Florida Man Banned From Disney For Life

[DizneyRox]

Loads of articles about a man making a method lab comment to Disney security gets a lifetime ban from Disney properties. Reports are loaded with Dopey, Goofy, Grumpy, comments trying to make light of the comment, but really, who threatens to build a method lab in their room in jest!

I say, keep the ban, not something to kid about...

[Terra]

Oy. Apparently common sense is a rare thing these days. What an idiot.
I saw the headline but didn't read everything. Was his with his family? I sure hope not. I can't imagine the disappointment in children if there were any.

[BrerGnat]

Moron. Plain and simple. In the video of the news story, he says "Maybe meth lab was the wrong thing to say...maybe I should have said I could build an atomic bomb in my room." WHAT???? Like a bomb is less threatening? And yes, his wife and kids were with him. They were all forced to go home. His wife and kids are not banned, though, just him. He deserves it.

[DonaldDuck1117]

Total overreaction on Disney's part. They went and swept the room after the comment, which was clearly in jest, and found everything was clear. At that point you give him a stern talking to about how the company takes any matter like that seriously and tell him to knock it off. But a lifetime ban for all properties around the world? That's a bit much.

[Altair]

Total overreaction on Disney's part. They went and swept the room after the comment, which was clearly in jest, and found everything was clear. At that point you give him a stern talking to about how the company takes any matter like that seriously and tell him to knock it off. But a lifetime ban for all properties around the world? That's a bit much.

Agree with this. I wonder how many real drug dealers are staying on Disney property at any one time?

[Terra]

Oh I'm sure there are all kinds on Disney property. That doesn't mean, in light of stricter policies [whether we agree or not], that he didn't take it too far. There are just certain things you do not joke about IN a security line. Is it overkill when someone makes a bomb joke on an airplane and are escorted off? No way. As much as people have the right to talk/say whatever they want, they should still exercise common sense and know what to/what not to say or joke about.

[texas211]

That is ridiculous. And he was right. Room service at any of the hotels is too slow. That should be criminal. What they charge for that bad pizza, should also be illegal. With all the other perverse behavior they allow, this is where they draw the line? Stupid.

Now building a bomb, that would get him invited to the capital evidently.

Apparently they don't show Breaking Bad on tv there.

[BrerGnat]

He was ONLY banned from the Florida Disney Parks, not any of the others.

The story is that he was IN his room, called the "front desk" wanting to add an extra night to his stay. It was late at night. He was put on hold for 15 min, apparently making asinine comments the whole time because he didn't think the operator could hear him. He hung up and called back. Put on hold for another 5 min. When he got a CM on the line, he was told there were no rooms available at his resort for the next night. He got angry, then started complaining about how long he was put on hold, and at that point, he made his stupid comment. The CM called security on him because she heard "I could have finished building the meth lab in my room in the time I spent on hold."

I don't think the reaction by Disney was unreasonable at all. The guy was angry and then made a dumb comment to a phone CM. His bad.

[DizneyFreak2002]

That is ridiculous. And he was right. Room service at any of the hotels is too slow. That should be criminal. What they charge for that bad pizza, should also be illegal. With all the other perverse behavior they allow, this is where they draw the line? Stupid.

Now building a bomb, that would get him invited to the capital evidently.

Apparently they don't show Breaking Bad on tv there.

Good thing the kid who received the invite built only a clock and not a bomb then...

Not an over reaction on WDW's part... This idiot made a stupid comment and is paying the price for his stupidity... And rightly so... Want to be a moron, suffer the consequences of your brainless actions...

[Ed]

That is ridiculous. And he was right. Room service at any of the hotels is too slow. That should be criminal. What they charge for that bad pizza, should also be illegal. With all the other perverse behavior they allow, this is where they draw the line? Stupid....

Who said anything about room service and/or pizza ? :shrug: He was trying to get an extra night added to his reservation.

We've only heard this guy's version of what was said, how long he was on hold, etc. Those calls are recorded by Disney and would also indicate how long he was on hold. It would be interesting to hear those details, but Disney does not normally release such info.

[I<3Disney]

I'd appreciate more details from Disney and this guy honestly.
I feel super safe at Disney, but I would hate to hear that a family who adores Disney gets banned for life for something like this. In the same token, I would think they all would understand the repercussions of saying a comment like that at Disney World.

