Island Hopping: A Highly Inappropriate TR. (Boom.)-- Link to NEW TR! 10/8

[Fantasyland Mom]

What a great update! I'll say it again....I love your pictures!!!

What a horrible experience at CRT! I just can't believe the string of jerks that you ran into! That waitress was just unbelievable! With the insane prices that they charge there, the LEAST you should expect is good food and courteous staff. She sounds like a complete snot and I'm afraid I would've dished it right back at her and apologized to the kids later!

I was getting super mad for you, reading about the complete lack of sympathy from the CMs about your stroller! How in the heck would renting a stroller have fixed the problem? They would've moved that one too! People can be real idiots sometimes. I'm glad to hear that at least the CMs at the resort were responsive to you.

Can't wait to hear more!

Now that I'm away from the situation, I sort of wish I had done just that!
Other CMs were successfully getting me out of my slump, thank goodness.

I think I look like Brynn and Julia every time I ride Splash Mountain. That drop is terrifying! That's really unfortunate about the pictures though. That's horrible quality! We did the Photo Pass+ this year, and after seeing that, I'm really thankful we did.

We need to try Monster's Inc at some point. I have to admit, I've avoided it because I have this bad feeling I would be picked out for something (being a tall bearded man with a lot of hair will do that), and I hate being the center of attention. I get really uncomfortable. But it looks like so much fun! I'm torn.

Space Mountain! I have to admit, the jerkiness and everything actually make it more fun to me. It's painful, but I guess I like how unpredictable it makes it feel? When we went on SM in Disneyland, I actually ended up being really disappointed, even though it was far smoother. I just didn't enjoy it as much as the WDW version.

Yay People Mover! It'll always be one of my favorites, and is one of the best ways to get a short break and just relax.

And...the incident. Or, should I say...incidents! I've noticed with Disney, 95% of your trip can be amazing, but the 5% that isn't good always seems to happen all at once. Like, you'll get bad service, then run into rude cast members, and something will go wrong in one of the parks. It's evidently a law that it all has to pile on at the same time. But, all it takes is one CM who actually cares and goes above and beyond, and things are back on track.

Hopefully things just go up from here!

You are totally right--everything just happened all at once. Luckily, I think that's about all the bad that happened on Disney's part for the rest of the trip. Once back to the hotel, just that one CM helping me and being nice to me had me right back on track with the Disney magic.
Uhm, yeah, you're probably right about the "that guy" thing at **** (OMG, if you make it an acronym, it spells ****!! See, even that is funny!). I'm shocked that it was me that got picked on and not Brandon, though he would have been shy, as well. The kids wanted him picked sooooo bad, and he's a fairly hairy guy, just not tall.

So sorry that the horrible CRT and GS incident. I would write to Guest Services now and just report the story. Horrible!

Jill in CO

Do you think it's too late to write them? I mean, this was September and all, and I don't even think I have names. I'd love for them to know, though.

Julia looks SO scared on Splash! I have to say, the big drop is a little scary. And Stacey is always right. You will get wet.

And now I’m craving a citrus swirl. And I miss the Orange Bird. Great…

I am SO happy to hear that you and your family LOVED the Laugh Floor! Monsters Inc. is one of my all time favorite movies and I love the attraction so much. It is definitely a highlight of Tomorrowland!

Rollercoasters are one of my favorite things, and I agree with you on Space. It is WAY too jerky. And they just did a refurb a few years ago! Guess they didn’t plan on making it less jerky.

Brynn looks ADORBABLE as Snow White. Snow is my favorite princess and I wish I could still dress up as her at the parks. If I did, that would be a little weird.

I have wanted to try out CRT for a while now, but I am second guessing that. I mean, I know everyone has a different experience, but this isn’t the first time I have heard bad things about the restaurant.

Ummm… I thought CMs at Disney were nice! I wonder sometimes about the people Disney hires. A lot.

Ok, what?! Sawyer would have to eat off of your plate? And no ordering seconds if the plates aren’t clean?! That makes NO sense. That is truly ridiculous.

I do not blame you for hiding Brynn’s pizza under the table. I would probably do that too!

That little girl in the picture with Snow White is totally doing a photobomb.

Ok, I’m sorry, but how does a CM not know where your stroller might have gone? I mean, they are the ones who told you where to put it!

I feel so bad for what happened to you guys that night. That Guest Relations CM seemed like a jerk. And I can’t believe she told you to go and get one of their strollers. Yeah, they cost like $15!

I hope things will get better

That little girl was staring down our table for the entire meal, so I'm not surprised she photobombed! She totally wanted to be a part of our family, which I can understand.
Julia and Brynn have already declared that they aren't riding Splash next year...guess it was a little scarier than they remembered!!

Man, I love me some Splash. I really missed it this last trip. But holy cow, if only you could see the work they were doing on it! Well, actually you will, because I took crazy photos of it. But it's getting a VERY serious refurb! I can't wait to go on it again!

I love those lollipop photos! The girls seemed to be very happy to have them... at least for the time being, haha.

So how was the Citrus Swirl?! I've only ever had a Dole Whip and DW float, so I obviously need to try this one! I need to do the pineapple-vanilla swirl I think next time.

Not gonna lie, the heat makes me nervous for September! I am noooot a fan of it being too hot out... Actually, it's more the humidity that bothers me. Just means that I'll have to go on Splash Mountain a ton and eat Dole Whips and go swimming. Or just run around like a crazy lady in front of those water tikis while children's parents stare at me.

I STILL need to do Monsters Inc.! Ahh one day I will finally go do it. I have a feeling Matt would end up being picked out for it though, and he wouldn't really love that, hahaha.

