Is entitlement becoming an issue?

[J_Carioca]

Because she dresses up like characters and gets her picture taken with them? I tell ya what, how about we take away all the 1st Time buttons, or Anniversary buttons, or Happy Birthday buttons, because if 100 people tell my kid Happy Birthday while we are un WDW they might think they are the center of attention!

Guess what? Its Disney World! You are supposed to be made to feel special there!

I wasn’t referring to Disney’s treatment of guests (which, in my experience, is wonderful) but rather the way these parents are making a spectacle of their daughter, seemingly on an ongoing basis.

 

[jlthomas81]

I wasn’t referring to Disney’s treatment of guests (which, in my experience, is wonderful) but rather the way these parents are making a spectacle of their daughter, seemingly on an ongoing basis.

I guess I just don't feel like its really any of my business what these parents do or don't do with their children. I hear the word entitlement thrown around all too often when someone feels like they aren't getting what they are entitled to. So its really just one of those circle dilemma's in my opinion.

 

[noodles]

Okay, it's creepy that you're so jealous of a little girl.
and.......
That's one creepy family.

In my opinion.

 

[NowInc]

Okay, it's creepy that you're so jealous of a little girl.
and.......
That's one creepy family.

In my opinion.

..at what point did I ever say I was jealous? I appreciate you not putting words in my mouth, thanks

My point was, and still is, that I see this as diminishing the experience of other guests who aren't given even a fraction of the treatment she gets. I guess their money is worth less than theirs.

 

[J_Carioca]

Disney is supposed to be an EQUAL experience for the guest, regardless of social or financial status. I am aware celebrities have been getting special treatment for years, but it hardly every impacts other guests, as is what happens in cases like this.
Example: Not getting to meet a character because they spend 20 minutes with the special little girl in front of you, and run out of time.

I remember watching an evening parade a couple of years ago and noticing that dozens of parade members came over to greet a disabled child that I was standing next to. That's the kind of special treatment that's beautiful to see. Special treatment because of your Instagram feed is altogether different.

 

[NowInc]

I remember watching an evening parade a couple of years ago and noticing that dozens of parade members came over to greet a disabled child that I was standing next to. That's the kind of special treatment that's beautiful to see. Special treatment because of your Instagram feed is altogether different.

Exactly. When its random, I think its a fantastic thing.

This is treatment given with every visit to the same person. Every time.

 

[lostpro9het]

Okay, it's creepy that you're so jealous of a little girl.
and.......
That's one creepy family.

In my opinion.

 

[Master Yoda]

In my opinion, 100% yes.

I will not go into details, but I feel that certain guests are receiving constant, greater experiences simply because of their viewer counts on social media. I am not talking about a sweet "something extra" here and there, but more along the lines of every visit, getting special treatments and interactions. Being allowed to go where other guests can't, getting more than 20 minutes of one on one time with characters, being allowed behind counters, etc.

It seems that unless you dress your child up as a character, they will be seen as "less worthy" of getting the same treatment. Try explaining that to a kid sometime.

I am sure there are many "supporters" of this type of thing, as its seen as "cute", but try to look at the bigger picture. There are MANY of these types of accounts out there now, and its increasingly becoming worse and worse.

Please let me know if I am out of line in thinking this way. Shed some light on what I am missing.

For the situation you are referring to, that has and always will happen as those people are not really guests in the eyes of Disney, they are advertisers.

Their treatment is not really any different the owner of Big Bob's Bodacious Book Store getting to meet the starting pitcher because he markets for the team.

Now we can debate as to whether these bloggers drive business to Disney and the ethics of giving them perks until the cows come home. The bottom line is Disney feels that they are getting their money's worth from them .

 

[PrincessNelly_NJ]

Is this because Disney featured her on their blog?
She has been doing this since her daughter was a baby.
I go to my local supermarket all the time, they know me by name and have sometimes done nice things for me.

A couple weeks ago, Disney flew down a bunch of youtubers and they all stayed in deluxe hotels and got fireworks cruises and special desserts in their room... Are you mad about that too?

 

[NowInc]

Having met those in question, I will put in that she stands in lines (sometimes multiple times) and her magical moments are given to her by entertaiment CMs for the most part.

