Cranky CM for Priority Seating

[fridayfun]

We are going to DL for the first time for 2 whole dayswhile going to CA for a wedding. We are non fliers so are trying out Amtrack (Dearborn, Mi - L.A. Ca = 48 hours of togetherness time) and I am forcing my DH to go to DL as it is probably the only time we will be out that way. Well, just made our PS for B.B for lunch and the BBQ at DLR for dinner. Yes same day. So, just wondering - Are most west coasters nicer than my CM that I was on the phone with? It started as my fault - was on the phone, holding for 20 min with lunch sitting in front of me (have to go to work in an hour) well I finally had to take a bite (not smart) because the phone picked up. I apologized immediately and said just a second as I moved the phone away and swallowed/choked it down. He sarcastically said thanks, how he was immune to everything but people chewing in his ear which was like nails on chalkboards and couldn't they wait 30 seconds? I apologized again, told him my wait time and said I just needed to make 2 PS arrangments. He right away said a couple of different Characater meals +BB. I said no, told him whatI needed. Then he said "Of course you probably want 11:30am, most of you do!" To this, I didn't know what to say! Just that, yes, because I wanted BB for lunch and the BBQ for dinner. Then he was astounded that we would do them both on one day. Got the lunch then he asked for my dinner preference. I said sometime around 6p. He cut me off by saying "why did he even ask. You people always ask for" and said 3 different dining times. By this time I was just dumb founded. He told me I was set, told me the 48 hour cancellation rule and my ressie confirmation was first and last name. What was that about? I apologized for being rude. Was as nice as I could be after he made me feel 2 inches high for bothering him. And who is "You"? Does he not like Michiganders? Does he know I Dis and might know if he is giving wrong info?

Sorry for the long post. I do not post a lot, but had to vent a little. If I told DH he would definitely want to skip DL as he is a WDW snob and this is strictly for me. So just hoping that the people*/CMs I encounter in Ca will be more like the DL correspondants on the podcast as opposed to this guy! And no, I did not get his name, as this was a first for me and I kind of still do not know what happened!

as I reply to later I mean the people who work in the resort area/vacation area. NOT everyone in California!

 

[rune_74]

Yes all us people on the west coast are jerks and rude, we have yet to get the book of manners.

I once went to a gas station in Detroit and the guy was rude so I really hope that not all people are like that there!

 

[Sherwin]

No.

Park CMs generally are much kinder since they can see you face to face. I tend to hear phone CMs can be a little more jerkish.

Again, I must stress the importance of wielding the power of a consumer-- you have every right to take the name of any rude CM down, ask to speak to a manager, and complain.

 

[lntsmom]

Sorry you had such a bad experience! I lucked out and got a great CM when I called. For both our seatings I just asked for the the earliest possible and she was very nice about it.

Sounds like you got someone who needs to move on to a new career! I used to put up with folks like that when I was younger and nicer. At the point where I am in life I probably would have responded to his first bit of nastiness by telling him that I don't have time to deal with surly service industry workers, hung up, and called back later.

To me, it would be worth it to risk not getting the times I wanted to not have to deal with someone like that!

BTW...I've found it much easier to get ressys at DLR than at WDW. This trip I got busy the first day I could have booked our BB seating. I called the next day and still got the first seating. Not bad at all!

 

[fridayfun]

Once again I apologize for myself for the second time in one day! I was very general in saying west coasters, when I mean just CMs in general. My husband not really wanting to go to DL as he seems to think it is small and will be like the Six Flags we went to in Texas (BAD!) The park was small, most of the people who work there were rude and did not seem to want to be there! CMs make the vacation a great time and is one of the reasons we go to WDW as two DINKS and not do adult vacations. I guess one bad apple made me think the vacation was going to be as bad as he thinks it will be and got stressed that all I am trying to do will be terrible and he will say I told you so!

 

[PrinceGrumpy]

LOL.. sorry. There are rude people every where but no that is NOT a normal Disneyland employee. I have had a few irritated CM's when calling for reservation, so maybe they just put those people on the phone and keep the nice people in the park for face to face interaction. Did you catch his name ? It's unfortunate in this day and age that people have not much phone etiquette. Just don't hold it against ALL west coasters. Some of us know Manners. THANK YOU !

