Teen denied entry to AK for outfit....

[Lynn1030]

I live in Tallahassee, FL and this was on our local news last night. Not sure if it was because they thought it was controversial enough to be covered on the news in a city that's over 3 hours away...or nothing interesting was happening here so they had to get some news from somewhere. Either way, I laughed the entire time, so kudos to them for providing some entertainment value.

 

[bubbles1812]

Not looking for argument, but reasoning. So if this costume were on another 15 year old girl who was over weight, would she still be denied access, or allowed because she does not look like the small petit Tinkerbell? Is that not wrong?

If she still had the costume on that was very similar to how Tinkerbelle looks, then I'm guessing she would still be asked to change...again, it's in the park's policy! Little kids could still get confused and its still a safety issue. And she could still act rude and "non Disney" like and people could still complain. Heck, they could even complain that Tinkerbelle didn't look enough like Tinkerbelle because she was overweight (which would be sad, but its still something I could see people doing). I think your stretching this scenario way too far at this point. The girl didn't read the park's policy.

I saw your picture from earlier...in no way would anyone mistake you for Jack Sparrow, no offense. You weren't wearing his full outfit. You had a somewhat similar hat on, that's it. But I'm guessing if you had come to the parks dressed fully as him, you would have been asked to change. Your daughter's outfit didn't look at all like the official Tink costume either...I'm not saying it looked bad; I'm just saying it didn't look like Tink's costume, especially with those sleeves. She also as far as I could tell from that pic, didn't have very much makeup on the way the girl from the news story did. Whiny teen girl also had a much more similar costume to the official Tink's and with the makeup on, it hid her age to a degree. It's not a public property, it's private. Disney has the right to make its own rules. End of story. You may think that Disney is a playground of imagination or whatever you were saying earlier but Disney still has to have rules to ensure that everyone, not just you has a good time, and to ensure everyone's safety. And if a person's happiness really hinges on wearing a costume...I honestly have to idea what to tell them except to say that is ridiculous.

 

[slappy magoo]

I wonder if they would ask Kate Middleton to leave if she showed up?...I mean, she would be dressed like a princess no matter what she had on.

No, she'd BE a princess dressed like one of you commoners.

 

[mickey2008.1]

I don't think that any physical attributes were taken into account other than she could confuse young children. Just imagine if they let someone in dressed like a character and they started running through the park slapping people on the face. A majority of the people would probably think that it was a cast member gone wild and immediately contact a lawyer. This is more about Disney protecting it's image and license rights.

I wish that was true, but as many have said, she looked too much like Tink. I get your point if somebody was wearing a Mickey head or Goofy outfit with the plastic/costume head, but this is a 15 year old without a full blown costume. Just for thought. I have seen many people at different times of the year dressed up as a character very well done, but they were not of the right size or age. I guess it's just up to management to figure out. For me and my family, it's a lesson learned to not and try to dress up. We have a five year anniversary trip planned, and we were going to dress up and renew our vows, that is now not going to happen.

 

[bubbles1812]

I wish that was true, but as many have said, she looked too much like Tink. I get your point if somebody was wearing a Mickey head or Goofy outfit with the plastic/costume head, but this is a 15 year old without a full blown costume. Just for thought. I have seen many people at different times of the year dressed up as a character very well done, but they were not of the right size or age. I guess it's just up to management to figure out. For me and my family, it's a lesson learned to not and try to dress up. We have a five year anniversary trip planned, and we were going to dress up and renew our vows, that is now not going to happen.

She had a full blown costume on...she had the outfit (no it wasnt exact but close enough), she had makeup on, hair to look like tinkerbelle, i dont remember if she had wings but i think she did.

And you were going to dress up as characters to renew your vows? Like you were going to renew your vows in the park? Is that even allowed? Or were you planning to rent something within the park? I'm guessing if you were in a privately rented area they'd let you do that, as long as you were away from other regular guests and put on your costume there...or if you were at a resort in a private area...but still, just curious, I'm not actually trying to be mean at all, why would you want to dress up as characters to renew your vows? Wouldnt you want to be "yourselves" for something that important?

 

[HDS]

I completely understand and agree with Disney on this.