[texas211]

Who said anything about room service and/or pizza ? :shrug: He was trying to get an extra night added to his reservation.

We've only heard this guy's version of what was said, how long he was on hold, etc. Those calls are recorded by Disney and would also indicate how long he was on hold. It would be interesting to hear those details, but Disney does not normally release such info.


I read that somewhere else.

Still, was the guy upset sure. But, I think WDW went crazy on the punishment. But on the other hand, if that was their reaction to me, I wouldn't want to come back anyways. There is always Universal and SeaWorld.

[TheVBs]

No sympathy from me at all. Of all the things he could have said to indicate that he waited a ridiculously long time, that's what he chooses? I also suspect there's more to the story than he's telling. If WDW bounced this guy for life, I'm betting they had a very good reason.

[MNNHFLTX]

No sympathy from me at all. Of all the things he could have said to indicate that he waited a ridiculously long time, that's what he chooses? I also suspect there's more to the story than he's telling. If WDW bounced this guy for life, I'm betting they had a very good reason.
I agree. I can't imagine that they would ban him from the Florida parks for that statement alone.

[1DisneyNut]

I am in the camp that think WDW overreacted.

Just guessing but it was late at night and they were near the end of their trip so they had been at it wide open for several days without much rest. The kids were loving it so they decided, hey let's add one more day and revisit the kids favorite things (or something like that.......again just speculation but this is how it has gone for me.) He calls to try to add one night, gets put on hold and then gets a little bit of the run around. At that point, he is irritated and makes a wise crack. The wise crack probably wasn't the "wisest" he could have chosen but still that is all it turned out to be. Disney could have simply sent security to check his room, found it clean and the embarrassment and having to deal with his wife the next couple of days would have been more than adequate punishment. lol

I have been there. I have tried to add a night and went through basically the same thing and I was pretty irritated before I gave up. I ended up telling them to forget it and just went offsite. I have made smart aleck comments after being on hold several times in the past with various companies but building a meth lab wouldn't have been my choice for a remark i don't think. Who knows, maybe an episode of Breaking Bad was on tv and that was what he was watching while on hold.....in that scenario it makes a little more sense.

Anyway, if the guy feels the urge, he will get a lawyer and they will sue for the inconveniences and mental anguish caused by WDW's overreaction. They will settle and he will get reimbursed for his entire trip and probably get a free top of the line future vacation of his choice out of it.

[PopPhan]

Loads of articles about a man making a method lab comment to Disney security gets a lifetime ban from Disney properties. Reports are loaded with Dopey, Goofy, Grumpy, comments trying to make light of the comment, but really, who threatens to build a method lab in their room in jest!

I say, keep the ban, not something to kid about...

"Method" lab? Methamphetamine, or meth, not method. :)

You are correct, however, with your statement about the threat to build a meth lab in his room -- Who would do such a thing, and better yet, WHY?????

I don't know if the lifetime ban was overboard or not, but the man, and whoever was with him, should have been removed from the property for possible safety violations, and a report filed with local authorities.

[Park Hopper]

When I first read this, I kind of thought Disney was blowing things out of proportion myself. However, on one of the other Disney boards, someone posted links to several recent occasions in which explosions or extremely dangerous situations arose from people making or attempting to make Meth in motel rooms. The poster went on to say that this kind of statement is something which the hotel/motel industry takes extremely seriously - similar to the talk of a bomb on an airplane.

Another poster said that if it was a true search by the police, as stated in the article, then it would have had to involve a warrant, in which probable cause would have had to be established. So, I think there is probably a little more to the story. Note that I am not a layer and am certainly not familiar with Florida law.

Believe me, I am not a mindless 'Disney can do no wrong' person, but perhaps they handled this correctly. I believe the guy can appeal the lifetime ban to Disney and that Disney has not considered the appeal yet. If it was just a stupid remark, then the ban can certainly be lifted.

[Ed]

Yes, there have been quite a few cases in Florida, including several in Kissimmee, where people have built meth labs in hotel rooms, a few of them resulting in explosions and all of them requiring complete evacuation of entire buildings. A search warrant would not be required if the police asked for and received permission from the occupant of the room.

