What they did for our special event....

[sunny04]

I was just thinking this morning that it would be nice to look up what different people had experienced at restaurants for their special events - birthdays, anniversaries, whatever. So many of us plan special meals to coincide with things, and it would be nice to know ahead of time the kinds of things certain restaurants might do. As we all know, it often has to do with the CM you have, but if we kept up a running list of past and present experiences, we might see a pattern in some locations. So who has an experience to share?

 

[MumTo2Princesses]

I hesitate to start your thread with a negative but our big birthday celebration from the Cali Grill was "Happy Birthday" stated very matter of factly from our server. No chocolate writing on our desserts, no sparkles or anything special on the plate as we have read from other people. Nothing. We were not expecting anything "free" -- just had hoped for a little Disney magic that we had heard so much about... Would be interested to see if others have had different experiences and what they had to do to get it?? (and yes, we mention our birthdays when making the ADRs, again when checking in at the 2nd floor lobby at dinner, and to our server).

 

[Pooh67_68]

Well our regular waitress at Boatwrights was upset we didn't tell her the day of my birthday that it was my birthday, she found out the next day at breakfast and gave me a free smoothie.

We didn't ask for it, we weren't even gonna mention it was my birthday the day before but she overheard us talking.

 

[swankybeth]

For our anniversary at Cinderella's Royal Table they covered the table in "pixie dust" and brought us souvenir wine glasses.

When we got engaged at Victoria and Albert's they brought us out special menus that read "Congratulations on your engagement".

 

[sunny04]

Well, that's a start. Anyone else? I'll be adding mine to the list in April...

 

[mouseclick1]

We celebrated my son's 11th birthday at Primetime 50's Cafe. Our waiter was Uncle Tim, who was a lot of fun! Toward the end of the meal, 4 young teenage girls (13 or 14ish) came over to our table and sat down. We weren't quite sure what they were doing at first, but then they started singing Happy Birthday to my son, while Uncle Tim carried over a cupcake with a candle on it. My son was so red, but we were cracking up!

A couple of years later we celebrated my other son's 14th birthday at the same place, with Cousin Brenda. We mentioned 3 times it was his birthday. I didn't care if they brought anything out, but singing Happy Birthday would have been a nice touch. Nothing. DH and I did manage to get one of those "just wait, teens are such a pain" talks, but that was it. It wasn't even one of those "in character" talks, it was like she really meant it. I think she was having a bad day! In her defense, his birthday is December 26th, so you can imagine how busy it was!

 

[MrsTink04]

We have had wonderful experiences. I did receive a piece of the chocolate cake for my B'day at Cal Grill. They also gave us a table with a picturesque view of the MK and our server was AWESOME!!!!! Kevin made an art of customer service!!!


Narcoossee's presented us with two complimentary glasses of champagne for our anniversary!

We have gotten extra special treatment (without ever asking, of course) at WDW for our special occasions...hence the reason we are going back for our second anniversary/my 30th B'day!

 

[bicker]

We've had some rather special experiences, when we had birthdays or anniversaries celebrated at WDW. However, it is important to note that the experiences were special, not routine: For some events there was something special; for other events there wasn't. It is just luck of the draw; not something folks should come to rely on or expect.

 

[FSUGrad97]

We celebrated my DD's 2 year birthday at our last trip to WDW. At 1900 Park Fare breakfast, she got a cupcake, an autographed placemat and tiara, and at LTT, the servers sang to her and decorated the table.

What was neat is that I didn't set any of these experiences up. When I was making the ADR's, I had a really friendly CM and as we talked, I must have mentioned in passing why we were going to WDW (Christmas present and DD's birthday).

 

[liamsaunt]

We had dinner at the California Grill on my DH's birthday in November. Our waiter brought out the chocolate dessert we ordered with a candle and a chocolate card that said "happy birthday from the California Grill." He also comped us this dessert. When we got back to the room the staff at the AKL had put a personalized birthday card in the room signed by all the characters. It was a very nice evening.

 

[flminivanmama]

for my SIL's 40th a few years back Pooh & friends all signed a bday card for her at CP

For my son's & FIL's bdays this past trip they sang, brought out a cupcake & decorated the table at 50s PTC & 1900 PF & Tonys

 

[p2oh]

When we were there three years ago it was for my birthday and my DU agent had made a note in our reservations and there were balloons when I checked into ASMo and at every meal there was a dessert or song. It was completely magical.

 

[Teresa Pitman]

We were there from Nov. 27 to Dec. 9th and celebrated my grandson's birthday at Crystal Palace on the 27th (he was four) and mine on Dec. 4th (I was 50) at Boma for breakfast.

