Dear Prudie, My husband and I are facing an ethical dilemma when it comes to his parents and their choice of extended-family vacation time. They are comfortable financially and it has become a tradition for us to fly down on school break from the Northeast to their home in central Florida. Often, on their dime, we visit One of Central Florida’s Most Popular Destinations. This year our youngest will be turning 3 years old just ahead of arrival. That is the “magical” age at which admission must be paid. My in-laws have asked how we feel about passing him for a 2-year-old, thus getting in for free. Our issues are that it’s their money, but we feel kind of icky about lying, and also our other children would be old enough to pick up on what we’re doing. We are grateful for the trip and their generosity but since they asked, is it OK for us to say they’ve got to pay (the ridiculous cost) for the preschooler?
—M-I-See You Go Broke ...
Dear M-I, I’m with Jim Gaffigan on Disney: “If you haven’t been to Disney as an adult just imagine you’re standing in line at the DMV. And that’s it.” Last year Disney CEO Robert Iger made $34.3 million. This was a crushing drop of 15 percent from the previous year, and probably due to people like you who pretended their 3-year-olds were 2-year-olds and didn’t pay the $93 kiddie tariff. Yes, that’s what it costs to bring a child into the park, one who later in life will have not one single memory of that $93 day. Or as Gaffigan says, “We hope you’re having fun. It was either this or send you to college.” Perhaps when you get to the ticket booth and say junior is only 2, your older children will be appalled to discover Mom and Dad are conspiring in a lie to defraud Disney. More likely they’ll be distracted by the tweens hitting puberty who are being pushed in strollers by parents claiming the kids are still toddlers. Tell your youngest to say, “Ga-ga, goo-goo,” as you enter and don't worry about ripping off Disney—your group will be dropping a bundle. All age cut-offs are somewhat arbitrary, but that 3-year-old one seems positively exploitative. If you must expiate your guilt, going on the hellish “It’s a Small World” ride is the Disney equivalent of self-flagellation.
—Prudie
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The Principle of Least Interest: He who cares least about a relationship, controls it.
I was actually shocked at Prudie's advice. She is advocating lying in front of your children. I don't think that's right. It isn't the money, it's the principle. You don't teach your children to lie. This is akin to shoplifting, imho.
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Out of all the lies I have told, "just kidding" is my favorite !
I really don't understand why anyone would take a kid that little there. I waited until my kids were able to ride every single ride in the park.
I mean if you are going to go to Disney, go to Disney.
Don't lie. It always comes back to bite you.
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A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
I was actually shocked at Prudie's advice. She is advocating lying in front of your children. I don't think that's right. It isn't the money, it's the principle. You don't teach your children to lie. This is akin to shoplifting, imho.
Yeah. I'm appalled. That's just terrible advice. It's lying and stealing.
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LawyerLady
I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you.
I really don't understand why anyone would take a kid that little there. I waited until my kids were able to ride every single ride in the park.
I mean if you are going to go to Disney, go to Disney.
Don't lie. It always comes back to bite you.
Baby J went to Disney her first time shortly before turning 3 - that's how you do it without paying btw - and she LOVED it. It's a different experience with little kids and Disney is really not all about the rides.
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LawyerLady
I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you.
The part that bothers me the most is when she says "don't worry about ripping off Disney, you will be spending a bundle". The amount of money you spend doesn't give you the right to take what you want for free. The next time I go to Nordstrom's how about if I buy a dress and just take the shoes since I will be dropping a bundle anyway? Ummmm...no.
That argument is what always makes people think stealing from a big corporation is ok. And then they complain about the prices. Ever consider that it's expensive because so many people steal that the revenue has to be made up with higher prices?!
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Out of all the lies I have told, "just kidding" is my favorite !
The part that bothers me the most is when she says "don't worry about ripping off Disney, you will be spending a bundle". The amount of money you spend doesn't give you the right to take what you want for free. The next time I go to Nordstrom's how about if I buy a dress and just take the shoes since I will be dropping a bundle anyway? Ummmm...no.