As far as the "lifetime ban" goes, the trespass notices issued by police in Florida does not specify a specific length of time, hence making it "lifetime". The person affected can appeal to the courts to have the trespass notice quashed, since the notice is issued by the police, not Disney.

Again, thus far we only have this guy's version of what happened, which is very likely slanted to his own self-interest...

[Tekneek]

Total overreaction on Disney's part. They went and swept the room after the comment, which was clearly in jest, and found everything was clear. At that point you give him a stern talking to about how the company takes any matter like that seriously and tell him to knock it off. But a lifetime ban for all properties around the world? That's a bit much.

Indeed. This is like getting a tsunami when a rock falls into a lake. The reaction goes beyond what is required, but they can do it if they want to. Perhaps they imagine this sort of theatrical reaction will dissuade others from making an absurd comment like that, but it is surely so rare as to have little or no measurable impact whatsoever. EDIT to add... A process that allows the man to appeal the order, and explain/apologize/make restitution, is probably sufficient in this case. I now understand better that some of this was dictated by the police and Disney probably did exercise due caution when passing on the information.

A search warrant is not required if a threat to life reasonably exists. If they believe there is a meth lab in a room, and it is known that they have caused fires/explosions, they are legally able to enter the room. It is an exception to the 4th amendment, as long as their beliefs later pass judicial scrutiny.

[TheDuckRocks]

No sympathy from me at all. Of all the things he could have said to indicate that he waited a ridiculously long time, that's what he chooses? I also suspect there's more to the story than he's telling. If WDW bounced this guy for life, I'm betting they had a very good reason.

I agree with you completely. And as this was done on his last night, heaven only knows what other nonsense he'd been up to his whole trip.

[1DisneyNut]

When I made my post above, I didn't realize they have actually been having problems with meth labs and fires and what not in the onsite resorts. That is just baffling. It blows my mind to find out that people would go to WDW and make meth in their room.

Considering that information, maybe they didn't overreact. People cooking meth in the resorts is a huge safety concern for other guests.

[BrerGnat]

When I made my post above, I didn't realize they have actually been having problems with meth labs and fires and what not in the onsite resorts. That is just baffling. It blows my mind to find out that people would go to WDW and make meth in their room.

Considering that information, maybe they didn't overreact. People cooking meth in the resorts is a huge safety concern for other guests.

I don't think it has actually happened on Disney property yet, but it has happened in hotels in the area, as well as in other states. I have heard stories about this happening. I assume all the Disney CMs are trained to respond to certain verbal trigger phrases. The CM who reported this guy was likely simply following established security protocol.

[texas211]

I still say overboard, and a waste of real police time. Especially with all of the shenanigans that wdw does allow. Oh well, hopefully the guy will enjoy Universal and Sea World.

[Goofy4TheWorld]

I still say overboard, and a waste of real police time. Especially with all of the shenanigans that wdw does allow. Oh well, hopefully the guy will enjoy Universal and Sea World.

Whoever handed this down (Disney or police) went way overboard, and if it's the police then they don't have the authority to ban someone for life from anything.

I have done the whole "stay an extra day" mess with Disney and it's no wonder this guy cracked.

[Ed]

... and if it's the police then they don't have the authority to ban someone for life from anything.

Actually, yes they do under Florida law. As I mentioned earlier, the trespass notices do not specify a length of time, thereby making them permanent. They can only be modified or cancelled by the courts.

[Mendelson]

It's a metaphorical turn of phrase. What reasonable person would think he meant it literally??

And okay, so let's say there have been meth labs exploding in Kissimmee-area hotel rooms and that alone merits more serious consideration; if this guy and fam are Disney nuts Disney can pull up his profile and see that he's staying there with his kids...and that he's stayed numerous times over several years (I'm assuming) and that he does not fit the profile of someone who comes to a Disney resort to build a meth lab.

[Dulcee]

It's a metaphorical turn of phrase. What reasonable person would think he meant it literally??

And okay, so let's say there have been meth labs exploding in Kissimmee-area hotel rooms and that alone merits more serious consideration; if this guy and fam are Disney nuts Disney can pull up his profile and see that he's staying there with his kids...and that he's stayed numerous times over several years (I'm assuming) and that he does not fit the profile of someone who comes to a Disney resort to build a meth lab.

