Comments about ‘In Disney World's shadow, homeless families struggle; tourists don't have a clue’

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Published: Thursday, April 24 2014 9:25 a.m. MDT

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American Fork, UT

There are few redeeming qualities of the greater Disney/192 strip. It all exists to support the illusion, and it's almost all tacky. I just drove by all the theme parks; the redeeming quality of the place being the weather and cheap beer.

Saint George, UT

I see this article making the rounds on most of the news sites. The reporter is trying to make Disney and tourists feel guilty for a families bad decisions. They moved across states to work in a 7-Eleven and a BBQ place??? The responsibility for that family's current circumstances lies squarely on the shoulders of that family. Do not begrudge those who through education and hard work can afford to go to an amusement park. Bleeding hearts of the world, UNITE!

Altamont, UT

So how come they cannot afford a 'median rent of $800.00", yet they can afford a motel room?
Even at $39.00 per night, a rate which I have not seen in a long time, that is at least $1170.00 per month. Is it because they are not paying? Then change the locks...I don't get it.

And, I have been to Disney World a grand total of ONE time. And I saved my own money, (that I WORKED for) a loooong time to be able to do that, so the guilt trip does not fly with me.

Airy Rain
Salt Lake City, UT

My husband and I have saved for 2 years to be able to take our children (we have 2) to Disneyworld this year. We had a goal, we made a budget and we stuck to it. Did I want to stray from it, heck yes, I would have really liked to purchased tickets to concerts, comic-con, ski passes, etc. but this was important to us as a family. It sad that this reporter is attempting to make Disney out to be the "bad guy" and that they are just sitting back and watching them suffer. (Homeless people living in the shadow of the Happiest Place on Earth.....that's attention grabing and a bit misleading). People are responsbile for their own decisions. I am sorry that people make poor decisions with their lives, finances, careers, etc., but that is what they are, their decisions.

Colorado Springs, CO

I am so sick of people with entitled beliefs in this country. Pay your rent or get out. You're umeployed, take some freakin time to clean your filthy nasty hotel room. Even if they did pay their $39 a day I'd kick them out if they trashed the room like that. Nasty.

Lafayette, IN

Disney World remains very profitable because they pay their workers as little as they can. Same old story.

Orem, UT

Disneyland is the happiest place on earth. Disney World is the most magical place on earth. If working for Disney is so bad. Why isn't the problem mirrored in Anaheim?

Sandy, UT

@Downtime... Why did these people move to just get a job at a BBQ place / 7 Eleven? Probably because the economy where they lived was so depressed they couldn't even get a job (Detroit anyone? rural Ohio?). At least they are working...

@MrsH ... they live in the hotel room because it can be paid nightly... These people live on the extreme edge of poverty and can't scrape enough money together to make first and last month's apartment rent.

It's so easy to say "Go get an education" learn to make good choices... But when you grow up poor, grow up ignorant, grow up in a culture where education is looked down upon you've started life in a bad spot.

That said there are ways they can improve their situation, but they have to know where to look and who to ask. There are no easy answer for people like this... But don't judge them so harshly if you haven't walked in their shoes even for a bit.

Altamont, UT

Thanks, cocosweet, I didn't think of that.
I am still torn about the article, though. It doesn't seem fair to either side.
Grateful that I have what I do have.

Something to think about
Ogden, UT

Most of these 'low paying' jobs are not designed for grown-ups with families. However, due to past performance or lack there of, these are the jobs many grown-ups are forced to take. I do not see, in any way, how this is or can be implied to be, Disney's fault.

I felt, and maybe I'm reading it wrong, the writer was levying some blame on Disney. Disney has nothing to do with the circumstances of those who seek employment in their parks. They offer a job with set hours and salary. People seeking employment are free to go for the job, or pass it up. I get frustrated when people have jobs and then complain about the conditions in which they work. This is America! You're free to find better employment, or if needed improve yourself to make yourself more valuable.

I work in a job that has a set salary. I have collegues who complain about our pay. My response is simple: "You knew the pay when you took the job!"

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