Her mother and herself are very sweet. It's her group of folks following her that is out of control. There is another account that hangs out with her often and has gotten to the point of telling people that International Gateway M&G are only for select people and telling others (including myself) to leave.

Thats the issue I was trying to get at. It's not the particular account, its the standard its starting to create in the eyes of those doing it....if that makes any sense.

 

[RandomPrincess]

I'm not seeing where this family is demanding special treatment. If Disney chooses to to something special for them that is different then feeling entitled to something.

Want to know when the special characters are coming out? Make friends with CMs.

My kids have never been made to feel anything but wonderful by the CMs at the parks on both coasts. No special outfits needed.

 

[Sans Souci]

I'll say it. I think it's creepy to have an IG about your kid.

 

[J_Carioca]

There is another account that hangs out with her often and has gotten to the point of telling people that International Gateway M&G are only for select people and telling others (including myself) to leave.

Really??? And do CMs do anything about this outrageous behaviour? They should be asked to leave the park.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

I'll say it. I think it's creepy to have an IG.

FIFY.

I don't know what's worse, the narcissistic yahoos who have these Instagram accounts in the first place, or the hundreds of thousands of hangers-on who follow them.

 

[J_Carioca]

I'll say it. I think it's creepy to have an IG about your kid.

I agree. And as sad as this may be, I also think it's a bit unsafe. I grew up in the 70s/80s and I remember being told that it was a bad idea to wear personalized shirts and things with our names on them because potential kidnappers could trick kids into thinking that they knew them. That may be a bit paranoid, but in an age of cyberstalking and whatnot, I would never make an instagram about my small child (edit to add: beyond sharing with family and close friends)!

 

[Sans Souci]

I agree. And as sad as this may be, I also think it's a bit unsafe. I grew up in the 70s/80s and I remember being told that it was a bad idea to wear personalized shirts and things with our names on them because potential kidnappers could trick kids into thinking that they knew them. That may be a bit paranoid, but in an age of cyberstalking and whatnot, I would never make an instagram about my small child!

Yes! That was my thought on this. I grew up during that time as well and I remember Adam Walsh and how that tragedy turned my mother incredibly overprotective overnight. I hate to sound paranoid as well, but honestly, why tempt fate?

 

[BrerWayne]

I am no one special. I have barely enough computer skills to be a member of this site. I have been to WDW 18 times, which to me is a lot, but compared to others on this site is nothing. So far in my life I have been chosen as the Grand Marshall of the Main Street Parade back in 1997. On my first Marathon trip, I was upgraded at the CR to a concierge level room ( I think it was on the 15th floor ) with a balcony overlooking the Magic Kingdom. And on my wife's first trip to WDW we were upgraded to concierge room at the Grand Flo. I just think sometimes people are randomly chosen for things. My last two trips, nothing really out of the ordinary happened. And I don't expect it. Likewise, I am grateful just to be there and try not to hate on people who may get a different experience than me.

 

[jlthomas81]

I personally do not follow Instagram people other than close friends, and even then I check it maybe every two weeks. But since you posted the link and all , I went to view this Instagram account, and found this on one of the photos. Seems to me like this family is very humble and appreciative of all that Disney does for them.

