Share your best CM experience!

[nothnbutherainsir]

Alright I used to post here all the time but every time I come back from a trip I can't bring myself to come back here because I don't know when I'll be going again! But alas! I am going in a few months (by a few I mean 5-ish) and nothing gets me more excited than hearing how magical other member's trips have been!

So please, share your stories!

 

[pampam]

There have been many, but I'll post the most recent. I had a coupon for a free 5X7 so we went to the camera center. There was quite a long lineup, but we talked to one of the CM's while waiting. My DD was wearing a beautiful Cinderella gown that her fairy godmother had made her, so the CM gave her a celebrate button for being a princess and a celebrate button for me for being a princesses mother. When we got up to the front they took us to the photography studio and gave us a free session with the photographer. The photographer arranged her in different poses on the white chaise lounge. It was very emotional for me. They printed upsome pictures for us from our photopass card, including some 8X10s - quite a wonderful package really. They told us to pick up the parcel at parcel pickup on our way out of the park. Here they had the larger pictures autographed with personal notes from the princesses in the pictures we had selected. I don't think they realized what wonderful memories they made that day.

 

[Missytara]

Mine is very special. Three years ago, I took three of my friends from work with me. I usually go alone, but I was thrilled they all decided to go.

My best friend's mom had been ill with pancreatic cancer and had been at death's door twice in the past year. She took a turn for the worst the week before we left, but we decided to chance it and she came along.

We arrived on a Sunday, and unfortunately she got the call very early Monday morning that her mom had died. We took her airline confirmation to the concierge desk, in order to obtain some kind of emergency number to call Southwest Airlines, to get her home. To our surprise, the concierge desk called Southwest, explained the problem, had her flight changed and printed out her ticket. They called Guest Services, who took her back to the room, with my other friend, in a golf cart. He said he would be back in fifteen minutes to pick her up to get her to the airport. Which he did, and he took her to the lobby, to a waiting van with a member of the Mousekeeping Staff, who took her directly to the terminal for Southwest. She unloaded her bags and went inside the terminal to make sure she was okay. Then the Staff member came back and knocked on our door and let us know she had been delivered safely to the airport and was alright.

When we spoke with our friend later, she said that all along the way, she tried to tip everyone for their services, but they refused. She said, each CM she encountered along the way said it was their job to make sure that they help her through this very difficult time..... it makes me cry just to think about it.

 

[::Snow_White::]

When we went a few years ago a CM got everyone around us involved in singing happy birthday to my brother. His cheeks were bright red and it was really cute.

Also the same day he was wearing his birthday button and getting an itzkadoozie, or some ice cream treat, and the CM let him have it for free since it was his birthday.

 

[erincon23]

Several years ago, we were at MK with DH and our two younger sons. We didn't have any dinner reservations -- we mostly prefer to eat counter service to save money, but for some reason we were looking for something nicer. We went to Tony's, but they were full. A cast member in front of the restaurant offered to help us find something for that night -- he must have made 10 phone calls, and finally got us into Ohana. We had no idea what that was (I'm so much more the planner now than I was then!) or how much it cost, but we were game. We really appreciated that CM's hard work for us! But ha ha, somewhere in translation, Ohana put down the reservation for the NEXT night, not that night! So when we got there, we didn't really have a ressie -- but that CM got us in anyway. It really was a budget buster that we hadn't anticipated, but it sure was fun!

Erin

 

[tinkerlisa]

The last time we were there, it was just me my son and my fiance. We were lucky to go get our family picture done with Mickey but throughout the rest of the trip, we mainly took turns getting our picture done with our son if a photopass guy/girl wasn't around.
On the day we went to AK, there was this really cool wooden bench with these weird "rocks" behind it. So I said ok Stan, you sit with Adam(our son) and then we'll switch.
Well 2 CM's were walking by and one said to the other "hold on a second" and asked us if she could take our picture for us! We were ecstatic that she was so nice and offered to do this! We thanked her so much and it happens to be one of my favorite pictures!
When we went back home, I had it turned into a mousepad. I love looking at it everyday! It makes me think of how special that trip was for us and how I can't wait to go back!!! Only 39 more days!!!!

