Weight time vs. wait time...should disney be setting a better example?

[jmicro59]

Are you kidding me?!?!? What are we doing as a society here?
Look, your fat, skinny, bald, hairy, tall, short, Asian, black, white, Brazilian, Canadian, American or whatever, just chill out with this kind of stuff. Disney offers all types of choices of food and beverages. No one at WDW is standing there telling you need to pick one or the other. You want to eat healthy and to your liking, then bring a lunch box when you visit the parks. And if you think you need a scooter or a wheelchair then get one and use it till the cows come home. Who cares? I certainly don’t.
Just enjoy your time on this rock and move on. You all have got to have something better to do, right?

 

[sublimesting]

I feel I can address this because my mother must use a scooter when we're at Disney World. My mom is 67 years old and has had both knees replaced due to arthritis, she simply cannot walk or stand for extended periods of time. If not for the scooter, she could not enjoy the parks at all. As far as the line thing goes, I'm not an expert, but one of the reasons folks in the scooters are taken ahead in line is because the scooters cannot physically navigate through some of the lines and since most folks are using the scooter for a legitimate reason, they are not able to stand for extended periods either. So, they're given the benefit of the doubt.

Sometimes it's difficult to tell from outward observation if someone has a legitimate handicap or if they're simply lazy or overweight or both. I agree that it's not really fair for those who've simply let themselves become overweight and unhealthy out of self-negligence to have an advantage, but the truth is it's difficult to judge that without enough information so I try not to do so.

I still see no reason for a scooter to go to front of line. They can use one of those line timers for the person the scooter should have been behind. When that person gets on the ride, then the scooter person and their families can get on next. I don't care about scooters but I do cae very much when they roll up at the last second and they and their families take a whole bus I have been waiting 25 minutes for (which happened 3 times on my last trip) or they get right onto a ride.

 

[miles1]

We as a society began to lose our freedoms the minute we expected institutions both public (govt) and private (corporations) to do ANYTHING for us. They have taken smoking away from us (for our health), made us wear seatbelts and motorcycle helmets (for our health) etc... Now we are presently discussing whether or not Disney should offer healthier options for dining.

The key word here is "options". You're absolutely right, I don't expect them to eliminate everything that may be remotely unhealthy, but it's nice to have some tasty food that isn't fat-laden. I enjoy a good cheeseburger too, but I wouldn't eat them for every meal for 5 or 7 days.

I loved the many "messages" in WALL-E too. (Particularly the jab at the big box store that rhymes with HALLFART). I just hope they didn't go over the head of my 7 year old.

As for the scooters, I don't pass judgment on the folks that use them. I have no idea what type of disability they have, and its really none of my business. It's always very possible that they gained weight AFTER suffering a disability. As I stated in another thread, I spent 3 months in a wheelchair; I cannot imagine that anyone would do it by choice.

 

[KingStefan]

There has been some discussion on whether Wall-E made a few not so subtle comparisons to the all the scooters at WDW. The humans in Wall-E on the floating chairs as compared with the scooters of today.

Your comment is interesting (I have not seen Wall-E yet), but I think that you can see you opened pandora's box again after four months of peace and silence on this already-too-long thread!

 

[XaiChai]

A lot of times we see overweight people on scooters skipping through the lines and we're like "oh, they're just fat" but we never really know. We always assume that a person can stand in the sun or wait in line even if theyre on a scooter but its just us assuming. We shouldn't complain about that sort of stuff cause we don't really know...for all you know the person gets really bad panic attacks and can't stand even in the smallest lines. We shouldnt let it take away from our vacations.

 

[Buried20KLeague]

I'll add an observation here...

We just got back from Tokyo Disney a few weeks ago. The one major difference that stuck out to us (aside from no one speaking the same language as us :lol was the size of the space in the ques. The width between the bars you waited in line between, basically.

Let's just say that there is literally absolutely NO WAY that a large percentage of Americans could fit in those ques. Not without a shoehorn, and a good amount of embarassment. :lookaroun

 

[AndyMagic]

My problem with food choices at the quick-service places (everywhere, not just Disney) is that you basically have two options; something flavorless but incredibly healthy or a tub of lard. What happened to moderation? Why can't I have a burger but have it be a lean piece of meat instead of primarily made of fat? Why not offer big hearty salads instead of mixed greens with non-fat dressings? The side-orders are just as ridiculous. "Would you like a side of 2 carrots or crispy oil soaked french-fries?" Well actually, I'd like something a little in between those two extremes! I understand it costs more to make things healthier but sometimes I think the 20 cents more you would theoretically pay for the better quality is worth it. In the end the issue isn't that the places don't offer a healthy alternative. It's that the healthy alternatives are gross and not nearly hearty enough to satisfy anyone. I'm 5 11" and a lean 155 pounds. I work out and eat sensible foods but in Disney World (and other theme parks) I always get chicken fingers and burgers and pizza. It isn't that I am just splurging because I'm on vacation. It's that I want to be satisfied and for a 24 year-old guy, a mixed green salad doesn't cut it.