Stitch is pretty adorable. We passed Ohana one morning and the breakfast there looked like a lot of fun. We'll definitely have to do it at some point!

Okay with Space Mountain, which side did you go on? Right or left? I've ONLY ever been on the left side but have heard the right side is way jerkier. I scream like I'm being murdered on that ride though and definitely can't go on it more than once or twice. I just remember my Dad remembering how he went on it with my brother when we were little kids and he hurt his back on it!

PeopleMover is my favorite. This past trip I fell in love with it even more, seriously. It's just so calming and encompasses so many wonderful parts of Tomorrowland. I wish I was sitting on it RIGHT NOW.

Okay, I am sorry, but your dinner at CRT sounds like an utter nightmare. Like, reading that entire experience just made me angry. I don't understand why some people have to be mega turds, and even worse, you got a string of mega turds. It can really be a bummer when customer service is a huge fail, especially in Disney World where the majority of people you run into are ridiculously nice. So yeah, that stinks. Have you thought about contacting Guest Services via mail/email? It might not hurt to report about your experience!

Hopefully your next day is a LOT better!!

The Citrus Swirl was really good, from what I got to taste. Apparently my kids absolutely loved it. It tasted like an unsweetened OJ mixed with vanilla. It was a little more tart than a creamsicle, but very refreshing.
I honestly was so upset over the whole ordeal that only now am I able to write about it. Do you think it would be too late to contact them? I mean, it's been months.
I don't remember which side we went on, but I'm sure I've been on both. All jerky. I still do the ride, but still jerky.
I don't hold up well in heat, so if I can survive September at WDW, then you can. It just means lots of cool treats, shopping in air conditioned spaces, and mister fans! Stick with me, kid. You're gonna love it.

I'm sure you hear this so many times but omg the pictures never stop being amazing! The girls' with the lollipops are too precious but the Splash Mountain pictures are so so so beautiful!

oh. my. god. how did Disney hire those CMs???? What is up with the food rationing? I know Disney isn't gonna go broke over Sawyer having a meal...

And really? I'm pretty sure the stroller disappearing act when your stroller is a wheelchair and its pouring rain? What is that?? You'd think they'd be apologizing to no end.

At least you guys all bounced back quickly at the hotel and had some normal CMs to make up for it. I can't believe that happened to you.

Yeah, just not sure over the whole ordeal. We've been to CRT several times, and this is the first time that an under 3 didn't get food. The food was always different from what everyone else got (noodles at dinner, french toast sticks at breakfast), but they always got something. It was just weird.
Not only was our stroller as wheelchair moved--perhaps they could have overlooked the LARGE RED STICKER (not really)--but the other family had an actual, no doubt about it wheelchair. NOT COOL.
We did bounce back really fast.

What a fun afternoon at the MK!!! Love the Monster's Inc Laugh Show, it's so fun!! Yay for you getting your moment of fame there too!

Ugh, that SO stinks about your experience at CRT, and afterwards as well! How frustrating - I would have been livid at that series of events too! Glad you were able to end the evening on a somewhat good note though!

It was quite funny, as we had no idea what to expect! That made it even better, I think!

Your photos are so gorgeous! I love the Splash pictures and the lollipop photo shoot What a horrible experience at CRT. I've heard a lot of similar stories lately, it is really too bad. You pay to eat in the castle and have a horrible experience. The way that you were treated about Brynn's chair is also unacceptable - and very un-Disney. I'm glad that things got better towards the end of the night though.

I had heard some bad stories, too, and didn't listen. I thought, "It's the Castle--how bad could it be?!" Mistake. We're getting our princess fix elsewhere next trip. Julia is 7 and traumatized by it so badly that she even says she won't go there next year. That's pretty bad.

Your day started out amazing kind of like Splash Mountain, you float along happy, zip a de do da and then all of a sudden you find your boat plunging over a cliff!

That waitress was scary mean! No food for Sawyer?? I am kind of nervous now about feeding our 18 month old on our trip in April. Did any other wait staff give you any problems?

And the stroller/wheelchair parking is even more shameful! Parking them out in the pouring rain!

I think a letter to Disney is a good idea.

At least your evening in the room sounded cozy and warm.

That's a great analogy!
This is the only place that we had any issue, and the first time we've had an issue at this particular place. I know with most sit-down meals, they have to eat off your plate, but at buffets and all-you-care-to-eat places, they eat for free. At CRT in the past, babies got french toast sticks at breakfast and pasta at lunch and dinner. I have no idea if this is actually the new policy, or if she was just horrible. I wouldn't worry about it too much. Make a fuss if anyone gives you flack. I wish I would have!

 

[Fantasyland Mom]

I'm so sorry that happened to you! Disney is awesome, but sometimes you get those CM's who are only in it for the (very small) paycheck.

It was weird. Luckily, all the bad CMs happened in one night and we got it over with.

Ahahah, I definitely don’t find Splash to be a bad one after a meal, teacups however, that’s probably not a good idea! Lol I definitely haven’t noticed anything with the quality of ride photos, that sucks that they went down, I’m just the “redneck photo” type of gal I guess.

I won’t lie, I’m getting more fond of the humor on the Jungle cruise, There was a point where I just thought it was ridiculous, but now I actually kinda like it, haha!

That’s fantastic that Monster’s Inc was such a hit, I’ve only been in there once, but I did enjoy it, I guess I just don’t spend a lot of time over in Tomorrowland! Aw, yay! Stitch! I love him , and the movie, it’s a gooder for sure! I have to agree with you on Space, having finally braved it in Sept, I’m not a fan. It jerks you around too much and after a bit, it just hurts, I had to bail out of extra rides.

