| # | Author | Message |
1
| Darkbeer
Thu 4/10/2008 6:02a | http://www.orlandosentinel.com...77.story
>>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.
Spokeswoman Kim Prunty acknowledged that the passes were created for officials who are high-ranking enough in state, federal or even international affairs to travel with entourages -- officials for whom a long line could be more than an inconvenience. She said the passes are available to such officials and those traveling with them, but on a very limited basis determined case-by-case by Disney's government-affairs office. That is the same department that runs Disney World's lobbying efforts.
Disney maintains that the passes have no monetary value and so are not restricted by government ethics laws and do not have to be reported either as gifts to public officials or as a lobbying expense.<<
Much more at the link |
2
| Darkbeer
Thu 4/10/2008 6:03a | And as my girl friend pointed out, why does the "Dream Fastrpass" have a monetary value if you read the official rules of the "27 months of over 2.25 million prizes". Yes, it is about $5, but it DOES have a value.... |
3
| wahooskipper
Thu 4/10/2008 6:25a | This isn't anything new. Public figures have had "specialized" treatment at the parks forever. And, it makes sense to me.
Imagine the security issues they would have if a famous person were standing in a 45 minute queue. I would argue it wouldn't be safe for the VIP or the guests around him/her.
Now, there is a different issue completely with elected officials. First, I would bet that outside of the Governor most people wouldn't know if they were standing next to a Florida elected official. And, I do think that is a "benefit" that does raise some ethical questions. |
4
| ChiMike
Thu 4/10/2008 8:13a | I think it raises a whole plethora of issues. Like some FL State Senator is going to be hounded by all those tourists from Ohio. At that low level, it is simple back scratching that doesn't cost Disney anything. Just their guests' valuable vacation time.
I do agree though that this has been going on for a very long time and is still just one form of giving re-entry privlidges. The only difference is it is getting noticed more and more.
With Dream FP, the apparent expansion of vip 'FP', and the potential for a handheld device, it should only be more apparent that FP is not a fair system to the full-price paying guests.
VIP perks used to be justified because the vip was paying through the nose for a tour guide. To have this perk without a guide deflates that rationalization.
These things are always good reminders that the parks are ran as a business. Its not a democracy and going to WDW is a privledge not a right. Since Day 1 it has always been an atmosphere of the haves and the have-nots. |
5
| FerretAfros
Thu 4/10/2008 8:48a | While I know it technically isn't really that different from what they've been doing, I would much rather they require the VIP's to have a guide to get the special treatment. In a way, that makes them seem a lot more important, and sort of justifies to me them getting in the front of the line. It said that this was for the VIP's who didn't want a guide, but if you don't want a special guide, you shouldn't get special perks. If you want to be just like the rest of us, you should wait in line with the rest of us. If you want a guide, fine, get in the front of the line. This just seems to be digging into another level of political disguise that makes them think they're real people, even though they have special access like it's nobody's business. |
6
| GMouse
Thu 4/10/2008 9:53a | I recently took an ethics course that described international bribery rules and this would be a violation of international bribery rules especially if it was a political figure. Sadly it doesn't apply to officials in your own country. According to the rules the gift or special treatment doesn't have to have monetary value. |
7
| Ursula
Thu 4/10/2008 9:54a | I see no problems with this and can only see problems if they don't have this system in place.
Of course, I gave VIP tours as part of my job duties at Knott's, so I saw more details of what goes into these things and why they exist. |
8
| wahooskipper
Thu 4/10/2008 10:14a | I believe it was Lebron James who showed up at Cedar Point without advance notice (his first year in the league...but already wildly popular in Ohio). He was in line for one of the roller coasters and a mob grew and security had to be brought in.
That does a disservice to the park. If they knew he was coming they could have planned accordingly, had the right number of people on staff, etc. |
9
| DAR
Thu 4/10/2008 2:00p | It seems everyone is okay with this but if anyone isn't, become a VIP yourself. |
10
| MPierce
Thu 4/10/2008 3:00p | I can honestly say to my constitutes that I will never abuse this perk! |
