Do moaners get all the pixie dust?

[Sheilby]

No offense but I couldn't follow your post. At all. It's too bad too because it sounded like a great story.

*snort* yeah, I was having the same problem.

 

[fabulousfive]

I disagree. Pixie Dust , I believe, falls more on happy people. Sure, some complainers may get something for their complaining. Disney is a business and they want to make sure they have happy customers..so if someone is unhappy they are going to do whatever they can (within reason) to make them satisfied customers. It is just common sense customer service practices.... BUT pure Pixie Dust is not given to those who ask for it.

I love this!

 

[Goofy4]

I am not sure where you get your information but I have a friend who is a senior Cast Member on the Club Level floor and he advises that no such list exists. Just think about, if what you said was really true can you imagine the negative feedback WDW would get if it was made public that they had a "moocher list". Sorry, but this is just false information.

Mooching is expected on club level. No need for a list.

 

[Babsy]

Just because I'm curious, do they need multiple incidents to put somebody on a list like that? A little over a week ago I had a crazy cm manager decide to put some sort of "red numbers" attached to my park tickets so I wasnt allowed to upgrade them. She thought I was trying to scam them because I had a partially used undercover tourist ticket and wanted to upgrade for the $50 it was supposed to cost, she wanted me to pay $114 instead. After 6 locations they called a different manager, but before that they were all calling her, hearing her story and telling me no. The other manager immediately said to upgrade and that I was doing the correct thing. To keep the story short I was treated terribly and it occupied over 5 hours of my time.
After some of the stories of pixie dust I am wondering what she said about me because I complained to guest services and didnt even get an apology... just thank you for my feedback.

This is exactly the sort of situation that I would be concerned about occurring with this type of list. Something is misunderstood and as a result a person is blacklisted forever. Poof! No more magic for you!

It kinda gives you a worried feeling about the "happiest" place on earth....guess that I've been pretty naive...."No, Virginia, there really isn't a Santa Claus"

 

[Sweet Melissa]

The people who have complaints are more likely to post the complaint (and resolution)than those that got dusted for no reason.

Very true. We tend to keep the special perks we receive to ourselves because we don't want to contribute to the overly-expectant culture that runs rampant in some Disney communities.

 

[mistysue]

This is exactly the sort of situation that I would be concerned about occurring with this type of list. Something is misunderstood and as a result a person is blacklisted forever. Poof! No more magic for you!

It kinda gives you a worried feeling about the "happiest" place on earth....guess that I've been pretty naive...."No, Virginia, there really isn't a Santa Claus"

Exactly, now I'm worried I'm on some crazy list. I don't expect anything, just sent them an email listing the CM's I encountered, who was nice and who was mean. I got the "thank you for feedback" email shortly before reading this thread... makes me nervous that I am marked now because of how much others are offered for little mixups. Mine involved multiple CM's going out of their way to be directly mean to me and I get a shoulder shrug.

 

[pooh4evr]

We have been lucky on all of our trips in different ways, 2 separate trips 2 DDs got to pull the sword from the stone in MK,( the first was when they still did the show with Merlin), extra fast passes from CMs, pirate and pals voyage DD who is Peter Pan obsessed dressed up as Wendy and got to carry the Jolly Rodger flag leading everyone out to the boats with Captain Hook (awesome!) DD #3 dancing in the parade at MK, a few years ago I think it was The Year of a Million Dreams promo we got mouse ears free. Our last trip we had an interesting end to a long day at EPCOT ( had something to do with lost keys for the rental car, DH running through world showcase trying to retrace our steps getting THE last bus out to our resort..long long story) anyway when we walked into the lobby after getting off the bus the CM noticed we looked concerned, after explaining what happened and asking about how to get a cab in the morning to Universal so we could surprise DD #1(huge HP fan) the CM went in the back and got us a voucher for a free cab ride to and from Universal! Wow never asked for anything or complained, just needed info and she was so nice to help us out. Wonderful! We eventually found the keys, in the bottom of a shopping bag from mouse works......ooopppsss!

 

[maxiesmom]

I wouldn't have been laughing at them, but I also don't think there is any reason to be upset. Unless connecting rooms are guaranteed, which I don't think they are, then it's a request, nothing more, nothing less.

They are not guaranteed. And if people would look at their reservation closely, they would realize that nothing is guaranteed. Not even that you will end up staying at the resort you booked. That is why when so many people post that they always get their requested connecting rooms I try to share that I have not always received them.

