The Bitter Truth is Disneyland is too expensive now. The legendary theme park has become too pricey for everyone to enjoy. An average days admission for a family of four (not counting food and parking) is over $400.00. A few years back when money was not so tight, and there was just one kid, we had an annual membership. I can't afford to go to the Magic Kingdom with a family of four now that a year basic membership costs over $1,500.00 While most people today may say, "Just put it on the credit card." I say no. Credit cards have become a dumping ground for society's unaffordable desires. Most people fail to realize that you do eventually have to pay for the things you charge--or declare bankruptcy.
Since I am not willing to "Charge It!" Disneyland has not been some place we have visited much these days. Recently a friend of mine took a job at the Anaheim park. We will call him Bob. Because that's his name. One of the benefits Bob has while working at Disneyland is that most days he can sign in up to 3 guests for free. And since his kids are older and over the Disney thing, he extended the invite for me and my family to visit the park sans the high price of admission. Hell he even threw in free parking! We jumped at the chance to go. Once just me and the kids. Once the whole family (cost $100 for the day for Nigel.)
Both times I thanked Bob profusely for getting us in. On the second visit I offered to buy Bob a coffee of breakfast. After all Bob was doing my family a huge favor. "That's nice of you but I can't accept anything in exchange for signing you in. Disney has a strict "No Quid Pro Quo" policy." Bob informed me. No Quid Pro Quo? Otherwise known as "Tit For Tat." Really? A good portion of my life has been unstated quid pro quo.
Especially during the years 1989 tom 1997 when I worked in the music business. I had a whole network of trading partners actively schmoozing me. I would send promotional CDs and concert tickets for others CDs. Or books. Or DVDs, Gap clothes, fats food, movie tickets, Nabisco cookies, sneakers, bike parts and an entire high end stereo system. It was part of the job and the culture of the music business. My catch phrases in that time were "Buddy Buddy Buddy Take Care Of Me" and "If It's For Free, It Must Be, For Me!"
While I most people don't so something directly expecting something in return I don't think showing how thankful you are with a hot beverage is bad. There is nothing wrong with a little Quid Pro Quo. It's common courtesy to show you appreciate something. And we could all use a little more appreciation these days and that's The Bitter Truth.
Since I am not willing to "Charge It!" Disneyland has not been some place we have visited much these days. Recently a friend of mine took a job at the Anaheim park. We will call him Bob. Because that's his name. One of the benefits Bob has while working at Disneyland is that most days he can sign in up to 3 guests for free. And since his kids are older and over the Disney thing, he extended the invite for me and my family to visit the park sans the high price of admission. Hell he even threw in free parking! We jumped at the chance to go. Once just me and the kids. Once the whole family (cost $100 for the day for Nigel.)
Both times I thanked Bob profusely for getting us in. On the second visit I offered to buy Bob a coffee of breakfast. After all Bob was doing my family a huge favor. "That's nice of you but I can't accept anything in exchange for signing you in. Disney has a strict "No Quid Pro Quo" policy." Bob informed me. No Quid Pro Quo? Otherwise known as "Tit For Tat." Really? A good portion of my life has been unstated quid pro quo.
Especially during the years 1989 tom 1997 when I worked in the music business. I had a whole network of trading partners actively schmoozing me. I would send promotional CDs and concert tickets for others CDs. Or books. Or DVDs, Gap clothes, fats food, movie tickets, Nabisco cookies, sneakers, bike parts and an entire high end stereo system. It was part of the job and the culture of the music business. My catch phrases in that time were "Buddy Buddy Buddy Take Care Of Me" and "If It's For Free, It Must Be, For Me!"
While I most people don't so something directly expecting something in return I don't think showing how thankful you are with a hot beverage is bad. There is nothing wrong with a little Quid Pro Quo. It's common courtesy to show you appreciate something. And we could all use a little more appreciation these days and that's The Bitter Truth.
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