Napkins at WDW

[Disney0010]

Napkins. Really?

 

[Sam81]

Long time reader…first time poster. Just wow on this thread, simply unbelievable. Do you know who really is to blame for all of this – YOU. The collective YOU who demand, complain, sue, cry, pitch a fit at every single thing Disney does right or wrong.

The food sucks right? Well tell me how can a restaurant create new dishes when little Timmy is severely allergic to butter and Sally Snowshine cannot be within 100 miles of a peanut shell. And Bobby needs a gluten free option, Mary only eats odd numbered pancakes for every meal and super special Sklyar wants a pizza even though it’s not on the menu. I own a small local Italian restaurant and if I had to come out to greet every single table and discuss what they could and couldn’t eat I would be out of business. God forbid you let the chef just create a meal, instead of dissecting each and every ingredient.

Disney is lacking with the attention to details right? I mean did you read the thread where people were complaining about FAKE peanuts near Dumbo? That’s right even FAKE peanuts offend people now. And off they went to complain about Disney being “careless.” FAKE peanuts can even send a child into an allergic reaction.

No more printed napkins, plates, etc…Well stop stealing them. Seriously. A combination of three things probably happened:

1. People were taking 50 more than needed
2. Disney probably does have some green initiative
3. Some snowflake probably sued because they were allergic to the dye

Or how about the lady that sent in a complaint and then complained more when Disney reached out to discuss her issue. Seriously? The difference with the parks in the 80s and today is that people used to go to experience what Disney had to offer. Now they go with a list of DEMANDS for Disney to accommodate them. I cannot even fathom the amount of savings on customer service reps if people just shut-up about dumb stuff.

Look I’m certainly not a Disney cheerleader, but how can you do business when everything offends everyone? Oh by the way I am clearly a troll and all that, just to get that out of the way. I mean how dare I!

 

[rgf207]

Long time reader…first time poster. Just wow on this thread, simply unbelievable. Do you know who really is to blame for all of this – YOU. The collective YOU who demand, complain, sue, cry, pitch a fit at every single thing Disney does right or wrong.

The food sucks right? Well tell me how can a restaurant create new dishes when little Timmy is severely allergic to butter and Sally Snowshine cannot be within 100 miles of a peanut shell. And Bobby needs a gluten free option, Mary only eats odd numbered pancakes for every meal and super special Sklyar wants a pizza even though it’s not on the menu. I own a small local Italian restaurant and if I had to come out to greet every single table and discuss what they could and couldn’t eat I would be out of business. God forbid you let the chef just create a meal, instead of dissecting each and every ingredient.

Disney is lacking with the attention to details right? I mean did you read the thread where people were complaining about FAKE peanuts near Dumbo? That’s right even FAKE peanuts offend people now. And off they went to complain about Disney being “careless.” FAKE peanuts can even send a child into an allergic reaction.

No more printed napkins, plates, etc…Well stop stealing them. Seriously. A combination of three things probably happened:

1. People were taking 50 more than needed
2. Disney probably does have some green initiative
3. Some snowflake probably sued because they were allergic to the dye

Or how about the lady that sent in a complaint and then complained more when Disney reached out to discuss her issue. Seriously? The difference with the parks in the 80s and today is that people used to go to experience what Disney had to offer. Now they go with a list of DEMANDS for Disney to accommodate them. I cannot even fathom the amount of savings on customer service reps if people just shut-up about dumb stuff.

Look I’m certainly not a Disney cheerleader, but how can you do business when everything offends everyone? Oh by the way I am clearly a troll and all that, just to get that out of the way. I mean how dare I!

 

[OllieDannyandMe]

The difference with the parks in the 80s and today is that people used to go to experience what Disney had to offer. Now they go with a list of DEMANDS for Disney to accommodate them. I cannot even fathom the amount of savings on customer service reps if people just shut-up about dumb stuff.

People have not changed.

One of my most vivid memories from the early 1980s was watching a cast member trying to please a disgruntled guest at the Contemporary Resort. The man was livid, and the poor cast member just kept asking him over and over, "Sir, what can I do to make this right for you?" She must have asked him a dozen times, but he wasn't listening. He just continued to rant.

No, people have not changed.

 

[Sam81]

People have not changed.

One of my most vivid memories from the early 1980s was watching a cast member trying to please a disgruntled guest at the Contemporary Resort. The man was livid, and the poor cast member just kept asking him over and over, "Sir, what can I do to make this right for you?" She must have asked him a dozen times, but he wasn't listening. He just continued to rant.

No, people have not changed.

