New Things Coming To Dining!

[brittsmum1998]

Toddlers are smart - you simply say 'Oh they are having a birthday, on your birthday we will have special decorations at home for you! Aren't they lucky to have a birthday in this restaurant?'.
And you TEACH them to be excited for the other person and not feel sorry for themselves.

I highly doubt any child under the age of 2.5 would notice it anyway, and at that age if they do, then you TEACH them why.

If they still throw a fit, then YES, they are spoiled brats and need to learn why they can't have everything.

Where in my post did I say "fit"? I don't think my original post even reflected the "spoiled brat" aspect, I only said it would be sad for smaller kids to see other kids their age getting things they can't at the most magical place on earth. For the record my dd is not a toddler so it really doesn't affect me at all. But keep dissecting

 

[mdhkitten]

I don't understand people getting upset about their children seeing another child having something special done and worrying that their own child would be upset.

I have a 4 year old, and countless times at WDW we have been in restaurants where children were brought cupcakes or a cake, etc, and I didn't see children around us breaking down because they didn't have the same. It's amazing how people on these boards seem to always find something to complain about.

I don't go to WDW expecting free stuff. If it happens, it happens. I for one am happy to have the option to get my dd something should I so choose to do that. And who's to say that they still won't occasionally do complimentary cupcakes, etc, when they see fit?

 

[TDC Nala]

If you want the stuff for your child so the child doesn't get upset if other kids have stuff, then it's relatively easy to call WDW and order the stuff. Or bring your own centerpiece or crayons or other special stuff.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

I have to respectfully disagree with the posters who say that WDW guests have unrealistic expectations for "magic" - Disney has promoted itself as the magical destination. What was the Year of a Million Dreams promotion? I think that raised some pretty high expectations, and that was not brought on by DIS posters sharing online. There was a massive push by Disney in their marketing to get their guests to expect those kinds of random acts by cast members, so if they were feeling that guests expect too much, why the two-year YOMD?

I agree that those types of moments should not be demanded, but on the other hand, Disney can't point to others for all of that expectation.

 

[bavaria]

These threads have been going on for years, long before the Year(s) of a Million Dreams.

Ever since I have been reading here, people have asked about things for special events, but in the last 3-4 years the 'events' have sometimes become things like un-birthdays or '2.34 weeks before my 38th birthday' etc. I think that the expectations for 'free stuff' has increased but so has the number of 'events' that people want to celebrate. WDW simply cannot keep up with the expectations and the number of so-called celebrations.

There has been a sharp increase in expectations, but that occured well before WDW ever promoted a year of dreams. If they do give a random dusting of magic, someone else complains. It is hard for them to win this game.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

bavaria - That was kind of my point. If, in fact, Disney was getting too many requests/demands for "pixie dust" moments, why did they do this huge, two-year promotion that couldn't help but hype that very thing?

We've never expected any extras in all our trips, but I have to admit, even we were a little let down that we spent several weeks in WDW during those two years of the YOMD promotion, and didn't get so much as a Mickey bar! Sad, I know!

All I'm saying is a company shouldn't be surprised that people expect magical moments, when they advertise those very things. If they choose to start charging for the things they used to do as a special surprise, they have that right. I don't have to like it, but I can choose to visit other destinations.

 

[DisFlan]

It's really simple. WDW found a way to curtail the unrealistic expectations of those who get po'd when they don't get a freebie, while at the same time creating revenue from those who don't mind paying a little extra for their special occasion. Genius!!

Yup, some smart kid in marketing has been a busy beaver. It's a smart move, and I don't think the prices are all that bad. People willingly pay steep prices for all kinds of stuff at WDW that can be had for tons less at Walmart or elsewhere. Why not offer a "special something" at meals, too?


DisFlan

 

[SharpMomOfTwo]

Sorry if this has been posted already, but I just called to get the centerpiece for our dinner on tues the 9th of Dec, and the woman told me that it doesn't start til JAN 5th. Kinda bummed, but it saved me $6!

 

[mickeystoontown]

I just wanted to thank DisneyDine for keeping us in the loop.

 

[DaisyD]

Next they will be charging for birthday buttons! Wouldn't that put a kink in everyones plans that celebrate their birthdays six months from the actual day. LOL!

 

[maxiesmom]

I have to respectfully disagree with the posters who say that WDW guests have unrealistic expectations for "magic" - Disney has promoted itself as the magical destination. What was the Year of a Million Dreams promotion? I think that raised some pretty high expectations, and that was not brought on by DIS posters sharing online. There was a massive push by Disney in their marketing to get their guests to expect those kinds of random acts by cast members, so if they were feeling that guests expect too much, why the two-year YOMD?

I agree that those types of moments should not be demanded, but on the other hand, Disney can't point to others for all of that expectation.

Disney never said that everyone would get a free gifty of some kind. Yet that seems to be what some people expected. Have you seen all the people who post on how they stalked the Dream Team? It is not Disney's fault that people are so greedy. And isn't it an oxymoron to expect a random act of kindness?

I don't expect to win the lottery because my state advertises that there will be lots of winners. People expect too much, and are not grateful enough for what they do have.

 

[brittsmum1998]

Disney never said that everyone would get a free gifty of some kind. Yet that seems to be what some people expected. Have you seen all the people who post on how they stalked the Dream Team? It is not Disney's fault that people are so greedy. And isn't it an oxymoron to expect a random act of kindness?

I don't expect to win the lottery because my state advertises that there will be lots of winners. People expect too much, and are not grateful enough for what they do have.

I never read the million dream forum (thank god) do they really stalk the team?

 

[cymbaldiva]

You've got to be kidding ...

