No Dreams Here

[Flametamr]

I'm sad to report that we did not recieve even one dream our whole week at Disney. We were a family of 3 adults and one teen. In fact only my sister saw a Dream Squad member standing by city hall once. I was very dissapointed to see hundreds of people wearing fast passes and such. But we never got picked for anything. I had built my family up in hopes of getting something.

I don't understand why Disney would come up with a plan to spend so much money to only make a certain people feel special. And exclude others making them feel left out. It's not like a fast pass actually cost anything. Then to top it off the one day we saw the parade and the Castle winner family it was announced they were from Celebration Florida. I thought only Disney employees lived there. That really made my week.

Thanks for nothing Disney

[inkkognito]

Hmmm.....you bring up an interesting point. I am a local and have never won anything despite going to the parks very often. I see many winners, and even had winners pick in the car before me three times in one day at AK. I didn't think much about it. But when you put it in terms of some people being picked out to be special, it reminds me of Walt always saying that he wanted everyone to be "equal" at Disney...that everyone is a VIP. This promotion doesn't seem to fit into that philosophy.

[darlak]

My DD's and I went to WDW for spring break in April. We saw lots of people with the dream FP's, but weren't picked for anything. We had a great time though. I guess I just figure that with all the guests there everyday, the odds of being picked at still pretty slim. We're leaving this Friday going back with the whole famdamily and we still don't expect to by picked for anything. I expect we'll have a great time anyway.

You do bring up an interesting thought though inkkognito. This isn't my favorite promotion. Even though I have a wonderful time on every trip, when I come back and read about all the great things so many other people got, I can't help feeling just a little bit like I missed out on something really wonderful. I'll certainly keep going and I expect I'll continue to have a great time on every trip, but I won't be sorry when this promotion ends.

[BabyPiglet]

You set yourself up for failure. If you go to WDW thinking you'll win something, and you don't and you get terribly dissapointed, then it's nobody's fault but your own.

You're just sore because you didn't win anything. I'm sure if you won some free ears you'd come back here with a different attitude.


Side note :: Celebration isn't a CM city.

[Flametamr]

Yes you are correct I would have been happy if my DD had won just some little something. But I will return to Disney next year regardless as it is her choice where she goes on vacation.

I was mistaken about Celebration. I misunderstood what I read years ago when Disney built the city. I thought residents were limited to to Disney people. It also turns out that the elderly couple that won that day invitied their neighbors with kids to stay in the Castle with them. That made me feel much better. My mistake sorry.

[Vemnox]

You set yourself up for failure. If you go to WDW thinking you'll win something, and you don't and you get terribly dissapointed, then it's nobody's fault but your own.

You're just sore because you didn't win anything. I'm sure if you won some free ears you'd come back here with a different attitude.


Side note :: Celebration isn't a CM city.

+1 :thumbsup2

If you set your expectations so high on a pedestal, expect to fall just as far down.

[cmurray234]

Oh Lord. Here we go..... popcorn::

[BabyPiglet]

Yes you are correct I would have been happy if my DD had won just some little something. But I will return to Disney next year regardless as it is her choice where she goes on vacation.

I was mistaken about Celebration. I misunderstood what I read years ago when Disney built the city. I thought residents were limited to to Disney people. It also turns out that the elderly couple that won that day invitied their neighbors with kids to stay in the Castle with them. That made me feel much better. My mistake sorry.
Disney isn't just for kids. Who cares if it was JUST the elderly couple that stayed in the castle. It would've been magical regardless.

I don't understand how you could get angry/annoyed over something like that.

[cmurray234]

Yes you are correct I would have been happy if my DD had won just some little something. But I will return to Disney next year regardless as it is her choice where she goes on vacation.

I was mistaken about Celebration. I misunderstood what I read years ago when Disney built the city. I thought residents were limited to to Disney people. It also turns out that the elderly couple that won that day invitied their neighbors with kids to stay in the Castle with them. That made me feel much better. My mistake sorry.

The castle stay is not chosen by who they think would enjoy it most. It is pre-determined. Like, the number 3 car of Expedition Everest at 10:22 am. If nobody is on the ride at that time, or the person who wins is ineligible because they are a cast member, then NOBODY wins. The big prizes are computer generated and completely random.

[Doc CW]

You may not have won anything but at least you were in WDW.

[honugirl]

I was contacted by a Disney cast member looking for "20 special families" on my recent trip there, but because my boyfriend and I "aren't a family" we were turned down and didn't get to be in the parade. I almost cried right there on Main Street. It ruined my whole day in the Magic Kingdom. When you've been through some of the stuff I have you forget that you can dream and that you can make wishes, I thought for once that I was going to get to be special and do something cool, but no, I was wrong, guess I've got to go adopt some of those baby brats running around Disney to have my wishes fulfilled.

[cmurray234]

I was contacted by a Disney cast member looking for "20 special families" on my recent trip there, but because my boyfriend and I "aren't a family" we were turned down and didn't get to be in the parade. I almost cried right there on Main Street. It ruined my whole day in the Magic Kingdom. When you've been through some of the stuff I have you forget that you can dream and that you can make wishes, I thought for once that I was going to get to be special and do something cool, but no, I was wrong, guess I've got to go adopt some of those baby brats running around Disney to have my wishes fulfilled.

Wow. Brats?

[mking624]

I was contacted by a Disney cast member looking for "20 special families" on my recent trip there, but because my boyfriend and I "aren't a family" we were turned down and didn't get to be in the parade. I almost cried right there on Main Street. It ruined my whole day in the Magic Kingdom. When you've been through some of the stuff I have you forget that you can dream and that you can make wishes, I thought for once that I was going to get to be special and do something cool, but no, I was wrong, guess I've got to go adopt some of those baby brats running around Disney to have my wishes fulfilled.

With that kind of attitude, I'm personally glad you weren't chosen. If kids bother you so much that you have to call them baby brats, perhaps you should rethink your vacation destination. DH & I have already experienced one adoption loss of a so called "baby brat" so thanks for wording this with adoption in such a "kind" way. And by the way, you're not the only person in this world who has gone through a lot of stuff. You have NO idea the kind of trials my DH & I have experienced...and yet we aren't sitting here complaining about how awful Disney is because we didn't get a "wish" granted. We feel very blessed just to be at Disney and feel very fortunate to have that as our place to escape the real world and rejuvenate as a couple...regardless of what promotion is going on. I don't use our trials as some sort of justification to me "deserving" a dream granted. For all I know, the people who DID get the dreams had much worse situations than we have gone through and are much more deserving than us.

And I guess being in Disney isn't doing anything special or cool, but what do I know.

Way to spread the magic there....

[honugirl]

Sorry I called them brats, when I wrote this I was still hot under the collar about what happened. To me that just reinforced the notion that to be someone you have to have kids and it really bothers me because I'm never having any, I don't have any desire to and so I will spend the rest of my life a second class citzen because of that choice, which is wrong.

I am entitled to my own opinion though and I do get annoyed when I go to eat in the dining hall and it's trashed in the morning with food thrown everywhere because the kids or the parents couldn't be bothered to clean up their space after they've used it. Common courtesy things that don't seem to be extended these days.

[catalexander]

Thanks for nothing Disney


really?

You didn't have a magical vacation?

You didn't get what you paid for?


I just can't understand *WHY* anyone would be upset at Disney for not giving them something for FREE during a RANDOM promotional period? What makes YOU or YOUR family so much more DESERVING of this RANDOM ACT than any of the thousand OTHER families who also paid for their park admission that day??? (note: that's a TRICK QUESTION--no one is DESERVING of this RANDOM Gift-Giving that occurs in YOAMD--hence the RANDOM nature of it!!!!!!)

I'm constantly surprised at the incredible sense of *entitlement* that is so prevalent these days... :sad2:

[mickaholic4077]

You know,if I was asked to be in the parade and then have that taken away from me because I wasn't Disney's idea of a family,I would be mad too!! I feel bad for you,honugirl.

[mking624]

Sorry I called them brats, when I wrote this I was still hot under the collar about what happened. To me that just reinforced the notion that to be someone you have to have kids and it really bothers me because I'm never having any, I don't have any desire to and so I will spend the rest of my life a second class citzen because of that choice, which is wrong.

I am entitled to my own opinion though and I do get annoyed when I go to eat in the dining hall and it's trashed in the morning with food thrown everywhere because the kids or the parents couldn't be bothered to clean up their space after they've used it. Common courtesy things that don't seem to be extended these days.
Sure you can have your own opinion (though in my opinion, just as you wish the CM had more tact, you might try expressing your opinions with more tact as well), but don't think for a second that it's only the parents and children who don't have common courtesy...I saw plenty of childless couples at the parks who seemed to have lacked a ton of it as well. While I DO want children, I understand the feeling of being a "second class citizen" because I don't have any (the whole "Disney Moms" panel is a great example, even though it's eligibility is open to pretty much anyone). But at the same time, when I am in a vacation destination that I very clearly know that largely caters to families with children (particularly younger children), then I have to realize there are going to be cases where they are looking for specifically for that. Sure it stinks you couldn't be in the parade. There are things I'd love to do in Disney as well. But don't let these moments define your day or your trip...instead, take the opportunity to show Disney how much fun a childless couple can really have!

