Disney World, a pedophiles paradise

[Gadget]

It sounds horrible though after everything I've seen I believe it. I was working around Splash mountain one day when I watched a father take off his 10 year old daughters shirt to put sunscreen on her. Really? Let's undress my child in broad day light just to put sun screen on her.

Another day I was working in station and watched a family completely undressing their son so his clothes wouldn't get wet. This child was down to his underwear and flip flops. For many obvious reasons we told them he could not ride unless he was clothed.

I have seen plenty of family's undressing their children in broad day light my favorite by far was the 6 year old girl wearing nothing but her bikini bottoms walking around the park. Really people?? DRESS YOUR CHILDREN?!

I also question the amount of families who bring their kids to Magic Kingdom wearing only bikini's or bathing suits. I want to know what parents decide "Oh that ride called Splash Mountain is in Magic Kingdom so make sure you're wearing your bathing suits kids!"

It's sad to really notice how many kids arent dressed in a day. One afternoon at thunder there was a NAKED 3 year old running around "because it was hot".

Also speaking of hotness...one day at Tom Sawyer's Island a guest jumped in the water because it was too hot. That nasty water?! YUCK!

[SatisfiedGuest]

While I agree parents act in true SG style when not properly dressing (and undressing) their children in any public space, I must take issue with the characterization of Walt Disney World as a "pedophiles paradise." I believe such a term disrespects all Cast Members and even sensible guests (who number in the millions) and who enjoy Walt Disney World for all it has to offer.
I believe you could just as easily have made your point about improperly dressed children with respect to health and safety and comfort without having to use the term you chose.

[joanna71985]

Also, people go to/from the 4 parks to one of the water parks (or to the pool), which is why they have bathing suits.

[darph nader]

Thank you Satisfied,I was half-assed thinking the same thing. If anything it would be melinoma paradise. :( (Oooo,career opp. 55gal drum of SP40,2 cases of those little cups that pudding comes in,a $1.00 a pop. House paid off by the end of next year.) :) :cool:

[ktulu]

Thank you Satisfied,I was half-assed thinking the same thing. If anything it would be melinoma paradise. :( (Oooo,career opp. 55gal drum of SP40,2 cases of those little cups that pudding comes in,a $1.00 a pop. House paid off by the end of next year.) :) :cool:

Not after the Mouse gets his cut...

[Cheshire Figment]

And then on MousePad a month or so back there was a somewhat indignant thread about the quaint European custom of considering the time between street clothes and a bathing suit (in either direction) as not being public nudity, especially at Blizzard Beach.

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

The truth of the matter is that pedophiles do not like, generally speaking, public places.

Too many parents and bystanders that would interfere with their actions.

[Big Wallaby]

GP, I have to say, that is a relief to hear.

[Syndrome]

The truth of the matter is that pedophiles do not like, generally speaking, public places.

Too many parents and bystanders that would interfere with their actions.
Sadly, another reason they don't bother with public places is that they are usually abusing victims with existing relationship to them. Most don't take the trouble to bother with strangers when there are relatives and neighbors. :mad:

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

Sadly, another reason they don't bother with public places is that they are usually abusing victims with existing relationship to them. Most don't take the trouble to bother with strangers when there are relatives and neighbors. :mad:

yep, that is part of the reason!

I encourage everyone to go to NCMEC web site for more information on how to make kids safe!

http://www.missingkids.com/missingkids/servlet/PublicHomeServlet?LanguageCountry=en_US

they have a lot of resources and reading/education material.

[Tinker Bell]

I hate to say it but I also wonder about pedophiles and all the kids that parents strip naked in front of everyone. However, what really puts me to fume is the lack of respect of parents for their children's privacy.