 

[fridayfun]

I was (AM really) so excited to go! It seems to me it will be a great time, just trying to get over a downer of a husband (who is bummed because of no WDW this year). But I was also excited about Six Flags (remembered from childhood) which was such a dissappointment! No fun at all! Especially as I keep hearing people say DL is more a locals park, like a Six Flags! The podcasters are helping me to see it different along with everyone on the DL boards! Guess the cm just got to me, hence the post. I normally would not ever post (as shown by my post number) as hate to see the poor people get flamed because they can not write exactly what they are thinking. Turned into one anyway!

 

[jenjersnap]

I don't think you can generalize since I had the nicest Disney CM I've ever spoken with last year when I booked my DLR PSs, a helpful, informative man who clearly loved his job. When I called back to order my DSs' birthday cake, I got the snarliest, huffiest CM I have ever spoken with who put me on hold multiple times for several minutes at a stretch and kept sighing deeply and loudly into the phone... both DLR CMs (the many WDW CMs I have spoken with are usually in the middle of the attitude scale). It's just individual personality, not a west coast thing or a "who Disney hires" thing.

All the DLR CMs we met in person were nice.

 

[luvsmickey1968]

Do not let that CM spoil your excitement about your trip!
I have spoken to many CMs and most of the time they are wonderful. I have gotten more really nice ones than ones that are not so nice.
I know how you feel however, a bad CM can really bring you down!
Just remember that it was about him and not about you and that although people in customer service are supposed to be nice, sometimes things happen in their personal life that they take to their job!
The important thing is that you got the reservations you wanted and when you go to Disneyland with a positive attitude, you are going to encounter many "magical" CMs and are going to have a wonderful time!

 

[Disney Dreams]

Okay, I am going to be just very straight-forward here. I apologize if it is not a warm-fuzzy reply.

First, YAY for your upcoming trip to Disneyland.

As for your call, I realize you are upset right now, but if your attitude towards him was the same as this statement:

...Are most west coasters nicer than my CM that I was on the phone with?...

perhaps you put him in a "I can't wait to get this woman off the phone" mode. I have lived in So. Cal. almost my entire life and I found that statement rude, offensive, and just close-minded. Are most brunettes the same? Are most blue eyed people the same? No. Are most west coasters nicer than the CM you were on the phone with? I have no idea. He didn't seem "not-nice" to me. It seems to me like misunderstood sarcasm.

I don't know when your trip is, but you called asking for the 2 most popular PSs. So, he said, ""Of course you probably want 11:30am, most of you do!" He clearly has done his job for a very long time and probably gets people all day long asking for the exact same PS: 11:30am at the Blue Bayou. You were then put off because... he was exactly right. (Which actually is funny if you can pull yourself from the situation to see the irony there.)

...He cut me off by saying "why did he even ask. You people always ask for" and said 3 different dining times.... He told me I was set, told me the 48 hour cancellation rule and my ressie confirmation was first and last name. What was that about? ... And who is "You"? Does he not like Michiganders? Does he know I Dis and might know if he is giving wrong info?"

Being very honest here, and not mean, I think you personalized this comment way too much. I highly doubt "you" meant Michigan or DIS people. What wrong information was he giving you?

I think it meant "people who call for PSs." You asked for the busiest dining time. Again, idk when your trip is (soon? far away?), but imho he was just joking around with you saying that, "You people always want the same time," which probably is true. Should he have said it? Probably not. Did he mean it as rude? I highly doubt it. Remember, he takes these calls all - day - long... with everyone asking for "11:30am at the Blue Bayou by the water."

So just hoping that the people/CMs I encounter in Ca..."

Again, I find that comment just, idk, rude? odd? afraid of Californians? People in CA are people. I have never been to MI, but I would never plan a trip there with the mind-set, "Are all Michigan people the same?" as it is just a crazy thought. Again, not trying to be rude here, but if that was the attitude the CM received on the phone, my guess it he was just trying to get through the call with humor, take care of your PSs (which he did), and move on to the next call.

