Can I Sign Something Saying It's Ok?

[TowerTimmy]

The biggest problem I have with working attractions is height requirements. Parents do NOT get it. I had a guy whos son was WELL below the height (a good 5 inches) and say "oh it's ok he's with me." Blantly disregards the rules believing they don't apply to him. I say he's too short and can't ride. The wife comes over and says "we're his parents he'll be fine." I say "he has his own seat, his own restraint. He won't fit in the ride properly." They finally figured out that no means no.

When I worked at an attraction on the other side of the park, a guy actually came up to me asking "is there a paper I can sign, saying it's ok for him to ride?" Uh no sir, that's like saying "yes I say it's ok for him to die."

What complete morons. And to think these people are driving?

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

The biggest problem I have with working attractions is height requirements. Parents do NOT get it. I had a guy whos son was WELL below the height (a good 5 inches) and say "oh it's ok he's with me." Blantly disregards the rules believing they don't apply to him. I say he's too short and can't ride. The wife comes over and says "we're his parents he'll be fine." I say "he has his own seat, his own restraint. He won't fit in the ride properly." They finally figured out that no means no.

When I worked at an attraction on the other side of the park, a guy actually came up to me asking "is there a paper I can sign, saying it's ok for him to ride?" Uh no sir, that's like saying "yes I say it's ok for him to die."

What complete morons. And to think these people are driving?

Probably the same ones that drive with a baby on their lap! "Its o.k., I' the RESPONSIBLE adult" Uuunnn, no, your not.

[mechurchlady]

Actually most of these SGTs never realize the consequences of their actions or why there are rules. People never seen a kid lose its toes because it was standing past a yellow line. Most people could not grasp the idea of someone on purpose or accidently sending a guest onto ride tracks or knock a guest off a railing into some bushes on their now cracked skull. They never got sick from inhaling dirt puddle, pond or other water.

The guests who whine because they are to small, too big, too fat, too disabled, or whatever probably do not understand the science behind transportation, humans, nature, rides, shows, and attractions. They probably never seen let alone could imagine crushed fingers when a boat hits a dock and the fingers get in the way.

It is sad though that the parents are willing to risk their kid's life just to have a family fun time together. Remember rules are meant to be broken, lol.

[darph nader]

Please don't get me started on this one.Not only enforcing company policy,but also 'some' state laws.:mad:

[Randy B]

The biggest problem I have with working attractions is height requirements. Parents do NOT get it. I had a guy whos son was WELL below the height (a good 5 inches) and say "oh it's ok he's with me." Blantly disregards the rules believing they don't apply to him. I say he's too short and can't ride. The wife comes over and says "we're his parents he'll be fine." I say "he has his own seat, his own restraint. He won't fit in the ride properly." They finally figured out that no means no.

When I worked at an attraction on the other side of the park, a guy actually came up to me asking "is there a paper I can sign, saying it's ok for him to ride?" Uh no sir, that's like saying "yes I say it's ok for him to die."

What complete morons. And to think these people are driving?

I would tell them that the vehicle and safety equipment is designed to hold a person of a minimum height safely. But if your child is under that height there is a very real chance that they could be hurt or killed! So there is no paper that you can sign to allow your child to be killed. And if you did sign such a form you could be arrested for neglegent homicide. We are protecting you as much as your child. Thank you for understanding. We want you and your child to come back with your grandchildren. :D:

Randy

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

Please don't get me started on this one.Not only enforcing company policy,but also 'some' state laws.:mad:

Don't you know? All laws (including laws of nature and common sense) end at the main enterence! (or it dosn't apply to THEM)

[felinefan]

Yeah, I heard that one at Knott's. I think people should take IQ tests before they are allowed to have kids. And I have tried explaining this to them, but get the also standard response of, "They've been on this ride a thousand times!"