In Ariel's grotto not a day goes by that attendants don't have to remind folks on how the children can't be naked, or how they need to have at least swimsuit wear. Another thing that gets me angry is how when it's time to change there is a bathroom right next to us, but off course why take ten steps when you can change the kid right there on the spot. Then they take issue with you when you call their attention. One woman went all woman's and equal rights, that woman should be able to let it all out. We almost had to call security, but didn't when the captain came in and settle it with an ultimatum and some harsh words for the woman. Really people, really? I'm trying to protect your child! There are rules in this park either follow them or get out, getting smarty pants with me won't get you anywhere.

I hate the excuse that is because they come from the water parks. What, they couldn't bring clothes to change?! Grrr...

[Heavenleigh]

actually grumpy thats not true several children were molested at typhoon lagoon this summer. Not to mention the girl who was gang raped in the pool at wet in wild.

[felinefan]

And there are quite a few cases of strangers abducting children and raping them. I remember the "Beware of Strangers" films we saw as kids; of course they didn't talk about sexual abuse, they left it open that something bad would happen to them, or they would never see their mommies and daddies again. Like there was a scene where this little girl was playing in her front yard with her Raggedy Ann doll, and a stranger came up to her, took her by the hand and said "Come with me, and I'll get you some ice cream." The girl left her doll behind; the camera focused on the doll, as if it was a silent witness to the kidnapping. Adam Walsh was kidnapped in public from a shooping mall, and his headless body was found later. They never found his head. To this day, we have a "Code Adam" system in stores, where if a child goes missing in a store and they can't be found, the store calls a Code Adam, the doors are locked, and they don't get opened until the child is found. And of course his father John Walsh hosts America's Most Wanted on T.V..

Of course, some child molesters do make friends with their potential victim before attacking them.

[MyLittleAngels]

We went to Food and Wine today (woot!), and there was a man follwing his toddler around with an umbrella ... the child had on nothing but a diaper. My concern was about pedophiles, but about that scorching sun! It was baking us .. I know it had to be cooking that poor kid's skin. An umbrella is not sunscreen, SGs!

[Syndrome]

Adam Walsh was kidnapped in public from a shooping mall, and his headless body was found later. They never found his head.
Actually it was the opposite...found his head but not his body. :eek:

The interesting thing about that story was that his mother actually willingly left him alone in the store (a Sears). She told him he could stay in the toy dept. and play video games while she shopped in another department, and that was the last she ever saw of him. The Walsh family initially filed a lawsuit against Sears but then dropped it after Sears either countersued or threatened to sue...can't remember which. Supposedly they were trying to say that Sears was to blame because a guard kicked out a group of kids causing trouble in the toy dept. and Adam may have been kicked out inadvertently with them because he was alone in the same area. No one knows for sure though. At least John Walsh eventually turned it into something positive with all the criminals he's helped to aprehend. I can't even imagine his wife's anguish though at what one bad choice led to with her child.

[felinefan]

Thanks for the correction--I was going through my world almanac, but I had to have the one that doesn't list kidnappings, etc. with the basic details. Remind me to avoid TIME almanac and stick to something that has what I need in the way of information.

[Syndrome]

I only know the story because I am a major true crime fan, and one of the sickos in a book I read claimed responsibility for Adam's murder prior to his execution for another crime. He wouldn't give enough details to prove it one way or another though. I think the sicko was just playing sick mind games with the Walshes...either way, he was sent to Hell where he belongs via execution (his other proven crimes were more than enough for him to deserve it).

[hobie16]

At least John Walsh eventually turned it into something positive with all the criminals he's helped to aprehend.Although he's helped bust a lot of criminals, he's also cashed in on the kid's death. Seems like he should be contributing a lot of his profits to something that will protect kids. JMHO

[Syndrome]

ITA. I don't know if he contributes or not, but he sure has self-promotion down to a science. It's for a good cause, but I'm sure he is not hurting financially as an end result.

