Vote of the week: Alcohol in theme parks?

July 14, 2007 at 1:32 PM · I think its okay to serve alcohol in the parks. Why not? Sure there will be some people who will say "Its a FAMILY PARK! NO ALCOHOL! FAMILIES!!ARRCHH!" But, really whats the harm? HHN, sure people get a little tanked and some get a little rowdy, but I think that has more to do with the crowds than the alcohol.
I think if it becomes a problem, parks cut it out. Look at Universal...there is a rumor that Beerfest wont be returning because of the decline in attendance the past few years when they have it.....if it becomes a problem, the park corrects it.

July 14, 2007 at 1:47 PM · What would Epcot be without drinking around the world?? Well, still fun, but not as fun!

July 14, 2007 at 5:19 PM · I voted yes, because having alcohol in the park doesn't harm anyone. We allow smoking in our parks in designated areas, so why not alcohol? Usually people have only a few when they go to a park, as a 'break' or a 'breather' between rides or as a cold, refreshing beverage during a meal. And the high cost of alcohol keeps most people from buying enough to actually get drunk. ;)

July 14, 2007 at 5:01 PM · As long as we're drawing the theme park/amusement park line in the sand, I'm completely voting "yes." The only exception should always and forever be the Magic Kingdoms.

As for amusements parks...well, no.

I find it interesting that all the comments so far have been from the "yes" crowd while the poll results at this time seem to indicate no. Sounds like some folks can't justify their arguments.

July 14, 2007 at 5:05 PM · I don't think it's necessary to serve alcolhol at most parks; then again, Busch Gardens was the park that beer built.

You can drink elsewhere--and pay a lot less for it. It cracked me up at HHN at Universal last year too see all these poeple lining up at beer and margarita stands, losing precious minutes out of their already expensive evening, just to pay too much for beer or margaritas.

July 14, 2007 at 5:10 PM · Kind of a tough question for me to answer. On one hand the sales usually bring in more revenue. On the other, consumption effects everyone differently, so regulation becomes more of a issue.
I voted yes to this and here's why...
I enjoy a nice tasty adult beverage while I'm at a park. I DO NOT enjoy the idiots that can't handle their consumption and then become a problem for anyone around them.
If only parks could properly train people selling the drinks, then maybe excessive drinking wouldn't get out of hand??? Bar tenders at restaurants usually, and I'm using the term usually lightly, seem to know when someone has too much to drink. Now of course this only works while the patron is consuming drinks in that one establishment. I believe that a system regulating amount served could be easily established and not to costly. Something like going to a specific location within the park and getting ID checked, then given a wrist band or card that is dated for that day. This then gets stamped each time you purchase a drink. Most parks are open for 10-12 hours, so let's say for sake of arguement, 10-12 drinks a day??? Yes....I know...some people can drink more than say others and they may be able to drink all 10-12 drinks within an hour, but this is where you have to consider the person selling those drinks. As another posted, cost of those drinks can be excessive and spending 5-10 dollars a drink also adds up. (another deterent???) That's a possible $50-100 dollars just in alcohol?
This is just a thought! Nothing more or less, but I enjoy being able to have a adult beverage at the parks, so this is a YES for me!

July 14, 2007 at 5:54 PM · I think it's okay as long as it's in a designated area and not allowable to carry around in the park. It must be consumed where it was bought.

July 14, 2007 at 8:56 PM · I voted no. But I could have gone either way.I have to say that I do not think that all alcohol in parks is bad but it is the few people that over consume and then cause rowdiness by line jumping or trying to pick fights with people they think are looking at them wrong, etc. Those are the people that give alcohol the bad name. I do agree with the person that said that there should be specific areas for the alcohol to be consumed. I saw alot of beer consumption in the Q lines at USF and IOA over the 4th and I saw Some rowdy people in the lines that had bottles of beer and I don't think that is the right place to have it. Also, I don't agree with parents walking around drinking beer all day while they are pushing their kids around in strollers or like I saw over the 4th, A group chaperone drinking beer while they were in charge of about 30 kids. Beer should be allowed but only in food areas and specific beer tents or areas.

July 14, 2007 at 9:09 PM · I think its okay but at the same time they should have some rules and regulations for it. I think they should have some sort of oganization so that they can control how much people drink.

