Disappointed in Chef Mickey

[purpletiger]

Thanks everyone for the feedback; some positive and some negative. Yes I was disappointed in the way things were handled. When you read and actually see what they do to others on their birthday celebration you seem to expect the same. I guess our CM was having a bad day or something. My son did not know what to expect only I did. So he was happy and had a great birthday otherwise. It was our first trip to Chef Mickey so expectations were high. We have been to other restaurants paying less money and got a greater birthday response. I just thought for what I paid to eat there they would put a little more effort into it. Other than that happening our trip was amazing. Next time, like some of yall have said, I will go not expecting as much and just be surprised if pixie dust flies my way. The food was fine and so were the characters. Just a bad CM. I just needed to vent, that is why I originally posted this. I'm over it now.

 

[ROEDISNEY]

I feel bad what happend. I hate to say this but every body makes mistakes. It could happen any where anytime. Nobodys perfect not even Disney.

 

[Will316]

At the risk of being a big grinch, I could do without all of these birthday celebrations when I'm out to dinner, be it at WDW or TGI Fridays or wherever.

 

[kaytieeldr]

We have been to other restaurants paying less money and got a greater birthday response. I just thought for what I paid to eat there they would put a little more effort into it.

You know, in all fairness - everybody there paid the same price, even the Guests with no celebration planned. The price of the meal, multiplied or not by the number of diners, isn't valid support for expecting any treatment beyond what the restaurant provides to all diners.

You saw your server; you described her look as "OMG, I forgot!" and then she rectified it. It doesn't appear - especially from the description in the original post - that she was having a bad day, but merely that she forgot about your birthday celebration.

 

[scjo68]

IMHO the internet has ruined the Disney Magic. It used to happen spontaneosuly and was special. Now people read about experiences that happened to others and are disappointed that it didn't happen to them. It's probably not part of the regular procedure so it's up to the CM, the situation at the time, etc. If it happens...it's magical!

While I agree with what you have said here, I do think that Disney themselves have openned up this can of worms by saying "What Will You Celebrate?" and they put these little celebratory spots on their DVDs. QUOTE]

I tend to agree with both points. It used to be a bit of surprise magic to wake up Tinkerbelle, but now that it's on the internet, folks are sprinting to the store, arguing about who was first (I have read this- on the internet, of course!).

It's similar to the whole YOAMD promo. Everyone's having a nice time, until they see someone else get a free lanyard, dream fastpass, etc. Then it's "where's mine? that's not fair!" Frankly I think it's enough to be in WDW and that is enough of a "dream" and reason enough to celebrate. Anything else is magical, and icing on the cake, but should not really be expected.

OP: I'm not faulting you, I get that you were just venting, and you really were expecting this to be the standard procedure for birthdays. You were quite smart not to mention it to your son, and he remained happy! Glad your trip was otherwise good!

 

[MariDisney]

OP, I'm sorry you were disappointed at CM. I have to say I agree with the others, the Internet has ruined the random magical moments. We've gone to WDW several times for my DD's birthday and have noted it on reservations. I know some disagree, but I do note it on all the week's reservations. I'd say in our typical 8 day trip with 8 TS she'd have a surprise at 1 or 2. We've never expected anything or felt that we paid for a birthday surpirse. One year I really wanted to celebrate her birthday at Whispering Canyon. I ordered and paid for a cake in advance so that I would be sure to have a celebration. I think that's the way to go if you want to ensure that something happens. Pay for it. Otherwise sometimes the pixie dust comes and sometimes it doesn't. I would say, too, that on many occasions with the birthday noted we didn't receive anything while people at other tables did. That's fine with us! We're at WDW!! What's a better birthday celebration than that??

 

[MariDisney]

Other than that happening our trip was amazing. Next time, like some of yall have said, I will go not expecting as much and just be surprised if pixie dust flies my way. The food was fine and so were the characters. Just a bad CM. I just needed to vent, that is why I originally posted this. I'm over it now.

That's a great attitude!
Was it a bad CM because there was no birthday celebration?

If that's the reason, I personally don't think that's fair. The CM wasn't required to provide a celebration. She was required to fill your drinks, ensure the food was OK, etc. I don't think a CM is bad for not acknowledging a birthday.

 

[Princess Disney Mom]

The waitress forgot. It happened to us a few years ago at CM but I still go back. We went to Disney for our 20 year anniversary and I planned all the special things I wanted. If a CM told us Happy Anniversary then I was happy.
Nothing special in the room from Disney and fine with me. Best to create your own magic and anything else is icing on the cake.

 

[ma2jr]

Best to create your own magic and anything else is icing on the cake.