You'd be surprised the things people will do with their children present. My husband is a police officer and the things he's seen done, in front of children, is pretty horrific.

If the guy is that upset about it take it to court and have it lifted, assuming you can find a judge who won't think you deserve it for being a moron.

[CaptSmee]

You'd be surprised the things people will do with their children present. My husband is a police officer and the things he's seen done, in front of children, is pretty horrific.

If the guy is that upset about it take it to court and have it lifted, assuming you can find a judge who won't think you deserve it for being a moron.

He already is having it appealed and I'm sure in the end Disney will give him something free to make it up to him. People act like asses and always end up getting what they don't deserve

[Tekneek]

People act like asses and always end up getting what they don't deserve

This applies in all directions, not just downward.

[Mendelson]

I doubt Disney will give him something free...all he appears to be asking for is to be allowed back in WDW, which, at the end of the day, is not "free" on his end and in fact benefits Disney financially.

Look, the guy may be a complete jerk, the but the response is ridiculous.

[Goofy4TheWorld]

You'd be surprised the things people will do with their children present. My husband is a police officer and the things he's seen done, in front of children, is pretty horrific.

If the guy is that upset about it take it to court and have it lifted, assuming you can find a judge who won't think you deserve it for being a moron.

Being a moron isn't against the law, so finding a judge should be pretty easy, and I wish him the best of luck in court.

[Goofy4TheWorld]

Actually, yes they do under Florida law. As I mentioned earlier, the trespass notices do not specify a length of time, thereby making them permanent. They can only be modified or canceled by the courts.

Thank goodness we have Article III to remedy such an abusive overreach by the Executive and Legislative branch.

[TheVBs]

While I understand the argument that a lifetime ban for flippant comment made in jest in a frustrating situation seems like overkill, you have to remember that this particular comment obligated WDW CMs to report and investigate the situation, with police, in the middle of the night. That's beyond just forgiving a flippant comment. Not to mention, how much disturbance and concern did this cause other guests? And, I would still say it's a safe bet that this guy isn't telling the whole story.

[Mendelson]

If that comment obligates a CM to report the situation, then it's a case of a bad policy...one written in black and white that leaves no room for common sense or human interpretation of a situation.

[Tekneek]

If that comment obligates a CM to report the situation, then it's a case of a bad policy...one written in black and white that leaves no room for common sense or human interpretation of a situation.

Most policy and procedure today tends to be robotic and leave no room for context or judgment. It is an unfortunate turn of events. Our species spent so much time evolving these brains so we could get together and decide to not use them.

[Ed]

If that comment obligates a CM to report the situation, then it's a case of a bad policy...one written in black and white that leaves no room for common sense or human interpretation of a situation.

And suppose the CM chose to ignore the comment and the guest HAD built a meth lab in the room, and the makeshift lab exploded. Who would have been responsible for the damage, injuries and/or deaths ? Still a "bad policy" ?

Common sense ain't so common any more. Obviously it was lacking in this guest's case.

Just sayin'....

[Wells]

To be clear, in the state of Florida "do not trespass" warnings can be issued only by the property owners, in this case Disney. These orders do not expire and can only be rescinded by the property owner, again Disney. The courts do not have the authority to rescind these orders. These orders can be issued for any reason and the property owners have no obligation to "show cause". This man used extremely poor judgment in his choice of words which resulted in a disruptive and costly police investigation.
His only recourse is to wait awhile, maybe a year or two, and then throw himself on the mercy of the Disney organization an plead with them to rescind the order.
These orders have been issued by all of the Orlando area parks for much less egregious offenses!

P.S. As an afterthought, I guess the slogan "Unforgettable happens here" really does apply!

[Mendelson]

But again, the assumption that he was being serious in no way, shape, or form passes a reasonable person test.

If someone sat beside me on a plane and said, "These honey-roasted peanuts are the bomb," and I chose not to do anything and the plane blew up because he in fact had a bomb, well shame on me. But he doesn't have a bomb just because the word passed his mouth and common sense allows me to use context to know that.