[Vemnox]

really?

You didn't have a magical vacation?

You didn't get what you paid for?


I just can't understand *WHY* anyone would be upset at Disney for not giving them something for FREE during a RANDOM promotional period? What makes YOU or YOUR family so much more DESERVING of this RANDOM ACT than any of the thousand OTHER families who also paid for their park admission that day??? (note: that's a TRICK QUESTION--no one is DESERVING of this RANDOM Gift-Giving that occurs in YOAMD--hence the RANDOM nature of it!!!!!!)

I'm constantly surprised at the incredible sense of *entitlement* that is so prevalent these days... :sad2:

AMEN!!! :cool1: :thumbsup2

[kaytieeldr]

I just can't understand *WHY* anyone would be upset at Disney for not giving them something for FREE during a RANDOM promotional period? I think people are forgetting that the Year of a Million Dreams Sweepstakes is just that - a completely random contest operated by an independent company, and in obeyance of all applicable laws.

[ADP]

If everybody wins something then what Disney is handing out would not be considered prizes.

Secondly, if you want to increase your chances of winning a prize make sure you are in the parks between 9:00AM and 12 Noon each day. Get on as many attractions as you can during that time period That is when the majority of the prizes are handed out.

[Andyjo0930]

Sorry I called them brats, when I wrote this I was still hot under the collar about what happened. To me that just reinforced the notion that to be someone you have to have kids and it really bothers me because I'm never having any, I don't have any desire to and so I will spend the rest of my life a second class citzen because of that choice, which is wrong.

I am entitled to my own opinion though and I do get annoyed when I go to eat in the dining hall and it's trashed in the morning with food thrown everywhere because the kids or the parents couldn't be bothered to clean up their space after they've used it. Common courtesy things that don't seem to be extended these days.

Let me tell you, as a mother of two wonderful children, one of whom is autistic, i hope you NEVER have children. You obviously have no idea how to deal with children, let alone raise a child. I have seen many parades at Disney. Sometimes, it's just a couple who are in the parades, sometimes its a family with children. And just to rub some salt in the wound, I have actually been in a parade TWICE!!!! They happen to have been looking for faimlies that day for whatever reason. Maybe you shouldn't get married because then you couldn't catch the bouquet of flowers anymore when you go to a reception, because your not single anymore. But then if you do that, you could never use the carpool lane either. Its called life and maybe it had nothing to do with not being a family, maybe the CM just didn't like your attitude!

[Mermaid_Ariel]

I was contacted by a Disney cast member looking for "20 special families" on my recent trip there, but because my boyfriend and I "aren't a family" we were turned down and didn't get to be in the parade. I almost cried right there on Main Street. It ruined my whole day in the Magic Kingdom. When you've been through some of the stuff I have you forget that you can dream and that you can make wishes, I thought for once that I was going to get to be special and do something cool, but no, I was wrong, guess I've got to go adopt some of those baby brats running around Disney to have my wishes fulfilled.

Maybe you should try expressing your opinion with something called tact. :sad2:

I don't think the "baby brats" were the ones running around, sweetie. :rotfl:

[kimmikayb]

I was contacted by a Disney cast member looking for "20 special families" on my recent trip there, but because my boyfriend and I "aren't a family" we were turned down and didn't get to be in the parade. I almost cried right there on Main Street. It ruined my whole day in the Magic Kingdom. When you've been through some of the stuff I have you forget that you can dream and that you can make wishes, I thought for once that I was going to get to be special and do something cool, but no, I was wrong, guess I've got to go adopt some of those baby brats running around Disney to have my wishes fulfilled.


This post comes across as vain, entitled and spoiled. And certainly it is a disappointment but not enough to ruin an entire day when you are enjoying said day at the Magic Kingdom!! Think of all the people who will never have the chance to enjoy any time at WDW. You are lucky!

We've all been through a lot in life. It doesn't help to slam all of us who happen to have kids.

[loricandy]

popcorn::

[Flametamr]

really?

You didn't have a magical vacation?

You didn't get what you paid for?


I just can't understand *WHY* anyone would be upset at Disney for not giving them something for FREE during a RANDOM promotional period? What makes YOU or YOUR family so much more DESERVING of this RANDOM ACT than any of the thousand OTHER families who also paid for their park admission that day??? (note: that's a TRICK QUESTION--no one is DESERVING of this RANDOM Gift-Giving that occurs in YOAMD--hence the RANDOM nature of it!!!!!!)

I'm constantly surprised at the incredible sense of *entitlement* that is so prevalent these days... :sad2:

The simple answer is NO. It was not as magical as it could have been. Did I get my monies worth. Yes probably. We had many issues this trip that took away from our normally great time at Disney. It started with being stuck at the back of POR with a handicapped child who does not walk. Due to that we were not able to enjoy the resort at all. Then it didn't get much better. I can understand how my post might be seen as expressing entitlement. But it was not meant that way. I was expressing my dissapointment and I was simply trying to report that the Year of a Million Dreams had passed us by.

Thanks to the nice (I use that term loosely) people on here I now understand that we had to be at the parks at opening and stand in ride lines continuosly to have a chance to win a dream. Well this is difficult with my daughter's medical conditions. It takes about 2 hours to get her ready in the mornings. Then taking the bus adds another 30 to 45 minutes. Once we arrive at the park we have to unload all her medical equipment to be inspected by security. Then we finally get into a park. Usually by then it is after 11 am and we are starving since we have not eaten yet so we look for food. When we do get around to riding something my DD has a GAC so we bypass most of the ride lines and go on in. Which means basically we didn't even have a chance to win a dream in the first place.
That did anger me a little and that was what I was expressing. I was tired of reading about how certain people had won numerous dreams and did not even use them. Had a few of them passed and said they already had won maybe more people could have won something. Thanks for trying to understand and not just taking an opportunity to jump on someone.

[mking624]

It started with being stuck at the back of POR with a handicapped child who does not walk. Due to that we were not able to enjoy the resort at all.
Out of curiosity...did you do any special requests for a closer room ahead of time, and did you talk to them about the need to be closer while you were there? Seems to me that this would have been taken care of since it's dealing with disability. Also if travel time is a big concern where you want to be somewhere sooner, it's best to invest in renting a car. We've never done it, but many people here recommend it, especially when it's known that other things will take a considerable amount of time.

[Flametamr]

Out of curiosity...did you do any special requests for a closer room ahead of time, and did you talk to them about the need to be closer while you were there? Seems to me that this would have been taken care of since it's dealing with disability. Also if travel time is a big concern where you want to be somewhere sooner, it's best to invest in renting a car. We've never done it, but many people here recommend it, especially when it's known that other things will take a considerable amount of time.

I did not request a handicapped room becuase it really is not necessesary and I didn't want to tie up one if it was needed by another person. She can walk enough to get around in the room. I did request a first floor room closer to the front and explained my reasons on arrival. They went in the back to search the system for a room. When they returned and told us the room would be assigned later and to call and it would be ready when we got back after 4. When we did return to find out we were in Bldg 36 all the way in the back and I went to the office to try to change. They said the resort was booked full and we were stuck there all week. No chance of moving at all. Surely they could have gotten us a little closer at some point with all the rooms at POR.

I did have my car and yes we eventually did start driving due to all the hassel of loading and unloading her chair and equipment. So I eliminated some time and stress that way. But in the end the vacation was tiring and too stressfull and Disney (POR) didn't care. Just for the record we went in July last year and had a great time at POFQ. Were going back there next year.

[mking624]

Oh well that's a bummer the resort didn't quite work out as you had hoped. I would recommend requesting a handicap room next time though...it's not just other people who might need it, YOU need it too! Don't put your needs to the side!

I do see you're returning to POFQ...that's our favorite. It's so beautiful there!

[catalexander]

Flametamr:
I apologize if you felt my response was "jumping on you". That was not my intention.

I merely wanted to point out that YOAMD is a Random Sweepstakes Event, and I would hope that the *magic* of being AT WDW would overtake any disappointment in not "winning" a dream.

I am sorry you were not able to enjoy POR to it's fullest, as I think it's a beautiful property. Your experience should be valuable to others, in that, if they have *ANY* special needs, they should make them known UP FRONT. It is my experience that Disney CM's really do their best to accomodate, but the more "lead time" they are given, the more successful they are. While your child is able to get around the room, she is not able to enjoy the extensive Resort grounds, and therefore should have been accomodated to allow for easier transportation transfers. I can understand how your room location would make your resort experience more difficult.

I guess over-all, you had some negative experiences that impacted your over-all vacation. Not "winning" a YOAMD is not the only problem, although it was the only one addressed in your initial post. That's why we all focused on that.

Either way, I'm sorry if you felt I was "jumping" on you, or attacking you in any way, that was truly not my intent.