 

[Ausdaddy]

Nevermind.

 

[AndyMagic]

A lot of times we see overweight people on scooters skipping through the lines and we're like "oh, they're just fat" but we never really know. We always assume that a person can stand in the sun or wait in line even if theyre on a scooter but its just us assuming. We shouldn't complain about that sort of stuff cause we don't really know...for all you know the person gets really bad panic attacks and can't stand even in the smallest lines. We shouldnt let it take away from our vacations.

I understand what you're saying but I think it would be a little shortsighted to think this world is perfect and that all the scooter people are honest and really have some sort of disability that makes it hard for them to stand in line. I'm sure plenty of them really do have a disability but there also those that are taking advantage. And yes, technically we'll "never know" but there is no reason to assume that the scooter people are any different than the rest of society. Some are good and some take advantage. It's life I guess but that doesn't mean I should feel bad for grumbling under my breath when a 500 pound man holding a turkey leg in each hand glides by me in line and hops on the ride.

 

[KingStefan]

I understand what you're saying but I think it would be a little shortsighted to think this world is perfect and that all the scooter people are honest and really have some sort of disability and are unable to stand in line. I'm sure plenty of them really do have a disability but there also those that are taking advantage. And yes, technically we'll "never know" but there is no reason to assume that the scooter people are any different than the rest of society. Some are good and some take advantage. It's life I guess but that doesn't mean I should feel bad for grumbling under my breath when a 500 pound man holding a turkey leg in each hand glides by me in line and hops on the ride.

AFAIK, "Scooter people" do not get to the front of the line automatically. You have to have a special accomodations pass from GR (can't remember what they are called - somebody help me out here, please). And not all passes are equal. Some of them merely let you wait at the front of the line until the rest of your party pass the queue. Sometimes there is a special waiting area, etc. Many of the modern queues can accomodate the scooters. CMs are instructed to accomodate people only as necessary.

 

[sandicinderelli]

You have to have a special accomodations pass from GR (can't remember what they are called - somebody help me out here, please).

Guest Assistance Cards are available from Guest Relations. They are helpful to have just in case a disability is not visibly evident.

I'm not sure what the requirements are to request one, but if you have a disability and you are not in a wheelchair, it will help identify to cast members that you have a disability, and then they can accommodate you or escort you to special sections like the disability viewing for parades.

Hope this helps!

To respond to the topic, I've noticed the trend as well, but I've also noticed that recently Disney has been making decisions to help people eat healthier at the World. In fact, they took the Nestle ice cream bars out of the parks because of the transfat content. I think it's a step in the right direction because it can't all be done overnight.

 

[AndyMagic]

AFAIK, "Scooter people" do not get to the front of the line automatically. You have to have a special accomodations pass from GR (can't remember what they are called - somebody help me out here, please). And not all passes are equal. Some of them merely let you wait at the front of the line until the rest of your party pass the queue. Sometimes there is a special waiting area, etc. Many of the modern queues can accomodate the scooters. CMs are instructed to accomodate people only as necessary.

I am aware there are different kinds of passes but it isn't like there is a medical examination before the passes are handed out so to think people can't/won't take advantage would be silly. It's no different than people with handicap parking stickers on their cars who have no disability at all. Somehow people find a way to get them through sneaky means from their grandparents or other ways. It's sad but true.

 

[kimmychad]

I'll add an observation here...

We just got back from Tokyo Disney a few weeks ago. The one major difference that stuck out to us (aside from no one speaking the same language as us :lol was the size of the space in the ques. The width between the bars you waited in line between, basically.

Let's just say that there is literally absolutely NO WAY that a large percentage of Americans could fit in those ques. Not without a shoehorn, and a good amount of embarassment. :lookaroun

and how is this different from wdw? :ROFLOL:

 

[mickeymagic92]

disney should not take fault for providing popular food items, if people wish to eat badly then let them although i have been seeing a recent upcoming of healthier options however

 

[DougK]

I am aware there are different kinds of passes but it isn't like there is a medical examination before the passes are handed out so to think people can't/won't take advantage would be silly. It's no different than people with handicap parking stickers on their cars who have no disability at all. Somehow people find a way to get them through sneaky means from their grandparents or other ways. It's sad but true.