People also need to realize that if they don't fly off the handle and act like jerks they are more likely to get helped. Anyone who works with the public knows you are happy to help those who are polite and will be grateful for your help. If someone goes into a meltdown right away and starts making nasty comments and demands you are not so quick to go above and beyond for them.

Good behavior may be rewarded. Bad behavior will get you the bare basics of service.

 

[leebee]

We have never, ever received what I would consider "Pixie Dust," even when a situation would seem to warrant some sort of consideration. Like the time the waiter at the Biergarten double-charged us for his tip. Everything was fine, I signed the slips (and yes, tipping via KTTW/rewards while on the dining plan can be confusing) for our meal and we went on our way. Five hours later, a charge for the second tip was re-run on my card. It took me three hours to talk to guest services at our resort, go to Epcot and talk to the Biergarten, and get back to the park my family was enjoying. The charge was reversed, nothing else than a "sorry" offered. I don't know what would have happened if we hadn't had park hoppers; I probably would have had to burn a day's admission to get into Epcot to adjust the overcharge. Heck, we've never even received a towel animal!

My sister has a friend who brags all the time about the freebies she gets at Disney. She just hauls her hiney over to guest services and complains, and she gets something fun. One time RnR broke down for about an hour with her DH and 3 kids on it (kids were 16, 14, 11 at the time). CMs didn't have much info about what happened- they never do, or else they never say what's up- and sis's friend was ANGRY. Once they were off the ride, while the rest of the family was touring, she went to guest services to complain about the time Disney had wasted for her family, how frightened she was, etc. They gave her "magic" fastpasses for the entire party- 5 unlimited FPs per person. Now, she was laughing about this, how she "worked Disney" and my sister was on this trip with them so knows it's true- in fact, my sis was waiting with her outside of RnR, so it's not like this woman was even alone or stranded. There are stories about free snacks, fast passes, meals comped, etc. I just find it all so annoying!!

 

[wyurm]

Very unscientific mind you, but my observation from posts on this forum has been that people who have received the best upgrades either did nothing at all or were very nice when conveying a problem. Those who get "pixie dust" for moaning seem to get either trinkets (anytime FPs, comped meals, etc...) or a non-pixie dust resolution like a move to another equal room.

If complain then there is a real problem and all I want is resolution not an upgrade. Most people are like that, however, you will find those who try to scam the system. I even know some people like that. They always complain about their meals wherever they go hoping for a free meal or they sometimes even create a problem in order to complain. To me scamming is a different thing from valid complaining but if Disney makes that distinction they risk alienating customers with valid complaints.

So it seems (just an observation, I could be dead wrong) like Disney gives trinket pixie dust to those who complain but gives real pixie dust to those who are either picked at random, selected in advance for some other reason (celebration, inability to rent out reserved room, etc...), or who have an obvious legitimate complaint and present it nicely.

 

[glasslipper]

The idea of a 'moocher" list is a bit disturbing. A few years ago, We took my elderly Mother on vacation with us, she has hepatic encephalopathy, which consists of confusion and alters moods. While we were at a water park one day, she was calling the front desk making unreasonable complaints under my name!! I didn't find out until after we returned home. Am I in danger of being on some sort of WDW blacklist? Kind of scary!

 

[Babsy]

We have never, ever received what I would consider "Pixie Dust," even when a situation would seem to warrant some sort of consideration. Like the time the waiter at the Biergarten double-charged us for his tip. Everything was fine, I signed the slips (and yes, tipping via KTTW/rewards while on the dining plan can be confusing) for our meal and we went on our way. Five hours later, a charge for the second tip was re-run on my card. It took me three hours to talk to guest services at our resort, go to Epcot and talk to the Biergarten, and get back to the park my family was enjoying. The charge was reversed, nothing else than a "sorry" offered. I don't know what would have happened if we hadn't had park hoppers; I probably would have had to burn a day's admission to get into Epcot to adjust the overcharge. Heck, we've never even received a towel animal!



