What if Disney went dry......

[phillip9698]

A big reason me and my wife like Disney is they have a wide variety of unique food and beverages in a relatively small area. If they took away the alcohol options it would out a damper on our trip. We aren't there to get drunk or anything but it's nice to try things you wouldn't have easy access to otherwise.

 

[The_Jobu]

People don't fight, swear or puke, when they eat, no matter what size they are, but some do when they're intoxicated. Apples and oranges.

Ah, I see you’ve never been to a Vegas buffet

 

[Po'Rich]

Agree with the exception of world showcase

I agree. I do like to be able to try different drinks from around the world in World Showcase. Except for that, the parks could be dry.

Oh, I also like the rum dole whips in Africa. Except for that and World Showcase, the parks could be dry.

And I do like to have a drink while at Hollywood Studios. . .

So, ultimately, I'm okay if Magic Kingdom remained dry.

 

[Janir]

Plenty. That’s a typical scenario later in the evening. We will also tell each other and/or a manager so the whole bar (if it’s a multiple bar establishment) knows. Many people are locals and regulars, and we all know how they behave. There are plenty of over-indulging tourists as well, it’s Florida.

Sometimes we will alert nearby bars if it’s bad enough.

One place I worked, one of the first things I learned was it was OK to cut off the owner; he expects it and you won’t get fired. That happened routinely. Sometimes he’d go home (never driving.) Sometimes we’d have to go collect him from another bar.

Now try to apply that to all of EPCOT. You can't get the word out on drunk person xyz, from say Italy to UK very easily as with in a bar or even a small cluster of bars. You kinda need security at the 'bars' that can identify the bad drunks and immediately escort them out.

 

[DimpledDevil18]

When I'm at Disney and walking through the parks in temperatures above 90 degrees and riding amusement park rides, alcohol is definitely not the first thing I want. With that being said though I am on vacation and part of vacation to me is being able to relax and imbibe in things I don't usually imbibe in when I'm at home. I've only been to Disney twice since I was 21 and on both occasions I have enjoyed an occasional drink with dinner or had a drink at night while watching one of the shows. I like having the option, but then again Disney is not the kind of place I want to get drunk in.

Now other vacations are a different story... lol But bottom line is I would be upset if I couldn't get my Grey Goose slushie in France.

 

[Trackmaster]

I feel like its not that necessary really. People who drink at Disney in my experience have been very responsible. The costs are high enough that you're not seeing 22 year olds pounding $1 beers and getting wasted, and I think that the people who could conceivably afford to get drunk on Disney prices are with their kid and tend to be responsible. Maybe people have had different experiences, but I just haven't seen belligerence as a problem.

At this point, Disney is a resort as much as it is a family theme park. I could see a classic old timey park as trying to stay dry for an atmosphere, but when families and adults are on vacation for a week, they're going to want to drink some. I also do think that bringing drinks into lines is a great way to pass the time when you're moving at a snails pace.

But I'd agree that if it ever became an issue and people were being irresponsible and having too much that the issue should be addressed.

 

[macefamily]

I don't think taking away everyone's rights is the correct answer. It is only a few who get out of hand. Why doesn't Disney put more security out there ? For all the lushes I saw stumbling around Epcot last month, there were no security guards on foot patrolling the park. I would think they'd beef up patrols around the Food and Wine events since alcohol is more available.

 

[Weather_Lady]

I think alcohol belongs in World Showcase, given its emphasis on food and beverages from other places.

I couldn't care less if it wasn't available elsewhere in the parks, although that's just because I'm not typically a "daytime drinker" myself. If others want it though, why not? Other than late at night in World Showcase during Food & Wine, I've never seen anybody at WDW acting obnoxiously drunk. (Probably because at WDW alcohol prices, few could afford it! Besides, most people are there with their families and drinking isn't the focus.)

If DH and I want some overpriced alcohol, it tends to be as a nightcap or with a fancy dinner, which means I'd only be disappointed if alcohol wasn't available at our hotel's lounge or its upscale table service restaurant.

 

[Raineman]

All of the above. I think in most cases that I am talking about, it is quite apparent that someone is inebriated.

I Ontario all individuals who serve or sell liquor are required to take a safe serve course. This goes through the signs of intoxicated people.

I was going to mention this before I saw your post. I think it's called Smart Serve, if I remember correctly. I've always wondered what the criteria were for refusing further alcohol service to a customer. I believe it carries pretty major legal liability if this system is not followed, and the drunk person leaves and drives home or is otherwise injured or killed as a result of their intoxication level.

 

[jloucks]

I really like drinking when on vacation. That being said, I could go a week without.

But, WDW is all about the $$$. They will never pull anything that makes $$$ unless it indirectly causes a loss of $$$.

 

[jloucks]

People don't fight, swear or puke, when they eat, no matter what size they are, but some do when they're intoxicated. Apples and oranges.

People fight, swear, and or puke at any time. A fact that really stinks, but that's people for ya. The more you have jammed into a place, the better your odds.

 

[Hank Hill]

While I have seen a number of issues caused by drunks at WDW Parks, I would say it is not that big of a deal overall. People like to drink, especially when on vacation. But if I were in charge, I would look at a few other issues before drinking came up.

Now with those parties at Tony's during the special events, it seems alcohol is much more prevalent at MK.