I remember reading somewhere there was this little girl who was six years old, I don't know the name of the ride or the park, but there was a ride that was her favorite. The ride requirements stated that a rider must sit with their feet on the floor at all times, and be at least six years old and a certain height. She met the requirements, and as it was a slow day, the ride operator, at her request, gave her six consecutive rides. For the first five rides, the girl kept her feet and legs where they belonged. I gather this ride was similar to Flying Ace Balloon Race at Knott's. But on the sixth ride, she put her legs and feet up beside her on the seat, so that her seat belt couldn't restrain her effectively. As a result, she fell out during the ride and was killed. If anyone knows the details and place this occurred, I'd appreciate knowing.

They should have either Child Protective Services on call at the parks for parents like that, or give park personnell powers of arrest. That is flat out child endangerment.

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

Yeah, I heard that one at Knott's. I think people should take IQ tests before they are allowed to have kids. And I have tried explaining this to them, but get the also standard response of, "They've been on this ride a thousand times!"

I remember reading somewhere there was this little girl who was six years old, I don't know the name of the ride or the park, but there was a ride that was her favorite. The ride requirements stated that a rider must sit with their feet on the floor at all times, and be at least six years old and a certain height. She met the requirements, and as it was a slow day, the ride operator, at her request, gave her six consecutive rides. For the first five rides, the girl kept her feet and legs where they belonged. I gather this ride was similar to Flying Ace Balloon Race at Knott's. But on the sixth ride, she put her legs and feet up beside her on the seat, so that her seat belt couldn't restrain her effectively. As a result, she fell out during the ride and was killed. If anyone knows the details and place this occurred, I'd appreciate knowing.

They should have either Child Protective Services on call at the parks for parents like that, or give park personnell powers of arrest. That is flat out child endangerment.

Someone else posted this here a while back, and I bookmarked it. Really scary stuff!!

http://www.rideaccidents.com/

[drcorey]

sign on ticket booth: your IQ must be this high to enter here...

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

sign on ticket booth: your IQ must be this high to enter here...

The only problem, a lot of the SG's I have seen "supposedly" are a little smart. But not much common sense!

[glendalais]

sign on ticket booth: your IQ must be this high to enter here...

Would that be before or after the mandatory 20 point lost as you walk through the turnstiles? :p:

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

Would that be before or after the mandatory 20 point lost as you walk through the turnstiles? :p:

Are you sure its just 20 points?, seems like some of the stories show a drop of at lease sixty or seventy points.

[Randy B]

Are you sure its just 20 points?, seems like some of the stories show a drop of at lease sixty or seventy points.

True but some of those may have been from folks that only had 40 to begin with.

Randy

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

True but some of those may have been from folks that only had 40 to begin with.

Randy

wow, sucks to be them!! (or their families!)

[Planner]

Can we sign something allowing other guests to drop kick asshats like this across the park?

[darph nader]

Can we sign something allowing other guests to drop kick asshats like this across the park?

I'll sign that one.:cool:

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

Can we sign something allowing other guests to drop kick asshats like this across the park?

I would second that!!! In fact, I would sign up for the duty for those that might not be up to it.., a proxie if you will!!!

[ThunderCat]

When I worked at an attraction on the other side of the park, a guy actually came up to me asking "is there a paper I can sign, saying it's ok for him to ride?"
You'd be amazed (or not) at how many people ask me the same question: "Isn't there a disclaimer or something I can sign?" Nope. The reason: legally it would carry no weight, as the SG could later claim that they were pressured into signing it (as the CMs were denying their children entry otherwise).

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

You'd be amazed (or not) at how many people ask me the same question: "Isn't there a disclaimer or something I can sign?" Nope. The reason: legally it would carry no weight, as the SG could later claim that they were pressured into signing it (as the CMs were denying their children entry otherwise).

They should come up with one that says in the fine print: "I am sooo stupid that I am willing to endanger myself or members of my family, so please eject me immediately and never let me come back!"

