I used to work at a space-themed restaurant in a theme park. The entrance included a dramatic journey is a space elevator that took you from the ground on Earth up into orbit. Once in the restaurant, you’re surrounded by giant ‘windows’ into space, showing the spinning earth below.
A customer (the dad of a family) approaches me as they’re leaving for the ‘elevator’ and asks:
Customer: “How’d they keep the gravity running?”
I laugh and stay in character, explaining that we utilize some science-fiction-sounding advanced tech.
Customer: “Oh, that’s really interesting. How come they don’t use that on the NASA space station?”
It dawns on me that this guy is being serious. Thankfully for me (and my ability to stay in character), it dawns on his family too.
Customer’s Teen Son: “Dad, do… do you actually think we’re in space?”
Customer: “Uh… have you seen the windows?!”
Customer’s Teen Son: “They’re screens, Dad. It’s like a giant screen.”
Customer: “What… really?!”
Customer’s Teen Son: “Oh my God, Dad!”
Customer’s Wife: “Oh, dear… no.”
Customer: “Well, they shouldn’t be lying like that! That’s dishonest!”
Customer’s Teen Son: “And you think Sleeping Beauty is really sleeping in the castle we just passed this morning?!”
The dad is glaring at his family, but is silent. At this point, I would usually say “have a safe trip down to planet Earth” or something like that, but in this instance, I deem it best to just smile and say goodbye. As they’re leaving.
Customer’s Teen Son: “Let’s go to the Star Wars ride next. I wanna see if Dad thinks we’re really piloting the Millennium Falcon.”
Customer: “Shut up.”