Things Have To Be Fair In Fairy Tales

Today, I visited Disney for the first time since I was nine. The lines were longer than I remembered, but it was still a fun day. 

My friend and I discovered the single rider lanes and took advantage; shorter wait times, and we didn’t mind riding separately.

While waiting, a family of four (mom, dad, and two daughters) walked straight through the middle of the line, holding hands.

Guests In Line: “What are you doing?!”

Mom: “We forgot something on the ride.”

They reached the area where single riders, fast pass, and standby guests merge. A woman behind me shouted:

Guest: “What did you forget?!”

Everyone realized: Mom was just trying to sneak her kids onto the ride together. They slipped into the pre-ride movie area ahead of us, and nobody alerted staff. All of us in the single rider line were fuming and bonding over her audacity.

When my friend and I entered the pre-ride area, I told a staff member what had happened.

Staff #1: “At this point, since they’re already in line to board, I can’t do much.”

At boarding, I spotted the mom and her kids. I told another employee.

Staff #2: “I’ll let someone know.” *Walks off in the wrong direction.*

Then one of the kids ran back to a man directly behind us.

Kid: “Come on, Dad!”

Dad refused to join them. He’d clearly heard everyone in line complaining. He hung back, head down, letting people pass him. The whole line started speaking louder:

Guests: *In chorus.* “What a terrible example to set for your children.”

Guests: “Why do they think they’re special?”

Guests: “Everyone else waits!”

Mom and her kids crept closer to boarding, ignoring the chorus of disapproval. I’d had enough. I asked the people in front of me if I could warn the operators. They eagerly stepped aside.

Mom was blocking the walkway. I tapped her side.

Me: “Excuse me.” *Stares her down.*

She slid over silently.

Me: *To the operator.* “This lady and her two children cut the entire line through the single rider queue, claiming she forgot something. You can ask anyone here.”

Mom shot me the most evil glare imaginable. Another woman stepped up to back me.

Disney Mom: “They’re lying!”

The entire line erupted, yelling the same story. Dozens of witnesses, all furious. Eventually, Mom and her kids were escorted out the side door.

Everyone in line clapped.