Then once they sign it and shown I.D., have security give them a free ride to the main enterence for a wave of Bu BYE!!

[LegoDan]

The sad thing is that the people with really low IQs are usually the ones who can follow the directions the best. At ToT we have a couple of mentally retarded (if that's not proper you can bite me) APs that come in all the time and they are avid about following the rules, they buckle in right away, they stay behind the yellow lines and I've even seen them tell other people they're doing it wrong.

[hobie16]

At ToT we have a couple of mentally retarded (if that's not proper you can bite me)
It's okay when describing a medical condition. It's not when it's used to belittle someone.

[Big Wallaby]

"Retard" and variations in and of itself/themselves are not bad words. I can honestly say I am retarded at some things, because various conditions or circumstances slow me down. I am, very technically, a "retarded" driver because I have a governor slowing me to 8 mph.

And describing the mental condition, it is not offensive. Now "mentally disabled"... I have always hated that one, especially when the PC crowd was pushing it.

[Chucky]

On the other board that I frequent, there are questions every week about how to make your child taller. Which is just so sad in itself. What really irks me is when people like me point out that that particular rule is in place to keep your child safe, we are mocked. Because, and I don't know if you know this, Disney builds in a cushion, and you can be a couple of inches too short for the ride measurement, but you will still be safe. Many stupid guests say so, so it must be true!:mad:

And even if there is a little margin for error, what is wrong with simply following the rule as it is posted? Why do you think it is ok to put your little honey in heelies or put their hair in a top-knot, just so you can circumvent that little rule?

I jsut can't stand people who think that rules are meant for others, and not for themselves.

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

On the other board that I frequent, there are questions every week about how to make your child taller. Which is just so sad in itself. What really irks me is when people like me point out that that particular rule is in place to keep your child safe, we are mocked. Because, and I don't know if you know this, Disney builds in a cushion, and you can be a couple of inches too short for the ride measurement, but you will still be safe. Many stupid guests say so, so it must be true!:mad:

And even if there is a little margin for error, what is wrong with simply following the rule as it is posted? Why do you think it is ok to put your little honey in heelies or put their hair in a top-knot, just so you can circumvent that little rule?

I jsut can't stand people who think that rules are meant for others, and not for themselves.


And thus the SGT board is again justified!!

DW and I saw some people agruing with a CM about the requirement as we were getting on an attraction. The CM finally gave in and waved them on, even though the two kids in question were several inches BELOW the minimum hight standard. Guess he was having a bad day!

[Randy B]

And thus the SGT board is again justified!!

DW and I saw some people agruing with a CM about the requirement as we were getting on an attraction. The CM finally gave in and waved them on, even though the two kids in question were several inches BELOW the minimum hight standard. Guess he was having a bad day!

This is one situation where I would be very tempted to take names and make a complaint at City Hall. A front line CM giving in should be discouraged. If they know that folding under pressure has a probability of being caught may stiffen the spine. And if some spine stiffener could be applied to the managers who let rules be broken because they don't want to deal with it.

Maybe a rumor backstage of a type of "secret shopper" that is deliberately attempting to break rules to collect names of the CMs who either stand firm (good) or give in (bad). Such a rumor could make for a bit of strengthening. Anyone want to start the whisper campaign? :D:

Randy

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

This is one situation where I would be very tempted to take names and make a complaint at City Hall. A front line CM giving in should be discouraged. If they know that folding under pressure has a probability of being caught may stiffen the spine. And if some spine stiffener could be applied to the managers who let rules be broken because they don't want to deal with it.

Maybe a rumor backstage of a type of "secret shopper" that is deliberately attempting to break rules to collect names of the CMs who either stand firm (good) or give in (bad). Such a rumor could make for a bit of strengthening. Anyone want to start the whisper campaign? :D:

Randy

Actually I am a little suprised that they DON'T have some sort of spot check system in place.

