CM wouldn't note BDAY on PS at CRT

[buddyboo]

We have a reservation at CRT for breakfast next week. I was hoping to celebrate DD's bday at the meal, so I phoned WDW-DINE to have it noted on the reservation. CM said that there was no need to have it on the reservation, and that for Cinderella's Table the only thing we need to do is let our server know about the birthday when we're seated. I don't want DD to miss out on anything special (decorated table, etc), so should I call back?

[Wish Upon A Star]

We celebrated my DS's 9th b-day at WDW last July 6th and had b-fast at Chef Mickeys. I called WDW-Dine and they told me the same thing. When you check in tell the CM and they will note it at that time.

My DS was given a very special HUGE cupcake with lots of whipped creme and was sung too.

[Tinkbell]

Yes, just tell them when you check in. Have a nice meal!:D

[disneyjunkie]

You can try calling again, maybe the next CM will add the comment.

Even if the CMs know about the birthday, there no way to be sure that they'll do anything.

[ducklite]

Decorated table? Sorry, I've never seen a table decorated for a birthday at WDW. While I'm sure your DD is very special to you, she's one of thousands of guests celebrating various events on any given day at WDW. They can't do special things for everyone. You can stop and get her a Free "It's my birthday" button at Town Hall on the way in, and some CM's will wish her a Happy Birthday when they see it, but please don't expect anything else unless you make advance arrangements and pay for the services.

If you call the restaurant directly in advance and speak to the manager, you can get a cake delivered for an additional fee.

Anne

[webray]

I have never seen a decorated table for a birthday in a restaurant either. When staying in a concierge room, they send small gifts to help you celebrate your special occasion sometimes.

Never expect anything..and then you will be surprised.

Have fun!

[phanomouse]

Its pretty sad that you've not seen decorated tables at WDW. My wife and I go every year for our anniversary and we rotate every other year on each of our b-days. We have always had our table Decorated, I take that back all but in Feb of 2001, at CRT. We've only had it done one other place and that was as per my request and I provided the things to do it with. I don't think that I have done anything special other then tell them when we are checking in... I like the comment about not expecting anything, I think it is absolutely true. They're going to make it memorable even if you don't have confetti and ribbon on your table.

[Tinkbell]

Originally posted by ducklite
Decorated table? Sorry, I've never seen a table decorated for a birthday at WDW. While I'm sure your DD is very special to you, she's one of thousands of guests celebrating various events on any given day at WDW. They can't do special things for everyone. Anne

They "decorated" the table for my grandma at CRT last year. They added some shiny confetti and streamers to our table top. Perhaps this is what the OP was referring to. So, yes it does happen.:D

[Eeyore1954]

Originally posted by ducklite
Decorated table? Sorry, I've never seen a table decorated for a birthday at WDW. While I'm sure your DD is very special to you, she's one of thousands of guests celebrating various events on any given day at WDW. They can't do special things for everyone. Anne My DW and I celebrated out 25th anniversary at MK last year. We ate at Crystal Palace for lunch and yes, the table was decorated with Mickey confetti. Our server sang to us and delivered a small cake -- free. For dinner we went to Liberty Tree Tavern -- more confetti and streamers on the table, plus a free dessert. (And yes, we were quite BLOATED by the end of the day! :o )

My suggestion is to call back and get another CM. I've had them note special occasions on PS before. I think you caught a CM having a difficult hair day.

[Traveliz]

I too have been the recipient of a decorated table. At both Cindy's and CP the table was decorated with lots of the Mickey confetti. And at CP when they called our name they dumped a bunch of the Mickey confetti over my head as they wished me a happy birthday.

Liz

[ducklite]

Hmmm...glad to know they've done this for some. But it's not guaranteed, and I don't think the OP should plan on it happening, but rather be pleasantly suprised if it does.

Anne

[crisi]

I agree in that you shouldn't "expect" anything.

We were down with my parents when (by coincidence) their 40th wedding anniversary happened. I noted it at the front desk of the hotel. I noted it on all the PSs for the day. I mentioned it to the CM as we sat down, knowing that it doesn't hurt and sometimes magic happens. Nothing. Its a good thing my expectation was "sometimes" and I didn't mention my thoughts to my parents. I was a little disappointed, but not too disappointed.

[TarraLee]

We ate at CRT on my birthday last December, and my DH told them when we check in. Our table had Mickey-fetti and streamers, and when our dessert came (we had ordered one to share), they brought an extra birthday dessert and a "magical memories" certificate. I felt so special, that was the first time we had ever eaten in the castle, and then when we went downstairs, Cinderella was in her throne room too!

Didn't go expecting anything but a chance to see the castle, and had an awesome birthday!

