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daliseurat
01-31-2007, 07:48 PM
I don't know why this occurred to me. Maybe it's all the ranting over space saving. I'm betting everyone has done something truly stupid at Disneyland. I've done several. But two things that I always remember have happy endings. Happy endings because of Disneyland cast members.

Dumb thing number 1.

I locked the keys to my rental car in the car and forgot exactly where I parked it. I had to comb the area I thought I parked it in for over an hour, wondering if it was even there. Once I found the car, I could see the keys. Fortunately, a Disneyland Parking lot cast member was able to help me locate the car, and help me open it to get my keys. I did have to answer a few questions so he wasn't inadvertantly helping me to steal a car, but it worked out.

Dumb thing number 2.

This one is worse to me. I'm a member of the Amercan Coaster Enthusiasts, as well as several other amusement clubs. All of which are big on SAFETY. We as a group are known to practice theme park safety at all times and try to educate others. I've had to lecture many parents who were trying to get their much to small children on large rollercoasters. The restraints only work on people who are tall enough. Not worth the risk to a child. Anyway, you'd think I wouldn't do something incredibly stupid around a coaster. Prior to the safety gates being installed on SPACE MOUNTAIN, I was guided to my spot on the platform to wait for the next train. As I got to the edge, I noticed that no one was sitting in the car before me. So I figured I should board. Never mind that I was specifically told to wait on a number behind the yellow line. So, I gleefully moved to climb into the car just as it was about to depart from the station. Quickly a cast member gently grabbed me and pulled me back. He smiled saying be careful and wait for the next car. I was shaken up and apologized and thanked him. Had he not grabbed my I would have certainly been injured. I could not believe I had just done that. I supposed Disneyland makes us feel so safe that nothing could harm us. Wrong. So, when I heard Disneyland was finally installing safety gates on their coasters, I had to agree. If someone like me, who KNOWS BETTER, could behave like a moron, anyone could. So thank goodness for that cast member.

Anyone else care to admit to dumb moves?

dehnehsu
01-31-2007, 10:02 PM
We accidently cut into line at the Indiana Jones queue. We just made a left turn from Main Street and saw the line moving. The line looped back at this point and turned back toward Adventureland. We saw no one at the end and ducked under a little rope. We realized there was a lag in the queue and ended up cutting in front of some angry people. They voiced their displeasure. I had no time to make excuses or apoligize as they quickly passed us. We felt soooo bad. We kind of hung back a bit to let the angry group get well ahead of us.

geoffa
02-01-2007, 05:23 AM
At Star Tours I was so busy talking that I failed to notice the chain that closed off some of the line area (inside where R2D" and CP3O are). I rushed to catch up with the guys in line in front of me and went head first over the chain. Lovely bruises on my upper legs for the remainder of the trip!

zombie pirate
02-01-2007, 05:38 AM
Got inside,got in line for the first ride, The Jungle Cruise, forgot the camera in the car, I went back and got it, while the family enjoyed the Pirates, and the HM.

backsthepack
02-01-2007, 06:10 AM
This wasn't me, but my Dad. Back in the 70's...remember the big giant parking lot, prior to California Adventure? Well, we parked WAY, WAY out in that parking lot and he locked the keys in the car. Well, instead of letting his family go enjoy the park while he worked on getting the keys out, we all had to stand out there with him for an hour or so while someone helped him get those darn keys out of the car. I was only 4 at the time, my first trip to Disneyland and I had to stand out there and just look at the park. Granted we made it in, but it still really sucked at the time!

cactusgirl
02-01-2007, 06:46 AM
Where to start--there are so many

1. Locked the keys in the rental car. Less than 15 minutes later, we were on our way. I tell you, the Disney transportation staff are my heros. We called on the phone in the Mickey & Friends lot--just to get the number for a locksmith. Next think we know our hero flies out of nowhere on her bike, whips out a long thin object, pops the lock and wheee--we are on our way. My DH & DD documented the entire thing for posterity.

2. This summer we went with a group of 17 to San Diego. They wanted to do a day trip to DL, so I planned everything out. We were in the cars driving the 90 min trip at an ungodly hour so we could be in the lot and at the gates 1 hour prior to opening. We had designated "food runners" who would go and get bakery goodies for us while we were in line and the EVC detail who would get my father-in-law a motorized scooter. I had uber-planned and WOULD NOT FAIL--despite EVERYONE on the trip griping about how early they had to get up, being with Commando De, etc. Major pressure. So, we made a wrong turn and ended up at the Timon/Pumba entrance. But the lot is closed and the gates don't open until 30 min before the park opens. We always stay on-site and walk to the gates and so now I know that EVERYONE will already be in line by the time we get there and the sacrificed sleep will all be in vain. I enter utter melt down mode. My husband looks at me and informs me that I am never allowed to set foot in another Disney Park again if this is what it does to me. The day got much better. We did have the run of Fantasyland for a while and the girls got to walk--holding hands with--Cinderella and Snow White as they made their way through Fantasyland. However, my meltdown moment is one that stays in memories.

