This feud between Disneyland superfan gangs the White Rabbits and the Main Street Fire Station 55 Social Club is hilariously petty
The head of Disneyland's superfan gang Main Street Fire Station claims that he was threatened by the White Rabbits club and asked to pay 'protection' money
IT’S meant to be the happiest place on Earth, but there’s a darker side to the beloved Disneyland theme park.
That’s according to a lawsuit that casts a new light on the park’s social groups and the turf wars that can ensue between superfans.
The case centres around two fan groups who regularly meet at Disneyland — the White Rabbits and the Main Street Fire Station 55 Social Club, the reports, and it reads straight out of a bizarre Hollywood mob movie.
The head of Main Street Fire Station 55, John Sarno, claims that he was threatened by the White Rabbits club.
Mr Sarno, 44, accused the club of using “gangster-like tactics” - with head Jakob Fite allegedly demanding $500 (£362) to ensure “protection” for those taking part in a planned charity walk.
The walk was due to place on September 11, 2016, to benefit families of the firefighters killed during 9/11.
But Mr Sarno claims he was bullied and terrorised a week prior to the event, being told he’d never be able to get in the park again if he failed to pay up.
He refused, and now claims that vicious rumours have been spread about him on social media sites by Mr. Fite ever since.
Mr. Fite denies the claims and says Mr. Sarno is simply mad at him because he spoke badly of him to other Disneyland fans.
Nineteen members of the White Rabbits were named in the lawsuit, accused of defamation, invasion of privacy, conspiracy and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Disneyland has also been included in the lawsuit over claims it failed to take action against the White Rabbits, one of the park’s largest clubs.
There are around 100 social clubs at Disneyland, some of which wear identifying clothing such as denim vests emblazoned with Disney characters - similar to those worn by motorcycle gangs.
Some have lettering stitched into their clothing such as “SC” (“social club”) and others even have tattoos of their favourite characters.
The groups each have their own rules for accepting new members, including a three-month trial period.
The club members say they realise that they may seem intimidating to other guests as they walk in their groups, but that try to be friendly.
MOST READ IN TRAVEL
Mark Drop Jr., founder of the club Flynn’s Riders and not involved in the lawsuit, has a goatee and dark sunglasses - and says he knows he might appear like a “gangster cholo guy”.
Matthew Gottula, a 28-year-old who visits the park frequently, said; “I’m not sure what Walt would think of big groups in matching biker vests walking down Main Street, but it’s not the most outrageous thing I’ve seen."
Disneyland declined to comment when approached by the LA Times.
This article and was reprinted with permission.