The Height Requirement Game

[Coastercameron]

Yesterday at work, I got sent to scan tickets at our main coaster. It has a 42" requirement to ride with an adult, and 47" to ride alone. This family comes up, with a very short looking child. I take my time and measure him as accurately as I could with our pathetic system (put your back against the sign!). He was *JUST* at 42" so I let him ride.

About an hour after this, I get sent to our other coaster which is 43" min. I see none other than the same family coming up my queue, and chuckle to myself. When they get to the front, they all go to scan thier tickets, and I say "Well, he was BARELY 42" at the other coaster, so I don't think he will make 43" here!" The parents got the most dumbfounded look on thier faces, and reply "Can he ride anyways?"

Another stupid guest who's tricks weren't as good as they thought.

[darph nader]

I could never figure out why people would spend $5.00-$8.00 for 2 ice-cream sandwiches so their kids could risk their lives riding SM ( or whatever )? I mean,don't shoes cost a s-load of money nowadays?

[Coastercameron]

wait... you've had people stuff ice cream sandwhiches in thier shoes...

I've heard of socks before, see hat and hair tricks all the time, but that takes the cake (or the sandwhich I guess!)

[darph nader]

I heard/read/dreampt it somewhere. It may have a load of bs for all i know.

[leftcoaster]

I heard/read/dreampt it somewhere. It may have a load of bs for all i know.

No, it true. I read it in the book "The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World." Some guest wrote in and suggested that as a way to get on rides that your kid is too short for. Another wonderful idea is "wearing the ugliest, most hideous shoes with big heels."

Now, I love the book, because the writers tell you the good and the bad about queue lines, attractions, restaurants, etc. But when they tell people how to cheat the system, that is just wrong.

[tacoboy]

No, it true. I read it in the book "The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World." Some guest wrote in and suggested that as a way to get on rides that your kid is too short for. Another wonderful idea is "wearing the ugliest, most hideous shoes with big heels."

Now, I love the book, because the writers tell you the good and the bad about queue lines, attractions, restaurants, etc. But when they tell people how to cheat the system, that is just wrong.

I love that guide but they tend to tell guests to do things that are frowned upon.(hopping ropes, running like a mad cow and whatnot) In the 1998 edition (the copy closest to my keyboard) they have a page dedicated to how to make your kid taller on rides. It INCLUDES the slipping of ice cream bars into the shows of children. I guess this explains why kid's shoes are so sticky after they ride RNR or M:S.

[tiadalma]

I do believe that the UG writers were being sarcastic, making a tongue-in-cheek remark that was not meant to be taken seriously Does anybody have a sense of humor anymore??

[leftcoaster]

I do believe that the UG writers were being sarcastic, making a tongue-in-cheek remark that was not meant to be taken seriously Does anybody have a sense of humor anymore??

Really?

Let's look at the 2005 guide, that I happen to have handy. In the chapter titled: Part Five - Disney World with Kids]Let's not forget the last part (from the authors), "Note that boosting your child's height by a couple of inches with a heel lift or the like will not compromise his safety on the ride." [/B]

Please show me where that last part is sarcastic.

[SWTexasBelle]

Here's a mom's perspective: Not being tall enough simply gives them something to look forward to on their next trip. Before my boys ( 3 and 5) are measured, I tell them they may be too short, and if so we'll just have to come back when they are taller. Because I don't get all wrapped up in it, they don't. I'm not saying they aren't disappointed - and it's a big pain to get them to stand up tall (they tend to scrunch down their shoulders, thinking the bar will hit their heads). My girls (17 and 14) were so thrilled when they were finally tall enough to ride the "big" rides! As I said in another post, you have to remember your children are watching and learning from you ALL THE TIME. Teach them to cheat on one thing, and you start down the slippery slope. I would never be able to forgive myself if something happened to my child because I didn't follow the rules. (climbing off soapbox)

[darph nader]

Thank you LC ,I'm not as think as you drunk I am.(no coment MS).