3. I still can't believe I did this--but every year growing up my family would make the trek from Texas to California for a convention held at the DL hotel. We would spend two days as a family in the park and then one day with just myself and my two brothers. Grandma always came along to "babysit" us while in the park. When I was 14, mom and dad decided to trust us alone in the park. However, Mike--10--was not feeling well. We couldn't give up our day in the park--sans parents--and Mike couldn't stay at the hotel by himself. So, we would just park Mike different places so Tim and I could go ride. We parked him at the Main Street Cinema, Mr. Lincoln, the Haunted Mansion, etc. Anywhere that was warm, dry and he could sit down we put him. And left him there for hours. Now, this was MANY years ago, but as a mom I can't believe that I did that to my brother. He doesn't let me forget it either.

4. As a kid, I would line hop. Yes, I was one of those DL brats that now annoy me.

5. On a lighter note, in one 18 month period, I went on a Disney cruise, 2 trips to WDW and 3 to DL. We live in Texas. I still can't believe I did that. . .

daliseurat
02-01-2007, 07:22 AM
I have had that same meltdown. Trip meticulously planned, only to be ruined by some stupid mistake. Yep. Been there. And my wife just looks at me like I'm a crazy person. I feel your pain.

wabby1
02-01-2007, 08:09 AM
I remember chucking a guy a roll from the table at the Blue Bayou as he was passing by riding PIRATES. He yelled out that he was hungry, so I obiliged him. I wasn't caught by anyone, but in hindsight it was a STUPID thing to do! I'm lucky I didn't get thrown out!

just beatla33
02-01-2007, 08:13 AM
well all I can think of was never pulling the lap bar on Space Mountain all the way down cause I didn't know it had to go down as far as it went and got chewed out by my fiance.

Lekta
02-01-2007, 08:31 AM
Well, it wasn't my dumb mistake, but my wifes. She ended up losing her ticket for our last 2 days at Disneyland. Hard to top that really. We had 2 full days taken from us. The kicker is, she had to have lost it in Disneyland. How could someone pick up the ticket with a printed name on the back and keep it? In Disneyland of all places?

We checked with Lost and Found probably 20 times during that first day then just gave them my cell phone number. I was shocked that they couldn't give us a replacement ticket. I knew the exact number sequence on the lost ticket and had a reciept from the online purchase, but all they could offer was if we bought a new 2 day ticket and the other ticket was found, we would get the difference paid back to us.... we didn't elect to pay the $79 gate fee, as we had already paid for our tickets and were on a budget.

Bummer to say the least.

lobotomomma
02-01-2007, 09:11 AM
One time when my DH and I were dating, we flew over to Anaheim and dropped off another couple to go to DL ( we didn't go with them! For shame!) because we wanted to go hang out in Venice Beach instead. :rolleyes: Yeah, where was my head! Well, around 8 p.m. we went back to get them, and decided to go into the park then. Yeah, we paid a full price ticket to just go into the park for a few hours. I can only remember going on POTC, BTMRR, and Space Mountain from that trip. I know, we were mental. :rolleyes: :geek:

Bolivar
02-01-2007, 10:31 AM
Well, it wasn't my dumb mistake, but my wifes. She ended up losing her ticket for our last 2 days at Disneyland. Hard to top that really. We had 2 full days taken from us. The kicker is, she had to have lost it in Disneyland. How could someone pick up the ticket with a printed name on the back and keep it? In Disneyland of all places?

We checked with Lost and Found probably 20 times during that first day then just gave them my cell phone number. I was shocked that they couldn't give us a replacement ticket. I knew the exact number sequence on the lost ticket and had a reciept from the online purchase, but all they could offer was if we bought a new 2 day ticket and the other ticket was found, we would get the difference paid back to us.... we didn't elect to pay the $79 gate fee, as we had already paid for our tickets and were on a budget.

