What do CMs do when they note down that it’s a special occasion on bookings?

[OP95]

Hi all ,

Recently I had a phone call with a cast member to modify my booking. They noticed I’d be celebrating my 30th and asked if I wanted them to note it down on my booking so the cast members would know. I politely declined as I don’t really celebrate birthdays much. I was just curious if anyone has had this happen before and what they did for them on a special occasion trip? Should I have said yes?

Interested to hear your stories!

 

[jeneric997]

I was just at WDW for my DD's 21st. It was noted on my reservation and we got nothing. So I don't know that it does anything.

We had a mishap on a trip that was our 25th wedding anniversary. They sent up a card and a coffee mug. Sometimes the CM at the front desk can go shopping at the resort shop for some goodies, but they are limited to what they can spend.

 

[Disneylover99]

When you check in they’ll offer you a birthday button that you can wear. But you don’t need for them to note it on your reservation. You can always ask for a button at the front desk whenever you want.

 

[OP95]

I was just at WDW for my DD's 21st. It was noted on my reservation and we got nothing. So I don't know that it does anything.

We had a mishap on a trip that was our 25th wedding anniversary. They sent up a card and a coffee mug. Sometimes the CM at the front desk can go shopping at the resort shop for some goodies, but they are limited to what they can spend.

Ah that’s pretty sweet of them to get you a mug and card. I never knew they could do things like that.

 

[BrianL]

It depends really. All it does is make that information available to CMs - it is up to them to act on that information. It could be as simple as saying "Happy Birthday" up to a free desert. It could even be a room upgrade if the stars align just right. It happens - but it can't happen for everybody. It doesn't hurt for them to know though.

 

[kylenne]

I spent my 40th solo at the Grand Floridian, and it was noted on my reservation by my TA. I was upgraded from outer building TPV to a deluxe king in the main building. Granted this was before CL reopened so no lounge, but it was so special. They also surprised me with a giant Happy Birthday banner and balloon decorations in the cabana I rented at the pool one day, which I didn’t ask for at all. These were very special moments I don’t expect to ever happen again, and certainly not to be expected, but it’s just to say that it can.

Last year’s birthday trip, my partner and I had dinner at CRT on our last night of the trip an upon check in at the podium I noticed our slip said “fireworks view”. We hadn’t requested it at all, but they sat us at the 2 top with the best view of Fantasyland, right next to the central window overlooking the carousel, and we got to see HEA with our dessert. I can only assume that they saw it was my birthday and gave us a bit of pixie dust. Who knows? Again not to be expected but it was so magical.

 

[sponica]

Also if you're staying on site (and the room has the newer TVs) it will say "Happy Birthday Your Name" when you turn it on.

 

[Narcoossee11]

The 'note' tells CM's you're celebrating something.
A cm 'blesses' so many per day or week. If you don't encounter that cm , it just not your day/luck.
It is hit and miss. CM's are human and get tired of hearing IT IS MY xxxxx.

 

[rlk]

Over the years, we’ve gotten varying degrees of recognition from cast members, from nothing to a big anniversary basket filled with small gifts. The usual special acknowledgment was a cupcake.

 

[CapeCodTenor]

I haven't had anything special happen when I wore something like that, but my DD wore a "1st time to Disney World" pin and was told welcome by a cast member.

 

[Anthony1971]

Sometimes nothing to sometimes something great. We went for my son’s birthday a number of times. Sometimes offered a button sometimes asked… some CM will say happy birthday.. some restaurants will bring a cupcake and sometimes like at Pecos Bills years ago…. A tiny CM was was walking around we were at table in the back asked permission…. She had the loudest voice then brought a cupcake a straw and a few other things… but more times just a happy birthday with the button.

 

[Disneytam]

I think in years past a lot more was done for guests on a special day then what happens now. Back in the late 90s while staying at AK Lodge for my husbands birthday a CM went all out for him. We returned to our room to find a birthday banner, card signed by Mickey and Minnie and a small birthday cake. It was unexpected and so magical.

 

[PandaBear & Boo]

My husband and I are here right now staying at AKL celebrating our 35th anniversary and my 60th. So far, we have been upgraded to a Savanna view room. We were both given happily ever after buttons as well I was given a birthday button. We've had 3 free desserts given to us and every cast member we have passed has said happy birthday and congratulations on our anniversary.

 

[Dotluvsdisney]

I took my son for his 11th birthday and at lunch inside MK they brought him a special birthday cupcake, free of charge. When hubby retired from the Navy, we were upgraded from a DVC studio to a 1 bedroom at BRV (freshly refurbished). We never expect anything but, those little surprises have been so appreciated!

 

[goofyernmost]

In or around 2012 I made a trip to WDW with my daughter, her husband and my grandson. We were in Epcot the day of her birthday so I went to Guest Services and got her a "Todays My Birthday" button to wear. Everywhere we went the CM's said Happy Birthday to her. We had a reservation for lunch in the Mexican Pavilion and at the end of the meal they brought out a cake that was big enough for all four of us. Later we were walking into the American Pavilion and a CM stopped her and told her someone had just called and wanted to speak to her. She went over to a phone there in the entrance and it was Mickey singing happy birthday to her. She was a little embarrassed over the fuss everyone made, but I could tell that she was really surprised and happy about it.

I must be honest though, I made 48 trips to WDW over 40 years and other than that time, I never personally was on the receiving end of what was at that time the REAL Disney magic. Yet, I kept going back, because those things I mentioned were certainly things that helped create that feeling of Magic, but I had to mostly lean on my own imagination and attitude to create that magic from within and kept me making that trip over and over again. It was great while it lasted.

 

[Dina]

We went for my 5th anniversary of being cancer free. I only wore the button the first day because honestly it was too much attention. However I had it on when we went to the bar at steakhouse 71. The bartender asked me what type of cancer … I said breast cancer . He grabbed a bottle of champagne , popped it open and gave is two glasses of champagne on the house. It was very sweet and unexpected .