[felinefan]

At Knott's, if anyone tried the "tall hair" stunt, they were informed that we measure at the scalp, and we did. Had one jerk-off try to get on Huff'N'Puff, an under 52" ride, by taking off his shoes and kneeling on them. Stupid jerk kids think they are so smart--NOT!

[Cheshire Figment]

I, the undersigned, hereby state that if you allow my child(ren) not meeting the minimum height requirements to ride in this attraction, I will take full responsibility for any injuries, up to and including death of my child(ren). I hereby certify that I will accept all expenses related to injuries to or burial of my child(ren) and will not attempt, in any way, to place blame on any person or organization, and agree that nether I, nor any member of my family, will take any action in any court of law.

I also agree that if it is necessary to shut down this attraction as a result of my child(ren) riding, such as being thrown out of the ride vehicle, I will pay The Walt Disney Company any expenses related to emergency responders, expenses of special inspections of the attraction, and loss of income due to the publicity of such injuries or death of my child(ren).

Signed: A Stupid Guest

[GaTechGal]

So Wambat will that hold up in court? Inquiring minds...

[Princess Susi]

Actually most of these SGTs never realize the consequences of their actions or why there are rules. People never seen a kid lose its toes because it was standing past a yellow line. Most people could not grasp the idea of someone on purpose or accidently sending a guest onto ride tracks or knock a guest off a railing into some bushes on their now cracked skull. They never got sick from inhaling dirt puddle, pond or other water.

The guests who whine because they are to small, too big, too fat, too disabled, or whatever probably do not understand the science behind transportation, humans, nature, rides, shows, and attractions. They probably never seen let alone could imagine crushed fingers when a boat hits a dock and the fingers get in the way.

It is sad though that the parents are willing to risk their kid's life just to have a family fun time together. Remember rules are meant to be broken, lol.

Rules are for fools! LOL! That's the way I always heard it along with Churchy's version!



This is one situation where I would be very tempted to take names and make a complaint at City Hall. A front line CM giving in should be discouraged. If they know that folding under pressure has a probability of being caught may stiffen the spine. And if some spine stiffener could be applied to the managers who let rules be broken because they don't want to deal with it.

Maybe a rumor backstage of a type of "secret shopper" that is deliberately attempting to break rules to collect names of the CMs who either stand firm (good) or give in (bad). Such a rumor could make for a bit of strengthening. Anyone want to start the whisper campaign? :D:

Randy

Managers have to GROW a spine before they can stiffen them up! LOL!

Sues

[Buggy]

So Wambat will that hold up in court? Inquiring minds...

I am not a lawyer, but it is my understanding that you cannot sign away your rights to legal recourse.

[Big Wallaby]

I, the undersigned, hereby state that if you allow my child(ren) not meeting the minimum height requirements to ride in this attraction, I will take full responsibility for any injuries, up to and including death of my child(ren). I hereby certify that I will accept all expenses related to injuries to or burial of my child(ren) and will not attempt, in any way, to place blame on any person or organization, and agree that nether I, nor any member of my family, will take any action in any court of law.

I also agree that if it is necessary to shut down this attraction as a result of my child(ren) riding, such as being thrown out of the ride vehicle, I will pay The Walt Disney Company any expenses related to emergency responders, expenses of special inspections of the attraction, and loss of income due to the publicity of such injuries or death of my child(ren).

Signed: A Stupid Guest

In order to sign this document, you must be able to show that you have the financial wherewithal back up your affirmation of that last statement.

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

In order to sign this document, you must be able to show that you have the financial wherewithal back up your affirmation of that last statement.

And you must post a bond to be used for any and all counseling for CM's that whitnesses such disregard for safety, as it caused great (or minor) mental anguish from being contrary to their training on guest safety.

Term of the bond, which must be renewed as it is used, to be a period of ten years.

