Should I call back and tell CM that it's a birthday?

[Paul in CT]

I made a few ADRs this morning at 7:00. I was still in bed. I placed everything I would need next to me last night, including my credit card number, so I wouldn't have to get up that early. Anyway, in my early-waking-haze, I forgot something..... I meant to tell the CM, when I made the ADR, that it was my husband's birthday the morning we eat at the Grand Floridian Cafe. Should I call them back and have them note it or is there really no point as they probably won't do anything special anyway? I have to call again soon to finish making the ADRs for the rest of our trip. I thought I would mention it then. BTW, we're having dinner at Emeril Lagasse's Tchop Tchop so this may be his only Disney meal on his birthday. I also plan to have a cake delivered to our room while we're at dinner at that "other" park.

You can call back, but it works just as well if you remind them when you check in or at the podium before you are seated as long as you can do so discreetly without your DH hearing you.

I also disagree that it is "tacky". It's what Disney does best. When I make my ADR's they usually ask if we are celebrating something special. I let them know when we were celebrating our 25th anniversary at Artist Point. They brought a small cake decorated with two crossed candles and "Happy Anniversary".

Just to let you know that Disney is not totally altruistic, they didn't bring the cake untill after they took our dessert order. We took most of it back to the room. It was delicious chocalate ganache covered chocolate cake with creme in the middle! My DW was totally surprised.

Enjoy your DH's birthday celebration! My DW and I will be celebrating my upcoming birthday at Flying Fish.

 

[sharongl]

We will be leaving on Saturday for Disney and my twin boys turn 4 at the end of June. When making my ADR's the CM asked me about celebrations and I mentioned the boys' upcoming birthday. She put a note in all of our ADR's and to the hotel--I know because she asked which hotel. And told me where to get the birthday ribbons and to have them wear them all week!

I would definately call back!

 

[TerBear4]

We had it noted when we were at WDW for my DS's 12th birthday a few years ago. We also stopped by city hall in MK and got a birthday badge for him to wear that day. I'm so glad we did, because he had so many CM's, both in the restaurants and around the parks, wish him a happy birthday.

If we're ever at WDW for another birthday or an anniversary, I'll definitely have it noted.

I agree 100% - we did this two years ago for my daughters 8th. It was the most special birthday she has had and will always remember it. From breakfast at CRT to dinner at the LTT, there were autographed birthday cards, glitter sprinkled in her hair to balloons back a the hotel. We didn't tell the CM's for the free dessert, we told them because it made her birthday away from home so very special.

 

[christygobar]

DLBDS, I would note that it is his birthday. I plan to note that it is mine when I choose where I want to dine on 12/28.

Cam, if I was there with you, I would be sharing that birthday dinner as well!

Christmas babies unite

 

[CamColt]

Cam, if I was there with you, I would be sharing that birthday dinner as well!

Christmas babies unite

Awww, wish you were. It's also my Father's birthday, but I cant get him to go.

 

[DaisyD]

Or they think it's fun when the people come out and sing happy birthday? Or whatever little special thing might be done...

Some restaurants do nothing. Some do special things for birthdays because it's fun. Way to be so judgemental on your patrons.

So you find it tacky... maybe even your restaurant management finds it tacky... but this is Disney, and they actually want to know things like this and enjoy making every little bit they can magical...

Actually I know a CM at a character meal at WDW and he said the same thing as the other poster. He said that all the CMs at his place think it is ridiculous that everyone is celebrating something. The CMs do not enjoy it. They just have to look like they do! LOL!

 

[FigNewton]

Actually I know a CM at a character meal at WDW and he said the same thing as the other poster. He said that all the CMs at his place think it is ridiculous that everyone is celebrating something. The CMs do not enjoy it. They just have to look like they do! LOL!

Well there's always someone... isn't there? I'd say that if your CM friend has a problem with people going to Disney World to celebrate things, then he should work somewhere else. I wouldn't let one CM speak for every CM.

Plus, I didn't say anything about the CMs did I? I said Disney, which addresses the company, and yes they DO want to know these things to make things special for people - it's their stock in trade, and part of what keeps people coming back year after year. If Disney, as a company, didn't want to do things like this, they wouldn't go so out of their way with things like birthday buttons and groom/bride mouse ears.