July 14, 2007 at 10:08 PM · I voted yes just because it can add so much to a park. As was mentioned, what would World Showcase be like without Alcohol? It would be extremely inaccurate. The serving of alcohol adds to California Adventure as well as CA is known for its wine and trying to ignore that portion of CA would be a bit foolish. And it wouldn't make sense for Busch theme parks to not serve alcohol - I mean, they're run by a beer company! I can definitely understand not wanting alcohol in the Magic Kingdom parks because they are very family-oriented parks. However, I am perfectly fine with them serving alcohol in DLP in order to be more in line with local custom.

July 15, 2007 at 12:19 AM · Mixed (pardon the pun) feelings on this one. If it's just a straight theme park, with no animal exhibits, then I would say serving alcohol is something that should be left to the discretion of the specific park involved.

HOWEVER -- If it's a zoo or oceanarium, especially one that has any sort of interactive exhibits (Sick Flags Discovery Kingdom comes immediately to mind), then my preference would be no.

I would be willing to make an exception for alcohol served in a designated spot where you cannot take it with you to the rest of the park, AND if the servings per customer are strictly limited.

It may sound harsh, but I've seen animals and visitors alike put at risk through stupid behavior when the visitors involved are sober, let alone when they get plastered. My preference, overall, would be to keep alcohol OUT of any park that has an animal component, even if it's something as simple as a "petting zoo."

Keep the peace(es).

July 15, 2007 at 4:45 AM · It depends on the demographic and experience the park caters to. Those geared predominately toward families with preteens and a non-"adult" experience (Legoland, DL/MK), naah, although I wouldn't object for high-end sit-down restaurants. Teen-oriented parks (Six Flags), again, maybe only at one or two high-end sit-down restaurants, but most certainly not out on the concourses. Those parks that can cater to everybody including adults without kids, could be looser. Like others here, I think it's a good idea to keep it either out of inappropriate areas such as rides/lines or within designated areas. These could be sizeable areas with controlled access like performance venues, themed pavilions and food courts. As a comparison (not exactly apples to apples but) our annual county fair allows alcohol anywhere where food and drinks are allowed, except for the midway. I don't recall ever seeing any problems with drunkenness before. I agree it's a cost thing: people go to the bar to get drunk, not to the fair.

(FWIW, I don't drink alcohol. I find the concept of getting drunk a bit sad but see nothing wrong at all with people having some drinks now and then.)

July 15, 2007 at 6:09 AM · I enjoy a beer or two every now and then but don't drink at any parks because some rides get me sick enough already. I think serving alchohol in parks is fine (to a point). Someone mentioned people drinking from bottles in queue lines. Beer should NEVER be served in glass bottles in a park and definately no drinking in the lines.

July 15, 2007 at 6:12 AM · I think thats part of the appeal of being able to drink in the parks. You can take it with you everywhere. Its not like in real life where if you go into a bar, you have to finish it in a bar.
Yes, people over embibe, but at the same rate the people serving the drinks are not going to tell a clearly drunk person no. It causes more problems for them. Sure if the scene escalates the person will get thrown out of the park, but no one wants that, and it usually has to involve someone throwing a punch. If I'm the person serving the drink, I dont want that hassle. I serve them and get them out there.
And I used HHN as an example, as a lot of people do. Its really an unfair rep that Universal gets. We did Beerfest in November, then immediately afterwards we went over to Epcot for Food and Wine Festival. Now while there were several clearly drunk people at beerfest, none were causing a commotion. Food and Wine Festival, completely different story. On the way out of the park there was a couple, the lady was stumbling drunk and falling down all over the place. She was cursing and yelling and in general causing a ruckus....she was having fun. Her boyfriend was also drunk and was getting angry, then SHE fell over in the bushes laughing. He started shouting and getting angry at a few gentleman when his girl, who was still on the ground, took off her top with the obligatory WHOOOOOO.
Now while this may seem like an argument against drinking, its actually just a story. Sadly over consuming can happen anywhere, and it really stinks when people like that give the fun loving beer drinkers who spent the whole day enjoying their drinks a bad name.
Personally I limit my drinks at a park to a minimum. I drive for a living, and Florida has very strict DUI laws....and while I'm very much against drunk driving...one drink does not constitute drunk....but according to the state of Florida it does. I enjoy different types of beer, and love the Busch parks for this reason, I love the chance to try something that I have never sampled before.

July 15, 2007 at 6:19 AM · Good one. My anwser is a no sorry, Nothing owrse then a few beers and hot summer day and thrill rides...And most parents don"t want to explain a grown man witha case of nasties running out his mouth...Sorry guys no go on this one. When I go to a park Im there for fun. And if you need a beer for fun stay home or go to a bar..but dont subject me and all around to you.

