Need opinions on recent situation!!

[ls1222]

We just got back from a 10 day vacation to WDW. Our overall experience was good although I don't think it was as good as our previous trip (I saw differences in the CM's attitudes) not all, as some were excellent. Anyway, last Saturday we were at MK and ate our lunch at Pecos Bills. We had ordered chicken wraps, fries, cheeseburgers, drinks, milk, and two childrens hot dog meals. Our total bill was 36.00. I rarely order food for our 3 year old as she eats like a bird, so I thought I would share my chicken w/ her. When we stepped up to get our order, I asked the CM for an extra (paper) plate. She said "NO" (honestly, I thought she was kidding for a moment). I said "I would like an extra plate so that I can share my meal w/ my little one, she stated that the plates cost alot and that they do not give extras out. I have to tell you that I was furious, I said" I just spent 36.00 on fast food, and all I want is an extra plate". It wasnt like I wanted 50 plates and did not buy food there. The lady in the kitchen started saying something in (in I think Spanish) and was flinging her arms around. The gentlemen standing beside me dumped his food off his plate and handed me his plate saying "how ridiculous that Disney was being". I told him that he did not have to give me his plate but he insisted. What a kind stranger. I am talking about the plates that they had at our resort laying in piles all over the place. Anyway, I asked to speak w/ a manager who came to our table. I explained to him the situation and he said that they do not give extra plates. He asked what I wanted (I think he thought I wanted free food). I said "all I want is for the next person in line that asks for a plate, to be able to get a plate)!!! Oh well, I was very sad that this happened and it is still bothering me. Do you guys think I'm being silly? Another reason for the plate was that I had to cut up my daughters food and I really did not want to lay the food on a napkin. Has Disney really got this cheap? I really found it hard to believe I was in the Magic Kingdom that day.

 

[Mom2Em]

How disappointing... I would definitely not let it put a damper on the rest of your visit but I can understand why you are upset... You might try writing Disney about it... It may make you feel better to get it off of your chest... Sorry about your experience, hopefully the rest of the trip was better!

 

[BCVOwner2002]

Sorry to hear about your bad experience! I would definitely write a letter. You spent a lot of money and you should've been given an extra plate when you asked for it. Let us know what happens if you do decide to write a letter. Annmarie

 

[dansyr]

I agree with the others. I would call Disney directly and speak with someone. I work in retail and corporate would flip out if they received a customer complaint like this. As a manager, we our told to keep the customers happy ( within reason) and a paper plate is definitely within reason. Sorry for your bad experience.

 

[TiggerPiglet]

Sorry to hear about your bad experience. I can't believe they wouldn't give you an extra plate. We have done this several times, requesting an extra plate for our younger daughter and have never had a problem. Although, we have never eaten at Pecos Bill before, maybe that's just their policy which would be absolutely ridiculous.

 

[sogger1]

I have read where people take plates to the burger fixing bar and make their own salads. This might be the reason for the change. Unfortunately it only take a few bad apples to ruin the barrel.

 

[LoriZH]

That is rather ridiculous, did the woman not understand what you were asking for???? If that was/is their policy then they should have kindly explained it to you, however, they would need to explain it like I was a two year old in order for me to understand why they couldn't or rather wouldn't give me an extra plate for my 3 year old! Gee, I have never had a problem with any of the fast food restaurants in Disney giving me an extra plate or cup if I asked.

Hopefully, this was a misunderstanding, glad you had a good time!

I miss Disney

 

[Jeepgirl]

O that really stinks. Sorry that you had to go through that just for an extra plate. Nothing in Disney is really cheep so you would think they could afford to have extra's of that stuff.

 

[Kallison]

I think the poster that mentioned people making salads at the fixin bar hit the nail on the head. When we ate there I noticed people piling food on their plates from this area like they were never going to eat again. It sounds to me like people taking advantage of that situation was the reason for their not giving you a plate. I do feel that it was ridiculous, especially when you explained you wanted it for your daughter. They should be flexible, particularly for such a simple and reasonable request. Write the letter, maybe it will make you feel better.

 

[SueM in MN]

I have seen people using the fixings bar as their own personal salad bar at other WDW fast food restaurants, so I'm also pretty sure that's why they have the "no plates" policy. I've even seen doing it as a "hint" - not on the DIS Boards. So, I'm pretty sure it's not the plate they are worrying about, but the cost of the salads.

 

[ls1222]

Thanks so much for your replies. In fact, I told my husband I can't wait to get home and post this!!!! The CM's knew exactly why I wanted this plate and that I only wanted a plate. It did not ruin my vacation in any way. We had a wonderful time!! It just made me so sad that this happened at Disney World. But, I will write a letter, I just never want to BEG for a plate again.

 

[Eeyore2U]

If you seen my posts you know I defend Disney. But there are some things that can't be defended. Not giving you a plate was asinine. I'm sorry that it happened.

 

[MrsPiglet]

You should have been given an extra plate, or at least the container they put hamburgers in.

But I have to agree the reasoning is probably the salad bar thing, not the cost of the plate.

Like another poster said one sour apples turns things bad for all of us.

 

[Jinnyboom]

I truly would have wanted my money back and told them to keep their food...
UNBELIEVABLE

 

[Maleficent2]

If you seen my posts you know I defend Disney. But there are some things that can't be defended. Not giving you a plate was asinine. I'm sorry that it happened.

WooHoo Mitch!

for once I am in agreement with you. LOL


Mal

 

[kylara]

This is something that I would email to the guest relations email. I realize that some people pile up the stuff from the fixings area but still, not to honor a request for a plate when you explained it was for you child...that is ridiculous. Even if the policy is not plate, there should be some discretion for exceptions.

 

[Eeyore2U]

Originally posted by Maleficent2
WooHoo Mitch!

for once I am in agreement with you. LOL


Mal

Isn't it nice to know that my mickey colored glasses can actually be seen through.

 

[jennymouse]

That just about beats all I ever heard. Disney's getting tighter than Jake's hatband!

 

[Belle5]

I can't imagine what disgust was going through the mind of the kind man that dumped his food to give you his plate. That is a real mental picture of how ridiculous their denial was. If they are so worried about salad bar theft they should station patrols at the fixings bar. They could place signs up in every language explaining that the toppings bar is just that-- and the "no making a salad" rule will be enforced.

 

[calgarygary]

Maybe we should take some advice from Jack Nicholson and ask for an egg salad sandwich and tell the CM to hold the sandwich between her knees thus freeing the plate! There is no explaining this approach other then to note that an inflexible CM is probably working for an inflexible manager and neither have any place in the Kingdom. I would suggest that any similar situations end with returning the food items for a full refund - I think they'll see that the plate is worth the $36 sale.