Absolutely, well said

 

[GBBTomorrow]

OP, I'm sorry you were disappointed at CM. I have to say I agree with the others, the Internet has ruined the random magical moments. We've gone to WDW several times for my DD's birthday and have noted it on reservations. I know some disagree, but I do note it on all the week's reservations. I'd say in our typical 8 day trip with 8 TS she'd have a surprise at 1 or 2. We've never expected anything or felt that we paid for a birthday surpirse. One year I really wanted to celebrate her birthday at Whispering Canyon. I ordered and paid for a cake in advance so that I would be sure to have a celebration. I think that's the way to go if you want to ensure that something happens. Pay for it. Otherwise sometimes the pixie dust comes and sometimes it doesn't. I would say, too, that on many occasions with the birthday noted we didn't receive anything while people at other tables did. That's fine with us! We're at WDW!! What's a better birthday celebration than that??

Could you or others who have ordered a cake point me in the right direction of how to do this? I've seen the cake thread with the big, fancy cakes from the various bakeries...is that how most people do it? Or can you order a more "basic" cake directly from a restaurant?

And to OP, sorry you were disappointed. I'm glad you son still had a nice birthday.

 

[tara32]

We were there for a birthday earlier this year and in the 8 sit down meals we enjoyed, all were noted as a birthday, and he got a special cupcake at two places. Tusker House and Akershus.

Perhaps the restaurants are so overwhelmed with all the "birthdays" that it becomes less of a celebration each time. I mean, if 1/2 the tables are having a birthday, it gets old real quick.

Perhaps wouldnt be a bad idea for them to ask proof of birthdate before stamping you and making the arrangements.. I have a feeling that would severely cut back on the "birthdays".

 

[ThumperandLitenin]

This is exactly my feelings. It's unfortunate wihen going to Disney isn't special enough. We never fight for the front seat on the monorail or rush to the front to be picked. It seems so many people expect these little extras. Everyone can't wake up Tinkerbell, etc.

We now relax and let the magic happen.

Great post. So many seem to expect everything to be perfect all the time.

If I read the OP correctly, they had visited Crystal Palace in the morning, and that celebration went off well. It's truly regrettable that the child's birthday wasn't handled properly at Chef Mickey's, but I'm sure they got over it.

How many kids never get the chance to even go to WDW?

 

[MariDisney]

Could you or others who have ordered a cake point me in the right direction of how to do this? I've seen the cake thread with the big, fancy cakes from the various bakeries...is that how most people do it? Or can you order a more "basic" cake directly from a restaurant?

And to OP, sorry you were disappointed. I'm glad you son still had a nice birthday.

I believe I called the main dining number and asked who to contact. They gave me a number to the bakery. I honestly forget whether it was the WL bakery or what. When I checked in I confirmed with the CM at the podium that the cake was there and ready.

 

[GBBTomorrow]

I believe I called the main dining number and asked who to contact. They gave me a number to the bakery. I honestly forget whether it was the WL bakery or what. When I checked in I confirmed with the CM at the podium that the cake was there and ready.

Thanks!

 

[Mrs.Toad]

We also ordered a cake that we paid for, for our dd's Bday at CRT a few years ago. I honestly can't remember exactly how we did this, but I do remember it was another number to call, so I agree, calling the main number is probably the best place to start.

 

[RMulieri]

I'm sorry your waitress forget - people are human.

But it's hit or miss on free celebration stuff - sometimes you get something, sometimes you don't, whether it's noted on your reservation or not. We did CM's on my son's birthday and he got a cupcake, but that was it - no special visits from the characters or extra napkin-waving or anything.

If you really want something to be sure to recognized, you have to make the arrangements for a cake yourself.

I totally agree. ....I have been there for Birthdays, anniversaries and never had anything special done( despite other people at other tables getting stuff) .I now make my own arrangements to avoid disappointment.

 

[cmdg]

As I've been making my dining reservations, each time, the CM ask if we're celebrating anything. When I say no, they keep at it. "Are you sure?" "No birthday, anniversary or other special event?" I almost feel pressured to make something up!

this same thing has been happening to us! I said it was our anniversary, but not that night and she suggested putting it down anyway.

 

[Macduffy]

I didn't finish reading all the posts yet but really don't believe that we should keep our expectations low for celebrations at Disney - especially birthdays. They market celebrating your birthday pretty heavily - TV ads and internet alone. Then when you call to make your reservation they ask "what are you celebrating?" and the CM says I'll make a note of this. Then once AGAIN when you call to make your ADR's the CM says they will make a note of it. All of this is telling customers that their birthday is special and they must be asking all the time for SOME reason right? So until Disney stops promoting celebrating b'days with them then I'm going to expect a Magical Birthday for my DS!