I'll be looking forward to your trip report next year... I'm sure you'll have a magical time!!

ps... I just wanted to say, that despite what you may read here, I doubt that being at "rope drop" or riding attractions continuously in the first three hours are ways to "guarantee" winning... to my understanding, YOAMD winners are chosen completely at random based on a specific place at a specific time... or otherwise, just being a person who catches a CM's eye for any reason. I honestly don't think there is a way to "increase" your odds. It's like a lottery. For example, we've spent almost 6 weeks in the parks since YOAMD began and have not won a THING. We've seen lots of dreams awarded, and I was happy for the guest each time. I try to live with abundance mentality (there's plenty for everyone) vs. scarcity mentality (everything you get takes away from me).... and even if we never win a single dream... we're STILL spending the day at Disney... and you can't beat that with a stick!

[kimmikayb]

Flametamr:
I apologize if you felt my response was "jumping on you". That was not my intention.

I merely wanted to point out that YOAMD is a Random Sweepstakes Event, and I would hope that the *magic* of being AT WDW would overtake any disappointment in not "winning" a dream.

I am sorry you were not able to enjoy POR to it's fullest, as I think it's a beautiful property. Your experience should be valuable to others, in that, if they have *ANY* special needs, they should make them known UP FRONT. It is my experience that Disney CM's really do their best to accomodate, but the more "lead time" they are given, the more successful they are. While your child is able to get around the room, she is not able to enjoy the extensive Resort grounds, and therefore should have been accomodated to allow for easier transportation transfers. I can understand how your room location would make your resort experience more difficult.

I guess over-all, you had some negative experiences that impacted your over-all vacation. Not "winning" a YOAMD is not the only problem, although it was the only one addressed in your initial post. That's why we all focused on that.

Either way, I'm sorry if you felt I was "jumping" on you, or attacking you in any way, that was truly not my intent.

I'll be looking forward to your trip report next year... I'm sure you'll have a magical time!!

ps... I just wanted to say, that despite what you may read here, I doubt that being at "rope drop" or riding attractions continuously in the first three hours are ways to "guarantee" winning... to my understanding, YOAMD winners are chosen completely at random based on a specific place at a specific time... or otherwise, just being a person who catches a CM's eye for any reason. I honestly don't think there is a way to "increase" your odds. It's like a lottery. For example, we've spent almost 6 weeks in the parks since YOAMD began and have not won a THING. We've seen lots of dreams awarded, and I was happy for the guest each time. I try to live with abundance mentality (there's plenty for everyone) vs. scarcity mentality (everything you get takes away from me).... and even if we never win a single dream... we're STILL spending the day at Disney... and you can't beat that with a stick!


I don't know about most of the "dreams" but when we were there last September we got Tinkerbelle pins which came in pairs. One to keep and one to share when you saw someone else passing on magic. My mom got a set late in the afternoon because a Disney castmember saw her picking up trash that someone else had carelessly thrown in the bushes. I got a set when one of the dream team sat down and talked to me about my trip. I told him how I had surprised my kids with this trip and what a great time we were having. This was late at night and he said because I had such magic in me he wanted me to have the pins. In the middle of the afternoon my kids were chosen to have instant fast pass on the RNR coaster. And it was also afternoon we were chosen to be in the family parade. My mom was being pushed in a wheel chair. We never got to the park early in the morning.

I agree it is just totally randem.

[mrzrich]

I got a pin and lanyard set on Star Tours at 1 in the afternoon. I don't think you really have to be at rope drop to win a dream.

BTW Kim, from your count down, looks like you and I will be there at the same time!:p

[kimmikayb]

I got a pin and lanyard set on Star Tours at 1 in the afternoon. I don't think you really have to be at rope drop to win a dream.

BTW Kim, from your count down, looks like you and I will be there at the same time!:p


LOL! See? I've already won a prize! Getting to meet my friend at WDW!!

[kimmikayb]

I'm sad to report that we did not recieve even one dream our whole week at Disney. We were a family of 3 adults and one teen. In fact only my sister saw a Dream Squad member standing by city hall once. I was very dissapointed to see hundreds of people wearing fast passes and such. But we never got picked for anything. I had built my family up in hopes of getting something.

I don't understand why Disney would come up with a plan to spend so much money to only make a certain people feel special. And exclude others making them feel left out. It's not like a fast pass actually cost anything. Then to top it off the one day we saw the parade and the Castle winner family it was announced they were from Celebration Florida. I thought only Disney employees lived there. That really made my week.

Thanks for nothing Disney

OP, I'm having a hard time understanding your post now. I was just reading the tinkerbelle pin thread and you posted that your DD received a pin, several in fact.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1566372&page=3

Why are you thanking Disney for "nothing"?

[Flametamr]

OP, I'm having a hard time understanding your post now. I was just reading the tinkerbelle pin thread and you posted that your DD received a pin, several in fact.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1566372&page=3

Why are you thanking Disney for "nothing"?

My DD did in fact recieve one Tink pin set from a mgr at Kona and another single Tink pin from an off duty CM at the P&PP. But not several as you are exagerating. I was not aware these pins were part of the YOMD. I though they were just special CM only pins that were being given out to kids. If they are YOMD pins then I guess I was wrong to make my original post. I guess I was angry when I did the OP due to all the people bragging about the numerous dreams they got from the Dream Squads. We never even saw them the whole trip. I just wanted to vent and say that the Dreams were not so numerous so someone else might not get ther hopes up and be dissapointed. Does this explain it well enough ?

[DisDarling]

Boo hoo- you are lucky enough to go, have clothes on your back, food in your stomach, and any kind of resort is better than nothing. Sorry, but this "poor me" act gets old really fast. Be happy for those who get them and be happy for what you have. :thumbsup2

[maxiesmom]

I'm sorry you had such an awful time, but from reading all of your posts, I would have been surpised if you had a good time. You thought that the Disney Cms were somehow psychic, and would know what you needed in a room for your special needs child, and when they were not, you got angry. Disney does its best to help people, but you need to let them know what they can do for you. And as far as rooms go, that info needs to be communicated ahead of time. There is a wonderful Disabilites section to these boards. You should check it out.

I can assure you that you do not need to be at the parks at open to receive a dream. I saw for myself several handed out later in the day. Dream Passes at Splash Mountain, for example.

Both of my nieces recieved special certificates from "helping" CMs with their jobs. One at a pin booth, one in a store. They did not need to announce that these things were part of the YOAMD in order for them to be appreciated. The girls were both tickled with them, and that is all that matters.

I truly do not understand going to Disney and expecting to win a prize. With as many people as pass thru their gates each day as they have, it wouldn't be possible for everyone to win something. If anyone goes with the attitude of I had better win something then they are only setting themselves up to be disappointed.

[Idroveallnight]

Flametamr - I'm sorry you had some disappointments on your trip! I am glad to see that you will be returning next year! We all need to vent sometimes!

[Flametamr]

Boo hoo- you are lucky enough to go, have clothes on your back, food in your stomach, and any kind of resort is better than nothing. Sorry, but this "poor me" act gets old really fast. Be happy for those who get them and be happy for what you have. :thumbsup2

Next time you post a problem or concern I hope people are just as nice to you. My mother told me once if you have nothing nice to say then keep it too yourself.

[Flametamr]

QUOTE: You thought that the Disney Cms were somehow psychic, and would know what you needed in a room for your special needs child.


I posted previously that I did tell the CM Mgr at check in of our needs. I don't think we need a handicapped room per say. My DD is not bound to her wheel chair and does not need any appliances in the resort room. She can walk short distances. We only require a first floor room or elevator access. I mentioned my time at POR was completely soured due to being put at the back of the resort. It was so far to walk to the front we were unable to use the facilities. When we did it was so crowded we just gave up. I feel the mgmnt at POR was unresponsive to a simple request to be moved a little closer to the front. If that was too much to ask I am sorry.

I won't be posting here again. People are too quick to jump on people here without even taking time to read all the posts. I mistakingly thought this was a place to share advice and concerns. I appreciate the decent pople who responded with honest advice and also the kind words. Thanks.

[inkkognito]

Telling them at check-in is pointless; they can't do anything unless they know ahead of time. Otherwise, when the resort is full they might well have all the close rooms assigned (as they apparently did). They're not going to ask someone who is already settled in to move for you.

[Melindarella]

We were there Sept 8th-15th and didin't win a darn thing:sad2:
We never even saw a member of the dream team at any of the parks.
Still had a great time-boy was it hot though!!

[MapleGirl]

To me that just reinforced the notion that to be someone you have to have kids and it really bothers me because I'm never having any, I don't have any desire to and so I will spend the rest of my life a second class citzen because of that choice, which is wrong.

I understand what you are saying honugirl. DH and I will not be having children either and some people get very upset by this. I feel as though some people think my only use is as a 'baby maker'.... that I'm a failure as a woman because I will not be having kids. It is also very sad that some people still don't realize that families come in all shapes and sizes. It was wrong of Disney to discriminate against you and your family based upon your martial status. But I hope you enjoyed the rest of your trip!