My sister has a friend who brags all the time about the freebies she gets at Disney. She just hauls her hiney over to guest services and complains, and she gets something fun. One time RnR broke down for about an hour with her DH and 3 kids on it (kids were 16, 14, 11 at the time). CMs didn't have much info about what happened- they never do, or else they never say what's up- and sis's friend was ANGRY. Once they were off the ride, while the rest of the family was touring, she went to guest services to complain about the time Disney had wasted for her family, how frightened she was, etc. They gave her "magic" fastpasses for the entire party- 5 unlimited FPs per person. Now, she was laughing about this, how she "worked Disney" and my sister was on this trip with them so knows it's true- in fact, my sis was waiting with her outside of RnR, so it's not like this woman was even alone or stranded. There are stories about free snacks, fast passes, meals comped, etc. I just find it all so annoying!!

Don't let it get you down. These free snacks, fast passes and such have their price. Just try to remember where you are and the joy of being with your friends and family in this lovely place. Your sister's poor friend is missing out so much. I feel sorry for her.

It is so unfortunate. She is missing the point of magical pixie dust. There is so much to enjoy at WDW that these extras, while nice when appreciated for the spirit in which they are given,, are not the way to a wonderful time. If you have to con someone into giving you extra fast passes, what does that say about your ability to be just happy? How does spending time getting angry with someone to see what you can get from them translate into a good experience? I wouldn't want to live with that attitude for a lifetime of fast passes.

My favourite moments in WDW are not those when something went wrong and someone tried to "make it better", although I appreciate their kind efforts on our behalf. Instead they are the moments like when my daughter and I were up in the early morning and were walking into Epcot when it first opened and we were alone in THe UK. DD was singing and dancing as we walked along together absorbing the magic of this special place. Nothing earth shattering, seems like nothing much really, and yet it stands out as one of our happiest times. This, along with countless other simple moments of joy just being together in such a beautiful place, constitute a large part of the magic of Disney for me.

The other part of the magic of Disney that I love is when you get a chance to help someone else. Occasionally, we have had to leave a theme park early without using our last fast passes. Looking for someone to give them to and being able to provide a little magic for someone else is a lot more fun than even getting them for yourself. It makes you feel more like you are a part of the magic when you can give a little too, even if it is just a smile or a seat on the bus to someone who looks more tired than you are.

Enjoy the blessings and when the bumps come try to let them pass. You will be the winner if you are able to forgive and forget, whether others give you something to offset the trouble or not.

 

[mirage0306]

We've been upgraded twice and it was never because we complained. The first time, at WL, we booked a woods view and would have been thrilled to get it, but had a terrible time arriving (missed our flight connection--not our fault, had to take an early am flight instead, were EXHAUSTED) and when we checked in, we simply asked if we could get into a room. We didn't ask if we could get into a *better* room--just any room. We ended up with a lovely courtyard view. But we didn't ask for it or complain.

When we were upgraded at the Poly (CL GV to TPV) it was complete pixie dust. We checked in and she took us right to the room.

 

[luvmylatte]

All this chatter makes me think.....I have been 14 times (and others have been many more than I) and have never gotten any "pixie dust" other than good ol' Disney hospitality. I do not complain, I do not mooch, I do not throw hissy fits and I do not demand. So considering I have been a gentle tourist there is no reason for me to hit the mooch list. Then again, having been many many times I guess I do not qualify for the frequent visitor pixie dust. That said, how does one qualify???

I'm going with luck of the draw( and yes complainers), but mostly luck of the draw. Either that or Minnie found out about me and Mickey all those years ago and she is holding a grudge..........just kidding.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Just to further clarify the MOOCHERS LIST:

1) Compaining people are often asked for ID.
2) They can then be put on the computerized "MOOCH LIST".
3) This list has been in effect since about 2002. *
4) Anytime someone is given significant compensation,
. . . their comp can be one large comap or several small comps
. . . their name goes on the Mooch List
. . . their compensation goes on the list
. . . their complaint goes on the list
5) Thus, in the future, the person could be seen as perpetual complainers.
6) Especially if they complained in order to get something for free.


* The list was previously manual and park or resort specific. Some
guests would go from park-to-park or resort-to-resort and complain in
order to get free stuff - meals, drinks, tickets, etc. But, the list
went Disney-wide in 2002. Now, the person's name can be referenced any
where they complain. As an example, a Mooch who got freebies at WDW
might complain at Disneyland to get freebies. The managers and certain
hourly people can look them up and then deny giving them freebies.

 

[OurBigTrip]

Just to further clarify the MOOCHERS LIST:

1) Compaining people are often asked for ID.
2) They can then be put on the computerized "MOOCH LIST".
3) This list has been in effect since about 2002. *
4) Anytime someone is given significant compensation,
. . . their comp can be one large comap or several small comps
. . . their name goes on the Mooch List
. . . their compensation goes on the list
. . . their complaint goes on the list
5) Thus, in the future, the person could be seen as perpetual complainers.
6) Especially if they complained in order to get something for free.