 

[palmtreelover08]

DD and I were alone at the MK and were eating at Cosmic Rays..which was totally packed. (Note..DD is 4 at the time and in a stroller). After getting our meals, balancing them on top of the stroller,with one hand and navigating thru the crowds towards the tables with one hand I was able to get a table. Not just any table, but one right in front where DD could watch Mr. Ray himself. Totally excited, I put DD in her chair, put out our food on the table, and realize I forgot the napkins and straws WAY up top by where you order the food. I didn't want to leave the food on the table, pack DD up in the stroller and walk back up there, and hope that no one snagged our table..and leaving DD by herself was completely out of the question. Well, a CM must have seen my perplexed looked and asked if I was ok. I told her that I forgot my napkins and straws..and ya know what.. she went and got them and delivered them to my table. I didn't ask her to, she just went and did it. So nice!!! I thanked her many times and she just smiled and said no problem. I made sure to take a note of her name.. Such a small gesture really made my trip..

I went to Town Hall after my day at the park and wrote her a thank you note, and asked the CM there to please make sure that she gets it, along with a copy to her supervisor. The CM was very excited to get an actual "thank you note" as opposed to a complaint letter. I think I made his day!

It's the little things in life !

 

[nothnbutherainsir]

Mine is very special. Three years ago, I took three of my friends from work with me. I usually go alone, but I was thrilled they all decided to go.

My best friend's mom had been ill with pancreatic cancer and had been at death's door twice in the past year. She took a turn for the worst the week before we left, but we decided to chance it and she came along.

We arrived on a Sunday, and unfortunately she got the call very early Monday morning that her mom had died. We took her airline confirmation to the concierge desk, in order to obtain some kind of emergency number to call Southwest Airlines, to get her home. To our surprise, the concierge desk called Southwest, explained the problem, had her flight changed and printed out her ticket. They called Guest Services, who took her back to the room, with my other friend, in a golf cart. He said he would be back in fifteen minutes to pick her up to get her to the airport. Which he did, and he took her to the lobby, to a waiting van with a member of the Mousekeeping Staff, who took her directly to the terminal for Southwest. She unloaded her bags and went inside the terminal to make sure she was okay. Then the Staff member came back and knocked on our door and let us know she had been delivered safely to the airport and was alright.

When we spoke with our friend later, she said that all along the way, she tried to tip everyone for their services, but they refused. She said, each CM she encountered along the way said it was their job to make sure that they help her through this very difficult time..... it makes me cry just to think about it.

That made me tear up a little!

Thanks for all the stories everyone! They're great

 

[amberg@eastlink.ca]

mine's only small but it meant a lot to me.....on our last trip in 05, we were in ak i think, and we got stopped by a cm to do a survey....sure we had no problem doing it. of course she asked our names then our phone number starting with our area code. as soon as we said 902- she stopped and threw her arms around us.....she and her hubby summer here in cape breton, nova scotia. she was great, so friendly and chatty. she hugged us several more times, finished the survey and said good bye to us.

 

[Disneyafternoonfan]

I always liked cast member performes in the haunted mansion and Tower of terror (in the haunted manison they never smile keep in character and the one in Tower of terror have creepy smiles and performances and very conin as bellhops

 

[swald91]

I remember a few years back we went just before Christmas...I was purchasing ornaments to bring home for family members. While shopping at the Poly I noticed they didn't have any ornaments themed around the resort - so I asked a CM why? & they siad they didn't know-continued to chat about the resort & how it's by far my favorite & I pointed to an ornament in a tree & said now something like this would be great! (It was glass w/ a hibicus painted on it)-They said...This??? They took it off the tree & gave it to me! I wanted ot pay something for it & refused-told me Merry Christmas!!! It was the best-unfortunately-it did end up cracking-but it is one of my nicest memories.