One year I was on my honeymoon, my wife and I dressed up for MNSSHP but we had some time to kill before it started so we went to DTD in costume. We were in costume early because I was dressed as Jack Sparrow and it takes a long time to even do my hair (No wigs or glue on face hair). We got to MK at 4pm and being they had not removed the no-event ticketed people yet, As soon as I stepped on Main Street I was bombarded with kids and parents wanting to take photos...The line formed. Have you ever heard of the word "glomped"? I was once and it about broke my back. Anyways.. a CM (blue button shirt one) came to my rescue. So yes, I'm with Disney on this, sorry 15 yr old tinker Bell girl.

Shameless plug, here are some photos from that trip, best Honeymoon ever! =D
http://www.captnjacksparrow.com/DisneyWorld2007/index.htm

 

[sgtmgd]

Not looking for argument, but reasoning. So if this costume were on another 15 year old girl who was over weight, would she still be denied access, or allowed because she does not look like the small petit Tinkerbell? Is that not wrong?

I think MOM said it best...some will slip through...but Im guessing Disney like any other large corporation have some employees/quality control folks that are more zealous than others. Not sure where this rule is published but IM guessing Disney will make more an effort to put this rule out there to the masses. They didnt make the girl or her boyfriend leave....they got them clothes to cover up the outfits and they were allowed to resume their day..

 

[Ignohippo]

I wish that was true, but as many have said, she looked too much like Tink. I get your point if somebody was wearing a Mickey head or Goofy outfit with the plastic/costume head, but this is a 15 year old without a full blown costume. Just for thought. I have seen many people at different times of the year dressed up as a character very well done, but they were not of the right size or age. I guess it's just up to management to figure out. For me and my family, it's a lesson learned to not and try to dress up. We have a five year anniversary trip planned, and we were going to dress up and renew our vows, that is now not going to happen.

I don't understand your reasoning. Whether a costume is well done or not, it could still confuse children into coming up to a stranger. How were you going to "dress up"? There's nothing against dressing up, just as long as you don't look like a character. Mouse ears, etc. are still no problem.

To finally say what has been tip-toed around, what if a child molester dresses up like Jack Sparrow and walks around WDW. Would you be okay with that? Many times kidnappers are couples. What if it were Cinderella and Prince Charming? At some point, Disney Management has to draw the line for safety if nothing else.

This isn't about Disney trying to stop people from taking the limelight away from their characters and show. This is about Disney trying to keep the millions of children who visit their parks each year safe.

Big, big, big kudos to Disney for trying to make the best out of the situation and getting them new clothing, fast passes, etc. They didn't have to do anything. As for the girl, I doubt it took "hours" to put her hair up in a bun and put on some eyeliner. At the least, put on a Disney t-shirt and go have fun. I'm sorry sweetheart, but you really need to get a grip. Someone has done you a real disservice.

 

[Ignohippo]

I completely understand and agree with Disney on this.

One year I was on my honeymoon, my wife and I dressed up for MNSSHP but we had some time to kill before it started so we went to DTD in costume. We were in costume early because I was dressed as Jack Sparrow and it takes a long time to even do my hair (No wigs or glue on face hair). We got to MK at 4pm and being they had not removed the no-event ticketed people yet, As soon as I stepped on Main Street I was bombarded with kids and parents wanting to take photos...The line formed. Have you ever heard of the word "glomped"? I was once and it about broke my back. Anyways.. a CM (blue button shirt one) came to my rescue. So yes, I'm with Disney on this, sorry 15 yr old tinker Bell girl.

Shameless plug, here are some photos from that trip, best Honeymoon ever! =D
http://www.captnjacksparrow.com/DisneyWorld2007/index.htm

Wow! Great costume! No wonder you were mobbed.

 

[mickey2008.1]

I know the pictures I posted were not even comparable to dressing up, it was done in sarcasm. As for dressing up for vows, it would be at Grand Floridian and then spend the day in MK. And we have already started having our costumes custom made to look like Snow White and the four dwarfs (I know, seven, but there is only four kids) It's not the dwarf costumes that would matter, but Snow White and me.

 

[HDS]

Wow! Great costume! No wonder you were mobbed.

Thanks! but it was scary kinda mobbed =O

On a second time I was the Mad Hatter last year at MNSSHP and was mobbed by some really rude British kids, to the point of them tugging on my costume. So a word to the wise if you go early to the event in a nice costume.

 

[Ignohippo]

I know the pictures I posted were not even comparable to dressing up, it was done in sarcasm. As for dressing up for vows, it would be at Grand Floridian and then spend the day in MK. And we have already started having our costumes custom made to look like Snow White and the four dwarfs (I know, seven, but there is only four kids) It's not the dwarf costumes that would matter, but Snow White and me.