[Randy B]

I, the undersigned, hereby state that if you allow my child(ren) not meeting the minimum height requirements to ride in this attraction, I will take full responsibility for any injuries, up to and including death of my child(ren). I hereby certify that I will accept all expenses related to injuries to or burial of my child(ren) and will not attempt, in any way, to place blame on any person or organization, and agree that nether I, nor any member of my family, will take any action in any court of law.

I also agree that if it is necessary to shut down this attraction as a result of my child(ren) riding, such as being thrown out of the ride vehicle, I will pay The Walt Disney Company any expenses related to emergency responders, expenses of special inspections of the attraction, and loss of income due to the publicity of such injuries or death of my child(ren).

Signed: A Stupid Guest

You forgot one paragraph.

Due to the nature of this agreement and its blatant disregard of my childs health and safety I will immediately surrender all my children under the age of majority to a representative of the nearest Child Welfare Agency immediately upon departing from this attraction. I understand that my signature on this form will constitute an admission to the charge of child endangerment. I will further agree to pay any and all fees and fines accrued from the actions required by this agency in the enforcement of the law.

Randy

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

You forgot one paragraph.

Due to the nature of this agreement and its blatant disregard of my childs health and safety I will immediately surrender all my children under the age of majority to a representative of the nearest Child Welfare Agency immediately upon departing from this attraction. I understand that my signature on this form will constitute an admission to the charge of child endangerment. I will further agree to pay any and all fees and fines accrued from the actions required by this agency in the enforcement of the law.

Randy

you also need to add: Plus dinner for two at Outback for all CM's involved!!

[smart1hermione]

People are just so gosh-diggity-darn-it stupid.

I'm sure Disney doesn't make the height requirement exactly 48" because if you're 47.5" you will die a horrible death, but it's best to follow the ride standards.

Don't they have little markings on some of the rides now to make sure you're tall enough? Like on Soarin' Over CA, there's a little marker...?

For a discussion a page or two back: the literal meaning of "retard" just means "late" or "postponed". Also, no one's ever described as "retarded" anymore. So... calling someone retarded at a particular field isn't offensive because it no longer applies to any legitimate retarded people... Political correctness has absolutely ballooned in the past 5 years.

[EeyoresButterfly]

Actually, in special education, Mentally Retarded is still the term for people with an IQ two standard deviations below normal. It is still the medical diagnosis, and one of the reasons referring to a person as "retard" in an attempt to belittle them is so offensive. The big PC thing now is People First language, which I like. It taks longer to say, and in the end it means the same thing, but it makes it clear that the person is not just the disability. For example, instead of saying a mentally retarded person, you would say a person with mental retardation. I have a friend who is blind, and she hates being described as the blind girl, after all, you wouldn't call me the "seeing girl".

Current terms that are used in special ed:

MR- Mental Retardation (medical diagnosis of an IQ two standard deviations below normal.)
LD- Learning Disabled (achievement is two standard deviations below IQ)
ED- Emotionally Disordered
BD- Behaviorally Disordered (used interchangeably with ED many times. This includes things like Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Conduct Disorder)

Then of course there are the specific disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorders, etc. One of the other reasons retard is considered offensive is because there is still a real stigma attached to needing special ed services. It's like the "short bus" jokes, those are one surefire way to really tick me off. I have seen how many of my kids are ridiculed in the classroom by their peers who do not care or understand, and all they want is to be accepted. That will never change as long as such langauge and humor remains acceptable. It's known as linguistic determinism. Our language affects how we think about things.


Sorry, grad school just let out for the semester and I just had a class on this. You may now go back to your regularly scheduled program.

[Rob562]

Don't they have little markings on some of the rides now to make sure you're tall enough? Like on Soarin' Over CA, there's a little marker...?

Actually, the red mark on Soarin' isn't to weed out people that are too short to ride, it's to indicate that someone is at the lower end of the height range and that they need to use the between-the-legs loop with their seatbelt. It's so that a shorter person can't slip out through the seatbelt.