Just because we get asked the same sort of questions a lot, here's a FAQ post to answer some things people seem curious about. We don't live at Disney We've never been to Disneyland, we go to Disney World (yes, there is a difference) We live about 30 mins from Disney and pay for passes which enable us to visit as often as we like. We typically go once or twice a week (but those visits can be a short after dinner trip for a couple hours or a Sunday morning before lunch. Not always all day seeing every character.) We do not work for Disney and never have I sew Lane's dresses and costumes for her, but I do not sell dresses or take commissions (I used to sew professionally but I'm a stay at home mom now and prefer to not sew for money.) I do not have a youtube or tutorials or patterns available, with chasing a busy toddler and living life, it's tricky just to find time to sew. We are not famous (very far from it) so please treat us like normal people. We're a Mommy, Daddy and a little girl. We like Disney, I like to sew and we post pics of our kid like other proud parents. That's all. We're happy if you like our adventures, but we're regular park goers and parents, nothing more than that. Any encounters Lane has had with characters we've either a.)stood in line for b.)obtained a fast pass for or c.) were lucky to receive what Disney calls a Magical Moment where the cast members helped to create a unique experience for our little girl---these moments are rare and yet can and do happen for all sorts of guests young and old all the time at all Disney parksI post a lot of latergrams, meaning just because I post a Disney pic today doesn't mean we were there today. I choose to not spam our followers with all the pics we take during our Disney, trips so I post many after the fact. The name Ferdalump is Mommy's nickname and has nothing to do with Lane Last, but not least, Mommy used to pride herself on replying to everyone's comments, but lately it's simply become too hard. She tries, and it saddens her that people leave such sweet words that are left seemingly unacknowledged. Please know she reads and appreciates all your sweet words and kindness.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-...ality-disorder/basics/definition/con-20025568

Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental disorder in which people have an inflated sense of their own importance, a deep need for admiration and a lack of empathy for others. But behind this mask of ultraconfidence lies a fragile self-esteem that's vulnerable to the slightest criticism.

A narcissistic personality disorder causes problems in many areas of life, such as relationships, work, school or financial affairs. You may be generally unhappy and disappointed when you're not given the special favors or admiration you believe you deserve. Others may not enjoy being around you, and you may find your relationships unfulfilling.

 

[ItlngrlBella]

I think what her Mom did for her (made costumes) so she would get over her shyness - is the sweetest thing ever.

I am sure that when her Mom started, it wasn't to set out to make her toddler a "social-media celebrity." It's how they manage that "celebrity" and how they raise her going forward, that will be important.

She's a very cute little girl and there are people like me that follow on Instagram because her pics are adorable. I have 2 little girls and I love seeing handmade costumes on little ones (it gives me Halloween costume ideas for my youngest). Her mother is a very talented seamstress - the costumes themselves are works of art.

I have seen her followers comments and some are crazy - people arguing etc. Weird. No lives.

Now, when she's grown up and if she's running around doing this on her own on a constant basis and expecting special treatment wherever she goes - that is a disorder.

The copy cat thing is odd and if Moms are setting out to make their kids "IG stars" then yes, that IS disturbing (like pageant Moms - doing it for "fame.")

Extra magic like this goes on ALL THE TIME and isn't documented because the 99% of us aren't social media celebs (thank God!).

My friend's husband is a Purple Heart Vet and they were at WDW 2 weeks ago (for their first-ever family vacation), to celebrate his military retirement. Almost 2 years ago he almost died due to an IED explosion when he landed his helicopter. I had inquired in another forum on how to make a little extra magic happen for this special family and CM's as well as connected non-CM's came out of EVERYWHERE and made magic happen. @akayw0718 from here who's friends with Goofy asked him to make their visit special and it ended up as their most favorite M&G. This family had SO MUCH magic happen that I couldn't keep up - it took on a life of its own - even at Sea World, they had a ton of behind the scenes hands-in animal experiences with trainers. They had special things happen like the ones you cited earlier - I don't see a problem with it.

With all the negativity going on in the world, it's fun to help make magic happen and watch it happen whether it's on a blog, Instagram account, etc. - whether it's a military family, little girl in costume, special needs child/adult, or just an everyday family like mine. If you're standing there asking yourself, "why doesn't this happen to me?" - you lead a sad life.

It's weird and disturbing when I see parents or WDW fans "obsessed" to make sure magic HAS to happen during a trip. If you're going to be that focused/obsessed, then what is the point? You'll never enjoy anything.

When we go, we go with the flow and the "magic" will happen - I certainly don't raise my girls to expect magic to happen or special treatment - when magic happens to them (which, somehow it always does), it's truly appreciated.

WHAT PEOPLE FORGET IS... Sometimes magic is in the little things - it doesn't have to be a behind the scenes meet and greet. It may be your kid getting an extra long hug from Mickey, Goofy dancing with your wife/girlfriend, or in our case our daughters hugging my husband and I while watching Wishes, or Rapunzel having our girls hold her hair in a picture.