We were a little disappointed in my grandson's birthday. It was quite busy and hectic at CP, and so not much happened. He did get to see the characters, which he liked, and got a cake (which we had pre-ordered) and a card signed by the characters. I think he was pretty happy about it, we just felt very rushed the whole time. I don't think that was anyone's fault, just a busy day in the restaurant.

My Boma breakfast was fabulous. We had booked it for 25 people, but more showed up than we expected and we ended up with (you won't believe this) 41 adults, 9 children, and 2 infants. The staff were wonderful and took this all in their stride, re-arranging tables for us to sit together. At the end of the meal, they brought out a cake for me (I hadn't ordered anything this time, since it was breakfast), and our CM had everyone stand up and sing happy birthday to me (which I loved!). I felt very special and had a great time.

I also wore my birthday button all day, and loved being wished a "happy birthday" by so many people. When we were leaving AK at the end of the day, the CM stopped the whole crowd of people and made them all sing Happy Birthday to me before they could leave. It was great!

Teresa

 

[MumTo2Princesses]

it is important to note that the experiences were special, not routine: For some events there was something special; for other events there wasn't. It is just luck of the draw; not something folks should come to rely on or expect.

I think this is great advice, Bicker! I wish I had heard it prior to our dinner to lower my expectations. Seems to be based heavily on the CM personality/mood/whim from what I can tell.

 

[sunny04]

We've had some rather special experiences, when we had birthdays or anniversaries celebrated at WDW. However, it is important to note that the experiences were special, not routine: For some events there was something special; for other events there wasn't. It is just luck of the draw; not something folks should come to rely on or expect.

As I posted in the OP, we know it is based often on the CM that you get. I just thought it would fun to see what kind of things people have experienced. I'm not being greedy and saying let's see what we can get, I'm just curious. WDW makes events so magical, I was interested to see examples from people on here.

 

[bicker]

Me too, Sunny. It's nice to read about the unique experiences that only a few guests have. Hopefully, I'll have another such experience in my upcoming trip, and share it here aftewards.

 

[DreaminDisney]

DH and I expected Nothing special for our Anniversary trip. Our TA knew we were celebrating and while dining at CRT for breakfast they had a nice table for us by window with confetti on table and a card signed by all the Princesses. At Boma we were acknowledged by staff and again got card signed by who was working that night. This was in 2002 and our waiter at Garden Grill did this "Rehitching ceremony" for us (they no longer do) it was cute and kids got a kick out of it.
We stayed at Polynesian Concierge and one night when we got back to room there was a bottle of Champagne chilling for us along with a Mickey/Minnie chocolate bar. They also sent a basket of goodies (candy, nuts) and a beautiful Rose.
It was funny because neither DH or I mentioned to anyone it was our Anniversary. At that time we were celebrating 6 years.

Upcoming vacation we'll be celebrating 10 years. Our TA has since retired. We booked directly through Disney this time and we're staying at ASMo. Last time Poly Concierge booked dining ressies for us. This time, I'll book it all myself. I didn't mention we were celebrating our Anniversary when I booked vacation but when I make ADR's at California Grill for Anniversary dinner I will. But we're still not expecting anything. This vacation with our kids in itself is all we want and we're grateful to be able to do it.

 

[MumTo2Princesses]

As I posted in the OP, we know it is based often on the CM that you get. I just thought it would fun to see what kind of things people have experienced. I'm not being greedy and saying let's see what we can get, I'm just curious. WDW makes events so magical, I was interested to see examples from people on here.

i agree that is it fun to see what can happen-- great thread, sunny!

 

[CarolinaBlue]

I just celebrated my birthday at the castle on December 23rd (my actual birthday). I must say that I was treated royally! Our server brought a magical moments certificate to me and I had all the princesses sign it. She brought a small birthday cake (more like a cupcake) with a candle and sang Happy Birthday to me. Our table was decorated with Mickey confetti. It was a very magical experience for me. I wore the birthday button all day and received many birthday wishes from CM's and guests.

 

[MariDisney]

During our honeymoon in 2004 we had well wishes and a fuss made over us in just about every restaurant we went to. Because we wore our bride and groom ears, we were easy to spot!! In Le Cellier they brought complimentary champagne and dessert (which we didn't expect, but were thrilled to have). I believe we had a free glass of champagne in Le Chefe du France as well, but DH says we paid for it. Either way, it was a wonderful honeymoon made all the more special by attentive CMs wherever we went.