[SueM in MN]

Oh well that's a bummer the resort didn't quite work out as you had hoped. I would recommend requesting a handicap room next time though...it's not just other people who might need it, YOU need it too! Don't put your needs to the side!

I do see you're returning to POFQ...that's our favorite. It's so beautiful there!
I just wanted to point out that handicapped accessible rooms are usually scattered all over the resorts, so requesting an accessible room does not guarantee that you will be close to the front/features, etc.

Many people with disabilities don't actually need a handicapped accessible room. My youngest DD uses a wheelchair full time because she can't walk. But, some of the 'features' of a handicapped room actually made things more difficult when she was little. She was small, so the raised seat toilet was WAYYYY to far off the ground for her (and her older sister was too small for it too) Until she got too big to lift into a tub, we just got a regular room. We did request first floor for medical reasons and requested to be near the check in area/food court.

[SereneOne]

Next time you post a problem or concern I hope people are just as nice to you. My mother told me once if you have nothing nice to say then keep it too yourself.



Ummm...you started a whole thread on saying nothing nice about Disney....:confused3


I have a special needs child with multiple birth defects, her twin died. Every day she lives a happy healthy life is a dream come true to me. The fact that I may be able to make this vacation come true for her will be a dream come true for me and I will know for sure in the next week or so if I am able to. She is having heart surgery next year.

It is all in how you look at it, I think. I am thankful that I have a home and utilities and cable and a cell phone, transportation...that I have sight and hearing and so many other things that are wishes for others...

[DisDarling]

Next time you post a problem or concern I hope people are just as nice to you. My mother told me once if you have nothing nice to say then keep it too yourself.

You should also remember that:)

[DisDarling]

Ummm...you started a whole thread on saying nothing nice about Disney....:confused3


I have a special needs child with multiple birth defects, her twin died. Every day she lives a happy healthy life is a dream come true to me. The fact that I may be able to make this vacation come true for her will be a dream come true for me and I will know for sure in the next week or so if I am able to. She is having heart surgery next year.

It is all in how you look at it, I think. I am thankful that I have a home and utilities and cable and a cell phone, transportation...that I have sight and hearing and so many other things that are wishes for others...

Couldn't agree more!!!:thumbsup2 (I also have a child with special needs that is a cancer survivor, couldn't agree with you more!!)

[maxiesmom]

I posted previously that I did tell the CM Mgr at check in of our needs. I don't think we need a handicapped room per say. My DD is not bound to her wheel chair and does not need any appliances in the resort room. She can walk short distances. We only require a first floor room or elevator access. I mentioned my time at POR was completely soured due to being put at the back of the resort. It was so far to walk to the front we were unable to use the facilities. When we did it was so crowded we just gave up. I feel the mgmnt at POR was unresponsive to a simple request to be moved a little closer to the front. If that was too much to ask I am sorry.


As you waited until check in to let them know your requests, you pretty much tied their hands. All they can do at that point is see if a room that fits your needs is available. They cannot make a room with a certain locatation available if it is not! And you picked one of the most spread out resorts for your stay, so the odds were not with you. Plus you went during free dining, so all of the food courts and restaurants were bound to be mobbed! Sounds like you need to do more research ahead of time, and not place the blame for your lack on the CMs.

I'm beginning to think that in order to have a "Dream" the magic must be inside of you to begin with.

[DisDarling]

As you waited until check in to let them know your requests, you pretty much tied their hands. All they can do at that point is see if a room that fits your needs is available. They cannot make a room with a certain locatation available if it is not! And you picked one of the most spread out resorts for your stay, so the odds were not with you. Plus you went during free dining, so all of the food courts and restaurants were bound to be mobbed! Sounds like you need to do more research ahead of time, and not place the blame for your lack on the CMs.

I'm beginning to think that in order to have a "Dream" the magic must be inside of you to begin with.

Your end quote here is SOOOOO true!!! I think if you go with no expectations, make the best of everything that crosses your path, you will have the time of your life! :thumbsup2

[kimmikayb]

I'm beginning to think that in order to have a "Dream" the magic must be inside of you to begin with.


YES! Totally agree! :thumbsup2

[SueM in MN]

Your end quote here is SOOOOO true!!! I think if you go with no expectations, make the best of everything that crosses your path, you will have the time of your life! :thumbsup2
We have a number of 'unmagical' things happen to us on nearly every trip -
we can't ride the bus because all the wheelchair spots are full or the lift doesn't work
DD's wheelchair doesn't fit under the table in the restaurant, so she can't get close enough to feed herself and we have to feed her
we arrive in time for a show, but all the wheelchair spots are filled (even though people who can walk in are able to go in)
someone says something rude about DD or her wheelchair
DD has a seizure and we have to stop touring
the companion restroom is in use when we get there (or otherwise unavailable - door stuck, etc)
someone uses part of DD's wheelchair as a footrest or leaning post while we are in line or in a show
we have to stop for the day because we are tired from lifting 5 foot tall, 90 pound DD on and off rides that people need to get out of their wheelchair for
and on and on

But "magical things' also happen to us on nearly every trip
another person waiting for the bus says how sorry they are that they will be able to get on that bus, but we can't
someone says it's a shame that all the tables/attractions are not wheelchair accessible
someone opens a door for us or asks another guest to move out of the curb cut so we don't have to
a stranger says something nice to DD
someone stops and asks if we need and help when DD has had a seizure
someone tells their child that DD's wheelchair is like a part of her and they may not sit on her footrest even though they are tired in line[
there are rumors that an attraction is going to get a wheelchair accessible car

I agree, the magic is in you.
And, you can't make the magic come; it has to come on its own, on its own time. If you try to force it, there will be no magic.

[DisDarling]

We have a number of 'unmagical' things happen to us on nearly every trip -
we can't ride the bus because all the wheelchair spots are full or the lift doesn't work
DD's wheelchair doesn't fit under the table in the restaurant, so she can't get close enough to feed herself and we have to feed her
we arrive in time for a show, but all the wheelchair spots are filled (even though people who can walk in are able to go in)
someone says something rude about DD or her wheelchair
DD has a seizure and we have to stop touring
the companion restroom is in use when we get there (or otherwise unavailable - door stuck, etc)
someone uses part of DD's wheelchair as a footrest or leaning post while we are in line or in a show
we have to stop for the day because we are tired from lifting 5 foot tall, 90 pound DD on and off rides that people need to get out of their wheelchair for
and on and on

But "magical things' also happen to us on nearly every trip
another person waiting for the bus says how sorry they are that they will be able to get on that bus, but we can't
someone says it's a shame that all the tables/attractions are not wheelchair accessible
someone opens a door for us or asks another guest to move out of the curb cut so we don't have to
a stranger says something nice to DD
someone stops and asks if we need and help when DD has had a seizure
someone tells their child that DD's wheelchair is like a part of her and they may not sit on her footrest even though they are tired in line[
there are rumors that an attraction is going to get a wheelchair accessible car

I agree, the magic is in you.
And, you can't make the magic come; it has to come on its own, on its own time. If you try to force it, there will be no magic.

I am so sorry you have to deal with all of the bad, but I am truly happy to hear people also are helping you out on the positive end as well. Also, a stranger saying something nice to your child, I can SOOO relate. My daughter has a "fake" eye and people stare because it is sometimes a bit droopy and when people make a big deal on how pretty she is, I just about cry. :hug:

[honugirl]

Thanks to everyone who was nice to me in this thread. :)

It really hurt because I relayed the story of how much my boyfriend and I loved Disney that we were going to the Keys, but turned the car around and headed for Disney World instead, so it really hurt not to be picked because I don't fit the definition of "family."

Somedays I just don't have a whole lot of tact because I was actually still pretty fired up about it and I had just gotten off a plane with a screaming child right behind me who screamed the entire flight across the country. Forgive me if I just don't find kids cute. Not everyone does. Not everyone enjoys them. I don't enjoy sticky hugs or drooly kisses. I don't enjoy trying to dechipher what a kid is saying and it hurts my ears to listen to their high pitched anything (laughing, giggling, screaming, etc). I don't find their lack of attention to things around them and the fact they don't watch where they are going cute. Most of the time I keep my mouth shut and don't say anything. Sometimes I just can't hold it in anymore. This was one of those times. Still don't quite think I deserved the harshness that was directed to me since none of it was directed to anyone's specific child.

And I still deserve the chance to go to Disney World just like I don't deny famlies the opportunity to go there. It is not just a family destination, it's an everybody destination.

Truly, we did have a great vacation there and we're already planning next year's trip. We've learned some things this year and have an idea of places we will avoid, but there are things that we still want to do. We'll go back just to visit Kitty Calico at MGM (if you're there, she's the street performer in the Red and White outfit, absolutely hilarious!), I swear she's trying to steal my boyfriend, but it's all in good fun and if you wear red (her favorite color), she'll swoon all over you. We'll eat our way around EPCOT again and ride Spaceship Earth a billion times.

[xoprincessmomxo]

Thanks to everyone who was nice to me in this thread. :)

It really hurt because I relayed the story of how much my boyfriend and I loved Disney that we were going to the Keys, but turned the car around and headed for Disney World instead, so it really hurt not to be picked because I don't fit the definition of "family."