[AvaNellMouse]

A few years ago I was lead chaparone on a trip for 100 people to DLP/DCA, mostly little kids - thats a WHOLE 'nother story...
I remember several of the parents commenting on how they wouldn't let their kids play in the water area at DCA because there were strange people, men, sitting in the area watching the kids. It was seriously icky.:shaker:
I think we get a sense of perfect security when we are in the loving arms of the Mouse. I know that I strolled all over DTD by myself and walked several blocks back to the hotel alone, in the dark, without a thought about my safety. I wouldn't do that in a similar neighborhood here at home.

[mgilmer]

As a former prosecutor of child abuse cases, specializing in child sexual abuse, I understand where the OP was coming from. Most pedpervs do not molest children until they have for a period of time gotten their thrills from just watching children. This often happens in public places where children congregate. It is only after they no longer get their silent thrills through visuals (watching, porn, etc.) that they move on to actual molestation. I do not believe that the OP was saying that CMs or guests are all pedpervs, just that the large child population at Disney attracts them and parents who act in the cavalier manner he described are feeding their fantasies. When I am at Disney, I make a point of looking too, but not at the kids but at the adults who are looking at the kids. I have gotten pretty good at spotting the pedpervs. When I see someone who is acting the least bit inappropriately (touching himself, etc.), I immediately ask a CM to call security and tell them what I have observed. You can never be too vigilant where children are concerned, even if their own parents are not.

[Gadget]

As a former prosecutor of child abuse cases, specializing in child sexual abuse, I understand where the OP was coming from. Most pedpervs do not molest children until they have for a period of time gotten their thrills from just watching children. This often happens in public places where children congregate. It is only after they no longer get their silent thrills through visuals (watching, porn, etc.) that they move on to actual molestation. I do not believe that the OP was saying that CMs or guests are all pedpervs, just that the large child population at Disney attracts them and parents who act in the cavalier manner he described are feeding their fantasies. When I am at Disney, I make a point of looking too, but not at the kids but at the adults who are looking at the kids. I have gotten pretty good at spotting the pedpervs. When I see someone who is acting the least bit inappropriately (touching himself, etc.), I immediately ask a CM to call security and tell them what I have observed. You can never be too vigilant where children are concerned, even if their own parents are not.

Thank You!! I didn't mean any real harm...Just I worry about these things. I see these half naked kids...and despite cultural differences (like topless little girls in Blizzard or Typhoon) it's just bad news. I did have to call security one day on a man taking pictures of little kids around the park and that just makes me sick. And as for today's society as a whole...I guess I grew up old fashioned but these bikini's for kids are just whack! They barely hold anything for the imagination on a grown up so why do that to a child and make them see it as the cool thing?? I've just never been a fan.

[strlnblue]

And there are quite a few cases of strangers abducting children and raping them. I remember the "Beware of Strangers" films we saw as kids; of course they didn't talk about sexual abuse, they left it open that something bad would happen to them, or they would never see their mommies and daddies again. Like there was a scene where this little girl was playing in her front yard with her Raggedy Ann doll, and a stranger came up to her, took her by the hand and said "Come with me, and I'll get you some ice cream." The girl left her doll behind; the camera focused on the doll, as if it was a silent witness to the kidnapping. Adam Walsh was kidnapped in public from a shooping mall, and his headless body was found later. They never found his head. To this day, we have a "Code Adam" system in stores, where if a child goes missing in a store and they can't be found, the store calls a Code Adam, the doors are locked, and they don't get opened until the child is found. And of course his father John Walsh hosts America's Most Wanted on T.V..

Of course, some child molesters do make friends with their potential victim before attacking them.

That isn't exactly how they taught it at my workplace. I was told "make reasonable efforts to delay the suspect if he/she attempts to leave but do NOT lock the doors or blockade them." So what are we to do if the suspect is seen running out the door with the child in his/her arms?

[CptnSkippy]

That isn't exactly how they taught it at my workplace. I was told "make reasonable efforts to delay the suspect if he/she attempts to leave but do NOT lock the doors or blockade them." So what are we to do if the suspect is seen running out the door with the child in his/her arms?