 

[ChevyNat]

We went to Whispering Canyon Cafe for diner... my son wanted to go there soooo bad... we had ADR but ended up at the back, where there's about 3 tables, behind some huge buffet... So needless to say that my Son was very disapointed not to be able to see the action in the dining room. Our waitress, noticed it, and was sooo funny and joking around... then she included the other table with a little girl of the same age as my son and we had a blast... our own private party... we ended up with a HUGE jug of Diet Coke (since I asked for a refill), about 13 bottles of ketchup on our table (since my son asked for ketchup) and a gigantic spoon, (again my son asked for a spoon)... it was our best time in the entire trip... The waitress was in character to whole time, cracking jokes and making the kids blush...
I did buy a thank you card and gave it to the front desk of the restaurant, send a letter to her supervisor saying what a wonderful job she did in making our night magical...

 

[clanwilson]

I've posted several times for help with a picky seven year-old's dining options when the family's on the dining plan, FREE, for the first time...that would be us. Well, two years ago, she was a picky five year-old, and I tried to plan CS meals around places that would at least have french fries to get her through the day. (I carried granola bars and kept yogurt in the room.) At Pizzafari after being in line for about five minutes, I realized that there was nothing on the menu that she would eat. I was panicked! We were all tired and hungry and dreaded leaving to find another place to eat. A cast member, Stephanie, noticed me explaining to my older daughter why we had to leave, and she asked if she could help. I told her the situation, and she said, "Go ahead and order for everyone else, and I'll be back with some french fries." I couldn't believe it. She later found us at our table, gave my daughter her fries, and would not let us pay for the food. She then asked if there was anything else my daughter would eat. When I said that she would eat yogurt, Stephanie said, "I'll be right back." Again, she brought the food and would not let us pay for it. I asked for her full name, so I could praise her to Guest Services when we got home. I told her how much her kindness meant to my family, and she was so appreciative.

I did contact Disney after our trip and received a wonderful reply. I hope someone in charge gave Stephanie a big pat on the back. We will never forget her.

 

[crocko]

Mine comes from our Disneymoon back in 2001. We were there for 12 days and before leaving I had purchased a small brown folio to carry around with me. It had plenty of pockets and in it I had our money folders, our do everything ticket/cards, our phone card....
This thing was basically our lifeblood while at Disney. Well, about halfway through the trip, we're in Magic Kingdom and happen to be in the Town Square Exposition Hall...and who should I see but Donald Duck!! He is my absolute favorite (we had even just gotten married on June 9th...Donald's birthday) and this was my first non-buffet opportunity to get a picture with him. I set down my brown folio on a nearby table to take a picture. After the pictures (and still excited) I managed to leave the Hall without picking up my folio. Shortly afterward, while we're in the Main Street Bakery and looking to purchase something, I notice I'm missing it. I'm concerned, but trying to stay calm and think things out. Meanwhile, my wife Bridgette is losing it very quickly.
Luckily, I remembered the last place I for sure had it...and we had gone to like 3 places in between. So, we retrace our steps....City Hall? Nope. Make it on over to the Exposition Hall and get a chance to ask a CM. He/she goes into the back and THANKFULLY comes out with it and let's me know that the good Friar Tuck had noticed it and made sure it was put away safely.

::WHEW:: I got to go back to the bakery and my wife with it in my hands.....her breathing slowed down after that.
Ever since then, I've always had a spot in my heart for the good ol' Friar Tuck and love to see him around the parks.

 

[Dawn68PA]

I have had many an encounter with CMs who are just fantastic. This one on our last trip sticks out.

It was me, DH, our DDs 19 & 17, DSONIL and DD's friend. DD17 the youngest in our party. We were at dinner at Coral Reef. Tony was our waiter. I ordered some super fruity alco-drink that came with a good bit of pineapple. My 2 DDs love pineapple and so does DD's friend. Every time I ordered a drink (I think I had 3) Tony would play games with them to get my pineapple. Now these are older teens and he had them totally entertained!

When we ordered desert, he brought each of them a nice plate of pineapple on the house.

Not often does anyone mess with teenagers. Tony will be remembered always!

