disappointed in movies

[Lewisc]

I think you can call CRO and have the requet added to your reservation (I know you can do that with room requests). Then All Stars will get your request the same time they get your reservation.

Although there is no excuse for rudeness I can understand a CM being short if at the same time you're asking for a free extra, 4 months in the futre (BTW they can't do anthing yet to help you) The same CM is trying to help guests.

 

[mat2672]

This seems pretty easy to me. If you dont want your other children to feel left out because of the other child's birthday, pay to have something delivered to your room. Maybe its just me. It just seems kind of strange to debate the service level of the Allstars based on the fact that you didnt get a definitive answer about your freebies 4 months in advance. Dont get me wrong. I cant stand rude cm's at Disney, but I think labeling a certain level of resort as "disappointing" because they couldnt give you an answer about a birthday card is a little overboard. I think its great that disney will go out of their way to give extra here and there for certain occasions, but I agree with some of the other posts as well. I only expect what I have paid for which are a clean room, and pleasant disney service when needed. Anything above and beyond that is a bonus. Its kind of like expecting an upgrade every time you stay at a resort. Its wonderful when they give them, but if you want to be sure you get the best room, pay for it. Its that simple. That way, you will be sure all of your kids are happy and you wont have to spend time wondering if your going to get something free or not.

 

[LadyLt]

Originally posted by mat2672
This seems pretty easy to me. If you dont want your other children to feel left out because of the other child's birthday, pay to have something delivered to your room. Maybe its just me. It just seems kind of strange to debate the service level of the Allstars based on the fact that you didnt get a definitive answer about your freebies 4 months in advance. Dont get me wrong. I cant stand rude cm's at Disney, but I think labeling a certain level of resort as "disappointing" because they couldnt give you an answer about a birthday card is a little overboard.

One thing about this thread is that everyone seems to accept that the CM who answered the phone was RUDE. How do we even know that? Was he rude because he couldn't give her a promise of something free four months in advance? Was his voice tone rude? What about it made her make this claim? In reading what she originally wrote, I couldn't see that he did anything that was really rude. He told her to ask about the card upon check in. I think that was a correct answer. He told her that there was one card per room for a special event. That may be the policy at that resort. She called FOUR months in advance at one of the busiest times of the year. I doubt he was rude. I think he may have been busy. He also failed to promise what she wanted, so she dubbed him as rude. I am not sure that is fair to him or other cast members.

I also think that children have to learn to take turns in life. Siblings must learn that on a birthday one of them will get something special. On the next birthday, it will be the "turn" for another. But if her children can't wait or take their fair turn, then I agree with the above poster that she can buy something for her other children. The sense of entitlement that someone can get anything they want just by demanding it is wrong. How many, many thousands of children go to WDW every day. Is it now Disney's responsibility to give something free to each one because a parent demands it? I personally think it is nice of Disney to acknowlege as many birthdays, anniversaries, etc, as they do. I get frustrated with people who demand more, more, more.

 

[rhughesdisney]

I thought that the cm was rude for her tone fo voice and that is all, not for not telling me what I wanted to hear at all. Like I said in my previous posts I KNOW that I called early and even told that to the cm when I called!!! Goodness I didn't think that I would get this kind of response from people, I am so sorry that I even posted this. I was just trying to make myself feel better because I am sooo excited and was a little upset. I am sorry if I offended anyone for being so excited and upset! I should have known better. As far as my other 2 girls and me asking for something for them and learning to take turns, Well my middle girl is 6 and is having a hard time adjusting to the baby. And now we are going on a special trip just for the baby's birthday, I could see her getting upset you know she was the baby for 6 years!!! Also I stated that I am not cheap and would pay to do something special for the older girls. Right now I am thinking either the tea party or the grand adventures in cooking!

 

[CarolA]

You know sometimes a little knowlege is a dangerous thing.

In the past I have seen several posts on this board by people who were upset that their special event was not recognized at Disney. They all say they did not expect it, but then go on to indicate that their trip was not as happy and as you follow the posts you realize it was because they know that poster A got recognition and they did not. My gut feeling here is that if OP goes to the Movies and compares it to her stay at CR she is going to be disappointed.

Yes, you are going to get better service at a Deluxe resort. For the price you pay, there are MORE cast members to spread around the magic. All Stars is staffed lean to keep costs down. (That was actually my big complaint with GF, I got better service at All Stars and paid a LOT more at GF.) If having the cast members be "smoochy" as someone phrased it is important then you have to pay!

Now, am I the only person who finds it just amazing that the OP not only wants special treatment for her daughter but for two other kids also who aren't celebrating birthdays. That I think maybe where we are crossing the line here. In that case shouldn't Mickey sign a card for every kid that shows up so that none of them feel left out? I guess my family may have been different, but on my brother's birthday I did not get anything. I may have felt left out, but he probably did on mine so it averaged out over the year. I am wondering if the CM felt like the OP was getting greedy at this point. I

 

[karenTX]

No CarolA, you're not the only one who sees it as a bit greedy.