Somedays I just don't have a whole lot of tact because I was actually still pretty fired up about it and I had just gotten off a plane with a screaming child right behind me who screamed the entire flight across the country. Forgive me if I just don't find kids cute. Not everyone does. Not everyone enjoys them. I don't enjoy sticky hugs or drooly kisses. I don't enjoy trying to dechipher what a kid is saying and it hurts my ears to listen to their high pitched anything (laughing, giggling, screaming, etc). I don't find their lack of attention to things around them and the fact they don't watch where they are going cute. Most of the time I keep my mouth shut and don't say anything. Sometimes I just can't hold it in anymore. This was one of those times. Still don't quite think I deserved the harshness that was directed to me since none of it was directed to anyone's specific child.

And I still deserve the chance to go to Disney World just like I don't deny famlies the opportunity to go there. It is not just a family destination, it's an everybody destination.

Truly, we did have a great vacation there and we're already planning next year's trip. We've learned some things this year and have an idea of places we will avoid, but there are things that we still want to do. We'll go back just to visit Kitty Calico at MGM (if you're there, she's the street performer in the Red and White outfit, absolutely hilarious!), I swear she's trying to steal my boyfriend, but it's all in good fun and if you wear red (her favorite color), she'll swoon all over you. We'll eat our way around EPCOT again and ride Spaceship Earth a billion times.


Yep, and I don't like it when they whine when they don't get things they want! :rolleyes:

[Aye Sea Turtles]

Somedays I just don't have a whole lot of tact because I was actually still pretty fired up about it and I had just gotten off a plane with a screaming child right behind me who screamed the entire flight across the country. Forgive me if I just don't find kids cute. Not everyone does. Not everyone enjoys them. I don't enjoy sticky hugs or drooly kisses. I don't enjoy trying to dechipher what a kid is saying and it hurts my ears to listen to their high pitched anything (laughing, giggling, screaming, etc). I don't find their lack of attention to things around them and the fact they don't watch where they are going cute.

And I'm sure you NEVER did any of those things as a child, did you?

It's certainly your right not to like children and I'm not trying to pick on you, but a little more tolerance would be nice. Maybe the child on the plane had an earache...it happens. Kids get sticky and drooly...they are not born with sharply-honed fine motor skills, they have to develop them as they grow. They have high-pitched voices...they can't help it. They don't always pay attention to keeping themselves safe as they learn and discover new things every day. They're children, not miniature adults. Please try to keep that in mind.

There is more I want to say but I will refrain, as I really don't want you to think I'm flaming you or anything, so I'll leave it at that.

[xoprincessmomxo]

It is a natural feeling to be a little disappointed when we don't get things we want. But to put blame on Disney for you not being picked out of the thousands of other guests there to receive a pair of Mickey Ears??? Seems a little ridiculous to me.

When my family goes in August next year, it would be great if we were picked to receive a dream. But if we don't, I have no intention of pitching a fit! Heck, my five year old knows better than that. But, now that you have got me going....

I went gambling once and I actually LOST money! Didn't win a thing. The senior citizen lady next to me won. Not me. I blame the casino!!! :rolleyes: :sad2: :rolleyes:

[LilGMom]

I just read this entire thread and Wow, at not only the OP but at some of the other comments. I agree with those that said you have to make your own magic and one should feel thankful and happy about being able to go to WDW. We are fortunate that we get to go a few times a year, since the YOAMD started we've gone twice and will be going again in 26 day (:yay:). My oldest DS did get some Tinkerbell pins for helping a CM out which thrilled all of us but we were more thrilled that DS got recognized (by someone other than us) for doing something nice and he did so without any prompting from us. Do I get angry when I read about people getting mulitple prizes? Do I get angry when I read about all of the people that get free resort upgrades (sometimes to a much nicer resort)? No because I am thankful that we get to go so often and that vacation might be that person's one and only trip to WDW. Even if it isn't, so what? Even if a person has won ten prizes who cares. Do we go hoping that we get a YOAMD? You bet but we don't let it get us down if we don't get one. I start feeling magical as soon as we drive under the big gates. :)

[inkkognito]

Do I get angry when I read about people getting mulitple prizes? Do I get angry when I read about all of the people that get free resort upgrades (sometimes to a much nicer resort)? No because I am thankful that we get to go so often and that vacation might be that person's one and only trip to WDW.
Amen! We live in Celebration so we visit WDW a LOT, and all we've ever gotten is the Dream Parking. But it gives me a thrill to see other people win because most of them are not as fortunate as us, to be able to look out the window, see the sunshine, and say, "Hey, let's drive over to the Magic Kingdom for a couple of hours!" It would be nice to win a Dream Fastpass, but it probably means a lot more to someone who only gets to WDW once a year than to someone like me who can get my fill in the off-season. The hats and pins are nice, but better for someone whose house isn't brimming with too much paraphenalia (an inevitable result of living too close). Don't get me wrong...I sure wouldn't turn down a night in the Castle or a DVC membership! But that would just be one-in-a-lifetime icing on the cake...for me, the magic is in going to the parks, and there is a little extra pixie dust when you see someone all excited because they got a prize.

[mking624]

Thanks to everyone who was nice to me in this thread. :)

It really hurt because I relayed the story of how much my boyfriend and I loved Disney that we were going to the Keys, but turned the car around and headed for Disney World instead, so it really hurt not to be picked because I don't fit the definition of "family."

Somedays I just don't have a whole lot of tact because I was actually still pretty fired up about it and I had just gotten off a plane with a screaming child right behind me who screamed the entire flight across the country. Forgive me if I just don't find kids cute. Not everyone does. Not everyone enjoys them. I don't enjoy sticky hugs or drooly kisses. I don't enjoy trying to dechipher what a kid is saying and it hurts my ears to listen to their high pitched anything (laughing, giggling, screaming, etc). I don't find their lack of attention to things around them and the fact they don't watch where they are going cute. Most of the time I keep my mouth shut and don't say anything. Sometimes I just can't hold it in anymore. This was one of those times. Still don't quite think I deserved the harshness that was directed to me since none of it was directed to anyone's specific child.

And I still deserve the chance to go to Disney World just like I don't deny famlies the opportunity to go there. It is not just a family destination, it's an everybody destination.

Truly, we did have a great vacation there and we're already planning next year's trip. We've learned some things this year and have an idea of places we will avoid, but there are things that we still want to do. We'll go back just to visit Kitty Calico at MGM (if you're there, she's the street performer in the Red and White outfit, absolutely hilarious!), I swear she's trying to steal my boyfriend, but it's all in good fun and if you wear red (her favorite color), she'll swoon all over you. We'll eat our way around EPCOT again and ride Spaceship Earth a billion times.
You're right, WDW is an everyone destination. But Disney does primarily cater to families with children. Hence, you see much more of them then you do anything else. So if children are that much of a nuisance to you (which, as someone else pointed out, I'm sure you were never like that), then expect continued "trouble" at Disney World. May come as a shocker, but those "nuisances" are running all over WDW. And you would have been putting yourself front and center in front of all those children you can't stand by being in the parade in which they wanted families with children to participate. So perhaps your complaints about these children can be your comfort for not getting what you wanted with the parade...since they wre not only going to watch it, but be in it.
As for the "tact"...I know in another thread you complained about the CM's supposed lack of tact, but then here readily admit that sometimes you don't have a whole lot of it. So perhaps some compassion can be had for the CM since you can relate? Being nice goes both ways. :)

[JzeroT1437]

I used to hate being around children, but they've grown on me. Still, I'm empathetic towards your sentiments and understand. Of course, you shouldn't complain about not being chosen for something special--you got to go to Disneyworld. Almost any given person would be grateful just for that.

[honugirl]

I am grateful for getting to go to Disneyworld. I'm tired of being a second class citizen because I don't have kids. I've never seen the family fun parade so I have no idea what it's like, therefore I would have no idea that it's all kids. All I know is that I'd like to be in a Disney parade and that opportunity was taken away from me.

No, I never acted the way I've seen many kids at Disney World act because if I did, I wouldn't have been at Disney World any longer, I would have been headed home or at least back to the hotel. From a very young age I was expected to act like an adult.

Now, are people done bashing on me or should I go put my ice hockey goalie gear on so that you all can beat on me a little more? Or if you'd like to flame me, I'm more than happy to borrow my boyfriend's old set of turnout gear from his firehouse, just tell me beforehand so I can put it on first.

[TinkerbellMama]

This thread is ridiculous. We just returned from 11 days in WDW and didn't win a dang thing. But guess what? WE WERE IN DISNEY WORLD!!:cloud9: I don't need the extra attention of CMs (and that is ALL this is about--not even the prizes themselves, but the idea that "no one made me feel special") to make me realize how very fortunate I am. Not to put too fine a point on it, but there are people without food, clothing, or adequate shelter in the world--shame on anyone who would pitch a fit about something like this. Really.