I would say that you got your PSs, you are one step closer to having your plans done, be happy about that and try not to think about all Californians being the same. We are quite a mixed bunch! Besides, you will meet people from all over the world while at DL, not just CA.

- Dreams

 

[fridayfun]

Disney Dreams - Sorry for offending. It will not happen again. I can not apologize any more or in any different ways than the times I already did that you must have missed. This is why I only have the number of posts I do. Until we can post video questions, I do not think everyone can come off in print the way they mean to. Bye

 

[lntsmom]

Hey, I'm going to speak up for all of us who didn't see anything offensive in ANY of your posts!

I had an experience similar to yours in St. Louis. While it is just my experience, my experience and my opinion are valid. To me it seemed that everyone at our hotel and the venues we visited went out of their way to be unhelpful and rude.

Since this was your first interaction with a DLR CM, I can understand your concern.

Personally, I find the DLR CMs to be less playful than the ones at DLR. I've never had one at the parks be rude. In fact, one gal was off duty and watching a parade (still in costume) and was a huge help when I lost track of my then-9 year old when he followed the parade to take photos. She found him in no time!

I'd characterize them more that way...helpful and friendly.

My experience at WDW was that the CMs in the parks and hotels were more a part of the show. They played around with my kids, for instance. The one exception was the ones at Guest Services. I found them to be clueless...I got bad info from the ones at Epcot and AK!

I guess what I'm saying is, don't expect everyone at DLR to be like the guy you got on the phone. I'm sure you'll have a much better experience with the CMs in the parks!

 

[Disney Dreams]

Disney Dreams - Sorry for offending. It will not happen again. I can not apologize any more or in any different ways than the times I already did that you must have missed. This is why I only have the number of posts I do. Until we can post video questions, I do not think everyone can come off in print the way they mean to. Bye

Don't run away. I didn't miss your apologies, I simply did not see them at all because I wrote my reply before any of the above posts had posted. When I hit post, they were there - and the phone rang, so I am reading them now.

I think it's GREAT that you are excited about your trip. If I may offer a piece of advice, don't worry so much about your DH not liking it. You cannot compare DL to WDW or you will be disappointed. Disneyland (compared to WDW) IS small. You must compare DL to the Magic Kingdom - and I think you will love it! As will your DH.

I would certainly not compare DL to Six Flags. I am one of the biggest lovers of all things Disney you will ever meet, adore DL and cannot stand Six Flags. When people say it's a "locals park," I think they are saying that it is not uncommon for AP holders who live locally to come by DL for 2 hours and go home.

If you like Disney, you will love Disneyland. Remember, Disneyland is the original. It is wonderful. It is the only Disney Park Walt saw actually open to the guests. Take time to see the little details - the architecture, the landscaping, the music.

DH and I are DINKS as well, long-time AP holders, and enjoyed WDW for our 10 year wedding anniversary last October ("Two Big Kids Loose in the World" as we called our trip). I will tell you my secret from our WDW trip that I have not posted anywhere: We loved WDW. We were very neutral about the MK. Why? Well, it looked a lot like DL, seemed a lot like DL, but just wasn't as charming, special, or magical as DL. I think you will love it. And remember, the CMs are Disney CMs (not like those at Six Flags), just like those at WDW.

- Dreams

 

[MPHARJ]

Sorry you had a bad experience with the CM, just had to add my 2cents in. I have dealt with rude CM's at both DL and WDW. We all have an off day from time to time but have to learn not to take it out on others. As a police officer, yes there are rude people in the east, west, north and south, trust me I run into people from every where. Try not to let it ruin your trip, you will have a great trip and I have to agree with one of the other posters, they are so different when you deal with CM's face to face!

 

[durantigger]

I'm sorry you had a bad experience fridayfun. I just called the other night for PS to Celebration Roundup BBQ (I decided to try it out with DH before taking my all ladies group for my bday celebration in September). Anyway, I had a vastly different experience. I called at 8:45pm & got thru to a CM at about 8:52pm. They close at 9pm, so I actually sort of expected a cranky CM -- I know I'm not at my most cheerful at the end of my shift!! Anyway, she was SO nice, I actually commented to DH after I got off the phone.

