What will you celebrate is a joke!

[Mike2023]

Hmm, the one thing I've not liked about any of these celebrations is that people expect things. I believe I visited 4 times during Year of A Million dreams. In that time, I received nothing but the Tinker Bell pins. I was a little bummed, because I knew there was a chance of getting something. The trip before all of that started was so magical for us. A suit gave my girls each a very special, rare pin. They got to be guest conductors. And, I can't remember, but I know there were a couple of other things. But with the Year of A Million Dreams it took away from the little magical moments by having to PLAN all those little magical moments. I'm sure that was a bit of a drag for the CMs. It was all so planned. Same with the celebrations. EVERYONE is celebrating and people are going into with expectations. I think it's partly Disney's fault, but mostly the fault of the guest that is expecting it. You have to make your own magic sometimes.[/QUOTE]

umm, you do realize that Disney is advertising like crazy what will you celebrate right? Partly there fault??How about this straight from disneys own site.

"There's so much in life worth celebrating, and this year Walt Disney World Resort in Florida makes it possible to give your special moments the fanfare they deserve. Gather with those who make you happiest for a truly spectacular celebration in the place where dreams come true.

No, it's probably the guests fault for getting there expectations too high. Sheesh!

I don't see any promises of "special cast member interaction". All I see is an advertisement reminding people that disneyworld is a good place to gather to celebrate special occasions.

 

[NWOhioAngela]

I don't see any promises of "special cast member interaction". All I see is an advertisement reminding people that disneyworld is a good place to gather to celebrate special occasions.

Really? Don't you think "this year Walt Disney World Resort in Florida makes it possible to give your special moments the fanfare they deserve." is over-selling it a bit? I guess everybody's definition of fanfare is different.

 

[Mike2023]

Really? Don't you think "this year Walt Disney World Resort in Florida makes it possible to give your special moments the fanfare they deserve." is over-selling it a bit? I guess everybody's definition of fanfare is different.

Overselling and misleading are two different things. Disney is a product and this year they have decided to focus on something that has always been a part of there experience, celebrating.

I think the majority of people who go to Disney leave happy, the ones that are most disappointed are people like us. Members of the fan community who "expect" a lot more. The average Joe sees the add for celebrate today and says hey, that's a good idea, goes to Disney and has a great time. We on the other hand know that sometimes good things happen to people, like upgrades, and free desert and we become disappointed when it does not happen to us. Disney never promised to make that happen, but I for one am happy it does now and then.

 

[Madi100]

umm, you do realize that Disney is advertising like crazy what will you celebrate right? Partly there fault??How about this straight from disneys own site.

"There's so much in life worth celebrating, and this year Walt Disney World Resort in Florida makes it possible to give your special moments the fanfare they deserve. Gather with those who make you happiest for a truly spectacular celebration in the place where dreams come true.

No, it's probably the guests fault for getting there expectations too high. Sheesh!

If my DH and I decided to go and celebrate our anniverary at WDW, I wouldn't expect my room to be filled with roses, have candles burning, and Barry White playing in the background. What I would expect is to have a clean room, happy CMs, hugs from Mickey Mouse, and maybe a little pixie dust here and there. The rest of the magic is up to me.

 

[angelmav]

If my DH and I decided to go and celebrate our anniverary at WDW, I wouldn't expect my room to be filled with roses, have candles burning, and Barry White playing in the background. What I would expect is to have a clean room, happy CMs, hugs from Mickey Mouse, and maybe a little pixie dust here and there. The rest of the magic is up to me.

Nobody has made any rediculous demands from Disney such as you list here, but when disney advertises that come here for any of those special moments in life so that they can recieve the fanfare they deserve, a guest that is there expressly for the purpose of celebrating said event can rightly expect some level of acknowledgement beyond what might have otherwise been given in recognition of said event and in keeping with said promotion!

Clearly, if they are unable to administer a simple Congratulations on ____, then they are more than partly to blame.

I am not even bashing on Disney here, heck we leave in 4 days, partly to celebrate my twin girls b-day at the magic kingdom. It just gets a little tiresome to have the constant refrain that Disney can do no wrong, its the guests fault.

 

[NWOhioAngela]

I am not even bashing on Disney here, heck we leave in 4 days, partly to celebrate my twin girls b-day at the magic kingdom. It just gets a little tiresome to have the constant refrain that Disney can do no wrong, its the guests fault.

Have a great trip! If I see you there I'll tell them Happy Birthday!

 

[Dale-Not-Chip]

There are only 2 reasons Disney would ask if your celebrating something when you book reservations.

1. survey. They just want to keep track. Although I think this is partly the reason I don't think it's the main one. If it wasn't it wouldn't follow you during your vacation. If you look at the computer screen that they use for reservation your name is flagged with * if there are notes about your reservation. I have watched them look at a note and is said Anniversary when we were there.

