The MousePlanet Mailbag is a regular compilation of some of our reader feedback and writer responses that may be of interest to our readers. We encourage you to drop your questions, opinions, or comments to us in care of our mailbag.
In a recent Walt Disney World park update, Mark Goldhaber reported on the recent arrest of a Disney employee for child pornography possession (link). Mark also asked for your opinion on whether MousePlanet should continue to cover these types of stories, and there was a significant response, both pro and con. The positive responses had a slight edge over the negative, so the first batch of letters are from those readers who support MousePlanet’s coverage of these types of issues.
Sarah writes:
Although perhaps a little harsh in language, you are reporting news in connection to the theme parks and the company. Although certainly unpleasant news, I have come to rely on MousePlanet.com’s weekly updates to keep me up to date on all current issues. I would hate to be in the middle of a discussion about how wonderful Walt Disney World is and how my family should take another vacation there, and then someone asks me, well, what about those recent arrests? And I would be clueless, considering I live in California. In short, I like to be up to date on all issues, not just the ‘cute’ ones.
Tony R. writes:
Personally, I think your column should continue to mention matters such as these. Let’s face it—there are two main reasons why folks visit this site. One is for entertainment; the other is for awareness. Furthermore, I’d say a fair percentage of your audience are parents with children who should be concerned over these kinds of issues and understand that, even on a trip to a Disney property, they need to be vigilant against those who would maltreat or exploit their youngsters.
I have seen parents who adopt an attitude of “We’re at Disney, so let the kids do what they want.” From my point of view, I pay even more attention to my children’s whereabouts at an amusement park, as it is, in my mind, a “target-rich environment” for people who prey on kids. There are lots of people always milling about; there are particularly large quantities of kids running around; the environment is distracting, particularly if you don’t make the trip often. While Disney is great fun, there is always the potential for heartbreak and tragedy for the unwary.
Joy F. writes:
Please keep reporting the crimes; though it may be uncomfortable and disgusting to read, we need to know this to protect our children. I am happy they are caught and you report it because it is one less weirdo my kids may encounter on our vacation. It’s also a warning to other parents to not let their guard down even at Disney. Some parents may be diligent at home, but think this is Disney so I am safe. Plus I think it is good to publicly humiliate them and their families by using their name and what they did. Perhaps it will prevent someone else from doing the same thing knowing they will get caught and found out in public.
Mike writes:
Thanks for the ongoing updates for Walt Disney World. Instead of answering your question about whether or not to keep reporting about “kiddie porn” and other such topics, I have a question for you.
Does the reporting add value to the information you already provide your readers? If it does, then by all means, keep this type of information going. However, in my opinion, if the information is of value to the readers, I’d create a separate column that could be updated weekly of such unsavory information. It could be a link that folks could easily click on. Perhaps the title might be, “Weekly Orlando Police Action at Walt Disney World.” Readers who require this type of information (especially when wanting to protect their children) could then access this uncomfortable, yet potentially necessary information.
Brett R. writes:
Yes, keep reporting them. First, we need to see all of Disney even with the bumps, bruises, and scars. Second, we need to see that infractions are taken seriously and not covered up, swept under the rug, or in Disney’s case, put behind a construction wall. Third, and most important, it adds to the credibility of your update when you disclose the facts of a case. I believe that you have the right and sometimes the duty to edit the details as not to offend younger or more sensitive readers, but when readers know that they can come to the update with the facts printed before them, they will know how to discern truth from rumor. No one wants to think that their Jungle Cruise skipper is into child pornography, but once they know and see that they are suspended/fired immediately, they will be very glad they possess the truth. No graphic details necessary—just keep doing the tremendous job that you are doing. And thank you for your hard work.
Denise P. writes:
Yes, Keep reporting these unfortunate situations. Please don’t leave this information to the local papers. My family tries to visit Disney World annually, but we are not locals and would like to have this information. I know that a lot of people would not like to have the fantasy image of Disney tarnished but unfortunately, there is a real world out there with some sick people in it and we need to be careful.
Michelle C. writes:
I like having the “negative” cast member stories reported on Mouse Planet because the news that we receive in Denver is usually just the headline without any details. For example, when the Tigger hitting a child story broke, we saw the video part when the child was hit but not the whole video. Here on Mouse Planet, the story was explained more completely and a link to the entire video was included. This allowed me to make my own decision, not just take what the news said as gospel. Also, we never received a follow up that told us that the charges were dropped. Thanks for all you do. I also enjoy the podcasts.
Tony D. writes:
Should you continue? Why wouldn’t you! This is an issue that should not be swept under the rug. People go to the Disney parks for a host of reasons and one of them, even if false, a sense of security for their family, especially their children. It would be a disservice to all your readers if you choose to be politically correct in your coverage of such behavior.
Amy writes:
I am sure it is probably very difficult to identify disturbed people like this and I imagine that Disney takes great pride in only hiring the best cast members they possibly can. I do not mind if you do report on these stories. These kinds of people are not just the lowest life form on the planet —unfortunately some are teachers, doctors, politicians or celebrities. The best thing is that they are caught and punished!
Mrs. D. writes:
I think that having child pornography is important to report, as is any violent crime by cast members (I’m not talking speeding tickets). Parents may view Disney World as a “safe” place. We leave our strollers parked without a thought. The articles give a real reminder that we should watch over our young ones, even at the “Happiest Place on Earth”.