Your guy was just cranky. However, when you work in the service industry you need to swallow your crankiness or get out.

You will have a fun trip!!!!

 

[pixiewings71]

Yes all us people on the west coast are jerks and rude, we have yet to get the book of manners.

I once went to a gas station in Detroit and the guy was rude so I really hope that not all people are like that there!

Wow, because that was just Sooooooo helpful. Sheesh

Disney Dreams - Sorry for offending. It will not happen again. I can not apologize any more or in any different ways than the times I already did that you must have missed. This is why I only have the number of posts I do. Until we can post video questions, I do not think everyone can come off in print the way they mean to. Bye

Denise, please don't apologize any more and please don't let this thread run you off. Not all Californians are nice but not all of us are meanies either. We don't all have nasty rude attitudes, many of us really want and enjoy helping. I am not a Disney CM but I do work in customer service and I can speak for myself when I say we are not all rude. I had the same concerns you did when I moved here 21 years ago (man, that makes me feel old! LOL) but to be honest I've met more of the nicest people in CA then ever living in Idaho or Oregon or any of the times I've gone back to visit family. Now, that doesn't mean everyone in ID or OR is rude but they can be! lol

As for DL being more like 6 Flags...no way, there is no comparison!! DL is so much better than 6 Flags ever could be. I have a 6 Flags about 15 minutes from my house, I'd MUCH rather drive 6 hours to go to DL than 15 min. to go to 6 Flags! You will have the BEST time in DL, seriously. Enjoy your trip!!! And the wedding.

 

[fridayfun]

Dreams - You know, I just don't have thick enough skin! I deleted my first post 5 times, for fear of creating ONE OF THOSEposts! Still did not start off well. Should have tried six!Anyways, from the posts, I get that we will still have the same outstanding Disney experience thru the CMs of DL same as we do in WDW. Also, 1 min-60 min do not try to sneak a bite of food, Murphy's Law will almost always strike! Anyways, have to stop by the Tips board, to check and see if any new park bags have been added, always up for new bags! Then off for more googling - we will be stuck at the LA Amtrak station for 4 hours on Memorial day. Am told we will be near some shopping districts, but need to see if they are open and where we should go on foot. But that is another post for another day - if I can get it written the way I mean it to sound like!

 

[pixiewings71]

So you will be there the 20-22? We get in on the 23rd....bummer!!! We will just miss each other.

 

[fridayfun]

Yes, we get off the train at 8:45am on the 20th and will be rushing over to DCA, then DL on the 21 for the full day! I think shows will be only if we have time, want to see everything in Walt's park and ride the rides not in Florida and see the differences in the ones that are in both! I'll be the pasty white tourists with the camera to the face and my mouth open taking it all in with a Detroit (yes they are bad) Tigers hat on. DH will have my stolen GKTW tshirt on (only got one, he took it and I think they are done selling them!). I really hope DH likes it and the train ride goes well, so I can try to get him out again to see more of the stuff I have heard about on the podcast!

 

[bumbershoot]

Then off for more googling - we will be stuck at the LA Amtrak station for 4 hours on Memorial day.

So are you taking Amtrak from Anaheim to LA, then waiting? Why do that? You could find another way of getting up there, even a cab might be good. Call a cab company and see what sort of price you could get...I've been offered a cab ride to LAX for $75. It might be more pleasant than waiting around for 4 hours for the train.


"Especially as I keep hearing people say DL is more a locals park, like a Six Flags!"

Who on earth is saying that???? Remember, DL is the park that Mr Disney was in, that he saw open, etc. It's a great place. Be sure to read HydroGuy's tips for WDW vets! Good info.

As for the dining people...I've had a super-sweet one and I've talked to a brisk one. People are people and you never know who they just got off the phone with. Call center people shouldn't let one call impact the next, but we're all human, and sometimes it happens. He does need to get a "filter" installed between brain and mouth, though! Too bad you didn't get his name (though I wonder if CM info is logged when PSs are made???).

Have fun!