2. Disney Company expects their cast members to acknowledge the celebration when they see it. Not necessarily with; a desert, FP, or a new car, but with a simple smile and verbal acknowledgement


When someone asks you a question like they do it does lead to a certain expectation.

If you were coming to my house and before I got off the phone I asked what was you favorite cake flavor would you not expect a cake. Sure I didn't promise you a cake but why would I ask?

And of all the cast members that Disney has the wait staff should bend over backwards to make their guests feel as special as possible. They work for Tips. When you depend on tips you want to do anything you can to make your customer feel special. It's good for your bottom line.

So here's the real rub. If your at a Disney Restaurant and you see a another family get an acknowledgement and you get nothing there has been a breakdown somewhere. Disney needs to look at that and fix it. The managers of the Different Restaurants should address their staff and remind them of their celebration policy. The Managers of the Reservation dept. needs to remind them why they ask on every reservation and why it's important.


As a guest you need to figure out how important an acknowledgement is to you. If it's not important then sit back and wait for magic. If it is important pull the Host aside, slip your waiter a note. Remind them of the celebration and suggest it's a big deal to whoever it is in your party.

 

[johnGorski]

We were actually at WDW when they first announced the free birthday ticket/what will you celebrate? was like ok. You can go and celebrate at bennehannas, olive garden ect. I like the "year of a million dreams" better yet the "celebration on earth." Still think they could give a free birthday ticket and incorporated it with year of a million dreams. I am afraid what will you celebrate will be with us for a few years. Sorry about you experience, congrats to your daughter a big milestone!

 

[LilGMom]

If my DH and I decided to go and celebrate our anniverary at WDW, I wouldn't expect my room to be filled with roses, have candles burning, and Barry White playing in the background. What I would expect is to have a clean room, happy CMs, hugs from Mickey Mouse, and maybe a little pixie dust here and there. The rest of the magic is up to me.

For some reason I found your post very humorous. Thanks for the smile. I'd be happy with the magic of having my room ready when I get there.

And of all the cast members that Disney has the wait staff should bend over backwards to make their guests feel as special as possible. They work for Tips. When you depend on tips you want to do anything you can to make your customer feel special. It's good for your bottom line.

So here's the real rub. If your at a Disney Restaurant and you see a another family get an acknowledgement and you get nothing there has been a breakdown somewhere. Disney needs to look at that and fix it. The managers of the Different Restaurants should address their staff and remind them of their celebration policy. The Managers of the Reservation dept. needs to remind them why they ask on every reservation and why it's important.

When we ate at 50's PTC last year during my birthday trip it was noted on the slip that they used to seat us that it was my birthday. The adorable older gentleman that seated us told me "Happy Birthday" even though I wasn't wearing a button so I know that it was noted. Our server said nothing at any point during the meal but she didn't say much of anything. We did see another table receive recognition for their birthday which ruffled my feathers a bit but since our server continually messed up our orders, ignored our table and the neighboring table I was just happy to finally eat and get out of there.

This year we are going during my birthday and I plan on having a cake at one of the meals. If I get a few "Happy Birthday" comments thrown my way I'll be thrilled, it'll ease the pain of getting older. If not, no big deal I am just going to be happy to be at our "Happy Place" again.

 

[kbelle8995]

I am not crazy about the "Year of Celebrating" Cause if you aren't celebrating anything it feels weird. You can't just say "We're celebrating just being able to come to WDW" Can you?

Plus my birthday is New Years Day which is nuts in the park.

 

[Mike2023]

There are only 2 reasons Disney would ask if your celebrating something when you book reservations.

1. survey. They just want to keep track. Although I think this is partly the reason I don't think it's the main one. If it wasn't it wouldn't follow you during your vacation. If you look at the computer screen that they use for reservation your name is flagged with * if there are notes about your reservation. I have watched them look at a note and is said Anniversary when we were there.

2. Disney Company expects their cast members to acknowledge the celebration when they see it. Not necessarily with; a desert, FP, or a new car, but with a simple smile and verbal acknowledgement

I believe there are many more then 2 reasons for Disney to ask what will you celebrate. And on top of that list I think it would also be a marketing ploy. Asking what you are going to celebrate is an open ended question designed to spark conversation that could lead to talking about special events, and I am 100% positive that in some cases leads to a special booking by the guest, meaning more money for Disney. Asking every time you call is not so they can just add it to your res so some server somewhere can wish you a happy b-day, Disney has put much more thought in it then that.

Here is an example of how disney figured the conversation might go on the phone.

"hi, I would like to book dinner for 2 at kona cafe."
"that's great, what are you celebrating"?
"x year anniversary"
"ya? that's amazing, did you know you could have your dinner on the grand 1 for only a million dollars an hour?"
"really? that's cool, lets do that instead of kona"
"how about you do both"
"Sure"
blah blah blah

Now you have to keep in mind that 50% of the people you talk to at disney are not skilled enough to look for a sale like that, so all you end up is what are you celebrating and that's the end of the conversation. But when whoever though up this great idea to ask everyone, they had the upsale on there mind, for sure.