Oh my goodness, I just love that second photo with Cindy, it really sums everything up, and pictures that show character are so much better! Cute! Wow, seriously couldn’t even pay to add on for Sawyer, that doesn’t even make sense! Definitely not a great experience there. I’m glad you managed to get some more pizza for the kids!

Are you serious?! Stuff getting moved is so not cool, especially in the rain! Ugh, bad experience all together at CRT that night! Seriously?!?! This is not cool!! Like, where did the compassion and magic go that night!? Did you write an email after getting home about the situation?

I need to write one, but I honestly was so upset about it that this is the first time I've been able to write it down. I'm not sure they'd listen to me now since it was months ago.

Your story is so easy to read. I'm sorry to hear about such disappointing dinners. We are actually skipping both CM and CRT on our trip, and after reading this I'm feeling better about my choice!

Your family is lovely and your children are beautiful. I cannot wait to hear more because I hope you have some pixie dust coming up after that night!

Feel good about the choice. It's a good one. We're skipping CRT for sure, and CM is hovering around the chopping block.
Thank you for your sweet words. And, yes, things were smooth sailing from here on out!

Sorry you had such a crummy experience at CRT and with guest relations, thankfully being veterans you know that it is the exception not the norm, but nothing is more annoying and infuriating then someone blowing you off when all you want is them to do their job. Sometimes people just don't get it.

Yeah, this is the one and only CM issue we have ever had, really, in all our trips. I guess that's why it was so upsetting.

I'm so sorry you guys had to go through that Kind of sad you get more listening and sympathy from Dis'ers than the people who actually messed up!

Well, I love my Dis'ers!

Your trip report is GREAT!

I, also, just recently figured out the awesomeness that is the Monster's Inc. Laugh Floor. We've passed by it so many times... I'm thrilled we finally decided to try it! I'm glad you guys really liked it, too!

I'm sorry your last two dinner experiences were sub-par - even if there wasn't anything they could "do" about the stroller, they should have at least been nicer about it.

I can't wait to read more!

I wish the first CM had just given all the families accurate information in the first place. If we had known, we would have put a rain cover on it, plus sent someone to grab her chair before bothering to carry her heavy body down the stairs! They could have just said, "I'm sorry, we'll make sure it doesn't happen again to someone else." That's all I wanted.

I, for one, LOVED the lollipop photo shoot...how cute was that?!?! Love it!!

Monsters Inc is on of our family favorites. On our last trip, I think we were in there at least 4 our 5 times. We couldn't get enough! Makes us laugh everytime...even if the jokes are the same most of the time!

What a bummer about your CRT meal. How terrible that they wouldn't let you order extra food for Sawyer! That is almost like saying he isn't even there....that would've made me soooooooooo mad! And then to top it off by moving your stroller into the rain???? So rude! Ugh, and a grumpy, not magical CM to finish it off? I would've left there in tears, too!! Happy to see that the night ended on a happy note, though.

Looking forward to the next update!! LOVE them!!

This most definitely was not our last time in there this trip...not by a long shot!
I wish I would have been more insistant or talked to a manager. Hindsight is 20/20, I guess.

This is the saddest update ever. Just when I thought all the bad that could happen had, I read more. I almost cried right along with you. I could actually picture myself just as you described yourself-red faced and trying really really hard not to cry. How freaking awful.

And that server??? UGGHHHHH. I have worked in restaurants (some with much lower standards of service than the WD Company ) since I was 16 and I have NEVER, EVER heard any server threaten a guest (which is what I feel happened to you). Most servers are bright enough to know that if the babies are happy, then their parents are happy. Restaurants go to great lengths to keep the children smiling. I really wish that you had said something to the manager of CRT before you left. At the very least, I hope that you'll send an email detailing the poor service that you received overall that night.

Darn it! I sure hope that this was the one bad spot in the vacation.

However, I am so PUMPED that you loved Monsters Inc. Isn't it the greatest? And I don't usually like the 'show attractions' Laugh Floor rocks. I fervently hope that one day Bryan will be 'that guy'.

You're right, it did feel like a threat. I mean, why would she just say that upfront like that?! It made me feel tiny and insignificant. I should have talked to someone. I think I was just in shock! I may still send them an email, though it's so far back that it most likely won't make a difference.
This was the low point, and everything else was great!

First I just want to say that this picture should be a valentine's day card! It's so cute

And second, I hate that your day ended so poorly with the whole wheelchair incident. I personally would email Disney now, and tell them about what happened. Not only were you misinformed and greatly inconvenienced, but then you were treated rudely when you tried to inform them. Disney should know about what happened, not even so much because of the wheelchair being moved - that part is obviously not good, but could be more of a mistake that the original CM made..The real issue is how guest relations handled it when you informed them (or rather, didn't handle it). I hope the next day was a lot better!!

You are so right about that picture! Julia has to make cards for her class next week, so we may use that picture! Thanks for the idea!
Do you think they'll listen even though it was months ago? I was so upset that this is the first time I've written it down. It makes me shake just thinking about it now. I don't have names or anything because I was crying and not thinking about addressing it later.

The looks on their faces on Splash Mountain are priceless!

I'm soooooo cheap that I've never paid for a ride pic, instead I take a picture of the picture! lol But this time I purchased PhotoPass+ and I really look forward to getting lots of funny pics.

That waitress at CRT sounds like a real piece of work. I wish I could get up the nerve to put people like that in their place but I'm such a wuss. I hope you got her name and write a strongly worded letter about how she mistreated you.

