A family’s recent visit to Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom turned nasty when an anonymous, unofficial “parking violation” was left on their van.
According to FOX 35 Orlando, the harshly-worded yellow slip, that included a list of insults for their “inconsiderate” parking job, was found on the Proefrock’s wheelchair-accessible van’s windshield.
Tricia Proefrock insists her family received permission to park their van in two disabled parking spots when there were no ramp-accessible spots available.
They’ve been allowed this provision several times over the last three years, when they’ve traveled to the theme park on peak days from their Palm Beach Gardens, Florida home.
Tricia’s son, Mason, 13, has an epileptic condition Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome and uses a wheelchair.
The family had their handicapped parking placard displayed in the van’s rearview mirror and were parked in the zone specifically for guests with disabilities.
The author of the fake violation wrote they hoped their insults would create a change in the driver’s parking behavior, stating, “This is not a ticket, but if it were within my power, you would receive two.
Because of your bull-headed, inconsiderate, feeble attempt at parking, you have taken enough room for a 20 mule team, 2 elephants, 1 goat, and a safari of pygmies from the African interior,” the note said. “The reason for giving you this is so that in the future you may think of someone else other than yourself. Besides I don’t like domineering, egotistical or simple-minded drivers and you probably fit into one of these categories.”
Tricia told Fox News that after sharing their experience, her family has received so much support from people who are “understanding of situations like mine.”
She added, “I would like to say that while I was originally humiliated and angered by the fake violation, it’s not the real problem. The real issue to me is the lack of available ramp access spaces at [Walt Disney World]. They are so amazing in so many ways when it comes to accessibility, but they can do so much better in the parking lot.”
Disney Parks did not respond to Fox News’ request for comment by publishment time.
The Orlando theme park’s website states there are disabled parking spots available at Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, but no guidelines are provided on how to park when ramp-accessible spots are full.
Visitors requiring assistance with parking can ask cast members at each theme park’s Auto Plaza or contact Guest Services or Disability Services.