I agree that human behavior is probably not much better, but expectations have greatly changed. During those first few visits did you send down a list of demands? Did you request a cupcake at evey single restaurant? Did you bring pillows, pictures, cups and what not for the characters to sign?

I think Disney tries to make it a good experience, but at some point enough is enough.

 

[maxiesmom]

People have not changed.

One of my most vivid memories from the early 1980s was watching a cast member trying to please a disgruntled guest at the Contemporary Resort. The man was livid, and the poor cast member just kept asking him over and over, "Sir, what can I do to make this right for you?" She must have asked him a dozen times, but he wasn't listening. He just continued to rant.

No, people have not changed.

Yes they have. I have worked retail for over 20 years, and people are way more demanding and rude and entitled now than they ever were before. People used to be respectful when they were out in public. Now they yell and scream at the workers, throw garbage and merchandise all over the ground, and are mad when you don't let them use a coupon that expired 5 months ago (just had that one the other day!)

Back in the day the guy you spoke about above was a massive exception to how people behaved when they were out and about. Not anymore.

 

[maxiesmom]

Long time reader…first time poster. Just wow on this thread, simply unbelievable. Do you know who really is to blame for all of this – YOU. The collective YOU who demand, complain, sue, cry, pitch a fit at every single thing Disney does right or wrong.

The food sucks right? Well tell me how can a restaurant create new dishes when little Timmy is severely allergic to butter and Sally Snowshine cannot be within 100 miles of a peanut shell. And Bobby needs a gluten free option, Mary only eats odd numbered pancakes for every meal and super special Sklyar wants a pizza even though it’s not on the menu. I own a small local Italian restaurant and if I had to come out to greet every single table and discuss what they could and couldn’t eat I would be out of business. God forbid you let the chef just create a meal, instead of dissecting each and every ingredient.

Disney is lacking with the attention to details right? I mean did you read the thread where people were complaining about FAKE peanuts near Dumbo? That’s right even FAKE peanuts offend people now. And off they went to complain about Disney being “careless.” FAKE peanuts can even send a child into an allergic reaction.

No more printed napkins, plates, etc…Well stop stealing them. Seriously. A combination of three things probably happened:

1. People were taking 50 more than needed
2. Disney probably does have some green initiative
3. Some snowflake probably sued because they were allergic to the dye

Or how about the lady that sent in a complaint and then complained more when Disney reached out to discuss her issue. Seriously? The difference with the parks in the 80s and today is that people used to go to experience what Disney had to offer. Now they go with a list of DEMANDS for Disney to accommodate them. I cannot even fathom the amount of savings on customer service reps if people just shut-up about dumb stuff.

Look I’m certainly not a Disney cheerleader, but how can you do business when everything offends everyone? Oh by the way I am clearly a troll and all that, just to get that out of the way. I mean how dare I!

I think I love you!

 

[OllieDannyandMe]

During those first few visits did you send down a list of demands? Did you request a cupcake at evey single restaurant? Did you bring pillows, pictures, cups and what not for the characters to sign?

I think Disney tries to make it a good experience, but at some point enough is enough.

I've never done any of those things in all my visits from 1976 to 2011. Well, I have brought an autograph book to the character breakfasts, but I always purchase those in the gift shops right next door.

BUT

If I was the CEO of a major corporation, I would be thrilled that the public wanted to do those things at my place of business. I would be thrilled that people were so hungry for good customer service.

And I would be especially ecstatic that my company was the one place that they were choosing to fill that need.

Then, I would make sure my company determined a fair market price for providing those services, and I would put people to work to meet those needs.

When is a good company ever unhappy to have needy customers? In the business world, that is called opportunity!

 

[Sam81]

I've never done any of those things in all my visits from 1976 to 2011. Well, I have brought an autograph book to the character breakfasts, but I always purchase those in the gift shops right next door.

BUT

If I was the CEO of a major corporation, I would be thrilled that the public wanted to do those things at my place of business. I would be thrilled that people were so hungry for good customer service.

And I would be especially ecstatic that my company was the one place that they were choosing to fill that need.

Then, I would make sure my company determined a fair market price for providing those services, and I would put people to work to meet those needs.

When is a good company ever unhappy to have needy customers? In the business world, that is called opportunity!

It’s because my cost structure to (meet your needs) doesn’t net me enough to make it worthwhile. It’s because the extra cupcake here and there became mandatory. It’s because the chef’s menus are no longer good enough and the “guests” are dictating what to serve.

