Magic on demand - is this a new phenomenon?

[bumbershoot]

I think it's their commercials that make people think this. Magic magic magic. They just had that new Broadway musical type commercial or promo this week on the Parks blog, they must have said magic 100x. And the one with the front desk CM with the wings telling the family they could eat with princesses and ride the Mine Train.

YES.

Disney has set this up. And they can't deliver. Not for everyone, at least.

And that ad...they set up this whole MDE thing to tell us when to do all these things in order to plan our trip, and then they show a family that apparently booked the day before or ignored everything in MDE, and they are being given all those things (and more) that people wake up sick-and-wrong early 180 then 60 days out to get. Ridiculous.

One of the things a lot of people mentioned loving about their cruises was that their stateroom hosts were so friendly, and that they really got to talk to and know their stateroom hosts during their cruise.

Well I'll tell you that I've never gotten to know any stateroom host on Disney or Royal. The closest was our lady on Freedom of the Seas, but 3 days into it she started morphing DS's name into something totally wrong. It was actually funny, how it kept changing. The POLITE thing for us to do would have been to correct it, but it started so slowly and we couldn't totally remember what she was calling him, and we were always on our way out or in and rushing...and then suddenly by the end it was just NOT his name. We liked what we knew about her, and we liked what she did for us, and the name thing was funny, but...

I really can't believe people are walking around demanding magic when the whole idea is the magic is unexpected, which makes it special.

It's special for the person GETTING it. It's not special for the person hearing about it.

Sometimes, I feel that it's a little wrong, but then I look at what happens when people are raised believing they are special.

Aw, I'm sorry. I'm quite sure you are special. Everyone has their own set of unique qualities that we bring to the world. It's too bad that you were not allowed to feel that way. (my best friend, during Wine and Dine last year, as we were leaving DHS, told me that her religious mom punished her for wanting to be a pretty princess, because "she was a daughter of God and that is all that matters". man, mom, she just wanted a little sparkly tiara or something...you can be a pretty princess AND religious at the same time, darnit...oops, I owe her mom a quarter for her swear jar, which, yes, she still keeps, and ANY word you use in place of a curse word, not just curses, require payment)

I'm glad you're fixing this for your son.

Of course, some of those those within earshot of a lucky guest or family at that magic moment must have felt disappointed that they were not chosen

Exactly.

Although I'm not into meeting characters, I LIKE having them in their spots. One, it reduces the chances of running into the randomly (phobic people can feel calmer), and also if you want to meet them, you go meet them. You don't have to rely on luck for it.

My son turned to me and said. "It was cool. But you are just saying it was magic because it was at Disney. Anywhere else you would just think it was lucky."

I like your son.

 

[larryz]

She says more and more guests "expect" freebies, or special treatment every day. I guess just experiencing WDW just isn't enough for some people!

Around here, we call it the "DISBoards Effect" -- they read about folks getting "magic" here on the boards, and every one automatically expects it.

 

[agavegirl1]

I do think the "Magic" is actually going away. If I don't make my own magic, I don't actually get any anymore. However, I am now planning a trip to a Caribbean country and if I don't make a bunch of advance plans, it will not be "magical". I do think Disney's advertising is deceptive and misleading. Social media is definately affecting the expectations of guests. I have gone to having NO expectations except those I create for myself.

 

[Boopuff]

I think it all goes back to "now we can't have nice things". I was there during the Year of Million Dreams. Sure it was a bummer to see those awesome FP badges (on others not me sadly) but it was fun to think it might happen!! I really get mad when I read threads on here about "this happened to me and I expected to be moved to Grand Floridan and have my entire vacation comped!" Ridiculous! My DD does love making special small moments for people and loves to see a big smile from kids. For all the big pills she encounters it's the small things that make her job great.

 

[Planogirl]

People are demanding in "real" life too. People fuss about food not being just right and want it remade even though that might be how the restaurant serves it. They complain about a product for minor reasons and constantly expect to be fussed over by others. It is getting worse and worse IMO.