A taller person it'd be very hard to do that unless you were very determined, but with a fussy, shorter rider, they could easily wiggle down in their seat and under the seatbelt. The loop prevents that from happening.

If someone is too short to ride Soarin', they should have been weeded out WELL before they make it to the seat.

-Rob

[EeyoresButterfly]

For rides that do not have a height requirement there are height markers near the entrances. Children are supposed to be over a certain age to ride by themselves. If they are below the height marker, we are supposed to ask them how old they are to determine if they can ride by themselves or need an adult with them. I hate the parents that want to let the children ride Snow White's Scary Adventure in a row by themselves. I especially hate the parents who bring an obviously distressed child up to me and ask me if the ride is scary. I tell them yes, it is scary for children, and they glare at me! I'm sorry you're too stupid to read the name of the ride or the myriad of warnings telling you this ride is scary for children, but I am not going to tell you no so you can come and yell at me after your child freaks out!

[lady ulrike]

I hate the parents that want to let the children ride Snow White's Scary Adventure in a row by themselves. I especially hate the parents who bring an obviously distressed child up to me and ask me if the ride is scary. I tell them yes, it is scary for children, and they glare at me! I'm sorry you're too stupid to read the name of the ride or the myriad of warnings telling you this ride is scary for children, but I am not going to tell you no so you can come and yell at me after your child freaks out!

I kind of get around this without the glare and without saying that it isn't scary. I simply look at the kid and tell them that they'll be okay, sometimes even with some theming, like 'you'll be fine as long as you don't eat any apples' That way I don't get the parents pissed off at me and I didn't lie to the kid telling them it's not scary, I just said that they'll be fine, nothing bad will happen to them kind of thing which is 100% true.

[EeyoresButterfly]

I typically say something along the lines of, "Some children will find it scary, it depends on the individual child." If the child is scared and the parents are forcing them I will tell the child, "It's just a ride, nothing can hurt you. Do you see that mine cart? That is a magical mine cart and as long as you stay inside of it you will be safe. If you get scared, just close your eyes and it will be over before you know it."

That is as close to saying no as I will come. Do not force your children to go on rides that are scary to them, they will forever associate that ride with fear and it will be a bad experience for all around. This is true with characters too. I have a friend who was forced to see Jafar when he was younger and afraid and to this day will go nowhere near Jafar because of the strong fear association. It's also unsafe for all involved. A child who panics can try to get out of the car, and even though they are seated with an adult on the outside, it's still a huge risk and they can end up hurting themselves or somebody else in their panic. With a character, the children will hit, kick, punch the character in an attempt to get away, all while mom and dad are holding the child right next to the character's head and making the photographer wait to get the picture til Jr. stops crying. The minute the character goes to the opposite side of the adult, the parents move them and get mad even though we are trying to calm the child and not get beaten up. I have come away from many such encounters very sore.

I wish we CMs were better about enforcing the rule that children must be calm to ride. There have been many guests I should have told no to but didn't have the guts. Nothing good comes out of forcing your child to do something that they are clearly terrified of.

[hobie16]

Nothing good comes out of forcing your child to do something that they are clearly terrified of.
I still get cold sweats every time I see spinach.

[EeyoresButterfly]

Haha. I should have clarified that for the themepark environment. Did you know that studies have shown that it takes a child between 15-20 tries of a new food to like it? So if you have a picky eater, the best thing you can do is just keep "encouraging" them to try it.

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

I still get cold sweats every time I see spinach.

?????

I thought you were a Sailor????

hehehehe

Popeye??

[joanna71985]

It really upsets me when guests force their kids to go up to the characters, when clearly they want nothing to do with them. I wish they could see that they are scared.

[smart1hermione]

It really upsets me when guests force their kids to go up to the characters, when clearly they want nothing to do with them. I wish they could see that they are scared.

That was so me. I only trusted Belle. All other characters were strangers with funny outfits.