Rick H. writes:
Doesn’t bother me, Mark. Not that they’re pleasant stories, but with your absence of tabloid-style lead-ins implying a “Disney problem,” they’re almost refreshing to read.
Sandra Z. writes:
Yes, by all means report it on your website. We all have to remember not to have our heads in the clouds because we are at Fantasyland places. We need to keep our eyes open at all times. If people don’t want to hear it, my advice is, not to read it. But, then they are only trying to hide from the truth. I love and cherish my children, bio, adoptive and foster, all the same. Your posting it just might keep one more child safe. Isn’t that worth it?
Approximately forty percent of people who wrote in feel that MousePlanet should not cover Cast Member arrests for child pornography. Here is a sampling of the letters received.
Burt B. writes:
My preference is that MousePlanet not report on the child pornography cases. We’re sure to read about these cases in the mainstream media anyway. I read MousePlanet to plan my trips to the World and to keep up to date on what’s new and what’s happening at the World. You have a great web site and many interesting articles. Keep up the great work!
Tony L. writes:
Thanks for soliciting opinions on this issue. I would rather not hear about these items unless they take place on property.
Given the large amount of cast members working at WDW I am sure law violations occur daily. It seems that as a website you are buying in to journalistic sensationalism by only covering issues of a sexual nature. If you wish to report on cast member conduct you should also investigate and mention incidents such as drunk driving or domestic abuse.
As I mentioned, unless the incident occurs on property it does not interest me.
Travis K. writes:
No, I would rather you not report these things anymore. I look toward Disney as a surreal place to go and see where things “seem” apart from the real world problems. I do realize that these things happen there too, but sometimes ignorance is bliss. I come to your web site also to get away from the real world for my Disney fix for the minutes a week, and would rather not have these type of stories in it.
Thank you for asking the general public if they would rather these particular stories stay off of here; that gives me great respect for you.
Lori writes:
I don’t need to know every time a WDW employee is arrested for a child related crime. Child molesters are, unfortunately, everywhere. Most people know this and are on alert even at WDW.
As far as the suggestive language, it prevents me from reading your article because it gets caught in my employer’s internet filter.
Mike B. writes:
I love your site and read it every day. I love keeping up with what’s going on in the parks. I think with this sort of thing though, it’s better left to the local news and newspapers. I know it’s a horrible thing that these sick monsters are out there, but the percentages of these kinds of people that are working for Disney are probably no different than for any other company that employ as many people as they do. It just looks more eye-catching for the news headlines because it’s Disney. If it were Home Depot you would never hear about it. Bottom line is: watch your children… no matter where you are.
Jeff M. writes:
I do not feel the need for MousePlanet to continue to report the child pornography arrests. Disney is no different than the world at large and employs a vast number of different people with different backgrounds. The local press will continue to report when there are persons of interest to the community, such as Disney employees, teachers, social workers, police officers, lawyers etc. I do not feel we need to be reminded in this forum of the all too common failings of human nature at large and that is not why I am a member. This does not extend to allegations within the park, and I say that reluctantly. Forum members will ask I expect, though I do not necessarily agree, that in the interests of family safety, you continue to advise of such allegations. Again, it would be simple to review local publications and the vast other number of Disney sites to check the “safety” status of a Disney property prior to visiting. Let’s try to focus on why we are such fans of the Disney brand.
Dan P. writes:
Unless there are many more instances of Disney employee problems that might indicate a deficiency in hiring practices, I’d rather not read about a few dirt-bags who happen to work at Disney. With nearly 60,000 people, I’m rather surprised there aren’t more issues. So, if anything we should congratulate Disney for the VAST majority of decent people they hire.
Thanks again for a great and informative site.
Lisa H. writes:
I for one wish you would quit reprinting the reports of Disney employees found with child pornography on their home computers. As disgusting as child pornography is, the unfortunate truth is that people from all walks of life and in all professions engage in this activity—it is just “national news” when the person caught works for the Disney company. I am sure other businesses that cater to children—Toys R Us, schools, Chuck E. Cheese, Boy Scouts—have employees who look at child porn at home, truth be known. But somehow they don’t get the play that a Disney employee will. While the law should punish those people, their use of pornography really does not impact their status as an employee of Disney or their job performance.
On the other hand, if a Disney employee harmed a child or lured a child away from his or her parents while on Disney property, that sort of story should be reported. That sort of story might help a parent be more vigilant while on vacation and actually directly help protect the safety of children.
Debora writes:
Although I think it is very important to know who and where all the “pervs” are I don’t think I want to know on this website. I would rather you keep this website just related to the parks itself. Since I am a BIG Disney fan I love to hear all about the goings on in the park but to know that I would rather read about it in the paper. I prefer to keep the “MAGIC” of the park, real or just in my mind as pure as possible.
Dave W. writes:
I think you should let the news media report on these stories. With 60,000 employees in Central Florida there are bound to be some bad apples. Outside of background checks (which Disney already does) there is no way for Disney to know what people do in their own homes. I never hear national news stories of the GM worker who gets arrested for the same offence. The media only reports these “Disney” employees to sensationalize the story.
