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

[DLBDS]

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.

 

[goofymom23]

When you call back to make the rest of your ADR's then mention it to them. They will make a note of it on your reservation. It also won't hurt to mention it again when you check in. They will most likely do something it just varies on what that something is. Have a great time.

 

[DisneyGirl4188]

I would mention it; it can't hurt to do so. I would also let them know when you check in.

 

[TheZeppo]

I work in a restaurant and the only reason people mention that it's somebodies birthday is because they want something for free. By all means go ahead, but it's one of the tackiest things you could do.

 

[FigNewton]

I work in a restaurant and the only reason people mention that it's somebodies birthday is because they want something for free. By all means go ahead, but it's one of the tackiest things you could do.

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...

 

[DisneyGirl4188]

I work in a restaurant and the only reason people mention that it's somebodies birthday is because they want something for free. By all means go ahead, but it's one of the tackiest things you could do.

I completely disagree. I don't think it's tacky at all, nor do I think Disney thinks that. If they did, why on earth would they offer birthday buttons at EVERY park? I have no problem with people saying it's their birthday, anniversary, etc. and I hope no one pays any attention to you, but instead goes and has a good time. Isn't that what Disney is about?

 

[Scottish-Helen]

I work in a restaurant and the only reason people mention that it's somebodies birthday is because they want something for free. By all means go ahead, but it's one of the tackiest things you could do.

It is in no way tacky for you to let Disney know about your Dh's birthday. Go ahead and hopefully they will sprinkle some pixidust for you If you don't ask you don't get!

 

[DLBDS]

How can it be "tacky"? What about all these chain restaurants that come out and sing to you? They wouldn't do that unless someone said, "Hey, it's so-and-so's birthday!" It's great fun. I don't know what the Grand Floridian does for birthdays. Maybe they don't do anything. Maybe they'll bring him a sweet treat (that I'll end up eating anyway!). Maybe they'll just tell my husband "Happy Birthday!". I don't care what it is as long as it's acknowledged. It would make me feel great to have someone from Disney tell me "happy birthday" without someone having to mention it at the podium/counter. It would be AWESOME if whoever seats us wishes DH a happy birthday. I'm sorry you think birthdays are so tacky, TheZeppo.

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

I agree, it is tacky, but ONLY if it is NOT your birthday or anniversary and you are saying it is to get the free dessert.

Slightly Goofy

 

[lyzziesmom]

I just made my reservations for my package, and the CM on the phone went out of his way to ask there was any special occasion, by gosh yes! It will be my DD's birthday! He told me to BE SURE to mention that when I make my ADRs. We have done this for 2 birthdays and every Disney restaurant we have gone to has done a little something special. It is so NOT like a "regular" restaurant, where they may sing and clap but they seem like they would rather be doing anything else, at Disney they want to make your special occasions.. well..... SPECIAL.

 

[TheZeppo]

I agree, it is tacky, but ONLY if it is NOT your birthday or anniversary and you are saying it is to get the free dessert.

Yeah, but if it is your birthday, you're still only mentioning it in the hopes of getting a free dessert at the very least. There's no other reason to mention it besides that.

 

[lyzziesmom]

Yeah, but if it is your birthday, you're still only mentioning it in the hopes of getting a free dessert at the very least. There's no other reason to mention it besides that.

At a regular restaurant, I would agree, but in my experience this is simply not true at Disney. Yes, you may get a free dessert, but each CM will go out of their way to make the entire experience special for anyone with a birthday (or honeymoon, anniversary, or any other special occasion), making it a memorable experience as well as a good meal.

 

[jtnsami]

The only reason I'm going in July is because it is my birthday, and what a way to celebrate. So if I want to shout it from the top of Cinderella's Castle so all of the World will know then I'm gonna shout. And if they want to be magical Disney and give me a free dessert, then I'm going to accept it with appreciation. So go ahead and mention your DH's birthday. IMO it is not tacky at all.

 

[dsnymoners]

I work in a restaurant and the only reason people mention that it's somebodies birthday is because they want something for free. By all means go ahead, but it's one of the tackiest things you could do.

Sounds like your in the wrong line of work if you cant handle someone wanting to mention its there birthday when they are out to dinner. Why wouldnt someone want to celebrate there birthday and make it known. It's the people celebrating there birthday going out to dinner that leave you your tip. When going to disney there are lots of people celebrating something and want to celebrate it "disney style" where ever they can. I went to disney last year with my husband for you honeymoon. So I guess we shouldnt have worn the mickey bride and groom ears or let anyone know we were there on our honeymoon because that would be considered tacky also.

 

[CamColt]

Please remember, everyone is entitled to their opion here, however we also want to keep this as a friendly discussion.

Personal attacks and fighting are not allowed on the Dis, so let's get this thread back on track.

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.

 

[Kaycee]

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.

 

[Sammie]

There is nothing wrong with letting them know. It is tacky to expect something and downright rude to get upset about it.

As long as you know that by letting them know, they might not even mention it, and you are ok with that, then by all means let them know. Some will and many won't do anything.

Enjoy your trip and the birthday, too.

 

[Luv2Roam]

A year ago we celebrated my sister's birthday for two days in the world. It was a biggie, and this was her first WDW trip.
I mentioned it when I made the dinner res'. (Chefs one night and CRT -- pre princess)
It worked out just as well to tell them when I checked in for the ADR. I am not sure the birthday message got to them at Chefs without me mentioning it.
It was wonderful -- yes she got a free dessert. BUT the servers at Chef came out and sang HB to her in French!
The following day DH got her a Birthday badge in MK at City Hall.
She felt very special as everyone wished her a HB.
Ever since I saw her reaction, I even make sure to wish someone a HB when I see the badge. It just makes their day that much more special.
At CRT -- yes another little free dessert for her. BUT really the best part was they had all the BD guest tables in one area and each BD table was littered with crepe paper and Mickey confetti.
very cool. And she was so pleased.
Everyone needs a day to make them feel special. And I was glad it showed the magical side of Disney. She never "got it" before. Then she did.
So all it takes is a little pixie dust!

 

[Kaycee]

Ever since I saw her reaction, I even make sure to wish someone a HB when I see the badge. It just makes their day that much more special.

I started doing this too after I saw how special it made my DS feel.

 

[byoung]

Yes call back.