I think it is great that you love Disney and want to spend your money there.
But if it is costing me $1.00 to meet your “needs” and you are only generating $1.05 in revenue you are not a good business decision. I would rather have BTG that makes one reservation without multiple changes, brings nothing to signed, has no demands and nets me $3.00 for every $1.00. Even if you came back year over year I am still making more off the one time visitor.

And to be honest has Disney ever really been loyal to the repeat guest? They do not offer a membership card, you do not earn points for rewards and to my knowledge they do not have “visit 3 times get 1 free” offers.

 

[lustergirl]

I guess the OP didn't get enough responses on the other same identical thread they started on the regular boards in Theme Parks?

 

[vicki_c]

I guess the OP didn't get enough responses on the other same identical thread they started on the regular boards in Theme Parks?

This is that thread, moved here by a mod, I believe. I should say "I hope".

 

[OllieDannyandMe]

It’s because my cost structure to (meet your needs) doesn’t net me enough to make it worthwhile. It’s because the extra cupcake here and there became mandatory. It’s because the chef’s menus are no longer good enough and the “guests” are dictating what to serve.

I think it is great that you love Disney and want to spend your money there.
But if it is costing me $1.00 to meet your “needs” and you are only generating $1.05 in revenue you are not a good business decision. I would rather have BTG that makes one reservation without multiple changes, brings nothing to signed, has no demands and nets me $3.00 for every $1.00. Even if you came back year over year I am still making more off the one time visitor.

And to be honest has Disney ever really been loyal to the repeat guest? They do not offer a membership card, you do not earn points for rewards and to my knowledge they do not have “visit 3 times get 1 free” offers.

Trust me, the cost structure DOES make it worthwhile for Disney to meet my needs. And there are more people like me.

I do not ask for cupcakes or special menus. I visit once per year. I stay for two weeks. In my room, there is only one adult and one child.

I do not pack a value room during free dining season. My daughter and I usually stay deluxe and purchase all our meals on property. We take advantage of room-only discounts, but why wouldn't we?

We enjoy Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and boating on Bay Lake. We do not buy groceries or bring snacks from home. We enjoy a character breakfast every morning and a table service meal every night. We buy popcorn, caramel apples, and ice cream from Disney.

There is no way Disney could not make a significant profit on a customer like me, unless they lose my business. And yes, yes, YES, Disney used to be LOYAL to repeat guests.

My family DID have a membership card in the 1980s. It was called the Magic Kingdom Club card and it was AWESOME!

That club put the Disney Dining Plan to shame. Everything was included: three meals per day (appetizers and desserts), all gratuities (from the bellhop to dining), all recreation (from water skiing to golf), all the special programs and tours. EVERYTHING. It was like the current Disney Platinum Plan on steroids. The only thing it did not cover was alcoholic beverages.

The Magic Kingdom Club was reasonably priced. The crowds at Disney were not nearly as bad as they are now. And the customer service from all cast members was phenomenal. Cast members knew how to put on the Show from 1980 to 1989, and again, when I returned as an adult in 1992, it was just as good.

But something happened during the 10 years I was away, and when I returned in 2002, Walt Disney World was not the same place. I still like visiting Walt Disney World, but the company's focus has changed.

I fear that Disney may be putting profit maximization over creating customers, and there IS money to be made on loyal guests like me.

If we were having this discussion over a business like Starbucks, well, we wouldn't be having this discussion. I enjoy a good latte as much as the next person, but if Starbucks starts to make me feel devalued, then I will buy my coffee somewhere else. No skin off my nose.

But this is Disney. I LOVE DISNEY. I say the name and my eyes fill with tears. I'm the silly sap that sits in front of the tv and has a tear roll down my cheek when I hear the opening notes and see the castle appear before the movie begins. I drank the Kool-Aid.

And now, Disney is continuing to make cut backs that significantly impact my guest experience. I do not need the Magic Kingdom Club or logo napkins, but I do need Disney to treat their cast members better and to remember, that to many guests, the Show does matter. The Show matters to me.

 

[rock_doctor]

I guess the OP didn't get enough responses on the other same identical thread they started on the regular boards in Theme Parks?

This is that thread, moved here by a mod, I believe. I should say "I hope".

Yep it is the same thread. here is the mods post...

 

[luvthemouse71]

They used to care.

if anything, I think Disney spoiled the snot out of people and kind of created this monster where you have tantrums over blank napkins, little Jimmy didnt get a towel animal or CMs kissing his butt on his birthday.

It is ridiculous for people to be upset over blank napkins. I stand by this statement.