(took the Mickey-fetti home and sprinkled it all in the change jar- a Disney popcorn bucket-- hope the magic will make those coins add up faster!)

[Jen in MA]

I celebrated my 30th birthday this past January with a dinner at CRT. I got the Mickey Confetti too! It was so cute. I saved mine as well :)

[mouseketeerwannabe]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by ducklite
[B]Decorated table? Sorry, I've never seen a table decorated for a birthday at WDW.

Last December, I celebrated my birthday with dinner at CRT. We were seated at a window table that was decorated with Mickey confetti and streamers. When our server discovered that my daughter's 13th birthday was the day before mine and my husband's was the week before, she brought out free birthday dessert for all of us!! I received a Magical Moments certificate, too. That was the first time I had been in Disney for a birthday, and it was the best birthday ever!! I believe my birthday WAS noted on our PS, and my husband also mentioned it at check-in. I was thrilled to eat in the castle and don't EXPECT anything free. When it happens though it just makes the memories even more special.

[HeatherPage]

To guarantee that there is something for her, do you think you or your spouse could go to CRT right before hand and give the staff presents from you (or from Cinderella or Mickey) to have waiting on your table for her when you are seated?

[PugLover]

From merely a business standpoint I think the directions the CM gave you were reasonable (not noting your PS but requesting you let the staff know upon your arrival at the restaurant).

As somebody else noted there are thousands of people that go to WDW for a special event. The number of requests Disney must get for b-days must be beyond overwhelming on a daily basis.

Isnt the Cinderella Breakfast one of the few PS's you have guarantee with a charge card? Think about it this way....

It sounds like the Cinderella Breakfast is a "hot ticket" at WDW. To me that says everybody involved in that breakfast/dining event is rather busy from the moment they begin work till the moment they clock out. They all have very specific jobs that must be performed with a very stringent routine to meet the demand.

If special preparations are made in advance for b-day celebrations (ex: decorated table, dessert or something similiar) and the party does not show up the bottom line is the staff has wasted time, resources and strayed from the necessary routine to make the restaurant run smoothly.

That being said I am sure that the staff is well versed in b-day's and have, at a moments notice, little extras avail. for a b-day if notified when the party checks in (dessert, confetti).

What really would be the point of letting them know before your dining day? CRT has been a very popular event at WDW for years (so I am told) the staff is versed and prepared. Asking for additional notes on your PS's simply means more "bulk" for the staff to sift through when preparing for a busy day.

What if it was not your childs b-day but a b-day of another child and your family received sub-par service because of delays in preparing a b-day celebration? I imagine, for the price and demand of eating in the castle, you might be miffed. I am speaking generally of course, not you per say.

As a back up plan but a small package of confetti/streamers in your bag and perhaps a "bouquet" of fancy suckers. Have another member of your party take your child to look around or to the bathroom and quickly decorate the table yourself!

[Deb & Bill]

We had breakfast at CRT a few weeks ago. It was written on our ticket that the server took that it was my birthday. When the princesses came around, we took an extra photo with my favorites and me. Anything else? Nada.

I even had the birthday button on.

Course our server wasn't the best, either.

I got more to-dos from Boatwrights. They sang Happy Birthday to me there.

[susy]

When we checked in at CRT, I told the CM it was my b-day. She had a headphone thingy and spoke into it "Birthday at table#__".

That was all I did. The table was decoarted by the time we got up there. The princesses all signed a magical moments certificate for me (that the server brought over). At the end of breakfast I was brought a huge cupcake with a candle.

[buddyboo]

I'm sorry if my question offended some of you. I've read the posts about the decorated tables and the suggestions to note the birthday on the PS, and that's why I asked. I will not be disappointed if there are no streamers or confetti, and we will still have a great time. I was just asking in case it was necessary. I would never want any other Disney guests to have sub-par service because of my dd's birthday, nor would I think this would happen. Thanks for the replies, and I'll just let the CM know when we arrive.

[Tinkbell]

buddyboo, Have a great time! Your daughter will be thrilled with CRT. :D

Please, you have nothing to apologize for!:D

[kilee]

I recently made reservations for Chef Mickeys on my BIL's b-day-- which happens to be our first day of the trip. When I called-- the CM said it was noted on the reservation. She also told me to call (407)824-3238 1-2 days ahead of time to remind them. This is the first time celebrating anything at Disney for us, so I don't know what will happen when I call that number. But that is what I was instructed to do.