Brynn's stroller with the GAC/pass on it was moved into the rain? Have these people ever heard of the American's with Disabilities Act? I think you need to write to Disney about this as well. And it wouldn't hurt to throw in some legal jargon.

The pic of the kids laughing in the hotel room makes me smile. That's what it's all about!

We only pay for them on Splash because we collect those and hang them up to see how everyone changes year to year...except now both girls have decided they aren't going back on, so I guess that will change!
Yep, the CLEARLY MARKED stroller was moved into the rain, and the other family had an actual wheelchair moved to the rain right beside ours. And no one would take responsibility and acted like both families, who arrived at the same time, were making it up that we were told by the same woman to put our wheelchairs in the same place. Nice.
We definitely turned it around and shook off the negative vibes. We weren't sure we could, but when you see the kids looking like that, it's hard not to be happy.

 

[SteveDude]

Like everyone else, I'm sorry about your server at the Royal Table! That really is terrible. Hopefully it was just a one time thing! I went there as a kid and don't remember much but I remember the windows were cool, haha.

I've been following along with your trip and I gotta say, whoever is taking the photos, they are fantastic. I'm guessing it's mostly your husband? Each one is great! Not to mention you are hilarious. Looking forward to the next update!

 

[Dreamer & Wisher]

I understand your hesitation about writing them so many months later. But I think you still have good reason to complain. The experience still makes you upset at this point then it wasn't just a minor issue. I would have been shocked at the time too, and I probably wouldn't have said anything confrontational or asked for a manager.

I think if you are honest and explain what happened and how you feel and then request what you want, an apology, or maybe you just want to know that you may have said prevented this person from treating other guests that way.

If they have a lot of complaints about the service at the castle then they need to address their management of the restaurant.

Is the waitress in any of your pictures? Could you post a thread on the Restaurant board asking other Dis Members if they had a bad experience at the castle?


We haven't eaten at the castle in many years, our last time was in 2006 and my now 8 year old was only 2 years old. They brought him some noodles with butter and a sword and wishing star so he was included in the fun.

 

[ronnmel]

When I read your update I was the whole time. I can't believe all the bad luck and rude CMs you encountered in one evening. I told Ron about it and he was just as flabbergasted. It made our problems we got seem more insignificant in comparison. I totally think it's not too late to write. You may not have names, but you have specific date and time. Even the guest relation CM you can sort of guess the time based on pictures you have, and your TR notes.

Here is the email address I used (to give positive feedback on two CMs):
wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com

I got a reply within a few of days.

 

[CandleontheWater]

Gosh, I'm so sorry to hear that you had such a rough evening! I would have been livid at the server if they talked to me in that manner, especially telling me that I couldn't even PAY to get my kid food, that is insane!

I also can't believe they moved your stroller away. Its bad enough generally, but when families are depending on that stroller to be used as a wheelchair, that really makes me mad. I also can't believe that the guest relations CM didn't offer any help at all, you'd think that they'd be trained better, the buck should stop with them.

 

[Rumpletinker]

This is turning into one of my favorite TRs! Between your commentary, your husbands gorgeous photos, and your beautiful kids, this is like TR nirvana! (Except for that last day I despise hearing about CMs that are rude. You work in the Happiest Place on Earth, people, get happy!)

Anyhoo, I'd seen your Disney video and I just about went bonkers when I realized this was the corresponding trip report. :

 

[SueM in MN]

The looks on their faces on Splash Mountain are priceless!

I'm soooooo cheap that I've never paid for a ride pic, instead I take a picture of the picture! lol But this time I purchased PhotoPass+ and I really look forward to getting lots of funny pics.

That waitress at CRT sounds like a real piece of work. I wish I could get up the nerve to put people like that in their place but I'm such a wuss. I hope you got her name and write a strongly worded letter about how she mistreated you.

Brynn's stroller with the GAC/pass on it was moved into the rain? Have these people ever heard of the American's with Disabilities Act? I think you need to write to Disney about this as well. And it wouldn't hurt to throw in some legal jargon.

The pic of the kids laughing in the hotel room makes me smile. That's what it's all about!

It definitely not nice that they moved the strollers/wheelchairs as strollers/wheelchairs into the rain, but the ADA has nothing to do with it and would not prevent them from moving those.
The CMs moving things are responsible for keeping walkways and fire exits clear. They wouldn't know who put it there or why. Their job is just to move things from where they don't belong to where they can be parked.

That said, the CM in Guest Relations should have been more understanding, especially since the stroller was being used as a wheelchair.

They DO possibly need some process changes - there should be a designated spot for wheelchair stroller wheelchairs in the CRT area.
All CMs working there should know where to direct people to park those items.

It's pretty obvious that the CM who told you to park it there did not know and should have asked someone else. There is no excuse for that. Most people who have made multiple trips to MK know that the passage through the castle is closed by large wooden doors during the show in the front of the castle.
So, you would certainly expect a CM to know that.

 

[JDailey]

Sorry you guys had such a horrible experience! When a CM tells you where to put the stroller/wheelchair why wouldn't you listen to that person (after all they WORK there!!!) I sure hope the rest of the trip is better!

 

[nannye]

I wrote this big long reply and twice my iPad ate it! I am so frustrated my screen just goes back to the home screen all on its own.

 

[nannye]

Ok now back to do the reply!

So as I was reading your CRT experience I thought to myself, WOW this is exactly what happened to us, just not as bad!