We went on honeymoon last year, and we are going the same time this year to celebrate our first anniversary - though I'm not saying anything about it. Not because I think it's tacky to do so, but because my wife is relatively shy, and doesn't like special attention garnered by the event.

 

[dsnymoners]

I am with you FigNewton. We went for our honeymoon last year and are going back for our anniversary this year. If Disney didnt want to do anything or go out of there way then they would stop the buttons and the bride and groom ear hats. It's just negative and jelous people on here who have to try and ruin someones good time.

 

[TAKitty]

Actually I know a CM at a character meal at WDW and he said the same thing as the other poster. He said that all the CMs at his place think it is ridiculous that everyone is celebrating something. The CMs do not enjoy it. They just have to look like they do! LOL!

I am sure that you are right. All the CMs feel this way . In fact, when I called for my ADRs they asked me if I was celebrating anything. I am sure they were rolling their eyes at me the entire time . I do know CMs who truly like working at Disney and that includes being part of the celebrations. Anyway, if it is your birthday, you need to remind them when you check in because sometimes it isn't noted.

 

[magicmouse2]

I mentioned in casual chat its my b day and wedding anniversary when I booked our package not our meals. That way they can do something or nothing. A more modest way of advertising the fact would be to wear a birthday button from guest relations. Our actual celebration meal will not be on the day but I will still wear my button. I mentioned a previous birthday once at check in and no balloons or anything in room. Never had a towel animal either but those things are extra magic and I have had extra magic in other ways. Good luck - why not get your other half to secretly whisper it to your server whilst you powder your nose, or pre order a special dessert like a slipper, or tux strawberries to your room ?

 

[goofy4tink]

Almost every time I have called Disney, to either book a room, or to book some ADRs, the CM has asked if there were any 'special celebrations' happening for anyone in our party. So far, just once really. My dd turned 6 while in WDW for her very first time. We ate at Crystal Palace and they brought her a 'birthday cupcake' and a card signed by Pooh and his friends. Also sang her a birthday song.
We are going in Oct to celebrate her actual 13th birthday, as well as her friends birthday (the day after we get home). Have we asked for anything special? No, not per se. But, it has been noted on our BWV reservation and on our ADRs the actual day of her birthday. I have some things in the works to make her 'special day' more special. But I figure if I want something truly special, I had best take care of it myself rather than just 'hope' for some magic.
So....bottom line...let them know your dh is celebrating his birthday. He may get a card, some balloons or a little cake. Or he may get nada, zip, zilch, bupkas. No way of telling. In any case, have a great time!!!

 

[DaisyD]

I am sure that you are right. All the CMs feel this way . In fact, when I called for my ADRs they asked me if I was celebrating anything. I am sure they were rolling their eyes at me the entire time . I do know CMs who truly like working at Disney and that includes being part of the celebrations. Anyway, if it is your birthday, you need to remind them when you check in because sometimes it isn't noted.

I'm only relaying what I was told. Like or not. I'm sure he doesn't speak for all CMS but he has been working there for a few years and has a good idea of what goes on at that particular MK restaurant. He does love working at WDW. It has been his dream to do so for years. He too was a Disney fanatic like those on this board. I do have to say that in all the years we have been to WDW, mostly 30 days a year I have never been asked if we are celebrating anything. Not that I would tell them as it isn't anyone's business. As far as CMs on the phone what do they care? They aren't the ones working in the restaurants. Heck, some of those CMs have never set foot in a WDW resort or restaurant! LOL! Personally I don't care one way or the other what anyone else does. I know my stance on it and that is all that counts.

 

[DLBDS]

I called back this past weekend to schedule more ADRs and asked the CM if Disney did anything special for birthdays, that my DH was having a birthday breakfast at the Grand Floridian Cafe. She asked for the ADR# and said she would add a note. She also said not to expect anything, that they may do something or they may not. She said to mention it again at the podium. I don't want to do that though. If they acknowledge it....GREAT! If they don't, that's ok. He'll be doing the RPDE, having dinner at Tchoup Chop, eating a Disney birthday cake (that'll be delivered to the room) and hopefully, if we can keep going that long, we'll do Spectro around 10:00 that night. I think he'll have a very nice birthday.