But also, the OP stated that her 6yo is upset about the baby to begin with. Then why blow that up even more, and upset the child even more, by making it "a special trip just for the baby's birthday"??? Why not make it a "FAMILY" trip? I'm sorry but the 1yo is not going to remember a thing about this birthday. Sure, the pictures will be cute but whether the 1yo gets a "freebie" card, a birthday pin, or balloons, etc. THEY WON'T CARE!!! THEY'RE ONLY 1! Make the trip special for ALL the kids, you'll avoid a lot of problems if you treat them more equally!!!

 

[disneyjunkie]

Originally posted by CarolA
Now, am I the only person who finds it just amazing that the OP not only wants special treatment for her daughter but for two other kids also who aren't celebrating birthdays. That I think maybe where we are crossing the line here. In that case shouldn't Mickey sign a card for every kid that shows up so that none of them feel left out? I guess my family may have been different, but on my brother's birthday I did not get anything. I may have felt left out, but he probably did on mine so it averaged out over the year. I am wondering if the CM felt like the OP was getting greedy at this point. I

I agree with you.

We read about all the great things that happened to others on their trips and we expect the same thing. Each time this topic comes up there are only a few people that say pay for the things you want. Most say tell EVERYONE it's your birthday get a birthday button, and see what great things you'll get. Some even have the birthday noted on the reservation with the hope of getting a room upgrade. If you want a water view room, pay for it.

If you go in with this mindset, you run the risk of getting disappointed.

 

[JodyTG]

My suggestion is this...if you want something special then pay for it. That way you're not disappointed that you didn't get something free. I never expect, not ask for, anything free. It's when the item is OFFERED (not asked for) that is the treat.

 

[dcgrumpy]

If the 6yo will be upset, why get a card at all? The 1yo won't be impressed by a card.

I've gone to Disney on my birthday, ds's birthday and my anniversary. I got squat.

 

[Miss Jasmine]

Originally posted by rhughesdisney
And now we are going on a special trip just for the baby's birthday, I could see her getting upset you know she was the baby for 6 years!!!

Perhaps if this was just a family trip celebration and not a special first birthday trip it would help. From the sounds of it, there may be a reason your DD6 is having issues with the baby.

I'm sorry statements like this just get to me.

 

[Meriwether's Twin]

Hey DCGrumpy who "did not get squat", you got Disney! LOL Seriously that's what it's all about, any extra is just that, extra. Sometimes you get the best experiences when you don't overplan and allow the unexpected to happen.

I do agree with whoever said not to advertise the trip as celebrating baby's first birthday, having also had a "youngest" supplanted by a new baby after 5 years of special attention. The older kids are the ones who will really remember this trip, how exciting for them, I bet they are thrilled!

 

[epcotfan]

I guess I'm someone who doesn't understand why people place so much emphasis on a hotel acknowledging a birthday. The majority of people are bound to be celebrating a special event at WDW but they cannot accomodate everyone. It costs money to give these freebies away. On one occasion the Contemporary acknowledged my BD with some presents. I didn't expect it, nor request it. This was also pre 9/11 when the parks were doing really well and probably could afford some giveaways. I don't think one can pass judgement on the quality of a hotel based on one phone call.

 

[Puffy2]

Come on folks, let's not "bash" the original poster (or make too many assumptions based on a paragraph of words).

I've stayed at Yacht Club Conceirge (no special occasion but they left chocolates in the room), Polynesian Concierge (special occasion but no extras at all), Contemporary Tower Club (birthday but no extras), BoardWalk Villas (no extras).

the chocolate was a nice surprise. My best hotel stay was the Contemporary (good service, comfortable room)followed by the Boardwalk (superior room).

When we had the birthday at the Contemporary I bought small gifts for the children for all nights we were there and wraped them up and left them on their beds at night as a surprise. These didn't cost much (PJs on sale from DIsney store, Disney coloring books from Dollar Store, etc...) and I had fun shopping for them the year before our trip. The kids loved opening them. Of course NOW they are spoiled rotten and think that every time we go on vacation they will get surprises every night What we teach our children without even realizing it.....

You can make your call again 2 days before your trip OR mention it at check in, but if a surprise is really important to you - plan it yourself. You might have more fun with it this way anyway.

 

[AreWeThereYet?]

Ok, I have to add my 2 cents here.

I have been surfing these boards for almost 2 years now, and one thing I have noticed is how much invaluable cumulative knowledge there is to be had. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading various posts about everything Disney.

Another thing I have noticed is when someone will post a genuinely innocent question, no malice intended, and just get POUNCED on by different posters. OK, so maybe the OP WAS overplanning a bit, and maybe expecting a bit too much.