When i worked at an arcade/fun park, our director of security's answer was "Tackle his ass." Not sure how it would hold up in court, but luckily we never had to try it out either.

We'd lock the front arcade doors and post an employee at each gate (they were all on the same side of the building, so visually, it could be done by one person out front. The child always turned up within a minute or two, usually after he died on Mortal Kombat or finished his go cart race.

[Main Streeter]

security's answer was "Tackle his ass."
ROFL Sounds so Ernie. :D: :D: :D:

[Dolby1000]

I Just want to take a moment to point something out. . .

Hasn't anyone else noticed the increased amount of parinoa in our post 9/11 society.

I mean, yes, protect your kids and use common sense, but, really not everyone sitting on a bench resting their tired feet as the wife empties his wallet, watching the kids play in the fountain, is SOMEONE TO BE WATCHED!

Maybe thier just tired, hot and broke. (I'm kidding about the wife part, calm down).

Frankly, I'm tired of using "protect our kids", "be vigilant" and the rest as an excuse to SUSPECT EVERYONE and constantly poke our noses into other people's personal, private, perfectly lawful business. 99.9999% of the time a person sitting on the a bench is just that, a person. We let the media fill our heads with all sorts of stuff, when, truthfully, that stuff isn't nearly as common as we are led to believe. We only hear about the bad guys, not about the 99.999999% good ones. But, no, we have to live in a world of fear and suspicision, and frankly, I'm so tired of it.

This is what they stole from us on 9/11 and it is a real shame. Even sadder is that no one realizes it. That is the world I miss.

I am not defending those who do harm, and I certainly not defending those that prey on others, I'm saying that we have let those people destroy our freedoms and turn us into a parinoid mess.

Is this the society we want? I must be wrong, because few agree with me.

Everyone needs to take a step back and re-read 1984, this scary tale becomes truer every day.

Just my 2 cents, not a personal flame on anyone.

Dolby1000

[Goofyernmost]

I Just want to take a moment to point something out. . .

Hasn't anyone else noticed the increased amount of parinoa in our post 9/11 society.

I mean, yes, protect your kids and use common sense, but, really not everyone sitting on a bench resting their tired feet as the wife empties his wallet, watching the kids play in the fountain, is SOMEONE TO BE WATCHED!

Maybe thier just tired, hot and broke. (I'm kidding about the wife part, calm down).

Frankly, I'm tired of using "protect our kids", "be vigilant" and the rest as an excuse to SUSPECT EVERYONE and constantly poke our noses into other people's personal, private, perfectly lawful business. 99.9999% of the time a person sitting on the a bench is just that, a person. We let the media fill our heads with all sorts of stuff, when, truthfully, that stuff isn't nearly as common as we are led to believe. We only hear about the bad guys, not about the 99.999999% good ones. But, no, we have to live in a world of fear and suspicision, and frankly, I'm so tired of it.

This is what they stole from us on 9/11 and it is a real shame. Even sadder is that no one realizes it. That is the world I miss.

I am not defending those who do harm, and I certainly not defending those that prey on others, I'm saying that we have let those people destroy our freedoms and turn us into a parinoid mess.

Is this the society we want? I must be wrong, because few agree with me.

Everyone needs to take a step back and re-read 1984, this scary tale becomes truer every day.

Just my 2 cents, not a personal flame on anyone.

Dolby1000

:thumbup:

[hobie16]

:thumbup:
+1

[darph nader]

:thumbup:

Count me in.

[Syndrome]

There is definitely an increased amount of paranoia. Penn & Tell did a segment on their "Bullshit" show about how statistically unlikely any particular child is to become a victim of kidnapped. The odds are much, much, much higher for getting in a car crash, yet parents don't stop driving their kids around. I think kidnapping/stranger danger gives parents a convenient boogieman to focus on. The danger is just real enough to let them focus their anxiety there while in denail about the more pervasive and likely dangers.