[Alex&Evan'sMom]

I am grateful for getting to go to Disneyworld. I'm tired of being a second class citizen because I don't have kids. I've never seen the family fun parade so I have no idea what it's like, therefore I would have no idea that it's all kids. All I know is that I'd like to be in a Disney parade and that opportunity was taken away from me.

No, I never acted the way I've seen many kids at Disney World act because if I did, I wouldn't have been at Disney World any longer, I would have been headed home or at least back to the hotel. From a very young age I was expected to act like an adult.

Now, are people done bashing on me or should I go put my ice hockey goalie gear on so that you all can beat on me a little more? Or if you'd like to flame me, I'm more than happy to borrow my boyfriend's old set of turnout gear from his firehouse, just tell me beforehand so I can put it on first.

You were expected to act like an adult from a very young age? How sad! Maybe you subconsiously begrudge a child that actually gets to be a child. I know my parents were pretty strict about my behavior as a child but they allowed me to have a childhood. Now all these years later and with two boys of my own I do the same thing with my boys. They know what behavior is expected from them and they have good manners. But they are still children and they have their moments. Also, some adults can act worse than children sometimes. We're all human.

[teentoddlermom]

I agree that I'm lucky to enjoy many trips to WDW, and I am lucky to have a stress free life. I feel such empathy for those folks dealing with sickness and disabilities.
But I think this YOAMD promotion could be handled better by Disney. They heavily market and promote it so much so that the average visitor really expects and assumes that they have a very good chance to win something. I think the promotion just sets up the expectations of the average visitor too high. Disney could improve the promotion by giving our more of the smaller prizes or fastpasses.

[inkkognito]

As Syndrome would say: "When everyone is super, then no one will be."

Or in another pertinent piece of dialogue from that movie:
Mrs. Incredible: "Everyone is special, Dash."

Dash: "That's another way of saying nobody's special."

If there are going to be contests and prizes, then some people will be winners and some people will be losers. It's as simple as that. If everyone is special/super, then what's the point of a contest?

[tcp0421]

I'm sad to report that we did not recieve even one dream our whole week at Disney. We were a family of 3 adults and one teen. In fact only my sister saw a Dream Squad member standing by city hall once. I was very dissapointed to see hundreds of people wearing fast passes and such. But we never got picked for anything. I had built my family up in hopes of getting something.

I don't understand why Disney would come up with a plan to spend so much money to only make a certain people feel special. And exclude others making them feel left out. It's not like a fast pass actually cost anything. Then to top it off the one day we saw the parade and the Castle winner family it was announced they were from Celebration Florida. I thought only Disney employees lived there. That really made my week.

Thanks for nothing Disney

I just wanted to tell you my story. We were at the AK.We went to Rafiki's Island. We walked into the building there and were standing there for quit a while...all of a sudden I saw the Dream Squad!!! My heart starting pounding!!! They just were standing there at the door. My dd decided she had to go to the bathroom which was right there. My hubby took her, then one of the guys from the dream squad stepped outside. He then opened the door and signaled the other 2 that were standing inside. A few people walked in the door and the dream squad gave them all fast passes. Another group of people came in and they too got fastpasses. I was like"hello I am right here". Fianlly after about 5-10 minutes of them giving them to everyone who came into the door. I walked up to the one and said "can I have them too". He said no!! He went on to say some "official stuff"! I was really hurt! So fianlly my hubby and dd came out of the bathroom. I said come with me. We walked outside and came threw the door, and guess what....we got fastpasses!! Is that crazy or what??

[Andyjo0930]

I am grateful for getting to go to Disneyworld. I'm tired of being a second class citizen because I don't have kids. I've never seen the family fun parade so I have no idea what it's like, therefore I would have no idea that it's all kids. All I know is that I'd like to be in a Disney parade and that opportunity was taken away from me.

No, I never acted the way I've seen many kids at Disney World act because if I did, I wouldn't have been at Disney World any longer, I would have been headed home or at least back to the hotel. From a very young age I was expected to act like an adult.

Now, are people done bashing on me or should I go put my ice hockey goalie gear on so that you all can beat on me a little more? Or if you'd like to flame me, I'm more than happy to borrow my boyfriend's old set of turnout gear from his firehouse, just tell me beforehand so I can put it on first.


Not once did I see someone refer to you as a second class citizen, but you have referred to yourself as that a couple of times. and I don't know what you expect. You come on a board, whinning because you didn't get picked to be in a parade because you weren't a "family" and you bashed parents with children and said you never want them and you want people to be nice to you??!?!! Its your opinion as to never want children, and that is your opinion. I actually had that own opinion when I was young, and now am the proud mother of two! And even when you were apologizing in your last post, you were complaining about the kid on the plane!! I hate to point on the obvious, but you were be around children, whether you plan on having them or not, for the rest of your life! In the grocery stores, at the malls, concerts, vacations, and especially at places that cater to children such as DISNEY!!! Maybe you should actually talk to a child and realize that they are not all that bad! and maybe because you had to act like an adult at a very young age, maybe you need to let loose and act like a child! I know many people who do not have children, but not one of them has an attitude about children like you do!

[::Snow_White::]

I actually felt the opposite. Yeah I was hoping to win something, but I saw all the little kids and even a couple without kids walking around and they were absolutely thrilled that they got their fast passes and they won mickey ears. And the family that got to ride in the parade looked exstatic. It made me happy and it made me smile. And I still had a wonderful trip!

[mking624]

I am grateful for getting to go to Disneyworld. I'm tired of being a second class citizen because I don't have kids. I've never seen the family fun parade so I have no idea what it's like, therefore I would have no idea that it's all kids. All I know is that I'd like to be in a Disney parade and that opportunity was taken away from me.
As someone else pointed out, you're the only who keeps referring to yourself as a second class citizen. I don't have children, so I get that feeling...however, I also have to take responsibility for my feelings. No one can make me feel a particular way unless I allow them to. As far as something being taken away from you, you can't take something away that wasn't given in the first place. They were looking for a certain criteria to be met. This is not the first time they have done so. I get the disappointment, but it's time to move on from it.

No, I never acted the way I've seen many kids at Disney World act because if I did, I wouldn't have been at Disney World any longer, I would have been headed home or at least back to the hotel. From a very young age I was expected to act like an adult.
And that is very sad. You weren't an adult. And neither are little children around you. Try to remember that the next time you come down so hard on them. And try to remember that the complaining about not being in a parade and letting it ruin your entire day is not that much different than how a child would act about a situation....although many children would actually forget about it once something else at MK caught their attention.

Now, are people done bashing on me or should I go put my ice hockey goalie gear on so that you all can beat on me a little more? Or if you'd like to flame me, I'm more than happy to borrow my boyfriend's old set of turnout gear from his firehouse, just tell me beforehand so I can put it on first.
Well here's what I don't get...
You complained about the CM for being tactless (even though you admitted you don't always have much tact yourself)
You begin to criticize & complain about children and have unrealistic expectations of them
You have complained more than once and on more than one thread about not being in the parade...
And then you get upset that people are complaining about your posts. :confused3

No one is telling you that you must love children...but do try to have at least a little respect for them as they are people just like you.

[MNWDWMANIAC]

I'm sad to report that we did not recieve even one dream our whole week at Disney. We were a family of 3 adults and one teen. In fact only my sister saw a Dream Squad member standing by city hall once. I was very dissapointed to see hundreds of people wearing fast passes and such. But we never got picked for anything. I had built my family up in hopes of getting something.

I don't understand why Disney would come up with a plan to spend so much money to only make a certain people feel special. And exclude others making them feel left out. It's not like a fast pass actually cost anything. Then to top it off the one day we saw the parade and the Castle winner family it was announced they were from Celebration Florida. I thought only Disney employees lived there. That really made my week.

Thanks for nothing Disney

I'd like to answer this thread with a simple comment and a link.

Being able to read something like the thread I am pointing you to is more then enough dreams for me and I haven't even gotten to the parks yet. I thank Disney for something as wonderful as the dream they made possible for this family. I hope those of you that can't get around how simple the idea of what dream is can at least understand by reading whats at the end of this link. It's amazing to me that you even have the nerve to take time out of your day to complain about something so magical just because it didn't touch you directly.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1600044

Now breath some of this in.... pixiedust: pixiedust: pixiedust:

Don't fight it just take it in. pixiedust: pixiedust: pixiedust:

[JoBird]

deleted

[disneyfan55]

I'm sad to report that we did not recieve even one dream our whole week at Disney. We were a family of 3 adults and one teen. In fact only my sister saw a Dream Squad member standing by city hall once. I was very dissapointed to see hundreds of people wearing fast passes and such. But we never got picked for anything. I had built my family up in hopes of getting something.

I don't understand why Disney would come up with a plan to spend so much money to only make a certain people feel special. And exclude others making them feel left out. It's not like a fast pass actually cost anything. Then to top it off the one day we saw the parade and the Castle winner family it was announced they were from Celebration Florida. I thought only Disney employees lived there. That really made my week.