[Rock'n Robin]

We ate at CRT for breakfast on our 15th anniversary and we not only got a decorated table, we got to CRT long stemmed glasses to take home.
Last year we did Ohana on my BDay and got a free dessert. I also got a card at the Poly from the concierge staff.
Robin M.
Poly 6/2000
BWV 6/2001(1st DVC trip)
Poly 12/2001
BWV/Poly/VWL 7/2002
Dolphin 12/2003
Disney Wonder/VWL 7/2003

[BrerMom]

We celebrated my son's 7th birthday at CRT (his choice; the teen-age years should be interesting... ;) ) I discreetly mentioned it when we checked in, mainly so he wouldn't expect anything. And, yes, they decorated our table.

I think the key is in the expectations. It sounds rather pessimistic, but if you don't expect anything extra, then you can be pleased if something special happens instead of disappointed that it didn't. Also, for first-timers, "decorated" means Mickey confetti (pixie dust!!!) and streamers (little bitty pieces of curly paper) sprinkled on the top of the table. We didn't even recognize that it wasn't just another nice Disney touch, that it was just special for DS, until the server told us. DS loved it, by the way, and wearing the birthday button is a nice visual hint for the characters when they're looking for something to say.

[MOMTOMOOTOO]

Originally posted by buddyboo
We have a reservation at CRT for breakfast next week. I was hoping to celebrate DD's bday at the meal, so I phoned WDW-DINE to have it noted on the reservation. CM said that there was no need to have it on the reservation, and that for Cinderella's Table the only thing we need to do is let our server know about the birthday when we're seated. I don't want DD to miss out on anything special (decorated table, etc), so should I call back?

Well, I had the CM note we will be celebrating my DDs birthday, and she asked the name, age etc. and also told me she would receive a chocolate muffin with a candle. But she made it very clear that my other dd would not get a muffin. Which I didn't expect anyway but she did say the birthday girl would be acknowledged. But I am not counting on anything:)

So buudyboo, if I were you, (hey that rhymes!) I would call again and ask that it be noted and if it happens great.


Laura

[philaround]

Buddyboo, please be sure to get a birthday badge for your DD to wear all day on her B'day. You can get one at any guest relations desk. In MK it is in town Hall.
The badge looks somewhat like the badges that CMs wear but clearly says Birthday on it with your DD's name.
Wish your DD a Happy Birthday for me.

[Regina]

Add us to the recepients of a sprinkling of Mickey confetti to celebrate DH's birthday at CRT breakfast. He also got a Magical Moment certificate. :D

[ducklite]

Not as of this past March. Now they are just plain "button's" with "It's my Birthday" on them. They are not at all personalized, and do not at all look like the CM badges.

Anne

[Regina]

I'm looking at DH's birthday button. It's about 3 inches in diameter, has "Today is my Birthday" across the top, and there's a drawing of Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy wearing party hats. They're standing in front of the castle.

The CM's must be trained to look for them. DH got much more attention than he expected. Lots of smiles and happy wishes came his way.

The best was when he was handed the phone while making a purchase. At first we thought "EEK! Is something wrong with our AMEX account?":eek: As it turns out, the CM had dialed a special number and it was Goofy wishing him a Happy Birthday.:p

[Geoff_M]

Not as of this past March. Now they are just plain "button's" with "It's my Birthday" on them. They are not at all personalized, and do not at all look like the CM badges.There you go again! How dare you give people the whole picture and not build up their expectations! Have you no shame Ms. Ducklite... have you no shame! ;)

I'll "third" that. The buttons are big and round, not personalized, but easy for CMs to spot. You'll get comments all day. And I agree that all that's needed is for you to note the B-day to the Hostess CM at the check-in podium. There's no advance planning needed on their part. Streamers and confetti can be added to the table that opens up for you in a matter of seconds.

[peachgirl]

Originally posted by buddyboo
I'm sorry if my question offended some of you. I've read the posts about the decorated tables and the suggestions to note the birthday on the PS, and that's why I asked. I will not be disappointed if there are no streamers or confetti, and we will still have a great time. I was just asking in case it was necessary. I would never want any other Disney guests to have sub-par service because of my dd's birthday, nor would I think this would happen. Thanks for the replies, and I'll just let the CM know when we arrive.

You have nothing to apologize for! It's ridiculous when you can't ask a simple question without being treated so rudely, especially when the information is wrong. It is possible to inform without insult, but some either enjoy being sarcastic and insulting or just haven't bothered to learn how to do it.

Add us to the list who got table decorations and special treatment for a birthday. Unlike some people, WDW CM's are well trained in the art of spreading pixie dust and magic. As long as you understand the concept of letting the magic happen, no problems!

Enjoy your trip and I hope your dd has a wonderful Disney birthday!

[Geoff_M]

...especially when the information is wrong.Small point of information... Ducklite wasn't wrong. She said she'd "never seen a table decorated", that's different than stating they don't decorate tables. The only way she would be wrong is if she had seen a table decorated and then lied about it to the OP.