July 15, 2007 at 10:17 AM · Busch's beer schools don't bother me, nor do Epcot's restaurants. But seeing beer sold from a cart does.

Though, when I think about it longer, I realize that it's the *cart* which bugs me, not the beer. I'd love to see a theme park devoid of food and beverage carts -- Americans eat too darn much as it is. Let visitors go into a well-themed ice cream parlor for an afternoon cone, if one wants. But get the ugly, calorie-pushing carts off the streets. (Perhaps this is one reason why I love Legoland so much. I can't recall seeing carts there.)

Back to the topic: It seems to me that it would be quite easy for theme parks to limit the purchase of alcohol, and that they wouldn't have to rely on the judgment of employees to do it. Just use the same technology that Disney, for example, uses for its FastPass.

You know how you can't get another FastPass for two hours after you get one? Make people swipe their admission ticket when they buy a drink, just as they do to get a FastPass. Then the park can set its system to limit drinks to one every x hours, or y total drinks for the day.

If you really want to get fancy, you can "card" the buyer at the front gate when the ticket is purchased. Those over 21 would have to prove it and opt in to allow their admission card to enable them to buy drinks (kind of like I have to tell the doorman at House of Blues if I'm going to drink to get a wristband when I go to a concert there). Everyone else's ticket is blocked, and they can't use it to buy alcohol.

Now, this system would be tougher to implement at parks that use mostly one-day only admission, especially print at home tickets. But it still could be done.

And if any park wants to adopt this idea -- it's all yours. Just make sure TPI is at the top of your media release list in exchange. ;-)

July 15, 2007 at 11:04 AM · I can only form my opinion on experience. I have been a law enforcement officer for more than 20 years. I will not impose a personal opinion without merit.

Stating the obvious, large crowds in which even a small percentage are consuming alcohols can produce a very interesting environment. To contain or control the possibility of negative incidents, especially in the eyes of the media, Parks would eventually be compelled to increase the security presence. This would possibly mean hiring off-duty officers or extra security personnel. The concept of a personnel increase is one of the most costly line items to an operational budget and would surely be reflected in the cost of admissions.
I work regularly with officers who provide security at large music venues, clubs, pro football coliseums, and have worked these events myself. Officers and security persons are not generally done with an incident once the subject is removed or detained, many will result in arrests and the subsequent court proceedings and costs. These costs will also impact the parks and its patrons in regard to paying for the personnel to be at court and any attorney fees that apply during a prosecution.
The statistics that are overwhelming, in the information that we now gather, are the incidents in which alcoholic beverages are involved.
I can only see an increase in incidents and costs to prevent and contend with those individuals who will surely over-indulge if given the opportunity. Limiting the availability and location to consume alcoholic beverages is simply the easiest way to decrease the possibility of these problems.
If a person wishes to “have a drink or two”,that can be acceptable, but unfortunately, most will get caught up in the party frenzy atmosphere and go too far. Drinking in the restaurants or clubs at the parks would be better, as long as the staff is trained appropriately to monitor intake levels. Many restaurant chains will now limit the number of served drinks to patrons.
I am not of the abolitionist mindset, as I do like to have a mixed drink, beer, or glass of wine, but I know what is enough.
My family enjoys the “Food and Wine Festival” as mentioned by someone previously and I would commend the handling of the event by security officers. We purposely attend the park to take part in the festival and I have seen only a few examples of highly intoxicated subjects, during our frequent trips into Epcot while the festival is happening. I’m sure the parks security presence is enhanced at the very least.

It’s just going to be better if it’s left out, or limited to planned events which may be contained with less impact on the general populous of park guests.

I’ll shut up now!

July 15, 2007 at 2:47 PM · Why not?!? Sure, theme parks should be aloud to serve alcohol. If people are gonna get totally wasted than that's there fault...

July 15, 2007 at 2:48 PM · I voted NO.
I can't imagine that the solution to making theme parks more appealing to older teens and twenty-something singles (isn't that the group they're targeting here?)is turning lemonade carts into keg-carts. It'll be too easy to go cart hopping around the parks with no control as to the amount purchased or consumed.

I suppose it could be handled by having to turn in your admission card & showing ID with each alcohol purchase. They could scan it into a park computer, keep a record of your purchases and only sell you a certain number of drinks each day. But it still brings alcohol out from a controlled area making it readily accessible in a family zone and that I cannot condone.