That sounds fantastic! Maybe you can dress up in full costume for the ceremony but then wear a Disney t-shirt in the park. I'm sure it would probably be okay of you still wore the dress and hair style, as long as guests could differentiate you as a guest and not the actual character.

What about making sashes the say "Wedding Party" or something?

 

[The Mom]

I know the pictures I posted were not even comparable to dressing up, it was done in sarcasm. As for dressing up for vows, it would be at Grand Floridian and then spend the day in MK. And we have already started having our costumes custom made to look like Snow White and the four dwarfs (I know, seven, but there is only four kids) It's not the dwarf costumes that would matter, but Snow White and me.

According to the rules, you may be denied entrance for being over 10 and wearing a costume. Not shall (which is an absolute) but may (which requires someone making a judgement.) So it's up to you to decide whether or not you want to take the risk, knowing that you might meet someone who will decide that no exception will be made in your case.

As someone mentioned earlier, does WDW want to deny a Make-A-Wish kid the chance to wear a costume, just because the rule exists? Or did they write it in such a way that it can be applied depending upon the circumstances, and a CM can use a little common sense?

 

[bubbles1812]

I know the pictures I posted were not even comparable to dressing up, it was done in sarcasm. As for dressing up for vows, it would be at Grand Floridian and then spend the day in MK. And we have already started having our costumes custom made to look like Snow White and the four dwarfs (I know, seven, but there is only four kids) It's not the dwarf costumes that would matter, but Snow White and me.

Your kids might be able to where a costume...though that depends on how old they are and also as long as you aren't having them wear masks. But if your wife was going full blown Snow White (ie the black wig, yellow/blue dress, ect), I'm guessing that would be a very big no from Disney. And it's understandable. I'm sure you and your wife are no threat but again, as Ignohippo pointed out, if they make exceptions for you, they have to make exceptions for everyone...and that's honestly just asking for child molesters to come out, not to mention even your safety...do you want to get mobbed by tons of kids and confused parents?

You can still have an enjoyable day without wearing the costumes...get the mickey bride and groom mouse ears. Since you are renewing your vows, I think its legitimate to get those. You'll be treated special by CMs and you don't have to worry about getting kicked out for a stupid reason like a costume. I'd guess you can wear your costume at the Grand Floridian provided you are away from other guests who could confuse you for the real deal

 

[Cornballman]

This whole thread cracks me up!:ROFLOL:

 

[Jimmy Thick]

Must have been a slow news day to have someone actually write a story about this. I would assume people get barred from entry everyday at the parks, to call it newsworthy is a little disturbing.



Jimmy Thick-Whats next, reporting when stalls run out of toiletpaper?

 

[Flip83]

They ruined my dreams. I just wanted to be Tinkerbell.. If you are 15, and your dream is to be Tinkerbell, you have bigger issues LOL...

It is policy... end of story.. I agree with park officials on that one...

Hahahaha!

 

[Cornballman]

Must have been a slow news day to have someone actually write a story about this. I would assume people get barred from entry everyday at the parks, to call it newsworthy is a little disturbing.



Jimmy Thick-Whats next, reporting when stalls run out of toiletpaper?

That's an interesting thought. Any CM's on here have any idea how many people are not allowed daily or even yearly into and theme parks for any reason? I bet it's thousands!

 

[Lucky]

Must have been a slow news day to have someone actually write a story about this. I would assume people get barred from entry everyday at the parks, to call it newsworthy is a little disturbing.



Jimmy Thick-Whats next, reporting when stalls run out of toiletpaper?

I don't know what news you get, but even the major networks and top national newspapers are filled with trivia these days. This is pretty typical.

 

[case88]

My family and I saw tink and peter being escorted from the Park by a CM. I couldn't believe they actually made it past the entrance. When we saw them, we were standing at the coffee stand at the entrance of Discovery Island and they were being escorted back toward the Oasis.

My mother in law grabs my 5 year old and says, "Look, there's Tinkerbell!" I knew the duo was a phony and commented on how I couldn't believe they had made it that far into the park. My mother in law had no idea - so even though us here could spot the difference, I'm sure many, espcially kids, would be confused.

I can't believe they weren't stopped at the gate...and I can't believe the free merch and fastpasses! If they wanted to stay, they should have had to buy their own clothes.