Pax, there is grey in this world, not everything is black and white.
I agree, as I posted earlier. I think you have to recognize why these rules exist in the first place. For example, I don't think pool-hopping hurts anyone if the pool isn't crowded. But if it is crowded, be considerate of the people who paid the money for that hotel's pool and go somewhere else. (So many people lacked that consideration at Stormalong Bay that they had to put up a fence with a guard.) Similarly, I don't think swimming without showering is a problem as long as you aren't a disgusting slob who's going to create some kind of health hazard (which again is the purpose for the rule).
And I just don't agree that letting a four year old into disney by saying they are 3 is an ethically wrong, and your definition of stealing just doesn't jive with me, and I think it is because of your implication that someone that does lie about their kids age is somehow morally reprehensable, and a bad parent, because they set a bad example.
And I don't get why you think sneaking a kid in for free is ok. Disney now charges a base rate of $63 A DAY for a child age 3-9 to enter a park. This isn't extra napkins at a fast-food restaurant or an extra muffin from a buffet (which I would argue you've basically paid for anyway.)
Why do you feel it's ok to get around that rule? Are we righting some wrong, like is it wrong for Disney to charge $63 for a 3-year-old to enter the park? maybe it is. If you think so, tell Disney and urge them to change their pricing structure.
Hypothetical... if a cast member opened up a gate for a stroller and then walked away for a moment with you in the front of the line, such that you could stroll in for free and save the day of your "no expiration" pass for another day, would you take advantage? (Assume there's no risk of you getting caught, and no risk of you getting the CM in trouble.) Why do you answer the way you do?
Get off your mountain Moses.
I'm actually not a "preachy" person, and someone breaking rules like these really doesn't bother me (since the effect on me is negligible). But I had to write when people were saying this was OK. If you want to do it, go ahead and have a blast - just don't tell me it's OK because everyone is doing it. I don't see it as my job to judge anyone, but I'm not going to agree with you that it isn't wrong. Because it is.
And if your 3-year-old is pretty savvy such that you have to coach him/her to help the lie along, that's even worse because you're bringing them into it. That's not just wrong, it's SAD.
if your upset by people doing this, it's probably because a part of you feels a little like a sucker for not doing it too.
Not at all - I'm not upset and I don't feel like a sucker. I've been to Disney dozens of times and am a DVC member (so I pool hop often). I've found some very creative ways to get great deals (all legit and above board). I do Disney for a fraction of what some other people spend, and I stay in some of the best accommodations on property. I work the FastPass and EMH system such that I almost never stand in a line. And I don't really care or worry about what other people do as long as they don't affect me or my family, which most of the time they don't.
Come to think of it... in dozens of trips the only time I can remember being "upset" was when someone almost ran my family over in a parking lot. Now THAT I had an issue with. LOL.