Is entitlement becoming an issue?

[jakeman]

I didn't want to bring any specific account into it, but I guess I have to to allow a better perspective on what I am talking about:

https://instagram.com/ferdalump

I read the instagram account name as "Feral dump" at first glance.

 

[Kit83]

Feeling entitled is nothing new, we are just more aware of it due to social media . It's just the way all people are, letting it worry you is feeling entitled .... they have something I don't .

My father always said " Life is not fair get over it !

 

[CAPTAIN HOOK]

Life's a b*tch - be happy with what you have

PS - I have over 1 million Facebook friends and when I go to Disney World in August I'm wearing my Cinderella costume and I'm going to shut the whole bl**dy park and keep the poor people out

 

[Goofyernmost]

People hear about spontaneous, magical experiences (thank you internet) and become angry if they don't get the same treatment. Room upgrades, special birthday messages and treatment at restaurants, the whole "Here comes Andy" thing, etc.

And sadly, that is usually the end of it happening for anybody. Forced magic will not be worthwhile in anybodies book. To much abuse and it just plain goes away.

What are the mom and dad planning to do to help her get over the feeling that she's the center of the universe? Which is exactly what she will think if they keep this up.

The Universe has a way to dealing with that in pretty quick fashion.

Hmmm.. I hadn't noticed it until you brought it up, but I can see where you're coming from. I think the majority of people that don't follow this stuff on a continuous basis wouldn't notice the recurring treatment. It could also be that they've gotten to know many of the cast members if they're local and go all the time (which looks like it from their instagram). I love the magic, but I hope that kid doesn't lose touch with reality!

Has it not occurred to anyone that these people might be lying through their teeth to get the attention on social media? An effort to make themselves seem more important than they really are? There are many, including some on this board that are probably guilty of many an exaggeration. What's one of the favorite sayings on here... Pictures or it didn't happen. Then don't be sure even if you see pictures.

I didn't read past the first page because it all smacks of fantasy to me. But that is my feeling about the entire situation.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

There are many, including some on this board that are probably guilty of many an exaggeration.

Let me show you my shocked face.

 

[sporadic]

What's one of the favorite sayings on here... Pictures or it didn't happen. Then don't be sure even if you see pictures.

Here are the pictures people are referring to - https://instagram.com/ferdalump

 

[Sans Souci]

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.

I find it fascinating that there are some celebrities doing everything in their power to keep their children shielded from paparazzi and then there are parents who openly post photos of the minutiae of their children's lives.

 

[Tom]

I think the OP is just mad that he's not adorable

 

[rob0519]

Which is why I don't think they will put an end to it. Its "free" publicity for them, at the expense of making other guests feel they aren't good enough.

To clarify, I am all for RANDOM special treatments to be given to guests. NOT the same one, over and over, each visit. I think that's sending the wrong message to the guests who aren't the "lucky ones".

What did WDW not do for you that you are seemingly so outraged over this? Who exactly are "these types of guests" you keep mentioning and how are you aware of the supposed special treatment? I agree, doing something once or twice to help your daughter overcome her shyness is one thing, making her a media sensation for the purpose of continually getting special treatment is a completely different ballgame. This however, is not new. Wasn't there a boy a while back that rode Snow White like thousands of times with every CM making sure he could ride over and over?

 

[CaptainAmerica]

What did WDW not do for you that you are seemingly so outraged over this? Who exactly are "these types of guests" you keep mentioning and how are you aware of the supposed special treatment? I agree, doing something once or twice to help your daughter overcome her shyness is one thing, making her a media sensation for the purpose of continually getting special treatment is a completely different ballgame. This however, is not new. Wasn't there a boy a while back that rode Snow White like thousands of times with every CM making sure he could ride over and over?

Yeah, I don't think the problem is with "Magical Moments" going to other guests, but when the over-the-top catering to a particular guest comes at the expense of other guests enjoying their visit. The OP mentioned a case where one of these Instagram moms was blocking people from access to a meet-and-greet line, saying it was for special guests only. That's a huge problem, but I don't think it's a case of Disney "allowing it to happen" because they're getting free publicity. The negative sentiments expressed by the OP who witnessed these things first hand is much greater than any positive sentiments gained from an Instagram photo. I think it's much more likely that Disney (anyone who matters) is unaware that this is going on. It's probably just frontline CMs who are social media fanbois and girls themselves not doing what they're supposed to do.

 

[NowInc]

What did WDW not do for you that you are seemingly so outraged over this? Who exactly are "these types of guests" you keep mentioning and how are you aware of the supposed special treatment? I agree, doing something once or twice to help your daughter overcome her shyness is one thing, making her a media sensation for the purpose of continually getting special treatment is a completely different ballgame. This however, is not new. Wasn't there a boy a while back that rode Snow White like thousands of times with every CM making sure he could ride over and over?

