Our first complaint to a Disney Manager

[Disney owl]

sorry to hear you didn't have a good meal at CM

 

[rayangel]

i work in a restaraunt. if we know its your birthday and we dont bring the sundae that comes free for bdays then were not doing our job and im just a rregular restaurant. this is disney they have built a whole empire on treating their guests like royalty on going above and beoynd i am surprised to hear people saying well if they didnt you shouldnt have expected it. isnt this part of the magic and what we expect from disney. isnt this what we spend all of our time writing about and counting down days to get back to disney for those unexpected little touches. not oh well they just didnt think about it.

that server shouldve been let go imo. im sure people are dying to work there myself included and people with the correct mindset. that is not part of the vision that walt envisioned.

 

[maxiesmom]

i work in a restaraunt. if we know its your birthday and we dont bring the sundae that comes free for bdays then were not doing our job and im just a rregular restaurant. this is disney they have built a whole empire on treating their guests like royalty on going above and beoynd i am surprised to hear people saying well if they didnt you shouldnt have expected it. isnt this part of the magic and what we expect from disney. isnt this what we spend all of our time writing about and counting down days to get back to disney for those unexpected little touches. not oh well they just didnt think about it.

that server shouldve been let go imo. im sure people are dying to work there myself included and people with the correct mindset. that is not part of the vision that walt envisioned.

It is not "part of the magic" if you go in EXPECTING a freebie. You have now totally ruined the whole spirit of the thing. What happened to being happy to have a little "extra", instead of upset that you didn't get it? All the joy has been sucked out of a CM doing a little something extra. I think that this is when message boards like this take something nice and ruin it. A few CMs went above and beyond, and now it is demanded of all CMs.

I doubt that a child would even know they were supposed to get something for thier birthday from a restaurant unless a parent told them to expect it. Which puts the fault of any birthday ruined by a lack of a cupcake squarely on the shoulders of the parent. I know the one time I wanted a cake I ordered it, so I knew we would have it. That way there was no disappointment.

I also don't think you can find a worker on the planet who doesn't have an off day. Fireing someone for one bad day is silly. Complain while you are there, and if that person shows a pattern of rude behavior, then yes, they should be let go. But not because one person didn't like how they were treated.

 

[bluejasmine]

It is not "part of the magic" if you go in EXPECTING a freebie. You have now totally ruined the whole spirit of the thing. What happened to being happy to have a little "extra", instead of upset that you didn't get it? All the joy has been sucked out of a CM doing a little something extra. I think that this is when message boards like this take something nice and ruin it. A few CMs went above and beyond, and now it is demanded of all CMs.

I doubt that a child would even know they were supposed to get something for thier birthday from a restaurant unless a parent told them to expect it. Which puts the fault of any birthday ruined by a lack of a cupcake squarely on the shoulders of the parent. I know the one time I wanted a cake I ordered it, so I knew we would have it. That way there was no disappointment.

I also don't think you can find a worker on the planet who doesn't have an off day. Fireing someone for one bad day is silly. Complain while you are there, and if that person shows a pattern of rude behavior, then yes, they should be let go. But not because one person didn't like how they were treated.

I dont believe the OP was expecting a freebie, the point was she asked nicely (also remember its for a childs bday!) and the server was snotty about it.
Again the point was she received poor service even before the cupcake incident.

 

[maxiesmom]

I dont believe the OP was expecting a freebie, the point was she asked nicely (also remember its for a childs bday!) and the server was snotty about it.
Again the point was she received poor service even before the cupcake incident.

I agree that the OP had service that was less than stellar. But I do think she went in expecting more than was reasonable, which in turn caused her to be disappointed. Be happy if a CM goes above and beyond and makes a big deal over your child on their b-day, not mad when they don't. You can't force the magic, and I think the OP was forcing it a bit.

This reminds me of all of the towel animal threads. Used to be they were something nice houskeepers did when they had time, and now you see people posting complaining when they don't get them. Kind of ruins the whole spirit of making them when they are demanded, instead of appreciated. The cupcake incident seems to be the same time of thing.