But COME ON! What is up with all of these self-righteous people who seem to think they have written the book on what is right and what is wrong? Why flame someone who perceives they may have had a strange experience, and just maybe wanted a little reassurance that her experience will still be alright. Just Maybe that is why she took the time to post something on this board--to get some reassurance from people whom opinion's she values. I guarantee she will think twice before posting anything else out of fear of getting slammed.

I have two children, and I know how excited she must be right now planning this trip. I would wager that most of us have called our resort a few months early just to solidify the whole planning experience, for that is part of planning. Nobody will ever know besides her if the CM was rude, but to me, that isn't even the issue. The issue is that this post could have been responded to in a manner a little more gingerly (as some did), and not so insulting on her personal character.

Bottom line--we all expect different things, and we need to keep them in realistic perspective, but lets not go out of our way to make someone feel like gum on pavement. Unless you are a line cutter, Chalk Person, etc...lol

 

[wdwobsessed]

I think everyone is being a little mean to the original poster. Yes, I think she was a little quick to get upset ... but ... who are we to tell her how to raise her children? Someone even kind of hinted that there may be issues in her family if the six year old was having a hard time adjusting to the baby!! Sometimes six year olds have a hard time adjusting to anything new period!!

I still think that the OP was apprehensive about staying in a value to begin with and perhaps the CM being short with her was confirming her fears? I know that I was apprehensive about staying in a Value so anytime someone was rude I chalked it up to the fact that you get what you pay for and I couldn't expect to get the same level of service when I'm paying less than 1/2 the price!! Let's face it .. if the deluxe resorts were not "nicer" than the values no one would stay there and pay all that $$$! It's supposed to be that way.

So those of us who entered into a debate about the level of service at the Values vs the Deluxes I don't think were basing what we were saying on her interaction with the CM. I for one was basing it on my own personal experience. She asked a question and I answered it as honestly as I could.

Anyway ... I'm rambling. But please let's not bombard this OP any further about her mothering skills.

Thanks

wdwo

 

[dcgrumpy]

Meriwether's twin- I was just kidding. I couldn't care less about cards or balloons or towel animals. Those are great little extras, but I would never expect them.

 

[Miss Jasmine]

I'm sorry I am not a pixie dust and hugs DISer.

By all means do what you want, feel like you are entitled to whatever and don't let the magic happen on its own.

For cripes sake this is a ONE year old's birthday. Who here remembers their first birthday??!!??!! I can understand being excited, really I do. But sometimes we expect too much and are disappointed. To the OP, your one year old baby won't be disappointed if nothing is there, your other DDs won't be disappointed if nothing is there, YOU will be the one disappointed if nothing is there. Why set yourself up for disappointment if no one else will know the difference? Play it safe and take some small gifts of your own and ask mousekeeping to set them out when they make up the room. If you get the "freebies" then it will be an even bigger surprise.

 

[Meriwether's Twin]

DCgrumpy, I was just kidding too. I thought your post was funny, considering your name. LOL.

 

[mat2672]

Maybe a couple people took things a little too seriously, but I dont think the OP is being bashed by any means. Ive seen some bashing on here and whats been said is not bashing.If Im seing things correctly, the subject of the OP's post was to express disappointment in the service of the allstars based on one phone call about free cards for her children . Yes, she said she was only excited about the trip and thats definitely understandable, but the question of the level of service that the allstars will provide was questioned. My point was only to state that I dont think that one conversation with the CM would be enough to cause a debate about the service level of a hotel. Lets face it. it was implied that because the hotel is a value resort, that must be why the cm was rude or didnt tell the op what she wanted to hear. To me, service level means things like housekeeping, cleanliness of rooms, etc. I think the op had every right to ask the question and everyone who responded had a right to give their response. Maybe because so many people disagreed with the op, maybe it just seems like bashing. Just my two cents. I think the op's kids are going to have a great time at disney no matter what happens. Thats all that counts!

 

[lexiluke]

No, the one year old will not care if he/she gets a card; however, for those of us who keep scrapbooks/baby books, it is a nice keepsake. There's nothing wrong with wanting your six year old to have something too. It wouldn't be a good lesson in life to do this year after year, but if the 6 yr old is going thru a sensitive time (which happens to every child now and then), then maybe it would be best to have something special for that child also. A mother usually knows best how to meet the needs of her children. Also, there is absolutely nothing wrong in asking about it, even if it was a bit early. I personally don't think that the level of courtesy/service has anything to do with value, moderate, or deluxe. I think that it has EVERYTHING to do with the individual CM that you are dealing with at that moment - same as at the grocery store, bank, or movie theatre.

Coming from a person who is relatively new to these boards; I will say that I have been surprised on many occasions at how heated people become over very small issues. We are not discussing abortion or racism! I think these boards would be even more fun and helpful if everyone lightened up a bit and strived to remain upbeat and kind. Just my 2 cents worth!!