The bottom line for me is that theme parks are family parks, not nightclubs. When I leave a park at the end of the day that I've paid a lot of money to enjoy, I want to be reasonably certain that "some drunk" is not a phrase I use to describe my family's experience with anyone that day.

July 15, 2007 at 3:20 PM · I voted yes, but I would like to qualify that answer. Yes in certain areas of the park, and only those areas (seated restaurants, special venues). I do not feel there should be drinking in lines. Just as most parks have designated smoking areas, they could have designated beer/wine areas.

July 15, 2007 at 4:01 PM · I voted no but at the same time yes, if this makes any sense.

NO for alcoholic beverages to be consumed in general Park areas but YES to be served in restricted areas like licensed restaurants and monitored so not to be taken into the park.

The alcohol to be restricted to say two drinks per legal paying customer just not to have drunken louts running amoke within the Parks causing havoc with other guests.

July 15, 2007 at 4:15 PM · I'm with Noel G and Chris P on this one.
I voted "No." However...
Drinking in sit-down restaurants or places like Epcot's World Showcase where it's part of the cultures represented = fine.
But selling beer from carts, allowing people to walk around with alcohol just like a soda = no way. You'll attract the wrong crowd.
Think of Six Flags catering to the wrong generation (teens) and the troubles they're in. Catering to twenty-somethings who want to party around the park and scare away the souvenier/photo buying families? - that would be stupid.
Keep it limited to non-counter service restaurants and don't allow it out in the park.

July 15, 2007 at 4:38 PM · Some people can't fly unless they throw a few back. Why should riding a roller coaster be any different?

July 15, 2007 at 6:14 PM · It's an interesting poll, but certainly a moot point. The profit margins on alcohol are way too big to give up. Plus, can you imagine the nice restaurants in the World Showcase not serving drinks?

July 15, 2007 at 6:42 PM · I voted "yes"! I think everyone should have the choice whether they would like an alcholic beverage in a theme park or not. Everyone paid their same way into the park to enjoy it how they prefer....however, I do agree with the fact that some people need to learn how to handle their alcohol. I don't belive that everyone shouldn't be able to consume at their choosing in theme parks because of a few idiots that can't handle their liquor. Walking around with a drink in a plastic cup or aluminum bottle should be fine. If u leave people in a designated area to drink these....they will chug them to be able to get to the next thing they want to go to, which is worse than them consuming them at their leasure. Then u will not only have drunks u will have sick drunks!

Busch Gardens and Sea World are owned by the "beer king", come on. Epcot...they have the most popular event, "the Food & Wine Festival, it's not the Food & Soda Festival...not as much interest without the wine and beer from the different countries.

I do not drink everytime I go to a theme park, but on some occasion I do and I like the option of being able to do so if I wish.

July 15, 2007 at 7:18 PM · I dont mind drinking at Theme Parks, as long as it is done in Rests. and not people walking around the park with a beer or cocktail etc. If peopel are walking around with there drink it detracts IMHO from a family atmosphere and instead makes me feel as if im at the local state fair/carnival etc.

July 15, 2007 at 7:41 PM · All I can say is, would YOU WANT to sit next to Mr. Beer Breath on a roller coaster?

July 16, 2007 at 3:57 AM · I'm sorry but if you need a few drinks to do something, then there's a problem.

July 16, 2007 at 5:46 AM · I smiled at Kelly's comment "What would Epcot be without drinking around the world?" That reference dates back 25 years. I was a member of the Magic Kingdom College Program in the Fall of 1982 when EPCOT opened -- so her use of the phrase brought back a few (somewhat hazy) memories.

Of course alcohol should be served at theme parks. With the exception of the Magic Kingdom -- per of Mr. Disney's decree.

Perhaps, Mr. Niles should have posed the question differently. Those of us who frequent TPI have (combined) visted a zillion different themeparks on a zillion different occassions. Thus, a more appropriate question might be "Have you ever witnessed or experienced something at a theme park that would cause you to believe that alcohol should not be served?"

I've been visiting the Disney parks since my first trip to Disneylan in the Spring of 1968. I can't recall any incident at any theme park (or Pleasure Island [including House of Blues concerts] for that matter) where something has happened that would make me advocate implementation of theme park prohibition.

Now if you will excuse me ... "Um ... Mr. Bartender. Could I get a re-fill down here, please?"