Sorry, have to quote myself on this one...

So I'm at Disney, paying to be in the parks, overpaying for in most cases pretty darn mediocre ( to downright bad) food "for the experience" ... only now "the experience" costs even more?

Yeesh.

 

[Nancyg56]

I wasn't about to voice my opinion, but since two moderators have been voicing my thoughts.....

Has anyone read the Coral Reef threads? There are numerous threads requesting special menus and divers, often for nothing other than to celebrate a trip to WDW. Magic should be unexpected, not forced, yet people often plan every breath of their trip, only to be disappointed when something doesn't go as planned.

Moderators ask repeatedly not to post the Coral Reef contact information, per the CM's request, yet it is shared quite frequently. The result? In 2009 there will no longer be complimentary special menus and/or divers.

How often do we read people are upset because they didn't receive a free cupcake for a birthday? Yet we suggest over and over that if people want a cupcake/balloons etc that they should arrange it themselves, and expect to pay for it.

Sadly WDW can no longer surprise guests unexpectedly - guests now expect and even demand to be 'surprised'. I for one have long been expecting this to come at a cost.

It's really simple. WDW found a way to curtail the unrealistic expectations of those who get po'd when they don't get a freebie, while at the same time creating revenue from those who don't mind paying a little extra for their special occasion. Genius!!

I guess I don't understand why people are upset, but then I have never understood why people get irritated if cupcakes, pixiedust, balloons, birthday cakes, room upgrades and towel animals do not appear during their stay.

Perhaps if extras must be paid for then the little unexpected treats will be appreciated. I have never minded paying for something I want and have always been thrilled when I am surprised with a little magic.

 

[Lady V]

Hey-they are letting you in for free on your birthday so spend some of the money you saved on that centerpiece!! I know that we will be doing it---I personally love the idea! I think that so many of us (me included) just want it to be perfect. Heck-that is why I go to Disney and pay a premium-because I want it the Disney way! To know that if I preorder it that it will 'magically' be on the table for my kids?? Awesome!! And to the kids it can still be magic from Disney-it's up to you if you decide to tell them you did it or 'Mickey' or 'Cinderella' did it....I can't wait! We will be there for two birthdays this year....YAY DISNEY!!!

 

[bavaria]

Disney never said that everyone would get a free gifty of some kind. Yet that seems to be what some people expected. Have you seen all the people who post on how they stalked the Dream Team? It is not Disney's fault that people are so greedy. And isn't it an oxymoron to expect a random act of kindness?

EXACTLY.

In Germany our Bizarro Disneyworld, Europa Park, had the 'Year of 34 Dreams' this year. 34 per 82 million people, vs 1 million per 301 million people. Chances are very slim of getting a dream, no, at that ratio?

But I don't think that made people unhappy, it would just make the winner more magical.

Sadly it just seems that in general some people have become both greedy and ungrateful over the past few years, expecting all these free things and becoming angry when they don't happen.

 

[patsal]

EXACTLY.

In Germany our Bizarro Disneyworld, Europa Park, had the 'Year of 34 Dreams' this year. 34 per 82 million people, vs 1 million per 301 million people. Chances are very slim of getting a dream, no, at that ratio?

But I don't think that made people unhappy, it would just make the winner more magical.

Sadly it just seems that in general some people have become both greedy and ungrateful over the past few years, expecting all these free things and becoming angry when they don't happen.

Exactly, used to be people were thrilled with a quaility park experience and all the stuff that came with a clean comfortable hotel stay, now everyone wants everything so there really is no place for a little magic. When everthing becomes an entitlement and no one is just happy to be there you have to level the playing field. That means no more ceremonies at the GG, no more divers at CR and if you want something special you need to pay for it. Such a shame that the entitlement crowd ruined it for everyone who just enjoyed a bit of magic if it came their way!

 

[ethansmommy]

Has anyone called to do this yet? Also has anyone been able to find pics of any of this stuff?

 

[ElizabethB]

Every time -- and I mean every time -- I book an ADR, they ask me if we'll be celebrating a special occasion. I almost always say, no. The one time I did say, "Hmmm, yes, as a matter of fact my dad is turning 80", they noted it and did something special. In some respects Disney has brought this on itself.

With respect to dad's birthday, it was a nice surprise as I had forgotten I had even told them about his birthday.

Once at CRT -- in the old days before the current mess of push 'em in, push 'em out, we were having lunch -- my best friend, her two kids and me. We happened to mention to the waiter (our favorite waiter) that it was her anniversary and her DH was home alone. He came back with the (at that time) complimentary flutes and a nice note wishing her a happy anniversary. It was a lovely touch of magic and totally unexpected. We had no idea about champagne flutes. But, it wouldn't happen now, regardless, because the waiters are so busy putting food on the table and pushing people out the door that they have no time to visit anyway.

Plus, the internet has really changed things. Now Disney doesn't feel it can do something special once in while because people immediately post about it and everyone expects it.

Oh well. With the random and unexpected "magic" going -- and in some respects already gone (or at least getting a price put on it), it's a good reason to start looking elsewhere for our vacations. We're seriously considering going back to Kauai. We thought the snorkeling in Kauai was truly "magical". Disney stockholders beware!!!!!

 

[bavaria]

Oh well. With the random and unexpected "magic" going -- and in some respects already gone (or at least getting a price put on it), it's a good reason to start looking elsewhere for our vacations.

I have been going more and more to DLRP and EuropaPark - both have lots of magic still and frankly the quality of hotels, food, service at EP is better than at WDW now. And they have over 100 attractions, including some massive thrill rides.

I still do my short WDW trips but don't miss it really at this point.