http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=454449&in_page_id=1770&in_a_source=Kind of funny, but actually sort of a good idea.
While I agree with more careful scrutiny of visitors, and better border control, politeness and friendliness can go a long ways towards softening the aggravation. One of my pet peeves is rude and surly petty officials.
I don't know if the Disney humor is particularly the best, as I could see it as being taken as syrupy and fake, I might myself prefer the hollywood versions (no idea if they were based in reality or not) of the circa 1910 Irish Boston flatfoot, or the circa 1880 version of the London bobby.
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America's surly immigration officers are to get charm offensive lessons from Disney to lure back tourists put off by their intimidating 'welcome'.
They will be given tips from the creators of Mickey Mouse following falling visitor numbers - and a survey that revealed 70 per cent of those who have dropped the US as a destination cite an aggressive reception as the reason.
Since security was stepped up after 9/11, British visitors have complained of mistreatment at airport immigration, exceptionally long queues and excessive interrogations...But now officials are responding to the criticism by employing Disney's recipe for tirelessly upbeat and helpful customer service in an attempt to get the free-spending British back, particularly with the pound at nearly two dollars.
Immigration officers will be taught the secrets of Disney theme parks by learning how to welcome visitors, manage large queues and respond to 'negative reaction' from the public without letting their smiles slip...
