disabled kid with me! Can I go to the front of the line? Thanks Disney, you're a doll! Tee hee!"
ReplyDeleteI can't speak for all children, but I have a bad heart and have trouble walking long distances or standing too long and I probably could have gotten one of these passes when I was in Disneyland (I've heard Disney's not too picky). But as a child I would have been horribly embarrassed to be ushered to the front of the line because of this while everyone stared at me. I bet a lot of these kids being used by rich people feel embarrassed too.
I haven't been to Disney in over 25 years. It was fun when I was a kid, now I can't even imagine what it is like.
ReplyDeleteAs for your question, yes it is wrong for people to do this. If I had money, then Disney would be one of the last places I would go. There are so many other far more interesting places to see.
I don't like Disney-but if everyone is profiting who am I to condemn it. Personally I would NEVER feel comfortable doing something like that.
ReplyDeleteClearly the parents of the disabled child are putting them out there for it. Perhaps to help pay for medical expenses? I can't really judge if hard up parents have no other way to pay for their childs healthcare.
There is probably a lot of abuse as Patty mentions, just as there are with handicapped parking spaces. Many people with those stickers have absosolutely no trouble walking from place to place and it is not fair for those who truly should benefit.
They're not disabled children. They're disabled adults doing this and offering their services online.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteI know a guy who scheduled his knee surgery right before Spring Break so he and his kids could skip the line.
Made me laugh. But hiring the handicapped to help out? Well, that says something about the job market here, and how hard it is for handicapped workers, doesn't it??
Honestly, who are we to judge what they do for money? It sounds like a great gig for them compared to working at a chicken factory pulling giblets.
As the parent of an autistic child, were anyone to ever suggest this to me, I would tell them to go f*ck themselves, hard...violently...fatally.
ReplyDeleteThank you sweetiebird. I'm a parent of an autistic child and I agree with you.
DeleteMe too and these passes mean that my child can really experience Disney with out melt downs and over stimulation of the lines. Disney are doing a kindness with these passes and actions like this gives them reason to stop giving them out. So yes thd people who abuse this privilege can go f#ck themselves.
DeleteAlso please don't judge if you can not see the disability as it isn't always visible
Just for the record, I was referring to handicapped adults doing this. I don't think kids are involved, according to the story, and if they are, well, that's just a whole other kettle of nasty fish.
ReplyDeleteA few bux ?..I read $1000 bux
ReplyDeletePlease don't judge people's disabilities on what you can see, folks. I think it's kind of a shitty arrangement to pay someone as a disabled hired family member, but whatever. Not the worst thing going on in the world. My friend's daughter is autistic, but looks just fine. She does have episodes if she gets claustrophobic, and long lines can set her off, especially the ones like at Disneyland where you can't leave from the middle of the line if you need to. It's a valid disability. I have fibromyalgia and Lupus but look fine, too. I've never gotten a disability pass, though. I'm sure people are skeezy and abuse the system, but it bothers me when people assume a disability isn't real if they can't see it.
ReplyDeleteThere is something not right with the person that initially came up with this idea and those that make use of it.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with @Erika. Anybody stupid enough to wait on line and pay those absurd prices for "The happiest place on earth" gets what they deserve.
ReplyDeleteI had friends who paid a fortune for a Disneyland vacation every year. For what they spent, they could have done a frigging Grand Tour of Europe.
I think it's a crappy idea, but if the disabled ADULTS are okay with it, and getting paid well, then that is their business. That being said, Karma to those who use and abuse this system....
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, I took my then-4-year-old to WDW three years ago, in late September. The only line we had to stand in the entire trip was a restaurant line. We had no problems with any of the rides. Then again, she was only 4, so we didn't ride a lot of the more teen/adult type rides. But even they didn't have very long lines. I think it depends on the time of year you go. If you time it right, the lines won't matter.
I have very bad ostoarthritus that even with knee replacements i still cant walk too much or stand. Well i can, but i will be in bed for 3 days. So i rent the electric wheelchair and when i started noticing i was getting all this preferencial treatment- line skipping and such- i was mortified. Started parking chair away from entry. But some days i rode that chair all over, in stores and all depends how I feel. I hv other autoimmune diseases, and while i may look fine, that shitty disease absolutely EATS your energy. I try to explain it like thus: i have 10 units iof energy. If i use 8 getting to where i want to be, i really cant do much more. So dont judge people you have no idea how bad off they are and how bad THEY feel about it. As fir this "business", it doesnt sit well with me.