* The list was previously manual and park or resort specific. Some
guests would go from park-to-park or resort-to-resort and complain in
order to get free stuff - meals, drinks, tickets, etc. But, the list
went Disney-wide in 2002. Now, the person's name can be referenced any
where they complain. As an example, a Mooch who got freebies at WDW
might complain at Disneyland to get freebies. The managers and certain
hourly people can look them up and then deny giving them freebies.

This is awesome!!! Thanks for the info!

 

[Infamousmare]

This has been an interesting thread to read. I am, by nature, a very happy person. This is probably why I adore Disney so much, even with the headaches involved in planning the trip (since we always go with either my parents or the in-laws and I'm always in charge of every aspect of planning!). So when an issue arose that I felt the need to contact WDW about, I *think* I was very kind about it and called more to alert them to a potential problem (safety issue) than to demand free stuff.

Basically, my MIL's luggage was lost by ME. We were told to call the transportation desk at our resort, not realizing it wasn't run by WDW, but by airport personnel. Long story short, they mishandled the situation six ways from Sunday and advised us to do things that compromised our safety (leaving our door unlocked so they could put the suitcases inside?). Even the manager at our resort was appalled and gave me a special number to call just to alert WDW to the issue.

I was nice and honestly didn't expect anything out of it; however, the person I spoke with was quick to offer 2 days' worth of reimbursement for our hotel room because she was upset at the way the situation was handled. I felt odd about this, as I didn't feel we needed reimbursement; however, she said that when people call and are kind about making WDW aware of problems, WDW personnel like to make things "more than right".

Sure, we've not always had towel animals on our beds or ever gotten free Fast Passes or room upgrades. But knowing that WDW will take care of us if something goes very wrong makes me feel very good. I don't know if that's "Pixie Dust" or not.

BTW, I have seen people throw hissy fits over stupid things. I think some people don't understand the difference between a real problem and a minor inconvenience.

 

[monica9]

The other part of the magic of Disney that I love is when you get a chance to help someone else. Occasionally, we have had to leave a theme park early without using our last fast passes. Looking for someone to give them to and being able to provide a little magic for someone else is a lot more fun than even getting them for yourself. It makes you feel more like you are a part of the magic when you can give a little too, even if it is just a smile or a seat on the bus to someone who looks more tired than you are.


WE like to do that as well. If its our last day and we still have quick service meals or snack credits left from our dining plan, we will scope out people we want to give to and go in line with them and pay for them. It's a good feeling seeing thier faces!

 

[nemoandstitch]

This is awesome!!! Thanks for the info!

Help I am now worried DD then 7 and I went in 2009 last to wdw, she was obsessed back then with the fairies and we queued up over 6 times for an hour plus each time to see them when in the storybook tent as they were really popular and had saw all multiple times except Rosetta. On the 7th time, I explained to the CM that we had already queued up 6 times and did they know if Rosetta would be there soon as she was the only one left we had to see, we kept seeing silvermist and fawn most days lol. We got some pixie dust as we were told to come to an area around near the exit at a certain time and to ask for a certain cm and Rosetta may just be around.
We went to were we were told at the time and came accross a CM who started bawling at us for walking up where we were even though I approached him asking for the CM we had been told to ask and explaining for he shouted at DD and I reducing her to tears and myself the way he treated us infront of other guests also. When the other CM arrived to meet us and saw what had happened se took DD crying still into Rosetta and feeling shaken at what was meant to be a magical moment and destroyed complained to customer services at the front of park about the CM`s behaviour and told them I didnt even want to spend the rest of our holiday in the park,as he had spoilt how happy disney was meant to be, we had 8 days left on our park tickets and guest services asked me to come back in with my passport for a refund for remaining days which they gave us, now will when we go back for the first time in October will we be put on a blacklist and get bad service?????? xx

 

[wen8jr]

We don't get pixie dust, so I just don't expect it. Not even towel animals on any trip (lol) which I figured was because our kids are teens (no evidence of young ones in the room).

I have always wondered that if your package includes free dining or a room only type of discount if they are less likely to bestow pixie dust because they think you are already getting a "deal"? It would be interesting to hear people's experiences.