 

[Madi100]

For some reason I found your post very humorous. Thanks for the smile. I'd be happy with the magic of having my room ready when I get there.

What would be funny is if they did for some reason provide us with rose petals, Barry White, and candles. We'd have no clue what to do with it.

 

[LilGMom]

What would be funny is if they did for some reason provide us with rose petals, Barry White, and candles. We'd have no clue what to do with it.

That is even funnier.

 

[Dale-Not-Chip]

For some reason I found your post very humorous. Thanks for the smile. I'd be happy with the magic of having my room ready when I get there.



When we ate at 50's PTC last year during my birthday trip it was noted on the slip that they used to seat us that it was my birthday. The adorable older gentleman that seated us told me "Happy Birthday" even though I wasn't wearing a button so I know that it was noted. Our server said nothing at any point during the meal but she didn't say much of anything. We did see another table receive recognition for their birthday which ruffled my feathers a bit but since our server continually messed up our orders, ignored our table and the neighboring table I was just happy to finally eat and get out of there.

This year we are going during my birthday and I plan on having a cake at one of the meals. If I get a few "Happy Birthday" comments thrown my way I'll be thrilled, it'll ease the pain of getting older. If not, no big deal I am just going to be happy to be at our "Happy Place" again.

So you got a horrible server. It is par for the course when a bad server dosn't care for your birthday. They start messing everything up that's manager time in addition to no tip. There are other cast member jobs available. If you don't like waiting, don't. It's not a job that you can afford to half do.

But your Host gave you a warm greeting and a well wish. I would lay money that if the OP would have gotten some congrats they would have been happy.

Another note. There probably are more than 2 reasons to ask but i bet those were the 2 main reasons. If up sale was a important reason they would ask every time if we wanted cake with that thanks for calling McDisney.

 

[TXYankee]

What would be funny is if they did for some reason provide us with rose petals, Barry White, and candles. We'd have no clue what to do with it.

Me : "Did you get a towel animal in your room?"

You : "No, I got Barry White."

Me: "Really, I was he Frozen like Walt Disney? "

You: "Yep, the had him surrounded with rose petals and candles"

Me: "I hope you were not charged for an additional adult in the room"

 

[UrsulasShadow]

Me : "Did you get a towel animal in your room?"

You : "No, I got Barry White."

Me: "Really, I was he Frozen like Walt Disney? "

You: "Yep, the had him surrounded with rose petals and candles"

Me: "I hope you were not charged for an additional adult in the room"

 

[Madi100]

Me : "Did you get a towel animal in your room?"

You : "No, I got Barry White."

Me: "Really, I was he Frozen like Walt Disney? "

You: "Yep, the had him surrounded with rose petals and candles"

Me: "I hope you were not charged for an additional adult in the room"

That's too funny. Isn't there a clause about the extra adult needing to have a heartbeat???

 

[dpuck1998]

So let me get this debate heated up again

I thought of this thread yesterday. I was watching a commercial for Nick Hotel. They were showing all the people partying at the pool, getting slimmed and particiating in the "show" they put on. So I should now expect to be a participant when I go to the hotel? Chance are slim I will do any of those things. Disney shows hotel room views on commercials that don't even exist. Universal shows me "in the action", my point is all the promotions from any company show things that don't happen. The only way to go is to manage your own expectations. I didn't go during the year of a million dreams expecting to win anything. I did get a few small prizes, but wasn't upset for not staying in the castle. These examples are just that, examples. Do I think someone should say "congrats" on your trip, sure. I sure won't let it ruin my trip or have a second thought if no one does. My family and I will have a blast either way.

 

[Nicole786]

I will be eating at Crystal Palace for breakfast on my birthday. I did online ADRs and for special occasion I wrote "Nicole's birthday breakfast" All I want is for the table to be decorated like I've seen in other pictures, I expect nothing else. Not even anything from Narcoosee's later that night.

 

[Dale-Not-Chip]

So let me get this debate heated up again

I thought of this thread yesterday. I was watching a commercial for Nick Hotel. They were showing all the people partying at the pool, getting slimmed and particiating in the "show" they put on. So I should now expect to be a participant when I go to the hotel? Chance are slim I will do any of those things. Disney shows hotel room views on commercials that don't even exist. Universal shows me "in the action", my point is all the promotions from any company show things that don't happen. The only way to go is to manage your own expectations. I didn't go during the year of a million dreams expecting to win anything. I did get a few small prizes, but wasn't upset for not staying in the castle. These examples are just that, examples. Do I think someone should say "congrats" on your trip, sure. I sure won't let it ruin my trip or have a second thought if no one does. My family and I will have a blast either way.

There is a difference is the commercial shows things you can do. Them asking if I'm celebrating and then noting it on a reservation is a promise to acknowledge it.


If you want to talk about advertisement. Why don't I get young when I go to Orlando.