We were seated in the furthest dark bit and we were the last to see the princesses. I will need to verify with my own pictures, but I believe based on your pics that we were sitting in the EXACT same seats! It was so frustrating. The Princesses didn't come out until maybe 15-20 minutes into our meal. and then to tour around the entire restaurant before they got to us... well you can bet it was a LONG wait! When we did see them, they were the same they were so rushed and if you blinked they were gone, They signed V's book, took a pic and then they were gone. V even noticed, they didn't really talk to her much at all. They were in such a hurry to take a break.
V has her heart set on eating at CRT this time and I loved our first experience I'm going to give it another chance.

When we left CRT we found that our stroller was missing. Now I know CM's move strollers around to make room and such but we parked it in the stroller Parking. We parked it where we were supposed to. We came out and it was gone. I saw a dad carrying a sleeping baby and the mom and other couple kids nearby and thought they must be looking for theirs too, because there were only 2 or 3 strollers in the stroller parking. There should have been lots more. I went up to them and caught the conversation and said my stroller was indeed missing as well. It took a couple minutes of this CM on his walkie talkie to find out where our strollers were. They had been moved to the opposite end of Fantasyland. What? Why? Is this a normal thing that happens every night at dinner? We trudged our way over to the stroller parking on the other end of fantasyland. I believe it was IASM or whatever is further. We finally located our stroller way in the back of the parking and the ever brillant CM's had put the strollers so close together that we couldn't get ours out! The wheels were stuck, not enough room to push it down the aisle.
The dad with the baby had come leaving the mom and the kids at the castle. There was no CM's in sight to help wrangle our strollers out of the mess so the dad asked me to hold the baby while he went in and lifted the stroller out. By lifted I mean a good thing he was strong He had to lift it above the other strollers to get it out. He did our stroller first it was smaller and they were side by side so gave more room. He literally stood scratching his head trying to figure out how to get his out. He had a DOUBLE! I managed to catch a CM and flagged him down to help this dad. they had to both pick it up and carry it out above all the other strollers. I then said to the CM after handing the baby back that this was not the best use of stroller space and explained that our strollers had been parked where they were supposed to be and we wondered WHY someone had moved them to the complete opposite end and then jammed them all in so noone could get them out!

Sigh That was annoying, then I trudged back up to the castle where we started.

Is it you or your husband who takes the pictures? I'm assuming your husband mostly since I see you in some here and there. I was wondering a few things, what camera does he use? and does he shoot mainly in auto or manual. What format does he shoot in and what post editing software do you use for photos and videos? What camera did you use for the videos? Thanks

I am trying to learn manual for my camera but it is so slow going and I can't imagine trying to shoot manual at the park, everything just happens so fast that I wonder if by the time I set the shot, it's gone!

I'm also trying to figure out if i should buy a small video camcorder. I was not overly happy with the videos from my DSLR last time.
Thanks for your time!


Thanks
Erin

 

[rachel09985]

Yikes, what a horrible experience!

I think I actually was sitting at the same table you sat at! I didn't think it was bad but I also have never sat anywhere else because it was my first time there. It would have been nicer to sit in the main room.

I can't believe they weren't going to give him any food. That sounds awful. I hope you sent an email.

I can't believe that the guest service person was rude either! How horrible.

 

[hollyrose]

Now, back to our regularly scheduled trip report...[/B][/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR]

Hi! I read through a few of your trip reports and just wanted to comment instead of "lurk" as they say....

First of all your family is BEAUTIFUL and so sweet. I am the same age as you and I must say, to have 3 healthy children and that many family Disney trips under your belt at such a young age is quite an accomplishment! haha. I've got a lot of catching up to do as my wedding isn't until 2014!

Also, I love the beautiful photos, great camera = ahhh-mazing pics!

 

[claryche]

New reader here. I saw your link for your trip video, which is awesome.
And I found your TR's. I have been busy reading them and now I'm caught up. I'm loving them, thanks so much for sharing. And wow the photos are just awesome. Looking forward to more updates.

 

[Fantasyland Mom]

Like everyone else, I'm sorry about your server at the Royal Table! That really is terrible. Hopefully it was just a one time thing! I went there as a kid and don't remember much but I remember the windows were cool, haha.

I've been following along with your trip and I gotta say, whoever is taking the photos, they are fantastic. I'm guessing it's mostly your husband? Each one is great! Not to mention you are hilarious. Looking forward to the next update!

The windows ARE cool! But we couldn't see them this time at all. Wompwomp .
It's my husband on the photos. Unless he's in a photo, then he took it. And even then he probably set all the settings, told me where to stand, and focused it for me. True story.

I understand your hesitation about writing them so many months later. But I think you still have good reason to complain. The experience still makes you upset at this point then it wasn't just a minor issue. I would have been shocked at the time too, and I probably wouldn't have said anything confrontational or asked for a manager.

I think if you are honest and explain what happened and how you feel and then request what you want, an apology, or maybe you just want to know that you may have said prevented this person from treating other guests that way.

If they have a lot of complaints about the service at the castle then they need to address their management of the restaurant.

Is the waitress in any of your pictures? Could you post a thread on the Restaurant board asking other Dis Members if they had a bad experience at the castle?


We haven't eaten at the castle in many years, our last time was in 2006 and my now 8 year old was only 2 years old. They brought him some noodles with butter and a sword and wishing star so he was included in the fun.

I went back and looked through my pictures, and I have plenty of the back of her head . My laptop, which had all the original RAW picture files, crashed and burned a few weeks ago. There would be more photos on that hard drive, because that's what we used to dump the photos while we were there, but Brandon still has to figure out how to pull all the stuff off the dead computer. There could be one in there, and I'll definitely check. For some reason, I really want to say her name was Sarah, but I don't want to be wrong and then accuse the wrong person !
Yeah, that's how it's always been. We've never NOT had an under three kid with us, and each time they've been given the prizes and their own food. I really do need to write someone, you're right.