And suppose the CM chose to ignore the comment and the guest HAD built a meth lab in the room, and the makeshift lab exploded. Who would have been responsible for the damage, injuries and/or deaths ? Still a "bad policy" ?

Common sense ain't so common any more. Obviously it was lacking in this guest's case.

Just sayin'....

[TheVBs]

But again, the assumption that he was being serious in no way, shape, or form passes a reasonable person test.

If someone sat beside me on a plane and said, "These honey-roasted peanuts are the bomb," and I chose not to do anything and the plane blew up because he in fact had a bomb, well shame on me. But he doesn't have a bomb just because the word passed his mouth and common sense allows me to use context to know that.

I truly do get what you're saying. But obviously, in situations that indicate a potential threat, a large company is going to have guidelines that it expects it's employees to follow, instead of leaving them to judge for themselves. IF the conversation went like this man reported it did, then yes, it would be reasonable to assume he wasn't serious. But, there's no point in blaming the CMs for having a procedure to follow, or Disney for having one. No procedure is ever going to perfectly fit every case.

Either way, it was a ridiculously stupid thing to say and I still have zero sympathy for this guy. Just like I would have zero sympathy for someone getting arrested on a plane for claiming that his honey roasted peanuts were a bomb.

[PopPhan]

But again, the assumption that he was being serious in no way, shape, or form passes a reasonable person test.

If someone sat beside me on a plane and said, "These honey-roasted peanuts are the bomb," and I chose not to do anything and the plane blew up because he in fact had a bomb, well shame on me. But he doesn't have a bomb just because the word passed his mouth and common sense allows me to use context to know that.

Apples and oranges, my friend. There is a huge difference between "These honey-roasted peanuts are the bomb" and "I'm going to build a bomb in the restroom"

This person saying that they were going to build a meth lab in the room, in jest or not, fits the second statement rather than the first. It was a ridiculous statement to make in the first place, and a zero-tolerance policy for such types of threat (IF Disney has such a policy) would call for the actions that were taken.

I still believe that a lifetime ban is/was excessive, but understandable.

[Mendelson]

There is also a difference between "I'm building a meth lab in my hotel room" and, according to him: "I could have built a meth lab in the length of time it’s taken you guys to answer my question."

[big blue and hairy]

It seems that the opposing viewpoints are, the guy is a moron, and Disney over reacted. My opinion? Yes.....to both...:D

:sulley:

[texas211]

While I understand the argument that a lifetime ban for flippant comment made in jest in a frustrating situation seems like overkill, you have to remember that this particular comment obligated WDW CMs to report and investigate the situation, with police, in the middle of the night. That's beyond just forgiving a flippant comment. Not to mention, how much disturbance and concern did this cause other guests? And, I would still say it's a safe bet that this guy isn't telling the whole story.

Oh come now. They don't obligate the minimum wage staff to do anything. i've reported all kinds of craziness when I've stayed there, and nothing happened. Purely random and too bad for this guy.

[BrerGnat]

There has to be more to this story if there was a full on police raid at midnight.

[TheVBs]

Oh come now. They don't obligate the minimum wage staff to do anything. i've reported all kinds of craziness when I've stayed there, and nothing happened. Purely random and too bad for this guy.

Aww. Well, I'm sorry your reports on other people's craziness weren't addressed. But, as pointed out, something that requires the police to be called in clearly is something the CMs are expected to report. Of course they have expected obligations, probably more so than most other places. But that's okay, we can agree to disagree. :mickey:

[TheDuckRocks]

There has to be more to this story if there was a full on police raid at midnight.

Agreed! I far as I know we have only heard his side of this and there could be a huge amount of backstory to this that hasn't been released.

[Ian]

MODERATOR ALERT!

Just a friendly reminder to keep things civil and on topic, please. No personal attacks, no unnecessary or hostile back and forth, and no extraneous commentary unrelated to the subject at hand.

There have been a few posts in this thread that skirted the edge of our TOS, so let's family it up please. :mickey:

[Mendelson]

I guess that alert is directed in part to me; so noted. Nothing more to say.

Oddly, in 20 years this is the most extensively I've ever debated anything on the internet (which is saying something, since I know EVERYTHING :-)) and I don't really like the guy who made the comment (or meth labs, either, for the record - and meth, not much at all).