 

[Luv Bunnies]

I have a story from a few weeks ago at California Adventure. My husband, 2 boys and myself went to CA in the morning and got 4 Fastpasses for Soarin'. We didn't end up using them before our afternoon break which included meeting up with my sister who was flying in that day. So when we went back to the park, there were 5 of us instead of 4. We discussed having one of the adults sit the ride out. Then we saw the single rider line and figured one adult could do that. I approached the greeter and told her the situation. I asked if one of us used the single-rider line, would we get done at roughly the same time? She said, "No, you wouldn't but I can magically make your 4 Fastpasses turn into 5 if you promise me one thing." I said, "OK, what's that?" She said, "You have to tell everyone that I am your favorite cast member ever. My name is Megan." I said, "Thank you Megan, my favorite cast member ever." She said, "You learn quick." And she wrote X2 on one of the FPs and initialed it. We had no problem getting everyone through.

So, here's to Megan -- My favorite cast member ever!

 

[princessmom29]

Ours was MVMCP last year. First ever trip, first ever party and it is cold and pouring!!! We got in and camped out on the poarch of the little shop next to the town hall with the rockers. We were sitting and watching it rain and wondering what to do, just generally bummed when a CM came out and started talking to DD4. she spent about 15 min with her and brightened our spirits considerably. She gave DD a pixe dust pin for "being such a trooper in the rain". Made our day! We went on to stake out a spot under an awning on main st and have a great time anyway.

 

[DWGal210]

I am so sorry I don't know these people's names, but they were so great!

Last year, I lost my Baggalini on the Dinosaur ride at AK. In the motion of the jeep, somehow it must have got knocked out of the car because when the ride stopped, it was gone. I was panicked - I had my camera and all that, but also my wallet with $$, credit cards, my ID, etc - and we were going to board the Wonder a few days later and I was panicked that I would not get my ID in time and also that I would not have any $$!!

We filed our claim at guest services at AK with a very nice young man, who told us that they would have to stop the ride that night, and that each night they inspect for sunglasses, pop bottles, etc and then they turn things into Guest Services and I should call them the next morning.

So I am a nervous nellie and later that afternoon as we're lounging at the pool, I can't get it off my mind. I got into SSR and talk to the concierge, a LOVELY gentleman. I explained my situation and started to get teary again because I was so nervous. He was very kind, and called the AK Guest Services directly. I explained the bag (how many bags are lime green? ) and he said they might have a bag that matches that description, but of course they can't tell you for 100% sure that it's yours since they don't search inside.

So I rush off to AK and there it is!!!! I was so excited to have it back - the gal at the Guest Services was also SO nice, I gave her a hug because I was so grateful!

And that Baggalini, not a tear on it! They will for sure be getting my $$ next time I need a bag!

That really saved me on that trip; we were traveling with my brother and SIL so if push came to shove, I would have had access to money and could have borrowed from them, but it was nice to have a happy ending!

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

Dec 20, 2008, our last night at MK, we always end our Chrsitmas trips there with the holiday fireworks and Spectro Magic, it was my mom's favorite parade. Well, mom passed away on Aug 26, 2008 and I wanted a way to honor her love for Christmas at the World, so I decided to send her a Mickey/Minnie balloon with a note attached.

I approached Samantha, one of the balloon CM's and asked for the balloon I wanted and we started talking and I told her why I wanted it and started crying, by this time I had paid and was trying to control the tears, she refused to take my money and even helped me attach the note. she made sure I was alright before she let us walk away. We (Dh, my 10 year old cousin and myslef) took the balloon up by the Christmas tree and let it go and watched until it disappeared. We were all in tears by then.

Samantha made a very difficult thing very easy and she made me feel very special that night and I will never forget her for that.

Suzanne

 

[jkswimming]

Last summer we went to Disney (during Fay, but that's another story.) The last time we went my younger daughter was 7 and wouldn't ride any of the roller coasters. Once we planned this trip she started talking about how she "might" ride Big Thunder Mountain this time. We of course started working on her right away because we knew she could handle it, but she wasn't sure.

Our first night at MK we positioned ourselves on the BTM side for Spectro Magic so that we could race over there when the parade was over. We knew the faster we got her on, the better.

So we get on and she's screaming and laughing the whole way. We get off and we're all telling her we knew she'd love it and she asks if we can ride again. By this time the line is really long so we sort of hesitate. As we're walking out a CM asks us to wait a minute and pulls us aside. A couple of minutes later he puts us back on BTM from where we just got off.

It was such a wonderful gesture and was a great start to our vacation.