I expressed outrage? Not sure thats exactly the case here, but believe what you want. If you feel attacking my QUESTION over something I have been observing with my own eyes and asked others opinions about on a forum as outrage, then so be it.

How am I aware of it? By observing it, as stated just one sentance prior, with my own eyes. I have seen people been given far less of an experience so that others can get their instagram fame. This has zero bearing on myself, as I have no kids, nor any desire to meet characters. I was simply asking if others feel its becoming an issue, as my opinion is that it is. The reason I asked was to MAYBE get some mature enlightenment on the situation, but as expected everyone goes and assumes that I am somehow jealous of this.

Oh well...I tried having an adult conversation...I should have known better.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

They all "know" her. They (CMs) also give her "inside info" as to when special unannounced characters are going to be out (so she can be sure to be in the appropriate dress when she arrives).

This is the biggest problem with the whole thing, and I can't imagine that it's a sanctioned policy by management. Let's not forget that these frontliners (especially the CPs) aren't necessarily the most professional folks our society has to offer.

 

[FettFan]

Clicky! http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/unmagical-day-at-the-magic-kingdom.881147/

 

[Sage of Time]

I'm offended that you think this about me and I demand compensation for these actions.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

I'm offended that you think this about me and I demand compensation for these actions.

A little microagressive there, aren't you?

 

[Sage of Time]

A little microagressive there, aren't you?

This is only qualifying that everything said here warrants further compensation and special treatment for the ordeal that this thread is for those who are sadly without compensation for everything in their lives. SHAME UPON YOU.

(in case this isn't clear, I'm JOKING and agree with the OP. )

 

[rob0519]

I expressed outrage? Not sure thats exactly the case here, but believe what you want. If you feel attacking my QUESTION over something I have been observing with my own eyes and asked others opinions about on a forum as outrage, then so be it.

How am I aware of it? By observing it, as stated just one sentance prior, with my own eyes. I have seen people been given far less of an experience so that others can get their instagram fame. This has zero bearing on myself, as I have no kids, nor any desire to meet characters. I was simply asking if others feel its becoming an issue, as my opinion is that it is. The reason I asked was to MAYBE get some mature enlightenment on the situation, but as expected everyone goes and assumes that I am somehow jealous of this.

Oh well...I tried having an adult conversation...I should have known better.

Ok, I'll apologize for using the word outraged. Let's change it to focused. How many "people" are you talking about? 2? 5? 10? 12? Out of the millions of guests that visit the park every year there are bound to be a number of parents who go out of their way to make sure their specail little snowflake gets extra attention. Is it right? No. It happens.

Do I feel bad for the kids, my son included, that see the special treatment and wonder why (insert character name here) pays attention to the cute three year old in the princess costume and not them? Sure I do. There are Type A personalities in all environments, media, amusement parks, schools, churches, etc. that try to set themselves or their familys apart in order to get special attention and favors. And to your original question, of course entitlement is an issue, but it's existed at WDW for decades in one form or another.

 

[freediverdude]

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.

This sounds like the woman just likes to sew, and made some dresses for her daughter and put their experience on their Instagram account. But then a LOT of people saw it, and created a lot of buzz over "how can I get that experience for my kid, can I have the patterns for the dresses, can you give me instructions, etc." trying to get the perfect Disney experience for their own child. This then seems to have created a little mini-culture among these people of trying to create a special experience by emulating this lady. It's just very typical of some parents who overdo the whole Disney thing to try to make their child's experience perfect and better than others.

From Disney's standpoint, once this became a "thing", they should have adhered to a policy of no special treatment at meet and greets just because your child has a special costume, for the most part. That would help put a damper on it. Now if this one lady does have a special working relationship with Disney and their blog, that's a bit different as far as certain visits might be more like "work visits". But all the hangers-on should all be treated as just normal guests, with maybe the character commenting on what a nice costume, but no extra time given.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

However, it is no longer a cute girl in a homemade dress, it's a girl with her media group, and it's uncalled for.

And this is exactly why momma bear's "FAQ" post on her Instagram is a steaming pile of horse hockey.

 

[Goofyernmost]

Here are the pictures people are referring to - https://instagram.com/ferdalump

OK, I guess. Yes, this little lady did get to do quite a lot. I'm not sure that there is anything there that happened that wouldn't have happened for you if you had asked. Regular CM's are happy to pose with families, especially cute little girls, but they will do that for anyone that asks. Her mother made her some special outfits? Have her shot. Sorry, I don't see a problem with that. Time with a character... well stand in line for a couple of hours and you will get the same ability and picture opportunity. It's just a matter of perspective. Nothing about those pictures or labels talks about 20 minutes with anyone, but, even if it did... where is the proof that it's true. So, it seems to me that the only one with entitlement issues is yourself, @NowInc . They have put in the effort and got the results. Might be something to be learned from that.