July 16, 2007 at 5:57 AM · This is a very interesting question, and one that has always been debated. In fact I do believe this very issue was discussed in one of my college classes, I was a Hospitality major. One thing I will agree with is no alcohol in the Magic Kingdom. It been a rule since the beginning and no one really complains about it. I mean if you REALLY need a drink, you can always hop on a monorail and go to the Contemporary or Grand Floridian, I know they serve it there.

In general alcohol has always been a huge revenue source anywhere you go. For the fact that they charge so much and so many people buy them. Of course one way to change that is for people to stop buying the alcohol, this of course will never happen. So I would have to say yes to this particular question.

Now as a former theme park Guest Services person I could see why many people say no. I don't know how many times I got calls from guests upset that alcohol was being served in a family park. I do agree that people need to know there limits but some people just don't seen to follow that. In fact over the recent weeks I have seen how people are to each other in a service atmosphere, and let me tell you there are some really not nice people out there, and they were sober! I do know that park employees try there best to ensure everyone has a great time, unfortunatly you can't watch everyone, nor can you control there actions BEFORE they get to a park.

One trend that I know people do, especially those that are underage, is that they will get drunk before coming to a theme park. That way they get there buzz without paying the high prices. This tends to happen most often when it comes to HHN. I guess a lot of people find the event more appealing if their lit. Me personally, while I will have ONE drink, and usually it's the premixed "specialty" drink that they make that is already watered down, I enjoy HHN without the need to libation because watching everyone else make fools of themselves is entertainment in and of itself.

I also think if they were to get rid of alcohol at Epcot, you would see attendance drop dramatically. The attitude towards alcohol is different in other countries and in fact is part of their heritage in a lot of cases. Imagine how many really PO'ed people you would have if they went to Germany and could not buy beer. Imagine how angry the countries themeselves would be. Remember, the French were not to happy with Disney's no alcohol policy for DLP. Now they are the only Magic Kingdom that serves alcohol.

So while I understand the no, because as parents you want to protect your children, I would have to vote yes, but again people really need to know there limit and need to start being courteous to other guests.

July 16, 2007 at 6:41 AM · Alcohol and Beer are different items. Beer hell yes.. I need a beer after putting up with waiting lines and hot sunny days. Yes yes yes Hell Yes….

July 16, 2007 at 8:35 AM · Look, if u com to a theme park to drink, then u r stupid, jus go to ur local. Also there r lots of children in theme parks so i feel alcohol is unessiciary!!!! however, i have now read some ppls comments and i understand that alcohol is a gd idea. I am only 16 but in a few years time i am sure i will probs want a drink at a theme park. So i think if alcohol is available at a bar that wud be ok, but not at a stall. A nice beer wud be nice i suppose!!! If alcohol is drunk in moderationa nd ppl arnt gettin drunk jus for the fun of it, i think alcohol wudnt be a bad idea!!!!!

July 16, 2007 at 3:22 PM · Being a manager in the tourism industry, this was a tough one for me. I realize there are plenty of cultural situations where a park is forced to offer alcohol, such as Disney's experience with DL Paris years ago.
I voted no because even though I indulge in drinking in social situations, I realize the danger of heat, dehydration, & the lack of personal moderation are just added risks the parks don't need to take on.(Ever been in line for X at Magic Mountain on the hottest of days?).
If a decision is made to offer alcohol, let's keep it beer & wine. That way between increased cost, & lower content, hopefully this compels moderation. There's no need to be totally wasted in that environment. Especially when we know it hampers our decision making, and can contribute to safety issues when riding.

July 16, 2007 at 9:40 AM · I do not want alcohol in parks, because I did not pay to see drunks spill their drinks on my clothes on my kids clothes and also the effect on the cleanliness of the park experience. Limit drinking to the eating places inside and do not allow taking it out of the eatery. Also use tickets and limit people if possible to prevent drunk diving after leaving the park.
I have seen all the trash in the parking lots after the park closes. Some drinkers think the parking lot is their trash can.

July 16, 2007 at 10:42 AM · I voted NO on this one. I take my kids to these parks to have a good time, not dodge drunks. I can't understand why people have to have beer to enjoy themselves. Yeah, I used to drink when I was younger, but then grew out of it. Can't you get through a few hours without a fix? Sounds like a lot of people have a problem. My other problem with the whole alcohol thing is the kids working the parks. Most times they are teen-agers. I don't care how much the management says they won't be where drinks are served, if there is a shortage of staff, they'll put the kids where they are most needed. Been there done that. I worked in a couple of parks when I was a teen and they put us where they needed us regardless of our age. Not to mention the fact that the older workers will be slipping their underage friend drinks on the side. I don't want my teens around that either. The management cannot police this properly no matter what they say.