ReplyDeleteFor those of you who are complaining about people with disabilities being allowed to use the disabled or fast pass entrance:
ReplyDeleteMy son is profoundly Deaf, visually impaired, intellectually disabled and has epilepsy and heart problems. He goes through in one day what most people don't have to endure in a lifetime. And you rat bastards think it's wrong for him to have this access?!
Go fuck yourselves.
It was disabled adults, Enty. This Your Turn is invalid.
ReplyDeleteAs a disabled person myself, I am enraged by this. Not just Disney but anyone who pretends to be disabled for the "perks" - if you are really disabled these are not perks. The jerks who use their grandma's wheelchair placards to park closer are one group I detest, Fuck you - if there's no disabled spot available and I can't park close by I can't go period.
ReplyDeleteI also agree that there are some people who are very disabled but you wouldn't know it by looking at them. Some MS people can walk OK for about 5 - 10 minutes but are completely disabled when they get out of the store.
As for these adults who do this for a fee, are they only pretending to be disabled? ANyway this pisses me off because all these pretenders make things much much worse and less believable for those of us really in need. Being disabled sucks, and in a way I hope karma comes back to bite them in the ass.
@Mitch, I was going to hop on here to say what you said - just because you can't see it, doesn't mean it doesn't exist. And it's incredibly rude to ask, fwiw. I just assume that there's something I can't see. I have a disabled sister, and you can't tell she's disabled unless she's actually moving (cerebral palsy). People say crappy things to her a lot. One time a police officer pulled her over as she was leaving a handicapped space (he had approached after she got in her car). A couple of years ago, some jackass in an elevator bitched at me about not using the stairs for two flights - right after I'd broken my foot, but he just didn't notice my boot.
ReplyDeleteThanks. My sister's sister in law has CP, and she's brilliant and beautiful inside and out. Rough disease...prayers for your sister.
DeleteI remember the last time we went to Disney World a teenager was in a wheelchair and had around 20 family members with them that pushed through the lines. People always have to abuse privileges - it's sad.
ReplyDeleteFor someone who asked about there being certain rides for people in wheelchairs - yes - this is true. There are 1-2 accessible carts/modes of transportation per ride that allow a person to stay in their wheelchair. So while their line may be shorter, they have to wait for the accessible ride, and those who can't walk at all are not able to ride every ride unless there is someone who can/will pick them up.
ReplyDeleteFor those confined, such as my late father, it was nice to be able to see his joy and ride as a family - there were just 3 of us, so unless someone was visiting, there were zero worries for those in the regular lines.
Universal has a very similar system, so I feel badly for Disney getting singled out. Most parks do in fact.
However, this is about abuse and that is just wrong! These days it is illegal to ask someone what their disability is and so anyone who requests a pass gets one. However it is the discretion of the park employees of each ride, how "fast" you can get through the lines - in most places.
One last note, sorry, but this is something many are not aware of. If you need to use a handicap place and are NOT in a van, please do not park in the van accessible spot! I know people do not mean to be rude, but these spots are especially for modified vehicles. That huge open space is for the ramp to go down - which is why it states to keep 8 feet of space in between on modified vans. People park outside of the lines or in rhose large spaces and you don't realize that you may be blocking someone from getting into their vehicle. My father was stuck on more than one occasion and was unable to get in his vehicle, unless someone was around to move the vehicle.
Sorry, but seeing a six foot two former athlete "trapped" was one of the hardest things in my life. He was literally trapped if there was no one w/him to move the vehicle, so that he could drive his scooter inside.
Thanks to those who sat through and read this. :-)
born with something that most others are not; pepople are willing to pay for it. if its their choice (adults were used not children) then, well there you go.
ReplyDeleteI don't think the issue here is having a fast pass type system for disabled people. I think the issue here is that people are spending money to specifically HIRE a disabled person to walk around the park with them so they can get preferential treatment.
ReplyDeleteIf you validly have a disabled member in your group, then I am not against the system. I get it. My feeling, is that it is a dishonest cheat and blatent exploitation of someone else's disability to get what you want.
So yes, I think this whole practice of hiring a disabled "tour guide" for the sole purpose of not waiting in line, sucks. If you feel the need to pay to beat the system, then purchase the Fast Pass. Otherwise, suck it up.
And no, I am not the parent of a disabled person, or a disabled person myself - and yes, I have been to Disney and waited in line.