That argument is what always makes people think stealing from a big corporation is ok. And then they complain about the prices. Ever consider that it's expensive because so many people steal that the revenue has to be made up with higher prices?!
Tell me about it. And having gone to many amusement parks, I can tell you that Disney's prices for basics are not that bad. Seaworld is much worse. As an example - a bottle of water is $2 at Disney and closer to $4 at Seaworld. Disney is also pretty lenient about bringing in snacks and drinks for kids. You CAN do Disney on a budget.
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LawyerLady
I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you.
Personally, I think Disney is worth every penny. Yeah it is expensive and can be a once in a life time thing for a lot of people, but it has always been the best vacation ever.
And if a person can stay in the resort, it's so much better. I don't think I would ever go again if I couldn't stay in the park.
Just the convenience of not having to deal with the parking lot parade at the end of the evening is worth it.
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A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
The part that bothers me the most is when she says "don't worry about ripping off Disney, you will be spending a bundle". The amount of money you spend doesn't give you the right to take what you want for free. The next time I go to Nordstrom's how about if I buy a dress and just take the shoes since I will be dropping a bundle anyway? Ummmm...no.
That argument is what always makes people think stealing from a big corporation is ok. And then they complain about the prices. Ever consider that it's expensive because so many people steal that the revenue has to be made up with higher prices?!
That really bothered me too. She can get in trouble for that.
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The Principle of Least Interest: He who cares least about a relationship, controls it.
My kids do not remember much when they were younger than 4 and even then, it's sketchy. I doubt a 3 year old would know her parents were lying about her age. Particularly when they can just order the tickets on line without the other children's knowledge of what was transpiring.
That being said, I do not think it's morally right to defraud anyone. Even Disney.
Prudie is so wrong. What does it matter what the salary of a CEO is? If you don't like it don't go. But if you do go, do the right thing. Obviously if you are going, the business is offering something that you like, and to not want to pay and lying is very wrong.
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Sometimes you're the windshield, and sometimes you're the bug.
First off - I've taken my children when they were little and the LOVED it. Baby J is 4 and she has been 3 times and she talks about it all the time. We had a wonderful time. I really, really think your mindset towards Disney determines if you enjoy it. WE love it as adults. And quite frankly, the crazy people who go during the busiest times, are just that - crazy. Going when the rest of the world is going and then complaining it's crowded - well, that was your choice.
-- Edited by Lawyerlady on Saturday 25th of October 2014 10:55:17 AM
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LawyerLady
I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you.
I have been 3 times. Disney had just opened the first time and honestly the only thing I remember was the parking lot and the boat to get over to it. Nothing else.
The second time I was 12 or 13 and I remember the heat. Yes I remember some of the park and stuff but I remember staying in that pop up camper in the Florida sun and being glad the park was cooler than the camper and camp ground.
The last time I took my kids. 2004. It was fun and I think I remember more of it because I made sure we slowed way down and took our time with it. We had the hopper pass but we spent most of our time in the Magic Kingdom. We hit the other parks for a day each but the Magic Kingdom was where we spent a lot of time.
Being in the Resort and having the ability to come and go as we pleased made it the most enjoyable trip ever.
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A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
I was actually shocked at Prudie's advice. She is advocating lying in front of your children. I don't think that's right. It isn't the money, it's the principle. You don't teach your children to lie. This is akin to shoplifting, imho.
The kid isn't going to know, remember, or pay attention. It's not, in this instance, teaching the kids anything.
I'm not advocating this, necessarily, but that facet of it is WAY overblown.
Disney and other theme parks are ridiculously overpriced. You have to pay more than $100 to stand in line for most of the day. Sure, they choose to go there, but I'm not going to lose sleep if a few toddlers get in free, either.
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I'm not arguing, I'm just explaining why I'm right.
Well, I could agree with you--but then we'd both be wrong.