I do agree that rude service is never acceptable, but I don't agree with the poster who right away said that CM should be fired. We all have bad days on the job, and I'm sure none of us want our whole body of worked judged on just those bad days. The whole Off-With-her-Head attitude is unreasonable at best.

 

[*Seanaci*]

Ok. I take issue with people responding that OP shouldn't have gone in expecting her DD's b-day to be acknowledged. I've read sooooo many TR's where people have celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, what have you and recieved their cupcake.

Rayangel said it best really. I can go into Chili's (or any other restaurant in town) and tell them we are celebrating a birthday, and they bring out a complimentary dessert for the birthday boy/girl (for lack of better phrase).

I don't think it was wrong of OP to ask about the cupcake. She was in her right in my opinion. The OP also walked into the meal stating they were celebrating a birthday...and the CM (it sounds like to me) could have cared less.

Here's the other thing I wonder. Were there tables around the OP's also celebrating something and being given (without asking) the cupcake? It sure would make me feel like crap if I went in telling my CM that we were celebrating my kiddos b-day and she could have cared less.

OP, so sorry your meal at Chef Mickey's was less magical than you had expected.

 

[maxiesmom]

Ok. I take issue with people responding that OP shouldn't have gone in expecting her DD's b-day to be acknowledged. I've read sooooo many TR's where people have celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, what have you and recieved their cupcake.

See, that is the problem! So many people post about how they got a free cupcake or whatever, and then instead of something nice it becomes an expectation.

Thinkk about how you feel when you give someone a gift. If they tell you their birthday is on such and such a day, and you had better get them a gift, that kind of ruins the fun in it, doesn't it? We have done the same thing to the little extras Disney does to be nice. Now the attitude is well, they gave a cupcake to so and so, so theyhad better give it to me too, or else. Not magical at all.

Wouldn't you rather the CMs be able to be genuine, and wish you a happy birthday, or give you a cupcake because they truly wanted your day to be special? Or do you really want a forced happy birthday with no true sentiment behind it, and a here is your cupcake so you shut up and are happy? I would rather have the genuine thing instead of it being forced. But I guess that is just me.

 

[rayangel]

i agree i would rather it be genuine. i dont believe anyone is really arguing over a cupcake or really over any freebie. i think really its about being a special guest in the disney house. isnt that why they ask specifically on the reservation line if you are celebrating anything that day?

also i dont think a person who has an off day like that should have a job there im sorry. i have been in the food biz for 20 years and ive never had an off day that affected my guests like that. 3 days after my mother passed away i was shopped and got a 100%. and trust me i was a wreck.

its all about hiring the right people. its just in my nature to like people and want them to be happy thats why i enjoy my job yes i actually enjoy it.
thats the type of people who should be working there. disney should be very very picky about who they hire. its their reputation on the line.

 

[bluejasmine]

I agree that the OP had service that was less than stellar. But I do think she went in expecting more than was reasonable, which in turn caused her to be disappointed. Be happy if a CM goes above and beyond and makes a big deal over your child on their b-day, not mad when they don't. You can't force the magic, and I think the OP was forcing it a bit.

This reminds me of all of the towel animal threads. Used to be they were something nice houskeepers did when they had time, and now you see people posting complaining when they don't get them. Kind of ruins the whole spirit of making them when they are demanded, instead of appreciated. The cupcake incident seems to be the same time of thing.

I do agree that rude service is never acceptable, but I don't agree with the poster who right away said that CM should be fired. We all have bad days on the job, and I'm sure none of us want our whole body of worked judged on just those bad days. The whole Off-With-her-Head attitude is unreasonable at best.

Its disney what is wrong with expecting a cupcake for a small childs bday?? You get it most restaurants outside of Disney! Its a cupcake that will brighten a childs bday experience for pete sake!! Again, it wasnt so much the cupcake incident that gets my goat but the whole experience. Ppl pay ALOT of money for their family vacations and Disney is known for their great customer service so service like that IS UNACCEPTABLE! The whole towel animal is ridiculous I will agree on that point. I have been to WDW 11 times and any time we had a bday or anniversary or Honeymoon we were always treated like royalty its part of the magic of WDW and I believe it is something we CAN EXPECT! I am grateful for any cupcake, song, smile or whatever that is given my family for whatever special occasion while we are there but I feel the OP expecting a cupcake for her child as well as decent service is acceptable..