I think that you create your own magic for the most part. I also always enjoy hearing about others getting something extra and don't sit around dwelling on why it wasn't ME.

 

[MickeyWaffles]

Reminds me of the great towel animal debacle. Used to be a nice thing mousekeeping did when they had time and to make people's day a little brighter. Then people had the nerve to complain when they didn't get towel animals! So guess what now ... No towel animals at all. Something special became something expected and then other people ruined it.

Sad.

 

[Julylady]

I agree that WDW ad is ridiculous! I have a coworker who "planned" a trip for over a year. She bought Southwest airfare the day it went on sale and marked her days off on the office calendar. 62 days prior to her trip I asked her where they had decided to stay. She told me they hadn't picked their hotel yet. She offered that it was Disney and mentioned that exact ad. She really believed that when you showed up, they would make all the necessary arrangements for you. I explained that you had to make your own magic!

I do believe that social media coupled with a growing entitlement mentality is also responsible. Years ago, CMs made "magic" happen, but no one but the family and their friends knew about it. Now, everybody posts about it on line. So I go to WDW with six examples of magic. When nothing happens for me, I feel great disappointment and complain to a manager or Guest Services. Since Disney can't do it for everyone, they stop doing it all together.

I just read a thread about a couple on their anniversary who were gifted with a white chocolate Mickey statue. Tons of people posted saying that they told Disney it was their Anniversary and received nothing but a button and next time they planned to demand a statue. There are tons of examples of magic going away! Waking up Tinkerbelle, paint brushes at Tom Sawyer Island, plush characters on your Birthday, towel animals.

If you want to be depressed, just hang out at Guest Services and listen to people complain. A lot of people say "It doesn't hurt to ask for something because you just might get it." I am trying to teach my family that this is wrong. You are trying to take advantage of someone and that's not right. It's really sad.

 

[BudgieMama]

It's such a shame.

We're definitely "expect what you pay for" kind of people. We expect the room to be clean (not insane levels of clean, but a nice normal level!), the shower to work, food to be edible, and CMs to be polite. Anything else is a bonus, and something to be very grateful for.

Despite reading about lots of wonderful Magic people have received here before our first trip, we worked really hard not to expect these things... and then when we did experience some magic, it really was a wonderful surprise. We were very, very lucky (as far as I'm concerned) on our trip: our Studio was upgraded to a One Bedroom Villa at SSR, and we got little extra treats at BOG (some Grey Stuff for our anniversary) and CP (a cupcake with a candle for our anniversary, along with Mickey confetti on our table).

I fully expect again to receive nothing but what we have paid for our on next trip... I'd sooner be surprised and grateful if a CM creates some magic for us (beyond the magic that we create by having time away together in a place we enjoy) than disappointed if all our magic is self-generated!

 

[Nancyg56]

I feel like so many people feel like this because of how much they're paying for their vacation. They expect if they pay Disney's high prices, they want their money's worth...including those "magical" moments.

I think that they want what they think they were supposed to get. The advertisement and and many messageboards mae it seem as though you arrive in Disney and it all "magically" happens. The rooms are ready upon arrival, they ae gynormous. Main Street is flooded with characters just waiting for your kids to run into waiting arms. Multiple CM's hanging over you smiling and giving you presents.

ANd then the boards.....free upgrades, lots of surprises! We know they happen, but they are more rare than a newbie might expect. WHen you take price and couple that with Disney marketing, well there can be a perfect storm when these folks arrive.

Reminds me of the great towel animal debacle. Used to be a nice thing mousekeeping did when they had time and to make people's day a little brighter. Then people had the nerve to complain when they didn't get towel animals! So guess what now ... No towel animals at all. Something special became something expected and then other people ruined it.

Sad.

This was not just towel animals that went away. You used to be able to request a diver at Coral Reef for aspecial occasion. They woudl not promise, but would try. It was beyond magical. My husband is still talking about the special night "his" diver wished him a happy birthday. Well those days are gone too.

