Minimum Height Requirement vs. Age?

[Crusherace03]

I've actually had parents ask, when told their kid was too short, "Is there a form or waver I can sign absolving you of any liability?" It's almost a "Here's Your Sign" moment.... I smile sadly and say "No, sorry." But what I want to say is, "Can you wait here while I call Family Services? They'll want to talk to you about your willingness to put your child at risk."

As far as the platform shoes and hair goes: If a child is very obviously wearing platform shoes (platform flipflops are all the rage for girls these days - even my ex-GF wore a pair) and it's close, then yes, I will happily deny a child access. And if the parent says anything, I just smile and say "If there's a mishap on the ride, those shoes aren't going to help them a bit." As for the hair, I just put my hand on top of the child's head. If my hand fits under the height bar, they're not riding. Never had a complaint yet]safety[/I] issue." I'm not trying to intimidate... just look authoritative (which is hard when you're dressed up like a cowboy).

My big beef is with the jokers who decide to "help out" by standing around saying things like "Oh yeah! He's big enough! C'mon, man!" ... and it's not even their kid.

The first time they interrupt me, I'll say, "Sir, I have the situation well in hand, thanks." The second time, I'll say "Sir, I'll decide if he's tall enough or not. Thank you." That usually shuts them up, although I did have a guy growl back, "I wasn't talkin' to you." My reply: "No, but you were interfering with my job, which is trying to make sure all my guests are safe. If you like, I'll be happy to have one of our Security Cast Members come over to explain this to you." :D:

My question is this: Why are these people ALLOWED TO BREED/PRODUCE THE SPAWN that they care nothing about?

[mechurchlady]

At DCA in the Redwood area there are slides with weight limits and height limits. A cast member whom I traded pins with told me a story about a chunky monkey, lol. The kid was way to fat for the rope ride but his mom insisted her kid ride even if his rump was dragging on the ground.

The problem with kids riding when they are too young is that they may not have the coordination, upper body strength and ability to use the safety bars in a proper manner. I have caught air on Big Thunder when a lap bar was not down enough and nearly came out of my seat. It takes good upper body control to deal with a ride.

I see roller coasters as being like surfing. You go with the flow and lean and brace for each wave of curves and drops. It hurts lots less when you can ride with the roller coaster and not get whipped around.

I hate the hissy fits that are thrown when kids are not picked for audience participation, are too fat, too tall, too short, too young or too old. HOW DARE YOU TREAT MY KID LIKE THAT. Storm clouds rising and smoke from ears. I as a guest know enough about Disney and business to know that there are rules for a reason. I am fat and know not to get on the swing ride at DCA as it is not safe in theory. Even when i got permission to ride I said no, safety is for a reason.

Pet owners are worse though than parents. Been in dog related business and can tell you they are worst about how their babies are treated.

[felinefan]

As a pet owner, the only problems I've had were once, I was being evicted from my apartment (managed to get out hours ahead of the sheriff), and people were telling me I needed to get rid of my cat. My mom and I are trying to find a new apartment that is ground level and less expensive, and trying to find one that accepts pets is a deal-breaker. I hate hearing mom say my cat is the reason she can't find a good place. I'd love to tell her that the real reason is if her and dad hadn't listened to a bunch of ivory-tower types who said I had something "wrong" with me, and would never be able to drive, live alone or hold down a meaningful job. Mom and dad, though they had seen me reading and playing with books and toys that were well beyond my years, and had shown by my interests that I was intelligent, swallowed this crap hook, line and sinker. To this day I don't drive, can't hold down a decent job, and still live with my mom. If mom and dad had told those idiots to stuff it, and if I'd been encouraged to do all I could, I would've had a job, a car and my own place out of high school. This is my 50th birthday (got the email birthday wish--thanks!), and it's depressing to think that I'm nowhere near where I'd hoped to be in life. Parents, if your kids are yanked out of class to see a psychiatrist or psychologist, who insists there are "problems" with your kid, and if they say your kid is dumb when you know they're smart, tell the psych to get lost. Encourage your kids to read, write, and follow their dreams. Just make sure they keep up with their school work and stay out of trouble. And if their siblings or other kids make fun of them, STAND UP FOR YOUR KID!!!! Nobody has the right to trash your kid's self-esteem. Encourage your kid to explore careers, find out what they're best at, and go for it. Your kid will thank you for it. Anybody want a used soapbox? :D:

[Main Streeter]

I'm a pet lover & rescuer! So what happened to the cat?

[felinefan]

Still have her! Was given a two day voucher at a local motel, smuggled the cat in, and eventually went to mom's. To me, though, rentals that are no-pets are just as discriminating as those that break the laws concerning other protected classes. This apartment complex I'm living in was originally for singles only, and when my cat and I came in, we snuck her in, but the manager at the time was really nice and let her stay. Now the complex is pet-friendly. And frankly, that is the ONLY improvement around here. Don't worry, mom wouldn't dare get rid of my cat--I can be a real pain in the you-know-where when I want to be! :D:

[ThunderCat]

My question is this: Why are these people ALLOWED TO BREED/PRODUCE THE SPAWN that they care nothing about?

Lately we've had quite a few guests try an older trick to get their kids on: blatant lying.

(The scene: the BTMR Station. The grouper is measuring a child.)

"Sorry, Ma'am - your son is clearly at least six inches too short to ride."
"The guy at the front measured him and said he could ride between my husband and I!"
"Ma'am - I seriously doubt the Cast Member said that."
"Are you calling me a liar?!?"
"No, I'm saying I doubt the Cast Member at the front told you that. You may have misunderstood him."
"He's been riding EVERYTHING at ALL THE PARKS and we've NEVER had a problem until now!"
"Then you have been amazingly lucky he wasn't turned away or seriously injured."
"I'm going to complain to management if he doesn't ride right now!"
"Would you like me to get a manager for you myself?"
"I'm leaving!"
"No problem. Please stay behind the yellow line as you exit."