I was actually shocked at Prudie's advice. She is advocating lying in front of your children. I don't think that's right. It isn't the money, it's the principle. You don't teach your children to lie. This is akin to shoplifting, imho.
The kid isn't going to know, remember, or pay attention. It's not, in this instance, teaching the kids anything.
I'm not advocating this, necessarily, but that facet of it is WAY overblown.
Disney and other theme parks are ridiculously overpriced. You have to pay more than $100 to stand in line for most of the day. Sure, they choose to go there, but I'm not going to lose sleep if a few toddlers get in free, either.
It's done, Husker. A lot. But that's a little different that a national columnist saying there's nothing wrong with it and actually advocating it.
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LawyerLady
I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you.
It's about integrity. It doesn't matter if it's easy, or Disney makes a lot of money. Integrity means doing what's right - not what "isn't a big deal".
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LawyerLady
I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you.
It's about integrity. It doesn't matter if it's easy, or Disney makes a lot of money. Integrity means doing what's right - not what "isn't a big deal".
I agree. Stealing is stealing. And lying is lying. If you aren't willing to pay for your 3 year old, don't go.
Yes. Staying at the resort makes a world of difference.
It does.
I would love to go again before the kids all go their separate ways and life takes over. Maybe we will get the chance. Who knows.
But I will never go again if I cant stay in the park.
And yes, I want to stay in the Cinderella Suit. At least once.
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A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
It's about integrity. It doesn't matter if it's easy, or Disney makes a lot of money. Integrity means doing what's right - not what "isn't a big deal".
Meh, not my problem. I wouldn't take a toddler there, anyway.
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I'm not arguing, I'm just explaining why I'm right.
Well, I could agree with you--but then we'd both be wrong.
Yes. Staying at the resort makes a world of difference.
It does.
I would love to go again before the kids all go their separate ways and life takes over. Maybe we will get the chance. Who knows.
But I will never go again if I cant stay in the park.
And yes, I want to stay in the Cinderella Suit. At least once.
Good luck with that. You can't rent it - you have to be CHOSEN to stay there. Or ridiculously famous, like Tom Cruise.
When you wish upon a star Makes no difference who you are Anything your heart desires Will come to you.
If your heart is in your dream No request is too extreme When you wish upon a star As dreamers do.
Fate is kind She brings to those who love The sweet fulfillment of Their secret longing
Like a bolt out of the blue Fate steps in and sees you through. When you wish upon a star Your dreams come true
When a star is born They possess a gift or two. One of them is this They have the power to make a wish come true.
When you wish upon a star Makes no difference who you are Anything your heart desires Will come to you,
If your heart is in your dream No request is too extreme When you wish upon a star As dreamers do.
Fate is kind She brings to those who love The sweet fulfillment of Their secret longing.
Like a bolt out of the blue Fate steps in and sees you through. When you wish upon a star Your dreams come true.
I can dream...
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A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
You know - Disney even has the policy that if your kid's birthday is DURING the trip - don't worry about it. If they are 2 when they arrive, they are 2 the whole week.
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LawyerLady
I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you.
I was actually shocked at Prudie's advice. She is advocating lying in front of your children. I don't think that's right. It isn't the money, it's the principle. You don't teach your children to lie. This is akin to shoplifting, imho.
The kid isn't going to know, remember, or pay attention. It's not, in this instance, teaching the kids anything.
I'm not advocating this, necessarily, but that facet of it is WAY overblown.
Disney and other theme parks are ridiculously overpriced. You have to pay more than $100 to stand in line for most of the day. Sure, they choose to go there, but I'm not going to lose sleep if a few toddlers get in free, either.
The OP has older children that WILL know there is lying going on. The toddler isn't the only child in this circumstance. So it IS teaching the children something. Prudie even references the older children in her response. So I stand by my assertion that it's teaching the children to lie and that is wrong.
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Out of all the lies I have told, "just kidding" is my favorite !
It's about integrity. It doesn't matter if it's easy, or Disney makes a lot of money. Integrity means doing what's right - not what "isn't a big deal".
