Today show does a follow up on the "Rich Manhattan Moms"

[smk]

I hope these people have their disability checks pulled out from underneath them asap. I would bet my last dollar that they are not reporting this income, they are nothing but cheats and liars. Strong words I know.

I don't know how Disney is going to solve this problem short of making everyone needing a GAC to prove the relationship of their traveling party. Those documents can be faked as well, if someone has the time and money to do it well. BIG problem in my opinion.

 

[bsiev1977]

Yes. I realize that. These people on the TODAY show were interviewed and "secretly" taped because what they're doing is simply WRONG. IMHO.

I agree with you totally. I guess I got confused since your post I responded to was a response where someone mentioned the official, sanctioned Disney VIP Tour services. I absolutely agree that the people who rent themselves out to able-bodied families should be ashamed if themselves. I hope Disney really does crack down on them, and hand them lifetime bans from the parks.

 

[pluto13]

This is horrific how that family abused the system.

 

[luv]

Disney is not going to crack down on anything.

 

[Todd L]

IF they I would be truly saddened (and a bit angered). I was born physically handicapped, have only used a GAC once and am currently fighting to get on Disability (standing up in my prosthetic for 8 hours+ isn't always fun or easy) and yet I don't take advantage of anyone in that way.

People like those two make me sick as they make things harder for those of us that ARE disabled.

Exactly and it seems that people are already saying that the Girl in the story is on Disability...Id bet you $100 that he is too.

Seems insane that they are able to get it when people in need go without!!

 

[Todd L]

Then why don't these folks just apply to be a "legit" tour guide and make money the HONEST way!

Honesty is for suckers like you and me!! God, I hope that these two idiots are made examples of.

The story said the girl gets $50 and Hour and the Guy Gets a Flat fee Of $200..More than Disney pays Im sure!!

I hope they are Permanently removed from Disney property and If they Are Collecting Disability insurance I hope the government rakes them over the coals!!

 

[todd23]

I think the main issue here stems from the fact that people are using the GAC get to "skip ahead" in line. I don't think it is intended to better your place in line, but obviously it is if these "tour guides" are exploiting that advantage.

 

[NowInc]

Its a pretty simple solution actually. Make the person with the GAC take a headshot picture when registering. If the same headshot keeps popping up, it would be REALLY easy to figure out he or she doesn't have 93843 relatives visiting disney all year.

 

[Todd L]

How are the rich taking advantage of the system? Disney is providing the VIP tour guides. If some rich family wants to pay upwards of $300 an hour to use a service Disney is providing it's part of the system.

I think she meant the craigslist guides featured on The Today show story...Not the Disney v.i.p. tour.

 

[dadddio]

Disney is not going to crack down on anything.

I agree. If any change happens related to this, it will be changing the way that GAC users wait in line to ensure that their wait is as long as the regular line.

 

[MickeyPeace]

I don't see why people with this card get to skip a line along with a group that they bring along. Why not have a line for them that is more comfortable (shaded, air) where they wait like everyone else. That would cut down on the abuse quite a bit I would think. And restrict it to one guest who can accompany the disabled.

 

[smk]

I like the headshot idea. Their whole family could be photographed too. I mean how many "relatives" can one person have? Too many people abuse the system they way it is set up now, something has to change.

 

[Master Yoda]

I don't see why people with this card get to skip a line along with a group that they bring along. Why not have a line for them that is more comfortable (shaded, air) where they wait like everyone else. That would cut down on the abuse quite a bit I would think. And restrict it to one guest who can accompany the disabled.

The GAC, as it is set up, has to cover a myriad of situations. Several of those are simply not being able to sit, stand or wait for extended periods. This could cover anything from autism to spinal chord injuries.

 

[Goofyernmost]

This is horrific how that family abused the system.

You do realize that the family in question was actually attempting to expose the system, not abuse it. Other families that are just there to get in quick are the abusers. You didn't see them.

 

[muteki]

Disney is not going to crack down on anything.

It's amazing they responded at all.

 

[dadddio]

It's amazing they responded at all.

It's in the news, so they had to say something. No one would have liked it if they had simply said that this was a bummer, but not an actual violation of any policy, so instead we get 'We're looking into it'.

 

[toasty]

Actually, Disney has plenty of incentive to do something about this. Apart from just the just repugnant nature of the abuse, these "tour guides" are competing with a similar service that they offer, and are doing unauthorized business on their property. For purely selfish reasons, they are going to want to shut this down.

 

[TRONorail10]

There are very few medical cases that would warrant somebody not being able to wait in a queue line. If such a disability is severe enough, I think GAC should require a doctor's note stating what the disability is. Most queues and attractions at WDW (not necessarily DL) are handicap accessible and meet ADA guidelines. GAC should only be issued for disabilities that fall outside of what Disney has already accommodated for in ADA.

 

[muteki]

Actually, Disney has plenty of incentive to do something about this. Apart from just the just repugnant nature of the abuse, these "tour guides" are competing with a similar service that they offer, and are doing unauthorized business on their property. For purely selfish reasons, they are going to want to shut this down.

Because they cracked down so hard on Lou?

 

[toasty]

Because they cracked down so hard on Lou?

I think he's kinda a special case, sort of a symbiotic, mutual back-scratching thing. When's the last time you heard Lou utter a seriously negative sentiment about anything created by the Disney company? I feel like they have an "arrangement," probably a wink and a nod sort of thing, but perhaps something more formal, where Disney looks the other way for him as long as he continues to promote their brand. He is as strident a cheerleader for Disney as anyone out there.

Contrast that with Jim Hill, who has no problem being critical of Disney, and who did get shut down from operating tours, as I recall...

Admittedly, I have nothing to back this up other than my own speculation, but I suspect that Disney looks at a guy like Lou and concludes that he's doing so much to help promote the brand that it's worth allowing him some leeway.