[PatchOBlack]

If I may?

I have done no real research into this, so I'm not sure if there has been an actual increase in cases of kidnappings in recent years, or just an increase in perception.

Even if the actual number of cases hasn't gone up, that doesn't mean in increased awareness of the problem is a bad thing. When folks used to leave kids to play at a local amusement park, were they really safer back in the "good old days", or did we just feel they were?

The right way, in my opinion, to react to this apparent increase in need to watch out for our children isn't so much looking out for the "suspicious stranger", as to be aware of where our children are and our surroundings.

Any other thoughts?

[DisneyMom]

I think that the best tactic is to educate our children, and prepare them to yell, kick, run away, AND TELL if they are approached by anyone. Pedophiles purposely choose kids they think will be easy victims. This training also would do well in the case that the molester is a Family Member or Friend (most of the time it is). Paranoia is not good, but the fact is that they ARE out there, and we need to warn our kids on what to do, while still teaching them be independent.:cool:

[Syndrome]

If I remember correctly, Penn & Teller did cite research that it's more of an increase in perception rather than a dramatic increase in actual cases. They had a woman on there who runs a website called Free Range Kids. She advocates independence to an extreme. I don't think I'd go that far...I think there has to be a balance between teaching independence and teaching kids how to be safe from "stranger danger." And that goes for knowing what is appropriate for people they know, too, since so many molestations are the work of people they already know vs. an actual stranger.

[delsdad]

If I remember correctly, Penn & Teller did cite research that it's more of an increase in perception rather than a dramatic increase in actual cases. They had a woman on there who runs a website called Free Range Kids. She advocates independence to an extreme. I don't think I'd go that far...I think there has to be a balance between teaching independence and teaching kids how to be safe from "stranger danger." And that goes for knowing what is appropriate for people they know, too, since so many molestations are the work of people they already know vs. an actual stranger.

Parenting advice from Pen & Teller ?? :eek: What is the world coming to ?

[Syndrome]

Parenting advice from Pen & Teller ?? :eek: What is the world coming to ?
Their show "Bullshit" is a total riot. They did one other one on parenting in which they showed how people with new babies will buy anything if they are told it will make them better parents. They paid big bucks to dress up and act like babies in a class they didn't know was fake. The one on bottled water is even better. Their views are very biased and they do stretch the facts to back their point (they actually retracted part of their secondhand smoke show after using false data to "prove" it is not harmful), but it's a hilarious show if you don't take it too seriously.

[Tinker Bell]

Where can I see this Penn & Tell show?

[Mayonnaise]

That's Pen and Teller.

8^)

[lady ulrike]

Their show "Bullshit" is a total riot. They did one other one on parenting in which they showed how people with new babies will buy anything if they are told it will make them better parents. They paid big bucks to dress up and act like babies in a class they didn't know was fake. The one on bottled water is even better. Their views are very biased and they do stretch the facts to back their point (they actually retracted part of their secondhand smoke show after using false data to "prove" it is not harmful), but it's a hilarious show if you don't take it too seriously.

That show is hilarious, I love it. I think one of my all time favorites is the environmental one where they're at an environmental rally and get people to sign a petition to ban DHMO. It's awesome.

[Mayonnaise]

Nothing like a good old fashioned Di-hydrogen Monoxide scare eh?

X^D

[darph nader]

Where can I see this Penn & Tell show?

youtube,your source for damn near everything. :cool:

[hobie16]

youtube,your source for damn near everything. :cool:
I thought that was Craigslist.

[Lasolimu]

I thought that was Craigslist.

No, youtube is your source for damn near everything, and Craigslist is your source for everything. Minor difference, but important.

[Syndrome]

Craigslist is a much better source of Nigerian scammers than YouTube.

Here's the bottled water segment from Bullshit:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfPAjUvvnIc