Frustrated with dining reservation rep!

[twinmom04]

If this is the wrong place for this post, sorry!

Background on me: my family of 4 (me, DH and 4 year-old twin girls), my parents and brother and SIL are going to WDW July 1-7. My parents are taking everyone to celebrate their 40th Anniversary. We will not want for anything on this trip...staying at BCV, dining plan, extra grand gathering experiences...the works. We are VERY excited and VERY thankful that my parents are willing and able to take everyone on this awesome trip. I want to make sure this trip is awesome for then and want to make sure their anniversary is really celebrated!

Anyway, today I called to try and get a later ADR for LeCellier one night. I have tried a few times before since everyone keeps saying "keep trying" etc. to get the time I want. The woman (Kay) at Disney was a GRUMP! It was like I was irritating her to just ask to look for a different time for dinner. There were no later ADRs and then I asked her to double check that the Anniversary was noted on our dining reservations...all of them (I stated this when I made the original ADRs). She was asking me all kinds of questions like what is their anniversary year...date....etc. Questions that no other rep has asked me. I asked her why the inquisition and she stated that she could not speak for the other people. What does that even mean??

Now, I do plan to call back again closer to our departure to check again for a later LeCellier ADR and to make sure the Anniversary will be celebrated often but seriously, what's with all the hoops she wanted me to jump through? Again, no other person asked me all of this.... and I guess I am a little uneasy that the info is now in our reservation as it did not seem to be tonight when she looked-- or maybe it was?? Who knows!

Has anyone else had to answer all these questions from a Disney rep when telling them what you are celebrating??

 

[webray]

First off...you can't make sure the anniversary is celebrated often unless you pay extra at each restaurant you eat at. Disney is under no obligation to do anything for your family just because it is noted on a reservation.

Second...if you can't get Le Cellier..go somewhere else. The point of this is the "celebration" and you can do that in any restaurant, right????

 

[twinmom04]

First off, I am happy to pay to celebrate the Anniversary. But I do know and have heard that restaurants will come out and say "happy anniversary" to people-- some even make a big deal and I think that's cool. Frankly, I think people who have been married for 40 years deserve it.

When I made my ADRs in April I was specifically asked "What are you celebrating?" Isn't that their tag line this year? I told them-- they said they noted it. Today's rep asked me all these questions that no no one else ever asked and it was odd. That was what I was asking...have others had experiences like this?

And yes, we can celebrate in any restaurant. We have 4:40 ADRs for LeCellier. I will keep trying for a later ADR as I know that most of the members of our groups are not into dinner before 5. In the event that I can't get a later one, we will keep this one as I know several folks want to try the restaurant. My beef is not that I can't get the later ADR, but that I was dealing with a grump when I was doing it.

 

[OllieDannyandMe]

It sounds like OP already has ressies at Le Cellier. She was just trying to move the time.

And I think, given the theme this year, that Disney IS under an obligation to help people celebrate anniversaries (even if helping them celebrate just means to wish them a happy anniversary).

To the OP, I had a strange CM experience this morning, too. It was my first opportunity to make ADR's for my August trip. I called at 6:59 (just as the clock was turning to 7 a.m.). And after waiting for 10 minutes, my CM was overly friendly.

I was a woman on a mission with 15+ ADR's to schedule (including CRT, Le Cellier, Fantasmic package, etc.), and he wanted to chit chat about EVERYTHING.

I explained what I was trying to accomplish, and he continued to waste time. I even shared with him that I was going to work and only had 10 minutes to accomplish as much as possible, and he continued to chit chat about other people's experiences.

So I thanked him for his time. He did help me get Le Cellier. And I called an hour later after I got to work. The next CM was perfect. She was friendly, but she didn't need to talk my ear off.

I almost think that first CM was doing it on purpose, as if he thought it would be funny to do that to someone who was trying to make their ressies on the first day possible. Oh, well, no harm done. And I was very nice to him, just like he was to me. But I realized quickly that making ADR's with him would take an hour or longer, so I ended it quickly.

 

[angelsmith52]

Yes, I have had the same problem! I called a couple of times to make ADR's when we were deciding. The first time, was just asked "what will you be celebrating" then when I called back, at least twice, I was asked several more questions and when I asked why, was basically told what you were told, that they couldn't "see" what anyone else had written. I have however called once to change an ADR and and she said "I see you are celebrating a birthday while here" so I wonder if they were having some problems with the new system and finally got some of the bugs worked out!

 

[msmayor]

We did something similar last year for my parents' 50th. They, too, sprung for the whole trip and we did our best to make it special.

Please understand that even though you have gone to great lengths to make sure the anniversary is noted on the reservation, you should NOT expect more than a "Happy Anniversary" when you check in....unless you yourself are planning something special. The CM's are really incredibly busy at the restaurants and its far more important that they keep turning tables at the restaurant.

One thing you should be sure and do: Get your parents Anniversary Buttons to wear every day. THAT is a clear signal that you are celebrating, and most places my parents went on their own they were wished a Happy Anniversary. At Wolfgang Puck's, they were given a complimentary dessert and champagne, all to do with the button...because the management and server didn't have to rely on a note made months earlier on a reservation: the reminder was worn by my parents right there!

Now, that being said...they WILL indeed help you with plans that YOU make. Here are things we did to make sure their anniversary was recognized and celebrated in a special way:

Whispering Canyon: while the rest of my party milled about the lobby waiting for the restaurant to open, I was able to sneak over to the check in with a bag of goodies: Bride and Groom Mickey Ears that I had 'doctored' with a gold '5' and '0' on the ears. I asked the hostess if she would please make sure that our servers knew about the anniversary, and if they would please present the Ears to my parents before dessert. They made a HUGE deal out of it (as they tend to do at Whispering Canyon) and had them do a "kissing contest". It was awesome! They even brought out two glasses of champagne. The key here though is that I did a bit of legwork to make sure something happened.

Portobello Yacht Club: this was where our 'big' special dinner was, and I had spoken beforehand to the manager about bringing a cake in (they only had small celebration cakes there; nothing big enough for 15). My sister and I arrived a half-hour early for the ADR to speak directly with the manager and set up their gift: a digital frame that we covered with a napking. The manager was wonderful, helping us rig an extension cord so we could power the frame and have it run throughout the evening. It was a joyous celebration and our servers made the evening VERY special, including singing an anniversary song in Italian to my parents. But once again: we were proactive in making sure that the staff knew we were celebrating and they naturally joined in the fun

Crystal Palace: In addition to the anniversary, we were also celebrating my daughter's birthday. Once again, I simply called the server over while my daughter was at the buffet and just asked if they would recognize her birthday. Sometimes, I think approaching the server directly rather than relying on the host/hostess to relay the information works better. They did indeed make a fuss, bringing her a card signed by all the characters and a birthday cupcake.

So we had lots of celebration pixie dust...but we didn't rely soley on Disney creating it for us.,

 

[twinmom04]

Thanks for the feedback, folks. Glad to know I am not the only person who has had some sketchy interactions with CMs lately.

I do plan to do some extras for my parents but I had not thought about giving the items to the restaurant to bring out....I love the bride and groom ear idea! Problem is I would have to buy the ears w/o them knowing and bring my craft supplies with me....hmmmm.....not sure about that one.

I read somewhere about the glass slipper dessert at CRT...we are having breakfast there one morning. Not sure if they even do that anymore b/c I tried to email Disney at an email address I found on the website and it was returned to me undeliverable.

No matter what this is going to be an awesome trip so any little extra things that happen will just be icing on the cake!

 

[Dizney73]

I agree with someone above who said to be sure that you get your parents a button! My husband was celebrating his birthday while we were at theMK this Feb and I swear that every single Disney employee that we saw... even if they were on the other side of the street... wished him a happy birthday!
Happy celebrating!

 

[TheRustyScupper]

I do know and have heard that restaurants will come out and say "happy anniversary" to people-- some even make a big deal and I think that's cool. Frankly, I think people who have been married for 40 years deserve it.

1) I am not sure where you are coming from, or what you expect from WDW.
2) WDW eateries, or other areas, are not prepared to celebrate everything.
3) Even though that is the theme for the year.
4) There is just not the manpower for all the special events occurring every day.
5) Expect a "Happy Anniversary" at the podium.
6) Any thing else is gravy (pardon the pun).

NOTE: As for the CM, that person may have been having a bad day, OR might not even have been a WDW employee. It might have been someone working from their home on a contracting basis.

 

[twinmom04]

A button...will do! Thanks!! We get that at the hotel when we check-in, right? Just people saying "Happy Anniversary" and recognizing the celebration will make them happy (and me!!) Can't wait!!



1)Rusty,
2)Thanks
3)for
4)such
6)positive
7)feedback.

 

[disnut8]

There are times where phone customer service people do chat with their customer for what seems to be no apparent reason. And most of those times it's because they are waiting for their computer to move onto the next step. Yes, it would be nice for the person to say "my computer is slow" before launching into a conversation about nothing.

The thing is, when you are dealing with someone on the phone, it's impossible to know exactly what is going on unless you can see through the phone. I'd cut the cast member some slack on this. It goes the other way too - they don't know what you are doing at home or at work when you call either.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) I apologize if you took my reply incorrectly.
2) It was not meant to be snide or nasty.
3) I only wanted to point out that people can expect more than is available.
4) To give you an idea of what can be done IF THE CM WANTS TO.


5) Expect nothing and be pleased with any CM activities.
6) Some of the things a CM can do for free are
. . . decorate table with Mickey confetti
. . . best table location
. . . special personalized menu
. . . autographed birthday cards
. . . balloons
. . . gifts for kid's baby teeth
. . . wine or champagne
. . . appetizers
. . . cake
. . . autographed placemats
. . . wine or fruit basket sent to room
. . . flowers sent to room
. . . room upgrades

NOTE: Anyone can get balloons and an autographed card in the room after check-in. Just ask at the Front Desk or Concierge Desk. Based upon availability and scheduling, they may come sooner or later, but they usually come. Also, baskets-gifts-etc cannot be delivered to the room prior to checkin in order to be in the room when the guest gets to the room.

 

[SassyCat]

Thanks for the feedback, folks. Glad to know I am not the only person who has
I do plan to do some extras for my parents but I had not thought about giving the items to the restaurant to bring out....I love the bride and groom ear idea! Problem is I would have to buy the ears w/o them knowing and bring my craft supplies with me....hmmmm.....not sure about that one.

www.disneystore.com actually has the bride and groom ear hats for sale now, so you could go ahead and purchase them before your trip if you wanted.

I have to agree about the buttons. DH and I were celebrating our 1st wedding anniversary there in jan, and we got so many well wishes, some cupcakes, and little bits of pixie dust here and there. It was really fun and brightened our day each time it happened.

 

[Sandy321]

We celebrated with my mom and dad - they joined us and I was head planner - I made a "book" of "stuff" that I printed including menus, where we were staying etc. My dd and mom celebrated their birthdays and we got them bday buttons - mom had to take hers off at times towards the end because it was "exhausting" receiving so much attention -

BUT it was from other guests and random CM's - that's what put a smile on our faces!! We'd be standing in line (I remember for the Muppet 3D) and the people in front saw her button and got everyone around to sing Happy Birthday!! and I know there are times when the CM at Great Movie Ride will do this - but they didnt for us - but it didnt matter!

Just because something happened and I read online how someone else "got something" I also read and balanced out with, dont expect "Free" plan and prepare...and then it really is special and magical, you cant plan for magic!

At CRT they got a cupcake for breakfast, as I planned the slipper for our 1900 dinner. It wasnt all magic and roses but it far exceeded my mom's expecatations (I was a nervous wreck hoping it would be all magic and roses - once I let that go, and realized it was all magic and roses to my mom - it became a much better celebration!)

Also, dh and I went back and celebrated our 25th - I took a sharpie marker and added "25th" because *I* wanted to!! I also bought the bride and groom ears - and I felt joy for us - it was about us - it was about the magic and roses of disney... I still smile thinking of the memories...

I know we were given some things (I know at Artist Point we had a glass of champagne) but truly - it was so much fun to have people pass you and say "Happy Anniversary" "congratulations" that of course we spread that magic too!! We are always on the lookout for the buttons to congratulate, or say happy birthday/anniversary... etc ...

Have you called disneyflorist.com? That is also something I'd suggest, for $30 you can have something special added too! (I look online and then call them to give them my price range - I've never been disappointed!)

Good luck at relaxing and enjoying the moment - you are doing the hard part now - the pre planning!! Just know when the time comes - let go and have fun!!

 

[EastonCat]

We have celebrated several things at Disney and prefer not to tell them anything during the reservation process. We then follow up close to the event either directly with the venue or through concierge booking (we like to stay concierge when we can, partly because of the booking advantage you get) to finalize details. I find that we get a more tailored event and that, where we make very specific requests like not having checks presented at the table or not saying things during seating, we have a better chance of success.

I have had limited success using the central ADR services for any reason. So I do what I can to avoid them.

As for celebration magic, just wear the buttons. Special things will happen.