Thanks for nothing Disney

We were there last week and didn't even see anyone win anything and we were visiting in 2 different groups. We did see the fast passes that some had but never anyone winning anything. I had the misconception that there would be more winners around and winning at least something would be in plain view at least once!!

[inkkognito]

The amount of winners I've seen has been steadily decreasing lately. I usually get to the parks at least once a week, and before I was noticing LOTS of FPs, plus lanyards and ears, and I usually saw at least one giveaway and usually more (although never a winner myself...always a bridesmaid, never a bride). But now I see only a handful of FPs and haven't seen hats or lanyards in a looong time. Since they extended the promotion till the end of 2007, I wonder if they are spreading the prizes more thinly now if they didn't add any to the originally planned quantity.

[CurlyJo224]

I am grateful for getting to go to Disneyworld. I'm tired of being a second class citizen because I don't have kids. I've never seen the family fun parade so I have no idea what it's like, therefore I would have no idea that it's all kids. All I know is that I'd like to be in a Disney parade and that opportunity was taken away from me.

No, I never acted the way I've seen many kids at Disney World act because if I did, I wouldn't have been at Disney World any longer, I would have been headed home or at least back to the hotel. From a very young age I was expected to act like an adult.

Now, are people done bashing on me or should I go put my ice hockey goalie gear on so that you all can beat on me a little more? Or if you'd like to flame me, I'm more than happy to borrow my boyfriend's old set of turnout gear from his firehouse, just tell me beforehand so I can put it on first.

No bashing here!

People pull out the "You were a child once too!" line, but a lot of parents are FAR more permissive now than they were 15 or 20 years ago. I agree with you. If I had done half of the things I've seen kids do now, we'd have left whereever we were, be it the Wal-Mart or WDW. And no, I'm not resentful of "kids being kids." I resent the parents who inflict their children's bad behavior on the people around them.

Families come in all shapes and sizes. Is a single parent and children any less of a family because there's only one parent? What makes children the one and only definition of family? Family can be a married couple, parents and kids, or even two sisters and an alien (or three).

[Dolby1000]

"I am grateful for getting to go to Disneyworld. I'm tired of being a second class citizen because I don't have kids. I've never seen the family fun parade so I have no idea what it's like, therefore I would have no idea that it's all kids. All I know is that I'd like to be in a Disney parade and that opportunity was taken away from me.

No, I never acted the way I've seen many kids at Disney World act because if I did, I wouldn't have been at Disney World any longer, I would have been headed home or at least back to the hotel. From a very young age I was expected to act like an adult.

Now, are people done bashing on me or should I go put my ice hockey goalie gear on so that you all can beat on me a little more? Or if you'd like to flame me, I'm more than happy to borrow my boyfriend's old set of turnout gear from his firehouse, just tell me beforehand so I can put it on first."

Okay, I understand your feelings. You were apparently picked for something then rejected for lack of kids. I would think that would hurt, I mean, even in the commercials they show a senior citizen couple (no kids) in the parade. I think your point was that it shouldn't have mattered whether you had kids or not, you should have been in the parade. Disney apparently told you No Kids, No Parade and I can see how that, on the surface, seems drastically unfair. You were hurt, and I think it is wrong for anyone on this board to tell you how you should have felt or how to feel now. (Famous quote from Everybody Loves Raymond - "Don't tell me how to feel")

My wife and I have been married 21 years and guess what, no kids. Although we are going to Disney in Nov., I already told my wife NOT to have expectations of being in the parade because Disney wants the Mom, Pop and 2 kids sterotype. It is shame, because even though we don't have children, I still consider us a family.

Finally, yep, I am a person who doesn't like kids either. And yes, I was one once too. And my parents did expect me to behave in public areas. A lot of the things I see kids doing today my parents just would not have tolerated. This doesn't mean I didn't act like or play like a kid! The poster never said that! It just means we were far more well behaved that a lot of the stuff we see today.

Opps, second finally, flying on an airplance for 3 hours with a screaming kid is not pleasant for ANYONE! Coming home to Chicago from LA, a 2 year old burst an eardrum. Yes, we all felt very sorry for the child (who would wish such a thing on anyone), felt bad for the helpless mother; however, we all were very, very glad to get off the plane!

3rd finally, just because someone says they don't like kids, doesn't make them an evil person, it just means we don't really like them. I have 5 neices and nephews I love to death, they are great kids. But I am glad they are not mine and that at the end of the day, we come home to a quiet house. Also, we understand that going to WDW there are going to be lots and lots of kids. We will just all get along, as we are all there to have a good time.

1st Post
Dolby1000
Lisle, IL

[mking624]

No bashing here!

People pull out the "You were a child once too!" line, but a lot of parents are FAR more permissive now than they were 15 or 20 years ago. I agree with you. If I had done half of the things I've seen kids do now, we'd have left whereever we were, be it the Wal-Mart or WDW. And no, I'm not resentful of "kids being kids." I resent the parents who inflict their children's bad behavior on the people around them.

Families come in all shapes and sizes. Is a single parent and children any less of a family because there's only one parent? What makes children the one and only definition of family? Family can be a married couple, parents and kids, or even two sisters and an alien (or three).
No offense to you or to honugirl, but I have yet to see a family be "officially" defined as "boyfriend & girlfriend." Sorry, but there does really come a point when a line has to be drawn as to what is actually considered a family. Otherwise let's take it to its logical conclusion where anyone can start calling themselves a family..."hey, I just met this stranger five minutes ago, he's my family now, why can't I be picked?" But I digress.
No one said anything about couples without children not being able to be defined as a "family", but in this case, Disney WAS looking for something specific. My husband and I don't have children...and there are things we can't participate in as a result. Life goes on...we don't qualify for everything 100% of the time. And thing is, there will be times we WILL qualify for stuff where children cannot be involved, whether it be Disney or something else.

And this truly has nothing to do with how permissive or nonpermissive parents are. But I do find it rather childish to rant over and over on multiple threads about not being in a parade...and then start to rant about how children act. Pot, meet kettle....

[mking624]

Okay, I understand your feelings. You were apparently picked for something then rejected for lack of kids. I would think that would hurt, I mean, even in the commercials they show a senior citizen couple (no kids) in the parade. I think your point was that it shouldn't have mattered whether you had kids or not, you should have been in the parade. Disney apparently told you No Kids, No Parade and I can see how that, on the surface, seems drastically unfair. You were hurt, and I think it is wrong for anyone on this board to tell you how you should have felt or how to feel now. (Famous quote from Everybody Loves Raymond - "Don't tell me how to feel")
No one said she couldn't be disappointed, but there comes a point when it's time to move on and no one is wrong for saying that.

My wife and I have been married 21 years and guess what, no kids. Although we are going to Disney in Nov., I already told my wife NOT to have expectations of being in the parade because Disney wants the Mom, Pop and 2 kids sterotype. It is shame, because even though we don't have children, I still consider us a family.
Well I personally consider there to be a difference between a husband & wife and a boyfriend & girlfriend. My DH and I do not have children, yes I consider us a family. No I do not consider a boyfriend and girlfriend to be a family. Neither do many places. That said, Disney does not take an official stance on what they consider to be an actual "family" but we do know in this case they were looking for specific qualifications. That's reality...we don't always qualify for things 100% of the time. It can't always be "our way."

Finally, yep, I am a person who doesn't like kids either. And yes, I was one once too. And my parents did expect me to behave in public areas. A lot of the things I see kids doing today my parents just would not have tolerated. This doesn't mean I didn't act like or play like a kid! The poster never said that! It just means we were far more well behaved that a lot of the stuff we see today.
Actually the poster said exactly this when being asked if they had never acted like a child when they were a child:
From a very young age I was expected to act like an adult.
I find a big difference in expecting a child to behave themselves (which is a reasonable expectation...my own parents were very strict) and a child being expected to act like an adult, which they are not. Furthermore, it's unreasonable to start to push those expectations on other children you do not even know...in this case children at WDW. How totally unfair to those children, especially when you don't even know any history behind the child to know why they are "acting up."

Opps, second finally, flying on an airplance for 3 hours with a screaming kid is not pleasant for ANYONE! Coming home to Chicago from LA, a 2 year old burst an eardrum. Yes, we all felt very sorry for the child (who would wish such a thing on anyone), felt bad for the helpless mother; however, we all were very, very glad to get off the plane!

3rd finally, just because someone says they don't like kids, doesn't make them an evil person, it just means we don't really like them. I have 5 neices and nephews I love to death, they are great kids. But I am glad they are not mine and that at the end of the day, we come home to a quiet house. Also, we understand that going to WDW there are going to be lots and lots of kids. We will just all get along, as we are all there to have a good time.
I can respect a person not wanting children or not caring for them (but still respects them as a human being and doesn't talk about them like they're vermin)...but when one starts to rant on and on about their quite apparent dislike for children and calls them names, then it's not wrong for one to wonder why they choose a vacation destination where children seemingly outnumber the adults. And it is not wrong for people to call the person out on the attitude. Personally speaking, I see a huge difference in attitude between you and honugirl. You come across MUCH more respectful.