Some people may call it "rudeness", but I think Ducklites main intent was to try and manage the OPs expectations. We've seen it time and time again where people read posts here about experiences that people had at WDW and expect the same things happen to them. When they don't materialize, noses often get out of joint due to heightened expectations. No offense was taken towards the OP. She was also helpful by encouraging the OP to get her daughter the B-day button that would help make the day special.

[baloo722]

From Geoff_M:
"Ducklite wasn't wrong."
Well, when she said "don't expect anything else unless you make advance arrangements and pay for the services." she was wrong, now you are wrong, too.

From Geoff_M:
"Some people may call it "rudeness", ", and they would be right.

for the record:

It's funny. When you are rude obnoxious, and mean on these boards, you make friends with the moderators & your posts stay....but, when you call these people on the rudeness, your posts are removed....hmmmmm....I thought one of the criteria for removal was rudeness. If that were truely followed, a certain poster would never be quacking on these boards....nice double standard....

[peachgirl]

Small point of information... Ducklite wasn't wrong

I'm sure ducklite appreciates your support, but I think it was wrong. Clearly ducklite believes that Disney doesn't do table decorations for birthdays. This thread is pretty good evidence that they do. At best, it left the wrong impression which is of course a matter of opinion. You don't think so and I do. Okay.


Some people may call it "rudeness", but I think Ducklites main intent was to try and manage the OPs expectations.

A little arrogant, don't you think? The OP didn't ask for help in "managing" anything and never gave a clue that her expectations were out of line.

Why not just answer the op's question? Of course as Ducklite apparently has had no experiences regarding the OP's question, that would have been difficult to do. You may like that style of posting, but there are an awful lot of people who find it offensive and rude.

No offense was taken towards the OP.
Try telling the OP that. She was apparently taken to task sufficiently so that she felt the need to apologize for asking if they should try and have their daughter's birthday noted on their PS!

[Geoff_M]

Well, when she said "don't expect anything else unless you make advance arrangements and pay for the services." she was wrong, now you are wrong, too.Over the years we've recveived a lot of extras and special things from WDW... but I don't "expect" such treatment with any given visit. Am I likely to recieve it again?... yes, but I don't expect it. I don't expect free upgrades, I don't expect towel animals, I don't expect that CMs will give out kids special certificates. And that's not "wrong".

It's funny. When you are rude obnoxious, and mean on these boards, you make friends with the moderators & your posts stay....I think the only moderator that I've gotten "friendly" with in the past is Bet. The secret is it that I keep things as civil as I can and don't throw around personal insults.

At best, it left the wrong impression which is of course a matter of opinion.I'd agree with that, but beyond that you're getting into speculation about motives and such.

The OP didn't ask for help in "managing" anything and never gave a clue that her expectations were out of line.You aren't suggesting that all responses should be restricted to the original question?

Try telling the OP that.I think that was unfortunate. Misinterpretations happens. Could the post in question been reworded or written better? I'd agree it could have been rephrased to avoid the way the OP took it. And I don't think the OP was merely refering to one posters comments, but the vitriol seems to only be reserved for one person.

[baloo722]

Geoff_M,

You never seem to be rude on these boards. While you may fall into the "disney police" category, it doesn't mean you are rude: overbearing and possessing a sense of over-importance, maybe, but not rude. there is a difference. She is rude and deserving of the vitriol which she recieves

[Deb & Bill]

Pot - Kettle.

[ducklite]

Originally posted by peachgirl
I'm sure ducklite appreciates your support, but I think it was wrong. Clearly ducklite believes that Disney doesn't do table decorations for birthdays. This thread is pretty good evidence that they do. At best, it left the wrong impression which is of course a matter of opinion. You don't think so and I do. Okay.


I stated I had never seen it, not that they didn't do it. And then later I stated that I was glad that they had done it for others. of course you forgot to mention that part. :rolleyes:

The point is that if you come here asking if they do something special, a lot of people will tell you that something was done for them. Then you go with certain expectations. And if they don't happen, you are let doen and possibly have a problem--because you were expecting something special to be done, and it wasn't , now you perhaps have a disappointed child.

Due to this I feel that if it is important for you, you make advance arrangements and pay for them. That way if it doesn't happen, you have the right to be upset and hold WDW accountable, and deserve some sort of compensation for it.

Anne

[CarolAnnC]

FYI. Both being rude and/or arrogant, and also calling other posters rude and/or arrogant is not allowed on our DIScussion Boards. Thanks to all who provided their input regarding the poster's question on birthday celebrations. This thread is now closed.