I have a handicap placard. I have also had a liver/kidney transplant but since I don't use a wheelchair or scooter in the parks you would not know of my condition just by looking at me, unless you would notice that I walk slowly and take plenty of rests. I could easily and legitimately use a scooter or a wheelchair. I would hate to think people would think I was being "sneaky". The point is, please don't judge a book by it's cover.

 

[Missymoe4]

Hello all,

Just one thing to say personal responsibility ..... You have the right to eat what you want and do what you want (within limits and rules) but I have gone to many reasturants and a majority offer healthly choices (salads , fruit, etc. ) If you choose to have a deep fried choice rather than a salad its your choice, Its not a corporation such as Disney to just offer healthy choices. I have a daughter who is battling a weight problem as well as I do too and we are working on making better choices as far as eating and it is our responsibilty to make those choices. As a socitey we are always looking for somebody else to blame but ourselves. I take full responsibilty when it comes to what I eat and how i live and stop blaming everything and everybody for personal bad choices. So if there is a salad or hamburger on a menu its my choice and I live with the consequences

This is exactly my point. It is the individual's responsibility.

I have been overweight almost my entire life. This year, however, I took a stand for myself and changed my eating habits. I follow weight watchers, but also practice severe portion control. In just over six months, I have lost 45 pounds. I have learned that no matter where you are in this vast world (whether you are in Disney or your own backyard), if you want to eat healthy, YOU have to make the correct choices. It is not the responsibility of Disney or any other restaurant.

Although I do wish Disney would provide a few more healthy choices, I am aware that I will have to practice portion control if I wish not to gain weight while on vacation. I think that many of us choose to blame people/restaurants/etc. instead of taking the issue into our own hands. I can certainly say that Disney is NOT forcing unhealthy food down my mouth, I'm doing that on my own choosing. The responsibilty and choices are ours to make. Also, I do know that since I've become so health conscious, I will search high and low, and maybe even make special requests (ie: no cheese, no butter, etc) instead of accepting what is being handed to me.

However, regardless if Disney served more healthy items than not, the choice is still in the individual's hands.

 

[KingStefan]

This is exactly my point. It is the individual's responsibility.

I have been overweight almost my entire life. This year, however, I took a stand for myself and changed my eating habits. I follow weight watchers, but also practice severe portion control. In just over six months, I have lost 45 pounds. I have learned that no matter where you are in this vast world (whether you are in Disney or your own backyard), if you want to eat healthy, YOU have to make the correct choices. It is not the responsibility of Disney or any other restaurant.

Although I do wish Disney would provide a few more healthy choices, I am aware that I will have to practice portion control if I wish not to gain weight while on vacation. I think that many of us choose to blame people/restaurants/etc. instead of taking the issue into our own hands. I can certainly say that Disney is NOT forcing unhealthy food down my mouth, I'm doing that on my own choosing. The responsibilty and choices are ours to make. Also, I do know that since I've become so health conscious, I will search high and low, and maybe even make special requests (ie: no cheese, no butter, etc) instead of accepting what is being handed to me.

However, regardless if Disney served more healthy items than not, the choice is still in the individual's hands.

Bravo! Well said!

 

[Javier Boughton]

you always have a choice of what and where to eat.

take in tomorrowland where there is the noodle station and the other restaurant with 3 independent kitchens serving wraps, salads, soups etc..

epcot? the same...almost all of the countries have a healty choice.

so IT IS THE CHOICE of the individual person and their responsability..not Disneys..

i was there a couple of weeks (both univeral and disney) and it is really annoying that they enter through the exit as handicapped, takes more time for the ride to depart, have to change rows that are custom made to acomodate them (hulk, for example)...

and at the end...you see that their choice of meals are bbq ribs and deep fried foods.

i do understand that sometimes it is more of a hormone issue that people are overweight...but i also believe that most of the times, is just because they eat a lot..

i do have like 20 pounds or so extra in me, but I try to keep everything balanced so i dont explode ...yes people..the change from 32 to 34 pants is very dramatic..

so people...dont rent electric cars, take the park on foot, eat healthy and enjoy life!

 

[iheartdisney91]

no its not a good idea. seeing that disney's "unhealthy food" is the BEST ever. hahah plus the money disney makes on food would most likely decrease....

 

[Javier Boughton]

no its not a good idea. seeing that disney's "unhealthy food" is the BEST ever. hahah plus the money disney makes on food would most likely decrease....

but is a burger really that bad?
rotisserie chicken?
chicken sandwich?
salads?

whats unhealthy are the sided...tipically fries...

has anyone notice that when you order a burger you have to side options? fries or vegetables?...if you dont specify they default to fries...

maybe that IS something that disney can do...default to a healthier side if none was chosen.