Bummer to say the least.
The same thing happened to me and I am still mystified by Disney's policy that they won't replace a ticket. I ended up getting really lucky though. I lost the ticket in the evening and my wife and daughter were going back to the hotel early anyway, so my son and I use two of the remaining tickets, but I still checked in with lost and found every hour or so, nothing. So the next day I decide to check one last time at lost and found before I go buy a replacement. The ticket still wasn't there, but the guy gave me a replacement. It was weird because there was a line of people and I'd say two thirds of them were there for lost tickets and every one was told the same thing, that they had to go buy a new ticket that Disney won't replace them Then I get up there and he replaces it. In fact, while I was filling out the paperwork and getting the ticket issued, at least three other people were told there was nothing they could do, the customers would have to go buy new tickets. How I got so lucky I'll never know.

grimgrinningirl
02-01-2007, 10:36 AM
Went to DCA for the first time and wondered why there were so many cheerleaders running around. Huge lines for everything (even food) and no Aladdin (I had been looking forward to it and I was whining the whole day about missing it). My fault for not checking before the trip. :mad: Thank goodness I discovered Mouse Planet, now it will never happen again!

Mermaid
02-01-2007, 11:26 AM
I once cut in line for IASW on accident. It was at xmas time and the parade was gettind ready to start so that area was crazy!! We got into what was we thought was the end. One lady gave us a weird look. We asked the next lady- "Is this the end?" She said "yes." So we stayed, we realized when we were almost to the boats that we had totally cut. Oops!!!

Kentenathien
02-01-2007, 12:25 PM
When I was 7 or 8 (back in '88 I think), went on a family trip to Disneyland. It was during the summer and my mother and I were in line at the Dumbo ride along with well over a hundred other people. We were standing next to 3' or 4' iron gate that had vertical spaces. I guess I had some crazy idea that I could fit through and proceeded to stick my head through. Turns out I was wrong and tried to pull my head out the way it came. My head was stuck and I began the scream of death. My mom freaked out and was trying to pull my head out but my ears were keeping it from happening. Finally, some nice person somehow techniqued it out and I was free. I still vaguely remember the incident.

daliseurat
02-01-2007, 12:42 PM
I remember chucking a guy a roll from the table at the Blue Bayou as he was passing by riding PIRATES. He yelled out that he was hungry, so I obiliged him. I wasn't caught by anyone, but in hindsight it was a STUPID thing to do! I'm lucky I didn't get thrown out!

That is something I have always fantasized doing. Not that I ever would, but it's one of those, "hey wouldn't it be funny if" things you think about but never do.

daliseurat
02-01-2007, 12:49 PM
The same thing happened to me and I am still mystified by Disney's policy that they won't replace a ticket. I ended up getting really lucky though. I lost the ticket in the evening and my wife and daughter were going back to the hotel early anyway, so my son and I use two of the remaining tickets, but I still checked in with lost and found every hour or so, nothing. So the next day I decide to check one last time at lost and found before I go buy a replacement. The ticket still wasn't there, but the guy gave me a replacement. It was weird because there was a line of people and I'd say two thirds of them were there for lost tickets and every one was told the same thing, that they had to go buy a new ticket that Disney won't replace them Then I get up there and he replaces it. In fact, while I was filling out the paperwork and getting the ticket issued, at least three other people were told there was nothing they could do, the customers would have to go buy new tickets. How I got so lucky I'll never know.

My family, friends and I actually had a bad day at the resort. It was crowded and raining nonstop. We finally decided that the kids were all going to get sick and it was time to go. I went to guest services to upgrade my wife's ticket so she could come back the next day. My daughter and I had three day passes and she only had two. But instead of letting me simply upgrade the ticket, I was politely asked a bunch of questions about my stay and why I needed an extra day. I thought it was odd, but answered honestly. I was then given a FREE parkhopper day at the resort. It was only good for the next day and couldn't be used for upgrading, but it was a FREE day! I was stunned. I hadn't complained about anything. I just wanted an upgrade. And this was BEFORE the lame "YEAR OF A MILLION DREAMS" promotion.

Donald Duck Fan68
02-01-2007, 01:13 PM
I'll bet that locked keys in the car is a very common occurance in the DL parking lot!

1. My wife left her travel purse over by Rivers of America where a Seafood quickservice restaraunt used to be (currently it's McD's fries). We were sitting in a tucked away spot and she put it down and forgot to get it when we left. We didn't realize it until later in the evening when she was going to buy something and it was then that we went into panic mode. First we went to our locker (because the locker key was in her purse and we were worried someone might find it and try to steal the contents of the locker.) Then we went to lost and found. Then we argued over the next best course of action. We finally decided that one of us stay at the locker and the other retrace our steps. I went back to where we were eating, looked behind the bench where a rock and bush were, and there it was. There was another family eating in that spot and they were amazed that it hadn't been "found" yet and were happy that it was in the hands of the rightful owner.