 

[NOLA_Tink]

Rayangel said it best really. I can go into Chili's (or any other restaurant in town) and tell them we are celebrating a birthday, and they bring out a complimentary dessert for the birthday boy/girl (for lack of better phrase).

Maybe, but Chili's isn't a huge buffet w/ an already included extentive dessert selection. Cupcakes are a nice touch, but they aren't essential to having the best birthday ever...especially when you've got 10+ other desserts to pick from. If I really wanted my daughter to have a cake (or cupcake) then I'd simply buy it myself.

OP, sorry you had a disappointing experience. The server def shouldn't have been rude. When I'm disappointed about something that I let ruin a special day, I just keep trying to think about what an otherwise great day I've had.

 

[maxiesmom]

Its disney what is wrong with expecting a cupcake for a small childs bday?? You get it most restaurants outside of Disney! Its a cupcake that will brighten a childs bday experience for pete sake!! Again, it wasnt so much the cupcake incident that gets my goat but the whole experience. Ppl pay ALOT of money for their family vacations and Disney is known for their great customer service so service like that IS UNACCEPTABLE! The whole towel animal is ridiculous I will agree on that point. I have been to WDW 11 times and any time we had a bday or anniversary or Honeymoon we were always treated like royalty its part of the magic of WDW and I believe it is something we CAN EXPECT! I am grateful for any cupcake, song, smile or whatever that is given my family for whatever special occasion while we are there but I feel the OP expecting a cupcake for her child as well as decent service is acceptable..

Disney doesn't advertise that they give everyone something free on their birthday. If they did, then that would be different. A free cupcake has nothing do with their level of customer service. It has to do with people expecting something that used to be given out as an extra bit of magic. The expectation of it has now ruined that magic, imho. We will just have to disagree.

 

[dd50]

We didn't have very good service there either. Wonder if we had the same server. Ours never came to refill drinks or take plates. We had to find him for it. The only time we came over was to collect the tip which was 18% because we were a table of 7. Our experience in 1900 was the same. I just thought it was because they were guaranteed the 18%.

 

[jamjar84]

What a shame that you had such a bad experience with the server.

Maybe she was having a bad day, but regardless there is no excuse for bad manners.

 

[Lady V]

I think the main thing is that part of why we go over and over is because of the SERVICE! Disney prides itself in going above and beyond. If it were simply the birthday 'week' it would be different. But the actual day? Come on! And I'm sorry-but to work at CM's you should be expecting that everyone that comes in has high expectation. It is one of the hardest adr's to score so they know that they have high standards. This server might have been having an off day and I do understand that happens. But on the actual birthday? I think sometimes people forget that this might just be another table to the server but to the guest it might be the most special part of their trip!

 

[kaytieeldr]

While the cupcake is complimentary and not guaranteed IF you dont ask for it my GOD there is no need to be RUDE! Sounds like server was having a not so Disney day and should have just gone home.

Ah, but the immediate problem that comes to mind is, then who takes over her tables? Granted, the OP got lackluster service at best - but isn't that better than NO server?

also i dont think a person who has an off day like that should have a job there im sorry

Really? You would fire someone for having an off day? One day?

Its disney what is wrong with expecting a cupcake for a small childs bday?? You get it most restaurants outside of Disney! Its a cupcake that will brighten a childs bday experience for pete sake!!

But so would a cake for which the Guest paid, and then the 'treat' would be guaranteed. Disney makes it easy - Guests can order a small, standard cake when they check in at the restaurant. Sure, it costs - but maxiesmom's point is being missed. The cupcake (not small cake) isn't ever guaranteed - it's just that people spread news/experience online, and soon everyone expects the same treatment. Look at all the threads on the Resorts board asking about how to get a [complimentary] upgrade, yet only a very, very small number of Guests ever do (and never by asking )

 

[kaytieeldr]

We didn't have very good service there either. Wonder if we had the same server. Ours never came to refill drinks or take plates. We had to find him for it.

