Two Disneyland "Never Agains" from my recent visit

[bumbershoot]

Since they handed you a 'regular' plate, I have a feeling that your GF plate didn't get delivered so they probably threw together whatever they could find.

Agreed.

Or it was someone else’s extra-special GF& allergy plate. Ugh.

 

[cinnaminny]

I plan on doing the WOC dessert party on my next trip. I don't think the desserts look very good, but I really want the seats lol

 

[MkaMouse]

I heard back from Guest Services today. The response was focused on the fact that I received a plate of gluten desserts initially. It can be summarized thus: "Your comments have been reviewed with our Food and Beverage Leadership teams. Please accept our sincerest apology and I hope your next visit is magical in all aspects."

Gee, I feel so much better now.

So I replied back to explain that yes, I was annoyed to received the wrong food at first. And it is fortunate I realized I had been given the wrong desserts, because I would have become quite sick had I eaten them. But the main reason for my complaint is the fact that I paid $79, the same as everyone who received the gluten desserts, but I received so much less.

Then I requested a partial refund.

Of course they won't give me any type of refund. But I asked because I am curious as to how they will reply. To be continued . . .

 

[StormyCA]

I think if this ever happens to me, I'm going to take a picture of the 'regular' and the GF plates and send them with my complaint. And my complaint will be one word: "Seriously?".

I've been lucky in that I've never felt 'shorted' when ordering GF meals at Disney, but as I mentioned before I've never done any kind of 'dessert party'. The Good Lord knows, GF desserts are NOT Disney's strong suit in the first place! Pre-packaged cookie or brownie, anyone? If you're lucky, we'll heat it in the micro and slap a scoop of ice cream on it!

 

[tarheelalum]

Unfortunately they have your money and you have gone home. Its very easy for them to blow you off at this point. In the future if they serve you a cheap plate of crap, immediately ask to speak with the manager and if they won't resolve the issue to your satisfaction, ask them who the daily park operations manager is and tell them you would like to speak with them. You may have to wait a bit but the park manager will diffenately will resolve the problem.
But in the meantime since they politely told you to buzz off, I'd email the CEO and tell him all about it. He probably won't read it but somebody higher up the chain will. The squeaky wheel gets the oil.

EVP, Chief Communications Officer
zenia.mucha@disney.com

robert.a.iger@disney.com
Also try
robert.iger@disney.com

 

[DisneyPiPhi]

I won't do the dessert parties anymore since going gluten-free eight years ago. The fact that Disney thinks fruit is dessert is insulting. I do not want your grapes, cheese wedge, and single strawberry. I want delicious gluten-free dessert options like I can make at home. It can be done, people.

 

[MkaMouse]

Unfortunately they have your money and you have gone home. Its very easy for them to blow you off at this point. In the future if they serve you a cheap plate of crap, immediately ask to speak with the manager and if they won't resolve the issue to your satisfaction, ask them who the daily park operations manager is and tell them you would like to speak with them. You may have to wait a bit but the park manager will diffenately will resolve the problem.
But in the meantime since they politely told you to buzz off, I'd email the CEO and tell him all about it. He probably won't read it but somebody higher up the chain will. The squeaky wheel gets the oil.

EVP, Chief Communications Officer
zenia.mucha@disney.com

robert.a.iger@disney.com
Also try
robert.iger@disney.com

Yes, I have definitely been politely told to buzz off. Twice. Regarding my request for a partial refund they are "regrettably unable to compensate" and are "sorry for any disappointment this may cause."

These Guest Relations responses sound so canned and boilerplate. They clearly have a glossary of pre-written customer service phrases they use to construct their responses to complaints. I wouldn't be surprised to find that "Melissa Weaver, Guest Correspondent" is actually a customer service robotic.

Anyhow, it is time to move on. I'm done arguing with them over a $79 plate of sub-standard food. Here are the takeaways from this little adventure:

1. Disneyland does not care if you feel slighted. They will tell you they care. They will tell you your opinion matters and has been passed along. But at the end of the day they have your money, and that is all that matters to them. They will not make any effort to make you whole if you are cheated by something that happens in the parks. It does not matter that I have vowed to never do another "special" event, because all that does is free up a chair for someone else to take.

2. Those of us with dietary restrictions should never let down our guard just because we are "at Disney". Disney is just as likely to carelessly gluten you as any other food establishment is. The stories we all hear about how Disney is so wonderful with handling dietary restrictions should be considered with caution and skepticism.

3. If you have a dietary restriction, and the quality and presentation of the food you are served truly matters to you, you are best off with bringing your own. If you want to do a dessert party, go ahead and do so. But first stop at Sprinkles and buy yourself a gluten free cupcake or cookie to eat during the show. Disneyland flat out does not know how to provide quality gluten free alternatives to foods that normally contain wheat.