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ReplyDeletePink Palace, I've never done that but I will certainly be choosing the smaller handicapped spots if available instead of the larger ones, thanks for reminding me. I can hobble without a scooter into a store that has the scooters. I wish Costco would get more than 3! Especially when they are all being used by obese people who need one only because they are so fat, that's the only time I do have prejudice to the obese.
ReplyDeleteMsgirl, I used to use my dad's handicap placard for a better spot and now it makes me so mad. I had no idea! Seeing him have to take up 2 spots because of someone like me who was lazy - and then seeing him get dirty looks. Oh yeah, I got karma thrown in my face! Lol
ReplyDeleteSorry you get trapped (so to speak) as well, when you have thoughtless people using the scooter for a "joyride." They will get theirs one day, we all do...lol
what about child labor laws? Are they filling out W2's? Are they given breaks? What happens when one of them passes out from heat stroke and the employers run off? who's looking after these people? Aren't they on disability? So how is it legal for them to work? This is a mine field for Disney and a lawsuit waiting to happen.
ReplyDeleteQuite frankly what bothers me more is the furor that this has caused. I'm disabled & quite frankly I wish I'd thought of this myself. Life is infinitely harder when you have a disability. So why not turn a crap situation into a posative one?
ReplyDeleteAlso to the people moaning about not "SEEING" a disability screw you. Not all disabilities are evident when you look at a person. I'm legally blind. I can "act" like a seeing person. I've had people look me straight in the face and tell me I'm lying when I explained about my disability. I had one guy go so far as to ask my mother if I really was legally blind or if I was lying. So you never know if the people in those lines really are disabled or not. As they say don't judge a book by it's cover.
As far as getting special treatment I say go for it. Life is crappy enough for people with disabilities. Give us the small things like not having to wait in lines at Disney. Yes it's an inconvenience for you but generally the rest of life is an inconvenience for us.
If I could make money and get a free trip to Disney I'd do it in a heartbeat. The job market for people with disabilities is a whole other can of worms best left for another day. I will say it sucks and most people with disabilities eventually stop looking for anything because it's generally not worth our time. (IE: You're never going to get that job. Even the crap one at Mc Donalds.)
@ Anna - These aren't kids. And Disney has nothing to do with it.
ReplyDeleteIt's disgusting.
ReplyDeleteExcept for the absence of a media blitz, very Kardashian.
ReplyDeleteUp there with rich college boosters who adopt black high school athletes in order to to legally fund them with money and gifts and steer them to play for their college alma mater.
ReplyDelete.....or white guys who attain federal/state /municipal minority contracts by getting them in the name of their wives/sister or any female in their family.
ReplyDeleteWell it bothers me on many levels. If someone doesn't "look" disabled, that means nothing, eg a five year old with an ostomy and insulin pump is the kind of kid this policy is for, but you can't see it. I don't think it's okay because it seems to leave the impression that there are cool perks for being disabled....
ReplyDeleteUh, no. An hour less in a line for a log flume in no way makes up for unremitting agony. Pay for the premium pass, rather than hire a disabled person. It also strikes me as a fascinating lesson as to how disabled/ill people are so marginalized that this income stream is seen by some as a good thing.
I guess, as a person who has worked two hours in eight weeks due to disability, I just find the whole thing abhorrent.
I've been to Disney world. Seriously best time I've ever had! If anybody was cutting in line in front of me for some bullshit reason as this, not fair. I have no problem with people with legitamit problems getting in line. Those that are abusing the system suck.
ReplyDeleteIt's pretty gross. Kinda guillotine-worthy.
ReplyDeleteWho the fuck believes disabled kids are walking around with strangers as tour guides? Get the facts straight.
ReplyDeleteAm I the only person calling bullshit on this one? Where has this story been covered in the mainstream media?
ReplyDeleteKarma is how people justify their lack of gumption.
ReplyDeleteI think it's pretty pathetic that people are so desperate to go to Disney that they act like douches. Personally, you couldn't pay me enough to put up with a day at one of those parks with all the fat meandering tourists.
ReplyDeleteA friend of mine whose son has ADHD found out that the fam got to the front of the line with him. She offered to lend her son out if anyone wanted. I didn't think it was worth the trouble...
ReplyDeleteI only had to waste money at a theme park once to know I never want to do it again. Some people love them.
ReplyDeleteThe system for disabled persons is not a bad thing, but unfortunately there is no system so good that people don't try to screw it up.