 

[Chef Mickey]

I think they should besides wine at restaurants and select EPCOT "themed" beers with strict limits, perhaps enforced by Magic Bands.

It's unpopular, but I just don't think alcohol should have as big of a presence at Disney Parks. I get the money and fun aspects, and even that most people can handle it.

Unfortunately, the people who can't handle it ruin it for everyone and a family environment doesn't lend itself to even a few drunks.

Hotel bars are fine...I just think hard liquor should be out of the parks completely.

 

[Mickey5150]

I'm fine with WDW going dry, so long as we punish every other good behavior that is ruined by a few. Someone got hit by a scooter, therefore we must remove all scooters. I've seen kids running around screaming and hitting people, so we must remove all kids. Let's stop punishing responsible people because there are idiots in this world.

 

[stratman50th]

I don't think taking away everyone's rights is the correct answer. It is only a few who get out of hand. Why doesn't Disney put more security out there ?

Drinking alcohol isn't a "right". That phrase really gets thrown around a lot. If you're 21, you are permitted by law to drink. But just like driving, which isn't a right either (it's a privilege) they can cut you off if you become a problem. As far as security, there's a whole lot more security out there roaming around than you'd imagine. They just blend in.

I wouldn't care one way or the other as I may have two beers in a year, but if alcohol is managed properly and it's use by people don't affect others I don't mind it being sold. With Disney it's the bottom line that is the determining factor, and they probably do pretty good on their margins!

 

[jloucks]

Drinking alcohol isn't a "right". That phrase really gets thrown around a lot. If you're 21, you are permitted by law to drink. But just like driving, which isn't a right either (it's a privilege) they can cut you off if you become a problem. As far as security, there's a whole lot more security out there roaming around than you'd imagine. They just blend in.

I wouldn't care one way or the other as I may have two beers in a year, but if alcohol is managed properly and it's use by people don't affect others I don't mind it being sold. With Disney it's the bottom line that is the determining factor, and they probably do pretty good on their margins!

You very much nailed it, WDW is a privilege as is everything contained therein, except apparently "service" dogs.

"doesn't affect others" is a whole lot of opinion and grey area. I find skreeching kids way way more annoying than a goofy drunk people acting goofy and drunk. I find people with poor hygiene more offensive than ill mannered kids or drunks combined. And then you have your normal sober grumpy jerks that win in all categories.


So long as you are not being touched or cussed at you are not being affected. ...but nowadays people are so easily affected.

The times I could have used security at WDW there was none to be found, and once it was a pretty serious scenario. I would not bet on them being everywhere. I think WDW security is a joke, but that is my opinion.

 

[Trackmaster]

Drinking alcohol isn't a "right". That phrase really gets thrown around a lot. If you're 21, you are permitted by law to drink. But just like driving, which isn't a right either (it's a privilege) they can cut you off if you become a problem. As far as security, there's a whole lot more security out there roaming around than you'd imagine. They just blend in.

I wouldn't care one way or the other as I may have two beers in a year, but if alcohol is managed properly and it's use by people don't affect others I don't mind it being sold. With Disney it's the bottom line that is the determining factor, and they probably do pretty good on their margins!

While consumption of alcohol may not be a right when you're at a private gated park, selling alcohol to willing guests that's regulated, managed, and high priced might be a smart safety measure.

College football programs have found that selling alcohol in the stadium actually cuts down on drunks, fights, and belligerence -- instead of having to drink heavily at the tailgate to cover the 3 hour game (and the time it takes to walk in, go through security, etc.), people just drink throughout the game and never really get wasted at any given point.

If somebody really wants to drink, they'll just do so beforehand, or sneak something in. Its better that the bartenders as Disney handle them and that Disney gets the revenue for it. Its also better that people don't have to get drunk enough to the whole afternoon or evening, and can drink over time.

But as I was saying before, people carry beers and drinks around, but I never really see people get out of control... or even really that drunk for that matter at Disney. If somebody's going to get obnoxious, it will probably be from pre-gaming or pounding shots in the parking lot instead of paying for $15 weak drinks in the park itself.

 

[Hockey89]

Can we ban parents that don't control their kids... People who take pics on rides they shouldn't... People walking while staring at their phone....Scooters.... All 10000% worse of a problem than booze....

I'm sure it happens but I've been to Disney no less 250 days I bet and have never witnessed a problem....

 

[NickMaio]

I was going to mention this before I saw your post. I think it's called Smart Serve, if I remember correctly. I've always wondered what the criteria were for refusing further alcohol service to a customer. I believe it carries pretty major legal liability if this system is not followed, and the drunk person leaves and drives home or is otherwise injured or killed as a result of their intoxication level.

You are quite right. The establishment can also be held legally responsible in the event of an intoxicated incident.
I am not sure of the criteria either. It would be nice if they had something like this in place at WDW.

 

[OneofThree]

The conversation seems to be shifting from "what if. . . how would you feel" to "should Disney", and "why?".

I've already stated that it really wouldn't effect me and that it is highly unlikely to happen. Maybe I wasn't paying attention, but since 1984 I'm not sure I've ever seen anyone straight drunk at WDW save WS in EC. I'm not sure the guest experience improves overall for anyone by going dry. There are issues in WS during F&W. As a long time resident, I can tell you these are predominately associated with off-duty CM's and other locals. There are easy fixes to mitigate the impact of that problem which do not involve removing alcoholic beverages from the park.