November 16, 2013

Disneyland Changes its Pass System

Unlocking Word Meanings
 今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. revamp [ree-VAMP] (v.) – to change or revise to improve something
Example: The government revamped the laws that are no longer relevant today.

2. pass [pas, pahs] (n.) – any card or ticket that allows a person to get in and out an area
Example: They used their passes to enter the theme park.

3. undercover [uhn-der-KUHV-er, UHN-der-kuhv-] (adj.) – done in a secret manner
Example: The undercover agents secretly followed the suspect of the crime.

4. morally wrong [MAWR-uh-lee, MOR- rawng, rong] (adj.) – not agreeing with the general idea of what is good and bad
Example: Some people believe that lying is morally wrong.

5. validity period [vuh-LID-i-tee PEER-ee-uh d] (n. phrase) – the period of time in which something is effective or usable
Example: My train ticket’s validity period is only until the 31st of December this year.


Article
 ニュース記事

Read the text below.
Disneyland has recently decided to revamp its pass system after a TV reporter exposed the inappropriate use of the special disabled passes.

This announcement came after the undercover investigation conducted by Jeff Rossen, an NBC correspondent, last May. Equipped with hidden cameras, Rossen and his family went to Disneyland and hired two guides to help them get past long lines.

Mara, one of the guides, offered Rossen and his family a special card that can help them enjoy numerous rides without waiting in lines for only $50. Another tour guide named Ryan also helped the family get into the most popular rides and attractions using the passes for disabled people, which cost $200.

At the end of the day, Rossen revealed to Mara and Ryan that the whole tour is only part of his investigation about the pass system in Disneyland. However, both the guides did not show any sign of guilt, saying that what they did cannot be considered as morally wrong.

With the inappropriate pass system revealed, the management of Disneyland has started implementing the new and improved system in early October this year. Visitors can no longer have unlimited access to the rides and attractions. Also, disabled guests are now required to reserve tickets or passes for every ride or attraction that they want to visit.

Moreover, disabled passes bought online will now have photos to make sure that only the disabled guests can use the said passes. The passes will also have a shorter validity period, from months to only two weeks.

Viewpoint Discussion
 ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         In your opinion, why do some of the tour guides use the disabled passes inappropriately?
·         Do you think the changes done by Disney are enough to get rid of the inappropriate use of the pass system? Why or why not?

Discussion B

·         Why do you think some people hate waiting in lines?
·         In your opinion, how can people avoid waiting in long lines?


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