[kimmikayb]

Dolby I can respect your opinion because you didn't come out sounding like this:

I was contacted by a Disney cast member looking for "20 special families" on my recent trip there, but because my boyfriend and I "aren't a family" we were turned down and didn't get to be in the parade. I almost cried right there on Main Street. It ruined my whole day in the Magic Kingdom. When you've been through some of the stuff I have you forget that you can dream and that you can make wishes, I thought for once that I was going to get to be special and do something cool, but no, I was wrong, guess I've got to go adopt some of those baby brats running around Disney to have my wishes fulfilled.


No one said she couldn't be disappointed, but there comes a point when it's time to move on and no one is wrong for saying that.


Well I personally consider there to be a difference between a husband & wife and a boyfriend & girlfriend. My DH and I do not have children, yes I consider us a family. No I do not consider a boyfriend and girlfriend to be a family. Neither do many places. That said, Disney does not take an official stance on what they consider to be an actual "family" but we do know in this case they were looking for specific qualifications. That's reality...we don't always qualify for things 100% of the time. It can't always be "our way."


Actually the poster said exactly this when being asked if they had never acted like a child when they were a child:

I find a big difference in expecting a child to behave themselves (which is a reasonable expectation...my own parents were very strict) and a child being expected to act like an adult, which they are not. Furthermore, it's unreasonable to start to push those expectations on other children you do not even know...in this case children at WDW. How totally unfair to those children, especially when you don't even know any history behind the child to know why they are "acting up."


I can respect a person not wanting children or not caring for them (but still respects them as a human being and doesn't talk about them like they're vermin)...but when one starts to rant on and on about their quite apparent dislike for children and calls them names, then it's not wrong for one to wonder why they choose a vacation destination where children seemingly outnumber the adults. And it is not wrong for people to call the person out on the attitude. Personally speaking, I see a huge difference in attitude between you and honugirl. You come across MUCH more respectful.

Mary, you took the words right out of my mouth! ITA!! :thumbsup2

[StrollPatrolMom]

Next time you post a problem or concern I hope people are just as nice to you. My mother told me once if you have nothing nice to say then keep it too yourself.

which might have applied to your original post :rolleyes1

[Zombabe]

Not to sound like a beeotch but your kids are lucky they even got to go to Disney. There are so many kids that dream about it and parents can't afford it.

I wanted so bad to be married at Disney but we couldn't afford it at the time. We went on our honeymoon and enjoyed ourselves I didnt whine the whole time that I didnt get married there.

Just have a good time with what you have. You teaching your kids to be jealous of others and they will miss out on so much.:rolleyes:

[Dolby1000]

My wife wanted to say that she does have 1 child. :laughing:

On another topic, what is DH, DS and other "D" stand for? I see it everywhere, and I just cannot figure it out.

Thanks

And thanks for those who understood I just wanted to have a say.

:goodvibes

[MNWDWMANIAC]

My wife wanted to say that she does have 1 child. :laughing:

On another topic, what is DH, DS and other "D" stand for? I see it everywhere, and I just cannot figure it out.

Thanks

And thanks for those who understood I just wanted to have a say.

:goodvibes

Disney Husband, Disney Son, Disney Daughter etc etc

[Andrea]

Disney Husband, Disney Son, Disney Daughter etc etc

haha i always thought it meant Dear husband, Dear son etc... haha

[Eoywin]

haha i always thought it meant Dear husband, Dear son etc... haha

It means that too - I would never mean for the D to mean Disney because that doesn't make much sense to me.

When I put DH I mean Dear Husband

[kimmikayb]

It means that too - I would never mean for the D to mean Disney because that doesn't make much sense to me.

When I put DH I mean Dear Husband

it means "dear" to me too.

[MNWDWMANIAC]

Both are correct... it's not specific as someones post only means what they want it to mean. :)

D equaling Disney applies for some since this is a "Disney" board. But "Dear" applies just as much since we all hold our family dear to us.

The WDWINFO list says DH - Dear (Darling, Disney) Husband

You can find a helpful list of Abbreviations for the Disboards at this link as well - http://www.wdwinfo.com/abbreviations.htm

[kakiegirl]

Thanks to everyone who was nice to me in this thread. :)

It really hurt because I relayed the story of how much my boyfriend and I loved Disney that we were going to the Keys, but turned the car around and headed for Disney World instead, so it really hurt not to be picked because I don't fit the definition of "family."

Somedays I just don't have a whole lot of tact because I was actually still pretty fired up about it and I had just gotten off a plane with a screaming child right behind me who screamed the entire flight across the country. Forgive me if I just don't find kids cute. Not everyone does. Not everyone enjoys them. I don't enjoy sticky hugs or drooly kisses. I don't enjoy trying to dechipher what a kid is saying and it hurts my ears to listen to their high pitched anything (laughing, giggling, screaming, etc). I don't find their lack of attention to things around them and the fact they don't watch where they are going cute. Most of the time I keep my mouth shut and don't say anything. Sometimes I just can't hold it in anymore. This was one of those times. Still don't quite think I deserved the harshness that was directed to me since none of it was directed to anyone's specific child.

And I still deserve the chance to go to Disney World just like I don't deny famlies the opportunity to go there. It is not just a family destination, it's an everybody destination.


No one should flame you or not be nice to you and I can understand how you feel to a certain extent because I know when I dealt with infertility for several years before adopting my drooling, sticky child, that I got tired of hearing the you will understand one day when you are a mother, or the why haven't you had children yet? It felt like the whole world revolved around becoming a parent and I had the opposite problem from you everyone acted like my world would not be complete until I was a mom and I my heart was breaking that it would never happen.

That being said wow you really come off over the top as having a very intense dislike for all children. You have to remember that alot of us here have the high pitch, giggling drooling, sticky, not very long attention span children and they are our hearts. So when you come off talking about them like that it does offend people. Yes Disney is a destination for everyone and you do not have to have or want children to enjoy it, but I am honestly surprised that you enjoy going to Disney as much as you seem to dislike being around children. Just remember they are human beings too. I am sure if someone posted on a thread talking about how they despise everyone with your occpuation or from whatever state you are from you would take offense.

[MikeAidanEoinMom]

[QUOTE=Dolby1000;
My wife and I have been married 21 years and guess what, no kids. Although we are going to Disney in Nov., I already told my wife NOT to have expectations of being in the parade because Disney wants the Mom, Pop and 2 kids sterotype. It is shame, because even though we don't have children, I still consider us a family.



1st Post
Dolby1000
Lisle, IL[/QUOTE]

We were 3 adults picked to be in the parade..... Of course it was not the family fun parade...but we were in the right place at the right time....also this last trip we won 3 official dreams and lots of extra nice things happened....We left the kids at home ...our trip WITH the kids we won nothing so it is just random

[Vemnox]

This still blows my mind how the OP can be upset not to be picked for a parade in which toddlers and very yound children march down main street beating on drums and tamboreens. Seriously, if that's what you get your kicks off of, it's time to check into a doctor.

[busytxmom]

We have been to Disney (World & Land) three times since the promotion started and have not received a dream. I stopped reading this thread just because I am just grateful to be getting to go to Disney World each time and I am thankful that my children and husband get to experience it with me. We don't go with the expectation of winning. When we have come home each time, we have such great memories of a magical trip. Getting to go to Disney World is a "dream" of mine as I did not get to growing up. I look forward to it and love to plan for it. I hope that each of your upcoming trips are magical--dream or no dream.:goodvibes

[mrzrich]

As a FL resident, I too have been several times (8 actually) during this promotion. On trip #6 I won a lanyard. :cool1:

I was so happy.:love:

For what its worth, I want to mention that I just got back today from 5 days at WDW and I saw not one person with a Dream FP, Lanyard or Ears. This was the first trip since the promotion started that I noticed such an absence of visible prizes.

I was surprised when leaving AK yesterday. We were cleaning out the rental stroller before leaving and Dsis asked me "Whats this?" It was a dream certificate that the CM's must have put in our stroller while we were on the Safari. It said our last name (which they must have gotten off our stroller tag) and "Most prepared for a two week safari!" I guess they were teasing about how much stuff we had in our stroller!:rotfl2:

[kimmikayb]

As a FL resident, I too have been several times (8 actually) during this promotion. On trip #6 I won a lanyard. :cool1:

I was so happy.:love:

For what its worth, I want to mention that I just got back today from 5 days at WDW and I saw not one person with a Dream FP, Lanyard or Ears. This was the first trip since the promotion started that I noticed such an absence of visible prizes.

I was surprised when leaving AK yesterday. We were cleaning out the rental stroller before leaving and Dsis asked me "Whats this?" It was a dream certificate that the CM's must have put in our stroller while we were on the Safari. It said our last name (which they must have gotten off our stroller tag) and "Most prepared for a two week safari!" I guess they were teasing about how much stuff we had in our stroller!:rotfl2:


:lmao: That's funny! Welcome home :flower3:

I did read there are going to be more bigger prized added. I'll just prepare myself for that Cinderella's Castle night and bring my tiara with me next month. ;)