Resorts Special passes for VIPs

[Tom Morrow]

Special passes for VIPs

Disney's VIP passes for bigwigs raise ethical questions Orlando Sentinel Walt Disney World is offering politicians and other VIPs special passes that let them cut in line at popular rides such as Soarin' in Epcot and Expedition Everest in Disney's Animal Kingdom. The unrestricted, all-day "FastPasses" are for elected officials or other "high-profile guests" who don't want to worry about logistical or security problems they might face while waiting in long lines, but who don't want a tour guide. The practice of handing out the special passes is raising eyebrows among government-ethics watchdogs, who expressed concern that it might provide Disney -- which routinely lobbies state and federal government officials -- a way to offer a feel-good service just for politicians. "It clearly is a perk," said Ben Wilcox, executive director of Common Cause of Florida. Wilcox suggested that, even without any legal problems, the idea of unlimited line-cutting in plain view of the public might prompt many officials to think twice before using such passes. "If you're standing in line and you see your senator moving up to the head of the line, I don't know if that's going to look very good," he said. by Scott Powers complete article

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[bm2506]

I think they should just get regular fast passes from the kiosk if they are too lazy to do that they don't have to go on the ride that bad but that is just my opinion

[lobo5621]

I dont care if they are special people..... They are still human and still have to wait like the rest of us!

But hey whatever disney likes! :)

[Kileli]

How do you qualify as a VIP?

[ryguy222]

Being a well known politician. Like Governor or something.

[BCC]

Does being good at BLAB count? > : )

But seriously...they get the same privileges we do...regular fastpasses...just like everyone else.

[mhendrix]

One of my favorite quotes by Walt is the one where he says, simply put, that jane and joe guest are the park VIPs, citing specifically that company executives wouldn't be in their spot had it not been for thos guests, therefore they are but humble servants.

So you can imagine how it makes me feel when I see the gold sticker "VIP" parking for company executives that rank high enough.

These fastpasses, while not for company VIPs should NOT be given out. Either walk around with a VIP guide or be just like the rest of us “average” people and stand in line. The term VIP is so overused and slapped on anyone any more. I hardly think the director of environmental affairs for the state of Wisconsin, on vacation, deserves VIP status.

[PeoplemoverMatt]

This actually isn't as bad as Disneyland roping off whole sections of the park for a time so someone like Oprah Winfrey can take a small group of kids around to her & their heart's content. Oh, and they don't say a word to the 'normal' guests about it either.

-- PMM

[Magic1]

"Disney maintains that the passes have no monetary value..."

Really? According to Disney, YOMD/DDG FPs have a value (in the promotion's fine print "ARV of each prize: US$5.00") and you can only use those once at each attraction. One can safely assume that a reusable version would be worth a lot more (especially since YOMD FPs are worth far more than $5).

If Disney offered an VIP-equivalent pass for sale, what do you think a realistic "approximate retail value"? $20? $100? $200? Do you think the value of all passes given to a VIP and their entourage would meet most requirements for reporting (>$50)?

Disney is a business, they can create any special programs they want. But the ethics behind reporting it, that's the real issue.

C'mon Disney! We love you, but we're not clueless.

.:Magic1:.

[PeoplemoverMatt]

Usually when these VIP packages are being handed out in theme parks, Disney's making back their cost several times over for what that VIP is giving the park in return. For example, that Senator who got a Disney VIP package might be a lot more willing to vote yes on a Disney-beneficial legislation that comes up for a vote. Not defending it by any means, but it's not like it's a one-way income street for the VIPs. Disney gets theirs as well.

-- PMM

[Magic1]

... and reporting gifts is an important part of connecting the dots.

Just because something isn't sold doesn't mean it is valueless. Why should Disney VIP passes be treated differently than other gifts elected officials receive (and report)?

.:Magic1:.

[baldbandit]

Originally Posted by mhendrix

One of my favorite quotes by Walt is the one where he says, simply put, that jane and joe guest are the park VIPs, citing specifically that company executives wouldn't be in their spot had it not been for thos guests, therefore they are but humble servants.

So you can imagine how it makes me feel when I see the gold sticker "VIP" parking for company executives that rank high enough.

These fastpasses, while not for company VIPs should NOT be given out. Either walk around with a VIP guide or be just like the rest of us “average” people and stand in line. The term VIP is so overused and slapped on anyone any more. I hardly think the director of environmental affairs for the state of Wisconsin, on vacation, deserves VIP status.

Without entering into the debate about whether or not it's ethical, I think Disney's stance is they aren't giving it as a perk. They are giving it to people who have to travel with an entourage (read: security and aides) whose presence in lines would create security and congestion issues. They could argue they aren't even doing it for the people themselves, they could argue they are doing it to maintain traffic flow and security at the park.

[PeoplemoverMatt]

Originally Posted by mhendrix

One of my favorite quotes by Walt is the one where he says, simply put, that jane and joe guest are the park VIPs, citing specifically that company executives wouldn't be in their spot had it not been for thos guests, therefore they are but humble servants.

And yet, Walt had plans for a special apartment above Pirates of the Caribbean, Walt built Club 33, the Lilly Belle, etc...

Originally Posted by Magic1

... and reporting gifts is an important part of connecting the dots.

Just because something isn't sold doesn't mean it is valueless. Why should Disney VIP passes be treated differently than other gifts elected officials receive (and report)?

Not being a scary corporate lawyer, I can't really give a good answer to that. TDA has so many special corporate arrangements the the GP has no idea about, it would make your head spin if you read about all of them.

I saw Antonio Villaragosa at the Laker game last night. Wonder how those seats were paid for?

-- PMM

[xfkirsten]

I honestly feel like this is a moot point. Debate over whether it's a "political gift" aside, this happens so rarely that I don't see it as a disruption. We were talking about this at work the other day, and people who've been working attractions for a number of years can count on one hand, with fingers left over, the number of times they've seen these passes. So from the standpoint of an average joe guest, I wouldn't worry about it being a disruption.

Originally Posted by PeoplemoverMatt

This actually isn't as bad as Disneyland roping off whole sections of the park for a time so someone like Oprah Winfrey can take a small group of kids around to her & their heart's content. Oh, and they don't say a word to the 'normal' guests about it either.

-- PMM

Mariah Carey visited WDW recently and when she went on BTMR they cleared out the ENTIRE queue for her. People that had been standing in line were booted out. *headdesk*

[BCC]

The Mariah Carey one is NOT good...if they go through the exit...fine by me.