When I read your update I was the whole time. I can't believe all the bad luck and rude CMs you encountered in one evening. I told Ron about it and he was just as flabbergasted. It made our problems we got seem more insignificant in comparison. I totally think it's not too late to write. You may not have names, but you have specific date and time. Even the guest relation CM you can sort of guess the time based on pictures you have, and your TR notes.

Here is the email address I used (to give positive feedback on two CMs):
wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com

I got a reply within a few of days.

You're right, I do have exact dates and times, and I'm still looking for a clear shot of her nametag in my photos so I could possibly have a name.
I have no idea on the GS name, though. But I could get the time.

Gosh, I'm so sorry to hear that you had such a rough evening! I would have been livid at the server if they talked to me in that manner, especially telling me that I couldn't even PAY to get my kid food, that is insane!

I also can't believe they moved your stroller away. Its bad enough generally, but when families are depending on that stroller to be used as a wheelchair, that really makes me mad. I also can't believe that the guest relations CM didn't offer any help at all, you'd think that they'd be trained better, the buck should stop with them.

I was livid, but mostly I was in shock until after we left. Then I got MAD .
You would think that Guest Relations would, oh, I dunno...RELATE TO GUESTS!?

This is turning into one of my favorite TRs! Between your commentary, your husbands gorgeous photos, and your beautiful kids, this is like TR nirvana! (Except for that last day I despise hearing about CMs that are rude. You work in the Happiest Place on Earth, people, get happy!)

Anyhoo, I'd seen your Disney video and I just about went bonkers when I realized this was the corresponding trip report. :

WOO-HOO!! You just made my day!! If it makes you feel better, this is our last bad CM experience. Rest easy!

That said, the CM in Guest Relations should have been more understanding, especially since the stroller was being used as a wheelchair.

They DO possibly need some process changes - there should be a designated spot for wheelchair stroller wheelchairs in the CRT area.
All CMs working there should know where to direct people to park those items.

It's pretty obvious that the CM who told you to park it there did not know and should have asked someone else. There is no excuse for that. Most people who have made multiple trips to MK know that the passage through the castle is closed by large wooden doors during the show in the front of the castle.
So, you would certainly expect a CM to know that.

You're right...they need policy changes, more information about stroller/wheelchair parking to every CM, or both. I feel more sorry for the other family looking for their wheelchair, as their son was much bigger than Brynn, and I know she's heavy--can't imagine how heavy he must have been. It was definitely a disappointment.
I also need to make it clear that I do know they move strollers all the time and am used to that and don't complain about that. We're pretty good at tracking them down if we park them in general stroller parking and they're moved. It was just shocking that we were told to keep them up next to the desk (I mean, really, almost touching the desk, so I have a hard time thinking they didn't know they were there or that they were moved) and then they were moved. The whole situation was just off. I would never have even thought to park them there if I hadn't been told that I was supposed to!

Sorry you guys had such a horrible experience! When a CM tells you where to put the stroller/wheelchair why wouldn't you listen to that person (after all they WORK there!!!) I sure hope the rest of the trip is better!

It is! And if we lose a stroller later on, rest assured it was our fault .

I wrote this big long reply and twice my iPad ate it! I am so frustrated my screen just goes back to the home screen all on its own.

Ok now back to do the reply!

So as I was reading your CRT experience I thought to myself, WOW this is exactly what happened to us, just not as bad!

We were seated in the furthest dark bit and we were the last to see the princesses. I will need to verify with my own pictures, but I believe based on your pics that we were sitting in the EXACT same seats! It was so frustrating. The Princesses didn't come out until maybe 15-20 minutes into our meal. and then to tour around the entire restaurant before they got to us... well you can bet it was a LONG wait! When we did see them, they were the same they were so rushed and if you blinked they were gone, They signed V's book, took a pic and then they were gone. V even noticed, they didn't really talk to her much at all. They were in such a hurry to take a break.
V has her heart set on eating at CRT this time and I loved our first experience I'm going to give it another chance.

When we left CRT we found that our stroller was missing. Now I know CM's move strollers around to make room and such but we parked it in the stroller Parking. We parked it where we were supposed to. We came out and it was gone. I saw a dad carrying a sleeping baby and the mom and other couple kids nearby and thought they must be looking for theirs too, because there were only 2 or 3 strollers in the stroller parking. There should have been lots more. I went up to them and caught the conversation and said my stroller was indeed missing as well. It took a couple minutes of this CM on his walkie talkie to find out where our strollers were. They had been moved to the opposite end of Fantasyland. What? Why? Is this a normal thing that happens every night at dinner? We trudged our way over to the stroller parking on the other end of fantasyland. I believe it was IASM or whatever is further. We finally located our stroller way in the back of the parking and the ever brillant CM's had put the strollers so close together that we couldn't get ours out! The wheels were stuck, not enough room to push it down the aisle.
The dad with the baby had come leaving the mom and the kids at the castle. There was no CM's in sight to help wrangle our strollers out of the mess so the dad asked me to hold the baby while he went in and lifted the stroller out. By lifted I mean a good thing he was strong He had to lift it above the other strollers to get it out. He did our stroller first it was smaller and they were side by side so gave more room. He literally stood scratching his head trying to figure out how to get his out. He had a DOUBLE! I managed to catch a CM and flagged him down to help this dad. they had to both pick it up and carry it out above all the other strollers. I then said to the CM after handing the baby back that this was not the best use of stroller space and explained that our strollers had been parked where they were supposed to be and we wondered WHY someone had moved them to the complete opposite end and then jammed them all in so noone could get them out!

