Barack Obama was once booted from Disneyland for smoking on a ride, the former president revealed Saturday during a campaign stop for local Democratic candidates in California.
The incident took place during Obama’s college days, when he and several friends were in town for a Kool & The Gang concert, The Hill reported.
He recalled how his group decided to stick around in the park after the concert, and they climbed into the gondolas.
“And I'm ashamed to say this, so close your ears, young people,” he said. “A few of us were . . . smoking.”
The crowd erupted into cheers, at which point Obama quickly added they had been smoking cigarettes.
“They escorted us out of Disneyland,” Obama said, according to the Hill. “I was booted from the Magic Kingdom.”
Park rules clearly prohibit smoking outside of designated areas, according to Disneyland’s website.
The officers who escorted Obama and his friends out the park had a zero-tolerance policy, however, they said the ban was only temporary and the gang could come back anytime, E! Online noted.
“I thought, ‘Well that was nice of them,’” Obama said.
Disney CEO Bob Iger responded to Obama’s story in a tweet, welcoming him back to the park provided “he doesn’t smoke!”
Getting booted from Disneyland is much easier than one might think.
Showing offensive or inappropriate tattoos is one way to get escorted from the park, as well as taking a photo and video while on a ride, according to Active Times.
Cutting in line, dressing up in costume, and taking a swim in the fountains are also prohibited and could get you kicked out of the park.
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