 

[missbrooke06]

We've never had a big magical moment. That's why we keep going back. Eventually, we'll get one. Or you know, maybe not. Maybe all we'll have are memories of a bunch of wonderful trips. That'll be okay too.

(I'll admit to two small magic moments this trip. I was looking for Mickey straws our last night and when I got to CHH, they were closed. I told the guy my problem and he asked how many I needed (I wanted 10 but 2 felt more appropriate). They also honored the Thunder Mtn Fast Pass that expired because of our terrible dinner experience - 2 hours past the window! As it was the last night of our trip, it was awesome and if it's all the magic I ever get, I'm pretty lucky still).

 

[maxiesmom]

I absolutely hate that commercial with the resort CM with the wings. It is so ridiculous.

No more ridiculous than most commercials out there. I would expect adults to know that the job of commercials is to pump up whatever product they are pushing. My whopper never looks like the ones people are eating on tv. The stores I frequent never have shelves that are as neat and full as they are on tv. I doubt my dog would start talking to me and requesting a particular dog food. Nor would I take a car salesman to my house for the holidays. Blaming a commercial for bad behavior is what is ridiculous.

Blaming Disney's commercials is a cop out. People need to start looking at their own behavior, rather than blaming someone or something else.

 

[samsteele]

I definitely agree with the PPs that it is a real nasty mix of social entitlement, paying high(er) prices & wanting to get your money's worth as well as the commercial campaign. The recent front desk/concierge pixie dust commercial is absolutely dreadful. It really puts real CMs in a terrible position when guests, who now believe they can buy unlimited magic with an expensive deluxe magic your way pkg at eg GF (which is the front desk that the commercial implies and is dressed up to imply), demand the world when they get on property and then have a melt-down when they realize they actually had to do some advance planning and can't have it all. In fact, at Holidays and peak attendance times, they may not have much if they haven't made those hard to get ADRs and FP+s for the most coveted attractions in advance.

A few weeks ago, I was in Epcot and a family with magic bands was arguing with the CMs at the Soarin' line. They were arguing that they have magic bands so this should allow them to walk onto any attraction at any time. When the CM patiently explained they were in the FP+ line, they responded with "What's a FP+?". Then argued that having to pre-book FP+ was only for guests who don't have magic bands and didn't buy the Magic Your Way package. They had magic bands and had purchased Magic Your Way so therefore, they wanted the magic of walk-ons. What they argued Magic Your Way meant. While all people need to take responsibility for themselves and get the info they need to be smart consumers, WDW should also stop the misleading ads because sadly some people are quoting it back to real CMs once they arrive. They are using Magic Your Way and the high price of their package to justify demanding special attention and perks for their family. I also suspect these families are booking directly with WDW and not using travel agents who by and large would explain what they are actually getting/not getting with a room/ticket package.

Contrast this family with your more run of the mill scammers. On the same trip, a few weeks ago, a family of 4 with their 2 young daughters in tow, cut in front of the party right in front of me in the 7DMT line. The father just sidled up, started talking to the older women in the party as if he knew her, asking "Don't you remember me? You don't mind us joining you. We are family after all." Then they cut in front of her. The men in the party started to raise their voices and tell him "Who are you? Get to the back of the line." But the family of cutters was already in. No CMs in sight to assist and the men didn't want to start a fight in front of young girls at rope drop. Terrible lesson for the 2 youngsters who were watching their Dad get what he wanted by lying. But these people have always been around. And always will be. The magic band family who saw the recent ad campaign, booked the most $ Magic Your Way resort pkg on offer because they wanted to believe they were purchasing extra privileges for their money, are the ones who will cause the most problems for WDW in the long run. They are the ones who will suck the CMs dry in the park, hold up the flow of park guests at the attractions, inflate the Guest Relations desk lines to unmanageable sizes so that guests with legitimate concerns turn away and then get home and complain about their terrible experience. Of course their expectations were unrealistic. And I suspect most of them really do know it. However, they are fully prepared to fight tooth and nail for special perks once they get on property in order to get what they think they deserve, and what they unrealistically want to believe they paid up front for, without regard to inconveniencing other guests around them. Those ads are not helping anyone.