The price of the item in question us also what makes some people think it's ok to steal. " it's so expensive, so go ahead and lie". How does that make sense ? Again, if I see some Louboutin shoes I want should I just take them because they are so expensive and the company makes so much money off of everyone else and it's really stupid to charge that much money for those anyway ?
Those arguments don't make sense when you use the logic for other high priced items.
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Out of all the lies I have told, "just kidding" is my favorite !
First off - I've taken my children when they were little and the LOVED it. Baby J is 4 and she has been 3 times and she talks about it all the time. We had a wonderful time. I really, really think your mindset towards Disney determines if you enjoy it. WE love it as adults. And quite frankly, the crazy people who go during the busiest times, are just that - crazy. Going when the rest of the world is going and then complaining it's crowded - well, that was your choice.
-- Edited by Lawyerlady on Saturday 25th of October 2014 10:55:17 AM
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Sometimes you're the windshield, and sometimes you're the bug.
First off - I've taken my children when they were little and the LOVED it. Baby J is 4 and she has been 3 times and she talks about it all the time. We had a wonderful time. I really, really think your mindset towards Disney determines if you enjoy it. WE love it as adults. And quite frankly, the crazy people who go during the busiest times, are just that - crazy. Going when the rest of the world is going and then complaining it's crowded - well, that was your choice.
-- Edited by Lawyerlady on Saturday 25th of October 2014 10:55:17 AM
I already told you so. Good luck!
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LawyerLady
I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you.
First off - I've taken my children when they were little and the LOVED it. Baby J is 4 and she has been 3 times and she talks about it all the time. We had a wonderful time. I really, really think your mindset towards Disney determines if you enjoy it. WE love it as adults. And quite frankly, the crazy people who go during the busiest times, are just that - crazy. Going when the rest of the world is going and then complaining it's crowded - well, that was your choice.
-- Edited by Lawyerlady on Saturday 25th of October 2014 10:55:17 AM
I already told you so. Good luck!
Actually the funny part is Dd would rather go to Universal studios for all the Harry Potter exhibits, and of course swim with the dolphins somewhere. We will have 6 days to do stuff, 3 will be spent at parks and dolphins swimming, 3 at the resort with family. I hate crowds. Is it mean that I want Dd to have a good time but leave with that feeling that those parks are just not worth it due to the crowds?
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Sometimes you're the windshield, and sometimes you're the bug.
Yeah, I personally would not want to take a 3 yr old there. Seems pointless. It would be totally overwhelming. Save your money and go to the local fair or carnival.
We went when my kids were 10,14, and 16. Discovery Cove was Da Bomb. We LOVED that.
-- Edited by Lady Gaga Snerd on Saturday 25th of October 2014 03:16:07 PM
I paid for 6 two day, two park passes. Spent about 2 hours at each because it was too darned hot. But I used fast passes and the longest line we waited in was 5 minutes. So we got to ride on most if not all rides we wanted in each 2 hour stint. Did I feel like it was a waste? No. We had fun, didn't overexert ourselves, then relaxed in the pool.
We would go to the park around 10ish and stay until it got to hot or we got tired of it or hungry. Then we would go back to the cabin and have lunch, swim, take a nap. And then go back around 5ish and stay till we wanted to leave.
And when the throng of people went one way, we wen the opposite. When it starts getting dark people start making their way to get the best seat for the fireworks.
That's the best time to ride things.
Things you would wait in line to ride 2 hours earlier you just walk up and get on.
They would even let you ride twice if they could.
We would stay and ride until they pushed us out of the park. And they don't shut everything down at once so you can ride and ride and ride.
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A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
We had planned to return after dinner each night, but it stormed and left the air very damp and muggy. We decided to watch the fireworks from our room or from the comforts of the hotel's lazy river.
We watched it one night from the boat. That was nice.
We could see them from the beach at the campground too.
And after the fireworks the boats or ferries did a light parade. So that was fun too.
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A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.