Sigh That was annoying, then I trudged back up to the castle where we started.

Is it you or your husband who takes the pictures? I'm assuming your husband mostly since I see you in some here and there. I was wondering a few things, what camera does he use? and does he shoot mainly in auto or manual. What format does he shoot in and what post editing software do you use for photos and videos? What camera did you use for the videos? Thanks

I am trying to learn manual for my camera but it is so slow going and I can't imagine trying to shoot manual at the park, everything just happens so fast that I wonder if by the time I set the shot, it's gone!

I'm also trying to figure out if i should buy a small video camcorder. I was not overly happy with the videos from my DSLR last time.
Thanks for your time!


Thanks
Erin

See, after reading that you had such a similar experience, I really do think I should write, even though it's been a while. Obviously this is not a one-time problem. So frustrating!
As for the camera, I'll try to answer as best I can!
Yes, he takes the photos. He uses a Canon 5d Classic (which is a full frame camera). He only uses manual mode and shoots only in RAW format. The software is Lightroom (mostly) and some PhotoShop on a couple of the obviously touched up ones (like stitching big panoramics, etc).
Our video camera is a Canon Vixia HFM52. We were not even using the highest resolution this trip, as we didn't know if we could convert it to edit it. Turns out we can, so next trip will be even more HD! I took well over half the video on the trip, and if I can use the camera, so can you! It is a tiny camera, but has great features and looks great on screen. Brandon could easily fit it in one of his big man pockets, and it fit in my purse. I also clipped it to the stroller quite often. It has a wonderful microphone on it, as well, which many cameras do not. And it does pretty well in dark places. I can't say enough good things about it!
We had a different DSLR and took some video with it before, but they aren't as user-friendly as actual video cameras and I don't think the sound quality is anywhere as good. Plus, it sucks battery life from the camera. When Brandon wanted to switch to a full-frame camera, he chose one without video capability because he knew we wouldn't be using that anymore.

Yikes, what a horrible experience!

I think I actually was sitting at the same table you sat at! I didn't think it was bad but I also have never sat anywhere else because it was my first time there. It would have been nicer to sit in the main room.

I can't believe they weren't going to give him any food. That sounds awful. I hope you sent an email.

I can't believe that the guest service person was rude either! How horrible.

I am most definitely working on an email. Better late than never!
It was our least pleasant experience ever, but thankfully the trip got much better and it was a rare occurrence at WDW.

Hi! I read through a few of your trip reports and just wanted to comment instead of "lurk" as they say....

First of all your family is BEAUTIFUL and so sweet. I am the same age as you and I must say, to have 3 healthy children and that many family Disney trips under your belt at such a young age is quite an accomplishment! haha. I've got a lot of catching up to do as my wedding isn't until 2014!

Also, I love the beautiful photos, great camera = ahhh-mazing pics!

CONGRATS on your wedding!!!
Yes, we've definitely been...uhm...busy . What is really funny is that before we got pregnant with Julia, our plan was not to have any kids at all until I was thirty. I'm still not thirty until April, and we have three! Plans change, I guess!
I give all the credit to my husband for the photos! He's handy to have around.

New reader here. I saw your link for your trip video, which is awesome.
And I found your TR's. I have been busy reading them and now I'm caught up. I'm loving them, thanks so much for sharing. And wow the photos are just awesome. Looking forward to more updates.

I LOVE NEW READERS!! I'm so happy you're here, and I am working on another update!

 

[cfw213]

I'm loving your TR so far! Your husband is an amazing photographer - I wish I had half his skills! It must be amazing to have so many beautiful pictures of your children

 

[Cierese]

What is really funny is that before we got pregnant with Julia, our plan was not to have any kids at all until I was thirty. I'm still not thirty until April, and we have three! Plans change, I guess!

This sounds like me! When I was first married, my husband had orders to Belgium. The plan was to take that 3 years and just travel Europe as much as possible on weekends and such.....NOT to have kids until we moved back here AND I finished college.

Would you know the 1st week we were there I was having heart problems, and turned out to be pregnant. We had 2 kids by the time we moved back to the USA!

Plans definitely do change!!

 

[Fantasyland Mom]

I'm loving your TR so far! Your husband is an amazing photographer - I wish I had half his skills! It must be amazing to have so many beautiful pictures of your children

I'm loving your TR, too! Of course I am a lurker...I'm horrible about that!
I do enjoy having so many pictures capturing my kids' lives. There are plenty!

This sounds like me! When I was first married, my husband had orders to Belgium. The plan was to take that 3 years and just travel Europe as much as possible on weekends and such.....NOT to have kids until we moved back here AND I finished college.

Would you know the 1st week we were there I was having heart problems, and turned out to be pregnant. We had 2 kids by the time we moved back to the USA!

Plans definitely do change!!

They certainly do change! Life is what happens when you're busy making plans!

 

[Fantasyland Mom]

We woke up the next morning to our alarm that I never seemed to figure out. I'd try to turn it off, it would turn on and be louder. I'd set it and it wouldn't go off. It played radio rather than buzzing. It was a big mess...that, or I'm technologically-challenged. (We all know the truth.)

As usual, I got up first and showered while everyone slowly awakened and began getting dressed in all the crazily-coordinated clothing I'd laid out for them. This day, the girls were in pink and the boys were in gray.