 

[luvthemouse71]

Long time reader…first time poster. Just wow on this thread, simply unbelievable. Do you know who really is to blame for all of this – YOU. The collective YOU who demand, complain, sue, cry, pitch a fit at every single thing Disney does right or wrong.

The food sucks right? Well tell me how can a restaurant create new dishes when little Timmy is severely allergic to butter and Sally Snowshine cannot be within 100 miles of a peanut shell. And Bobby needs a gluten free option, Mary only eats odd numbered pancakes for every meal and super special Sklyar wants a pizza even though it’s not on the menu. I own a small local Italian restaurant and if I had to come out to greet every single table and discuss what they could and couldn’t eat I would be out of business. God forbid you let the chef just create a meal, instead of dissecting each and every ingredient.

Disney is lacking with the attention to details right? I mean did you read the thread where people were complaining about FAKE peanuts near Dumbo? That’s right even FAKE peanuts offend people now. And off they went to complain about Disney being “careless.” FAKE peanuts can even send a child into an allergic reaction.

No more printed napkins, plates, etc…Well stop stealing them. Seriously. A combination of three things probably happened:

1. People were taking 50 more than needed
2. Disney probably does have some green initiative
3. Some snowflake probably sued because they were allergic to the dye

Or how about the lady that sent in a complaint and then complained more when Disney reached out to discuss her issue. Seriously? The difference with the parks in the 80s and today is that people used to go to experience what Disney had to offer. Now they go with a list of DEMANDS for Disney to accommodate them. I cannot even fathom the amount of savings on customer service reps if people just shut-up about dumb stuff.

Look I’m certainly not a Disney cheerleader, but how can you do business when everything offends everyone? Oh by the way I am clearly a troll and all that, just to get that out of the way. I mean how dare I!

I wish we had a hall of fame for fantastic posts, because this one would be in it.

 

[MouseEarsForAll]

~Awww, thanks MouseEarsForAll! I'm a huge fan of your posts, and I love your sense of humor!

Aww, thanks!

 

[Olivejuicy]

This thread has enhanced my vacation because every time we eat, I get to make a snarky napkin comment to my husband about our vacation being ruined and it cracks us up.

 

[OllieDannyandMe]

After Sam81's post, I was reminiscing about the old Magic Kingdom Club tonight, and I found this 1993 video on YouTube. I actually have this video somewhere in my house.

For those that never experienced it, the MKC was a great program. This video is Disney marketing at its very best.

I appreciate what Disney offers today so much. I really do. But there are a few things in this video, like Pleasure Island, that I will miss forever. And I stand by my comment that the Show matters at Walt Disney World. It really does.

Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-TLMb9zXWs
(Disney Magic Kingdom Club Part 1: mostly about Walt Disney World)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sI11g-UzF4I&feature=relmfu
(Disney Magic Kingdom Club Part 2: mostly about Disney Resorts)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWB-JK2NctI&feature=relmfu
(Disney Magic Kingdom Club Part 3: mostly about Disneyland)

 

[maxiesmom]

When is a good company ever unhappy to have needy customers? In the business world, that is called opportunity!

You are unhappy to have them when they cost you more money than they make you. In retail it would be the ones that wear clothing one time and then return it. You can't re-sell it, so you take a loss on it. Or the ones who return their outdoor furniture in October, because after using it all summer it is suddenly defective. The ones who come in specifically looking for items you are out of stock on, and then throw a fit demanding they get the rest of their items for a discounted price. I had a customer tell me she did it "all of the time", yet our policy is to try and make them happy.

Unfortunately there are some customers out there who don't want to be made happy. They just want to act upset so they can see what they can get for it. Because most business will do something to quiet them down. And they know it.

 

[OllieDannyandMe]

You are unhappy to have them when they cost you more money than they make you. In retail it would be the ones that wear clothing one time and then return it. You can't re-sell it, so you take a loss on it. Or the ones who return their outdoor furniture in October, because after using it all summer it is suddenly defective. The ones who come in specifically looking for items you are out of stock on, and then throw a fit demanding they get the rest of their items for a discounted price. I had a customer tell me she did it "all of the time", yet our policy is to try and make them happy.

Unfortunately there are some customers out there who don't want to be made happy. They just want to act upset so they can see what they can get for it. Because most business will do something to quiet them down. And they know it.

Sure. Unfortunately, that is a part of life in our society, and businesses must develop strategies to avoid losses due to such unethical behavior, but that's not what this thread is about. The people who are concerned that Disney is making cut backs that affect "the Show" cannot be equated with the people you describe in your post.