Koukla
02-01-2007, 06:48 PM
I haven't locked my keys in the car (yet--knock on wood), but did something really stupid three weeks ago. I left my driver's side front window wide open in my car in the Mickey Mouse parking lot all day/evening, right near the elevator. And like the OP, I should have known better! I own a business that deals with auto theft/investigators/insurance fraud, etc. Was so excited to get into the park that I tend to forget some details. I couldn't believe it when I returned to my car and found absolutely nothing missing, not even a bottle of water from the back of my SUV. So very glad I didn't have to explain to my insurance carrier how my vehicle managed to get solen!

And, last December I bought my first AP. First day I had it, I *lost* it (I was kinda ticked off, too, b/c the photo isn't nearly as bad as my Costco card photo). Tore my backpack up looking for it at least three times, retraced my steps to the restaurant we had lunch at, spent time reporting it to Lost and Found, the whole nine yards. I get home that night and am exchanging one pair of glasses for another and, lo and behold. . . Why I stuck that card in my glasses case I'll never know! :geek:

raediance
02-01-2007, 07:08 PM
I lost my MousePlanet pin that had my name on it. I kick myself on this because I knew it wasn't on tight enough but I was like 'oh whatever i'll fix it later'. uh...didn't happen. x(

Park Freak
02-02-2007, 07:03 AM
I haven't locked my keys in the car (yet--knock on wood), but did something really stupid three weeks ago. I left my driver's side front window wide open in my car in the Mickey Mouse parking lot all day/evening, right near the elevator.

I'll see that "stupid" and raise you one!! I left my whole door opened!! :eek: I was equally suprised that nothing was stolen. Nobody even closed the door!!!

I have another one...
I was at The Park for an APholder night (remember those??) and we were walking through the Snow White attraction. It was really cool to see it that way!! Well I had to go and be a four year old and I touched the skelleton, whose feet proceeded to fall off :eek: :eek: I was SO embarrased. :( :crying:

Walt'sbirthdaygirl
02-02-2007, 07:23 AM
On our annual eighth grade Disneyland trip (oh about a hundred years ago) my little girlfriends and I were flirting with some High School boys while we were riding POTC. We thought it would be funny to take one boy's hat and start tossing it back and forth, well you can see where this is going. Right into the water it went, so we all put our hands out on the wall to slow the boat down while he hung off the back of the boat to retrieve his favorite cap.

When we got off the ride, security was waiting for us, the escorted us to the "Disneyland Jail" and told us we would have to call our parents to come pick us up. Which at the time was a 3 hour plus round trip Eastern San Diego County. We begged we pleaded, we cried our little teeny bopper eyes out. The boys gallantly took the fall for us, saying it was all their fault. Security seemed happy to have someone to blame, so they let us go and the boys had to call their parents. We ran to the parking lot and caught our bus to go back home with just moments to spare.

Never again have I put my hands, arms feet or legs outside a ride.

hbquikcomjamesl
02-02-2007, 07:45 AM
Skeleton in Snow White? I thought Indy was the only attraction with literal "skeletons in the closet."

The hat incident reminds me of something that happened on Space Mountain. I was in DL one New Year's Eve (or maybe it was a passholder party; I'm not sure), and wearing a California State Railroad Museum cap. (In fact, now that I think about it, if I was wearing a hat, it was probably some July 4th, since I wouldn't have been wearing it if I'd arrived in the evening) I wasn't aware of it at the time, but it was a special limited edition cap, left over from a Railfair. Nice one, too, maroon and blue.

Anyway, I got on Space Mountain, and rode it without removing the hat. Naturally, it flew off, and that's the last I saw of it.

The only other stupid things I can remember doing were (1) I actually rode "Motor Boat Cruise" one evening (late enough that there wasn't anything to see!), and (2) when I was fortunate enough to get in on the experimental backstage tour program, I failed to make it back for the morning tour (different itinerary) until after the whole program was cancelled.

Pat-n-Eil
02-02-2007, 08:47 AM
1. Wore brand new shoes to Disneyland the first time I took my family.
Blister City! For the 12 years since then, I've always purchased my Disneyland shoes a week or two ahead of time to break them in first.

2. Took my moody teenagers to Disneyland when my daughter was first dating her boyfriend. She was sullen and whiney the whole time. Her mood rubbed off on her younger brother and it was miserable. This year will be the next trip, and since the boyfriend (now fiance) is coming, I'm guessing it will be better. Important discussions will occur prior to our departure.

Bytebear
02-02-2007, 09:13 AM
Took my moody teenagers to Disneyland when my daughter was first dating her boyfriend. She was sullen and whiney the whole time.

Reminds me of the movie European Vacation. Are your kids named Russ and Audry by any chance?