[DizneyFreak2002]

I guess that alert is directed in part to me; so noted. Nothing more to say.

Oddly, in 20 years this is the most extensively I've ever debated anything on the internet (which is saying something, since I know EVERYTHING :-)) and I don't really like the guy who made the comment (or meth labs, either, for the record - and meth, not much at all).
Usually they are directed toward me LOL... but I've been unnaturally quiet...:thumbsup:

Anyway, I thought the new rallying cry of Americans is "PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY???"

If he thought before he spoke, instead of suffering from diarrhea of the mouth, he wouldn't be banned today... Nope, don't feel bad for dolts...

[Ed]

There is also a difference between "I'm building a meth lab in my hotel room" and, according to him: "I could have built a meth lab in the length of time it’s taken you guys to answer my question."

My point exactly. We've only heard one side of the story.

[Speedy1998]

Ok, I have to ask, how exactly does Disney enforce a ban? I mean sure it is easy enough to prevent him from staying at one of their hotels, but keeping him out of the park is kind of tough if he stays off property. It's not like Disney security has a wall with pictures of people not to let into the park.

[PopPhan]

Ok, I have to ask, how exactly does Disney enforce a ban? I mean sure it is easy enough to prevent him from staying at one of their hotels, but keeping him out of the park is kind of tough if he stays off property. It's not like Disney security has a wall with pictures of people not to let into the park.

Actually, with the new MagicBands and biometric scans, it would not be that difficult to flag someone as banned from the parks. Those scan records do not just go away, they are on file, probably, for years. So, if this person, or anyone "banned" went to scan their band and finger to get into a park, it would be easy to flag them -- red light (or another "special" color) on the Mickey head.

[Tekneek]

Those scan records do not just go away, they are on file, probably, for years.

Disney previously claimed that the biometric finger scan data is deleted after 30 days. Is that no longer true?

[Wells]

However Disney identifies an individual with a do not trespass warning is not the point. If an attempt is made to enter Disney property after being issued a trespass warning it would be construed as intent to UNLAWFULLY trespass, meaning, in real terms, that the person entered the property "with stealth" OR with intent to commit a crime. The legal consequences in Florida or such an action include arrest and a stiff fine. It just isn't worth the risk for a spin in a teacup!

[PopPhan]

Disney previously claimed that the biometric finger scan data is deleted after 30 days. Is that no longer true?

I honestly do not know, but figured since you can reuse MagicBands indefinitely, they would keep your biometrics on file. Otherwise, how is anyone to know if you were the original recipient of the MagicBand -- specially when related to annual passes? (Rhetorical question.)

[Tekneek]

I honestly do not know, but figured since you can reuse MagicBands indefinitely, they would keep your biometrics on file. Otherwise, how is anyone to know if you were the original recipient of the MagicBand -- specially when related to annual passes? (Rhetorical question.)

It is supposed to be 30 days from ticket expiration.

[texas211]

I guess that alert is directed in part to me; so noted. Nothing more to say.

Oddly, in 20 years this is the most extensively I've ever debated anything on the internet (which is saying something, since I know EVERYTHING :-)) and I don't really like the guy who made the comment (or meth labs, either, for the record - and meth, not much at all).

They were forced to act :) At least you didn't provide instructions on how to setup a meth lab..

I don't know what you said as I'm too lazy to look back.

[NJGIRL]

I think Disney over reacted. If they checked his room and found no sign of drugs or a lab then IMO a life time ban was over the top. The drunk people at the Food and Wine festival are more of a threat to the public safety and Disney has no problem with them at all.

And comparing this guy to a person making a bomb threat on a plane is totally different IMO. This guy may have been a jerk but was obviously reacting in anger and not really going to make a meth lab in the room.

[BrerGnat]

I think Disney over reacted. If they checked his room and found no sign of drugs or a lab then IMO a life time ban was over the top. The drunk people at the Food and Wine festival are more of a threat to the public safety and Disney has no problem with them at all.

And comparing this guy to a person making a bomb threat on a plane is totally different IMO. This guy may have been a jerk but was obviously reacting in anger and not really going to make a meth lab in the room.

This was not this man's first run in with Disney security. He was apparently flagged as a problem guest for previous issues. This was likely strike three.