 

[Oomiak]

I think that they want what they think they were supposed to get. The advertisement and and many messageboards mae it seem as though you arrive in Disney and it all "magically" happens. The rooms are ready upon arrival, they ae gynormous. Main Street is flooded with characters just waiting for your kids to run into waiting arms. Multiple CM's hanging over you smiling and giving you presents.

ANd then the boards.....free upgrades, lots of surprises! We know they happen, but they are more rare than a newbie might expect. WHen you take price and couple that with Disney marketing, well there can be a perfect storm when these folks arrive.



This was not just towel animals that went away. You used to be able to request a diver at Coral Reef for aspecial occasion. They woudl not promise, but would try. It was beyond magical. My husband is still talking about the special night "his" diver wished him a happy birthday. Well those days are gone too.

I was fortunate enough to get the diver AND a customized menu with photos back in 2008. It was my 18th anniversary and I arranged it all through the manager at Coral Reef, soon after that they stopped doing it.

 

[TsLoveMickey]

I think sometimes you just have to try a little harder to see the magic ... But it's there. Some people expect it in the form of an upgrade from standard to club level or a free bottle of wine, and they'll likely be disappointed. You know why I consider magic on our last trip? A corner room in VWL where I could see the electrical water pageant ... That I didn't even request. A free coke the CM at a MK QS gave my mom along with a couple of waters. A man (not a CM) walking past my four year old dressed as Elsa and handing her a pack of magic band thingies because he only wanted Olaf. There is magic to be found if people would just level-set their expectations. Do I dream about free upgrades? Sure! But if my next trip is minorly magical like it was in April, I will be thrilled!

 

[DVC1991]

I really believe the true magic of disney is the customer service. That's the main reason i think we keep going back. We are DVC members and have been since 1995. Never once have we been given a room upgrade, won anything in the year of a million dreams, or anything free like that...even though my DREAM is to stay in Cinderella castle

The real magic is the kindness of (the vast majority of) the cast members.

I remember on our last trip, we really wanted to find certain alex and ani bracelets that were sold out online. We happened to go to Mousegear in EPCOT looking for them. The CM told us they were sold out there, then proceeded to call a couple other gift shops without us asking! She located them for us and had them put them on hold so we could get there later in the day.

We often stay at SSR when we go to Disney. Over the years, my brother has befriended one of the cooks at Artists Palate that we always see. It started when he was younger, and would draw her a picture because she was so nice to him. Now, they talk about their favorite baseball teams and how much he has grown over the years. It's like having family at Disney. It gives us that happy feeling inside when we get to see her every year.

Another time, we were eating at Le Cellier and had a little bit of a wait before we were seated. Our family started a conversation with the CMs at the front desk about where in Canada they were from. We live near the Canadian border and often go over for day trips. You could tell how happy the CMs were to talk about how much we had in common and remember their homes. Many of them don't get to go back that often. Before we left the restaurant, we probably had half the restaurant workers stop over and talk to us at our table telling us how it was nice to reminisce about home. I feel like on that occasion, WE supplied the magic. And it made for a really nice memory for our family.

I have seen so many people trash the CM when they don't get all this expected "magic" that they are hyped up to believe they deserve. If you really take the time to be nice to the CMs and talk to them like normal people, you'll realize what the magic really is.

 

[crazymomof4]

Haven't read any of the other posts but IMO....

It's not *magic* if it's expected!

 

[Nancyg56]

I was fortunate enough to get the diver AND a customized menu with photos back in 2008. It was my 18th anniversary and I arranged it all through the manager at Coral Reef, soon after that they stopped doing it.

That was about teh time we asked them to do this for my Husband's birthday. They did forget the customized menu, but that diver!!!!!!!! What a magical moment that was for him!