We piled into the van, eager to have a wonderful day after that disappointing night. We'd placed our wet strollers over the air conditioning vent overnight, and they were mostly dry. That morning, Brandon took a hairdryer and tried to zap some of the spots that were still soggy. And Julia was busy being sad because her Hidden Mickey book, the one I'd spent HOURS AND HOURS compiling for her, was ruined the night before because it was in the basket of the stroller and all the ink ran when it got wet. I promised I'd just buy her an official book, which I should have just done in the first place, and she agreed to get in the van and fake a good mood.

We arrived at Hollywood Studios at about 7:40, twenty-five minutes before our ADR at Play and Dine at Hollywood and Vine. We thought that would surely be plenty of time. Dun-dun-DUUUUUUNNNNNNN.

I made my annual potty stop before the gates (last year Brandon photographed me here, just as this year he photographed me at the TTC restroom...traditions?) and we went through bag check.

And then we stopped. There was one line open for ADRs, and it was looooong and slow. We waited in line to get through the ticket booth for thirty minutes. THIRTY MINUTES. Note to self: show up next year before the sun comes up.

Since we were already late, we decided to take some time to get early-morning photographs in front of the hat. What difference would five more minutes make? I have to admit that I liked DHS much more when we entered an empty park instead of the packed one we've always seen in the past. Not being lined up like sardines was a bonus, for sure.

We took a lovely family photo in front of the big hat.

And just to show you what Brynn sort of looks like during one of the types of dystonia spells she has, you can see it in this shot.

I actually like that shot better!

Brandon snapped some pictures as we walked over to Hollywood and Vine.

I checked in, along with the other three million people ahead of us, and we waited nearby. I had to wait nearby because they were just yelling out names instead of using pagers, and it was really hard to hear her.

The kids ran around and Brandon chased them. Julia planned our day.

Our name was called, I screamed for my family, and we were seated very soon after they came running.

I was so happy to get a table large enough for our family, for once! I could breathe! And the entire restaurant was pretty empty...not sure where those three million people went, but they weren't in here now.

Our server came and gave us coffee ASAP (love you, server!), and Sawyer began spotting characters right away. This breakfast was right up his alley!

The Disney Junior music was blaring, and we were singing along. It was just like mornings at home, but better! Before I could even make it to the buffet, Jake was at our table!

Sawyer was looking a bit nervous, but he warmed up quickly for some high fives and hugs!

Instead of letting the wild ones run up to the buffet, I'd come up with a system for food distribution that would keep them sitting. The first thing I did was grab a plate with a Mickey Waffle for everyone and plopped it down on the table.

While they munched on these, I set out plates for each child, then went to load up other plates with food and distributed them as I brought them to the table.

This is basically what the kids got. (Sawyer thought the whole egg was more fun than edible. He gladly ate the one I cut in half, though.) Bacon, eggs, pancakes, Mickey Waffles, fruit, ham. Eventually I threw on other things, like bagels, cereal, and cheese grits.

And let me just tell you about those cheese grits. DE-LISH!! I know my cheese grits. I live in Georgia and grew up on grits. You can't leave home and set out to make a life of your own unless you know how to cook cheese grits. And these were better than mine! I am making an ADR here next trip for these cheese grits alone! In this photo, they're missing from my plate because I ate them so quickly. No worries--I filled up a bowl with them!
And that breakfast burrito hit the spot, too! I love savory things over sweet things any day, and this breakfast was wonderful. I was actually shocked.

And this was Brandon's plate. He loves biscuits and gravy.

SO, SO GOOD!

As we ate (a lot), more characters paraded around.

June was up next, and she and the girls discussed being dancers...well, the girls talked, and June did some dance moves to show she understood. She also had some high-fives for Sawyer, cause he's a cool kid.

The kids were super happy to see Special Agent Oso, and he gave great big teddy bear hugs! Sawyer just had to play with his Paw Pilot.

We kept eating and kept making more trips to the buffet, and soon Handy Manny was at our table. Notice how Sawyer can never take his eyes off the characters! Never!

As if all the food and all the characters were not enough, there were also dance parties! My kids LOVE LOVE LOVED this! I think we had two while we were there, and they were doing dances familiar to Disney Junior fans, like the "Hot Dog Dance" from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and "Roll the Map" from Jake and the Neverland Pirates. No, I don't have pictures of this. I do have video, though. We had to make a snap decision: one adult had to chase Sawyer, and the other could have a piece of technology. We went for the piece of technology easiest to operate, and that was the video camera. SO, you'll just have to trust me when I say we all had a blast and danced our hearts out. Yes, ALL of us!

This meal was so good that it actually made it to our favorites list. It was completely unexpected! The food was delicious, and there was a large variety. It was always hot and plentiful, and our cups were always full. It wasn't crowded once we got through the initial line, and we were given plenty of room to eat, meet characters, and even dance! Getting into DHS before park opening was another perk, and we will most definitely be making this a tradition while our kids are still young enough to enjoy it. I can't wait to go back!

With full bellies and smiles on our faces, we paid the bill, took a potty break, and headed out for our full day at Hollywood Studios.

HOORAY FOR HOLLYWOOD!

 

[lvcourtneyy]

Love the empty Hollywood Studios pictures! How odd though at a 30 minute turnstile line. Are there other restaurants in the park with a breakfast pre-opening? I thought that was the only one. How odd but better for you guys!

The breakfast looks amazing. That's one meal we will be skipping for a long while lol. I like other character meals but I think Disney junior with no kids is pushing it. Although I do enjoy watching Jake and Sofia the first with the baby I babysit hahaha

Sounds like it was right up Sawyer's alley though! I'll experience it vicariously through him hahahaha. Another amazing update!