Mm, probably not. The OP referred to their server as "she".

 

[amshowers]

Well we have always received something for birthdays at every disney restaurant even buffets. I would have also been upset if the server was rude and couldn't be bothered to take the time to wish a happy birthday. As a former server I feel that it part of your job to acknowledge that your party is celebrating a birthday.

 

[YourMajesty]

Maybe, but Chili's isn't a huge buffet w/ an already included extentive dessert selection. Cupcakes are a nice touch, but they aren't essential to having the best birthday ever...especially when you've got 10+ other desserts to pick from. If I really wanted my daughter to have a cake (or cupcake) then I'd simply buy it myself.

OP, sorry you had a disappointing experience. The server def shouldn't have been rude. When I'm disappointed about something that I let ruin a special day, I just keep trying to think about what an otherwise great day I've had.

Really...bring your own cupcake to a WDW restuarant? Come on...I was served a cupcake with a candle after our huge buffet breakfast at the CP. It was great, a nice touch, and I was celebrating my 40th birthday. I'm sure a child would be very excited regardless of the type of food the restaurant serves. To the OP, one of our worst servers ever at Disney was at CM's. She was rude, mean to my kids, and didn't even try to keep our drinks filled. We've since been back twice and had great experiences. I would have been upset too and I competely agree about letting the manager know. Somethimes it's just a matter of bad luck...like getting in the wrong line at the grocery store.

 

[taximomfor4]

Well we have always received something for birthdays at every disney restaurant even buffets. I would have also been upset if the server was rude and couldn't be bothered to take the time to wish a happy birthday. As a former server I feel that it part of your job to acknowledge that your party is celebrating a birthday.

Our experience is the complete opposite! I have been at a WDW restaurant for a birthday celebration 6 different times (between 2001-2007). Only ONE of those times was a cupcake brought out (in 2001). And only ONE time were balloons + card placed in our room as a birthday surprise (2006).Also, was there for 10th anniversary. No acknowledgment at all...not at either hotel (split stay) nor at the 2 restaurants on the actual day.

I think these surprises happen less than we think, because most people post when they DO get a surprise, not when they don't (unless it angered them, of course).

We will be there for 2 birthdays and a graduation present this year, and I fully expect that CMs won't do anything for us. Which is fine -- the kids are just thrilled to go to WDW!

 

[Nicole&Becker]

Chef Mickey's WOW this was our daughters birthday and we were looking forward to a fairly good meal. I really wasn't expecting much from this buffet, and IMHO it was good that I wasn't. Our server from the very beginning was not friendly. She did not welcome us nor did she smile. It's funny because I had read so many other chats about rude servers and we have never had one until this visit. She literally left our glasses empty, did not acknowledge our DD's BD. I had ask for more drinks. I was fully aware that the complimentary cake was really small, and when I asked if she could bring her little cake, she looked at me like I was stupid and said, "Ma'am it's just a cupcake". I said I know. But unfortunately her attitude was so awful, it ruined the meal. Luckily my DD is young enough to be distracted by the characters. My husband went to the manager about this server. They of course apologized, but you know the meal was over, what happened,happened. So if you choose to go there, there did seem to be servers that really were attentive and friendly. But you know Disney should really hire "Disney" people. there is know way she could have fooled them that much in an interview.

Our last trip we went to Chef Mickey's as well. We too had horrible service. They rushed us in there and everyone was really really rude to us. It was my son's birthday and we thought it would be fun for him. The food was not good, the service was terrible. They lost our pictures and had to track them down after I asked for them 4 times. We have decided that we will never go there again. It was a horrible start to a perfectly horrible day.

I am so sorry that happened, but I guess at least now I know that it wasn't just a fluke and we are doing the right thing by not going back to CM's again.

Hugs!!