July 16, 2007 at 11:28 AM · Leslie Sebby - When I go to the parks I enjoy a beer or two during the day. We are on vacation and want a beer, so what… Does that make someone a drunk? I barely drink at home, maybe one beer a week. But when I am on vacation I will have two or three a day.

If you take it away would it hurt Orlando? Probably not, but now you would be hurting the gross profits - YES.

We are not talking about your local drunk going to a bar everyday after work (not that there is anything wrong with that) and getting sh** faced. This is not Jack Daniels.. Its just beer. You have to drink a lot of beer really often to get hammered. With the prices that they charge at $4.00 a beer, I find it hard to believe many get drunk at theme parks during the day.

Saying we all must have problems because we enjoy a lavation on vacation is BS.
Serenity now!!

July 16, 2007 at 12:43 PM · Currently, 58% disagree to it. Wow.

I have only witnessed one incident of a drunk, but it was at Pleasure Island and he was just a little over-excited at the Adventurer's Club. They gave him a warning to settle down, and when he didn't, they asked him politely to leave. He obliged.

Once again, that was Pleasure Island. I notice at Universal that guys just walk into lines with drinks. I think they should be restricted from entering a ride with a drink, and while I dislike cart vendors, I'm not against having them.

July 16, 2007 at 2:21 PM · Thank you Brian Emery,I voted yes...has anyone actually encountered a drunk at a theme park...not pleasure island or city walk, but a theme park? Of the 18 years i have been avidly going to theme parks I have NEVER seen anyone drunk, NEVER. Not even Sea World or Busch Gardens and they give you the first 2 free. I love that deal cuase thats all I drink anyways. Like others have said, alcoholic drinks are really expensive at theme parks which is a HUGE deterrent for the so called drunks. I like the fact that Magic Kingdom doesnt sell alcohol, but I am extremely grateful that the rest of the parks do. I know that Beer and florida heat dont mix, but that is completely up to the person doing the drinking. I drink like 10 bottles of water and have 2 beers...ooooo...i'm drunk somebody stop me...ok enough of the antagonism.

July 16, 2007 at 2:17 PM · I have to admit I can't say I remember seeing anyone drunk at a theme park either. Even if someone inside the park is drunk doesn't mean they got the alcohol from the park either.

July 16, 2007 at 3:00 PM · funny thing is, before my wife and i go to disneyland, we get a few drinks in our systems. we will go to the local 7-11 and then we drink in the parking structure. i guess my point is serving drinks inside would not make a difference on drunks. if they want to get wasted, they will find a way. i know they serve alcohol at DCA, but we never and up over there, hell they serve beer at chuck-e-cheese. i guess it makes it easier with all these kids.

July 16, 2007 at 4:22 PM · I said "yes," but it's a qualified "yes"...

It really depends on the park. Some parks are safer than others, and can tolerate an alcohol-fogged judgement. There are other parks at which a drunken stagger could lead to staggering medical bills.

July 16, 2007 at 10:55 PM · When my daughter was 5 (yes 5), some drunk at the Epcot Food & Wine festival tripped over her. When he got up, he starting screaming at my daughter for "being in his way you f*%$ing bitch." My daughter was in tears, but fortunately, Disney security withnessed the whole thing and removed the person from the spot (hopefully, out of the park, but I really do not know).

So, my answer is "No." from the events of that day. Walt was right when he said that he didn't want any drunks running around "my park."

July 17, 2007 at 5:59 AM · I just felt I had to say this......I live in Florida and go to a theme park every month. I have kids and enjoy taking them to the parks. I have been going to theme parks all my life and have never encounterd as Leslie Sebby would say "Dodging Drunks". I'm not sure what theme park u are going to! I do not think just because someone enjoys a beer or a glass of wine at a park makes them a drunk!! I have encountered more stupid sober people at them parks then drunks! People with no patience, cutting in lines, and talking trash. Somepeople enjoy a beer like u may enjoy a cold soda in the heat of the day. It doesn't mean they are drinking it just to be able to have fun, come on get real!

John Zucchero, what happened to your child at Epcot is totally uncalled for and shouldn't have happened and I am glad it was taken care of for u. However, some people are like that even without booze in their system. He was just an a** hole period! Unfortunatley u have to look at it this way. If u don't want your kids around booze then don't take them to the Food & WINE Festival. The drinking around the world showcase is a given. If u don't want your kids around booze then definatley skip this event.