Tipping the Untippable

[dawnball]

Ok, I'm not sure if I found the right place to post this - someone smack me if I didn't. We're planning an extra-special WDW trip (aren't they all extra special?) next spring. It'll be my birthday. The first family-reunion trip since babies in my daughter's generation were born, and possibly mother's day (with 3 generations at the parks!). It's an 10 day trip and I really want to make it magical for the kids (who will be 2 and almost 3).

One idea I had was to "tip" CMs who make the kids smile, go out of their way to help us have fun, or just spread pixie dust. I know we can't give them money - but can we give them items? Maybe something like a little card (business card size?) that says "I spread Pixie dust today and <kid> noticed!" or a "I spread Pixie Dust" button or something. Could they take it? Would it be appreciated? Any ideas for cute things to give them? I might like to take a few different ones, so the kids can pick which one to offer.

I know that the best tip would be to note their names and when we saw them and where we saw them and send a note about how wonderful they are... but I'd like a little immediate gratification for anyone who can make traveling with 2 toddlers more enjoyable.


dawn *bounce*

 

[belleandthebeast]

Go to:
www.DisneyWorldtrivia.com

They is something there you can print out that says's "You've been tagged...As an awesome cast member!"

And then you can post what made them so special.

I think they were in the downloads section under cast member appreciation card (?).

Good luck!

 

[asa'smom]

themouseforless- has CM Appreciation certificates.

 

[Danemom]

http://www.laughingplace.com/News-ID10009180.asp

This site sells "WWWD" (What would Walt do?) pins that come on a card saying that you are showing your appreciation for the cast member's special treatment. They're pretty neat!

 

[SyracuseWolvrine]

Cards are a good idea. I've seen a few given out, and the CM was always happy to receive them. Buttons would be cool too, although, keep in mind that CMs aren't allowed to wear them on their costumes.

If you can manage to keep track of all the truely exceptional CMs you encounter, please write a letter or email after your trip. Guest compliments stay with us for as long as we work for Disney. Try to be as specific as possible (date, time, location, name, and any other information that may identify the CM ... some locations have several CMs with the same name)

 

[Feralpeg]

I carry Disney suckers with me. I attach a card and some ribbon. On the card it says "Have a magical day! You made mine!" I give them out when I run into someone special or when I just see a CM that I think looks like they need some pixie dust.

 

[sk8bug72]

you could give them a pin from your state or just a simple thank you note, or maybe you could give them 100 grand bars or pay day bars and come up with a little quote like "you're worth 100 grand" or "I think you deserve an extra pay day," just be careful because they might melt if it is really warm.

 

[OKW Lover]

These are all good suggestions, but the best one is about writing to WDW with praise for that CM. Just make a note of the date/time/location and the CM's name (just first name from the name tag) and when you get a chance put that in an email, or snail mail, to WDW Guest Relations explaining how the CM helped you.

This will ultimately find its way to the CM's boss who will read it infront of the whole group and will windup in the CM's personnel file.

 

[twinz]

We had an encounter with a great CM, and we went into the town hall,and spoke to a supervisor, and we told them that she did an excellent job,and we were very pleased with her service. I am not too sure what got done about it, we never even thought of writing a letter.

 

[msmayor]

These are all good suggestions, but the best one is about writing to WDW with praise for that CM. Just make a note of the date/time/location and the CM's name (just first name from the name tag) and when you get a chance put that in an email, or snail mail, to WDW Guest Relations explaining how the CM helped you.

This will ultimately find its way to the CM's boss who will read it infront of the whole group and will windup in the CM's personnel file.

I second the idea of writing.

Years ago when my kids were much younger, we were at the parks in Feb but it was a brutally crowded day (right before President's Weekend). We were starving, and had gone into a counterservice place with indoor seating (can't remember which one)...the line was incredible, finding a seat almost impossible. We didn't have a lot of cash so I checked with a CM who was monitoring the line to make sure hubby could charge the meal on our Amex card; she said absolutely (Amex at that time sponsored that particular pavilion).

He waited in line for almost 40 minutes while I circled the room holding DD hand and pushing DS in a stroller, looking for a table. Finally found one and we waited for hubby to come with a tray full of food. He found us...and was empty handed; told me the cashier wouldn't take the Amex card and he didn't have enough cash. Rather than cause a stink, with a huge line behind him, he just left.

Well, I was a bit peeved. Here we'd waited nearly an hour for food, I'd finally found a table, and we had nothing to eat. Leaving hubby with the kids at the table, I found the CM who said the Amex would be taken and she immediately came over to the table and apologized. She asked what he had ordered, wrote it down, and told us to sit tight. Not 10 minutes later she showed up at the table with TWO trays of food, all that we'd asked for plus extra desserts and carry-along snacks for the kids and she refused to accept any money or our card; she said lunch was on Disney today. She again apologized and said she would now go back and correct the cashier so that no other family would have the trouble we did.

I took her name and upon returning home, wrote a glowing letter to Disney about how wonderfully she handled the situation and how thrilled I was that she was empowered to correct the situation without going through layers of levels. She was a true bright spot.

About 2 weeks after I wrote the letter, Disney called me to review the facts and thank me for writing; they love to hear when CM's do their jobs well and make sure that folks always leave with a smile on their face.