Why do we always notify hotels and restaurants about anniversaries and birthdays???

[melomouse]

Originally posted by DisLUV
.... So i just called CRO and reserved a honeymoon suite with concierge. I didnt call CRO and reserve a standard view room overlooking the dumpsters and tell the CM it was our Anniversary and expect and upgrade to the Yellowstone Suite at the WL.....


ROFLMAO, Jeremy!!!!!


This has me wondering - or is this another thread or for DB????

Are these expectations about everything people have read on the DIS about what other people "got" or is it just different types of folks needing different things?

And....when do we STOP telling or offering the info that DD or DS has a Birthday ( and hope Disney "does" something?)

I'm more inclined to want to make a fuss - my own and whomever else, if the child is younger or the adult is way up there( the 85 y/o) JMHO. We should all feel special - but it certainly isn't Disney's job!

 

[GEM]

I can't see anything at all wrong with mentioning a birthday at a restaurant. It is pretty much standard practice at lots of restaurants (not just at WDW) to do something to celebrate a birthday - a cupcake, a silly song, whatever. Obviously, they expect people to let them know when they are celebrating a birthday - no matter what age the person is. When I took my sister to Cindy's for lunch on her 22nd birthday, they decorated our table with confetti, gave her a dessert with a candle in it, sang to her, and gave her a nice certificate. When I celebrated my 29th birthday last year at the San Angel Inn they gave me a little cake and a card signed by Mickey and the waiters. Obviously they wouldn't have had all that cool stuff back there if they didn't expect to be celebrating lots of birthdays. Pretty much every sit-down restaurant I've been to (Chille's, Abblebee's, Olive Garden, Red Lobster) does something for a birthday. Would I expect a free meal or a huge cake or flowers or anything elaborate? No. Would I share that is was a birthday, anniversary, etc. in hopes of getting a free room upgrade, flowers, a champagne basket, etc. No. But I think a free cupcake and a Happy Birthday song is different. I wouldn't be upset if nothing at all happened, but since it is so common for restaurants to do something, I wouldn't see any harm in mentioning it. I think the restaurants expect and want people to mention it.

 

[Pugsley]

I agree that it’s lame to call them to announce a special event in the hope that you’ll get something for free, and to complain about it when you don’t. But I don’t think there’s anything wrong with mentioning a birthday (especially for a child). As GEM said, doing some kind of birthday celebration is pretty standard practice for restaurants. They want to make the person feel special because that encourages repeat customers. The fact that Disney CMs often ask if there is a special occasion shows that they WANT to acknowledge it.

 

[WDWalways]

I celebrate my birthday every year at WDW but never mention it to anyone because I do not like to be the center of attention -- last year was my 35th and I read on this board about the Birthday pins available at MK -- I never heard of them before and thought it would be cute and wanted to see what all the CM's did because those who posted about the pin said the CM's were really great to the person wearing it and I figured it might be a really fun experience. My husband and I had dinner at the Crystal Palace and it was late in the day and I honestly forgot I had the pin on -- my waiter never once asked me anything regarding my birthday (age, is it actually today etc) but at the end of our meal along with the check I got an adorable card signed by all the POOH characters and a cupcake with a candle. I was happy to be acknowledged but honestly didn't expect anything more than a verbal "Happy Birthday" from the waiter since I was not a child. I don't see anything wrong with mentioning it but I would never for myself but if someone in your party does I see nothing wrong with that. If something does come out of it no matter how small it's nice -- if you only get a verbal acknowledgement that's nice too!

 

[rhodgkie]

My DW's birthday is during our upcoming trip. I plan to stop by and get her a "It's my birthday" button for her on her birthday and look forward to some extra comments and attention that might be paid to her. I think Disney must want to be able to do those little things for people celebrating birthdays or they wouldn't have "It's my birthday" buttons, right? I agree that it is unrealistic to have specific expectations, but I do not think that it is unrealistic to hope for a little magic at Walt Disney World (or at least it didn't use to be unrealistic!).

Just another opinion in the fray!

Randall

 

[Bob NC]

I don't see anything wrong with telling the folks at a restaurant that it's your childs birthday, or something similar. Heck, you might do that anywhere, not just WDW. The place I mentioned where it looks tacky is when a couple tells everyone, "It's OUR anniversary"....Or an adult feels the need to tell everyone they see, "It's MY birthday". LOL, and I've seen lots of posts saying you should do exactly that.

 

[Kimkimba]

On the concierge mail-out they ask if you are celebrating any special occasions. My dh and I are celebrating our anniversary the day we arrive. My dd (13, almost 14) will be celebrating her birthday there and is very excited about it. I mentioned both. For our anniversary, it's not a big deal but it would make my dh think extra special things about Mickey and Disney. For my dd, I will go all out anyway. Anything extra is magical.......not expected, but definitely appreciated. I have no problem sharing my family's milestones.....it's been a tough year for us and .......we're going to DISNEY!

 

[nwdisgal]

Here's my opinion - empower the consumer. Post price lists and advertise for services for that special occasion (cakes, gifts, party favors, etc) for all that want to have that special Mickey cake for their anniversary or birthday. If you want it special - pay for it. Then Disney needs to set up a reservation system like Starwood, Marriott, etc., that allows you to reserve the type and number of beds Iyou sleep in and choose whether or not you wish to be in a NS or S room. After all, if you are spending your second honeymoon on a milestone wedding anniversary with your sweetie at AKl, or WL you should at least be able to reserve a King Bed ahead of time, if you so desire, on a first come first serve basis, rather than arriving to find a Queen and two bunks as your romantic room assignment.

 

[CrzyforPiglet]

When we stayed at the Polynesian 3 years ago we got a questionnaire in the mail a couple weeks prior that specifically asked if we were celebrating anything special - which we were (my b-day) so I noted it and didn't think of it again. I was lucky to have the hotel deliver on our first night a cake, balloons, card, and candle. I was so surprised and felt so special but the unexpectedness of it was what made it special and exciting.

We're going again this December for 2 birthdays (not mine). I made a V&A reservation and again, was asked, if we were celebrating anything and I mentioned my husband's birthday. If we get anything great if not I'm not going to WDW for freebies - we're going b/c we love WDW.

So I say go ahead and mention events if you feel like it (or if asked) - just don't expect to get anything and that way you won't be disappointed.

 

[tripben]

I agree that some people expect and some don't. Most people are honest and do like some unexpected attention, etc......

But what about the joy that people get when they are able to give someone a little unexpected surprise. I have always been the sort of person that tried not to get any attention and wanted to be private. I found it hard to receive gifts and congratualtions of any kind, I loved to give, but not receive. One day my mother told me that I just needed to stop being a killjoy and allow others to share the same joy I did when I gave a gift.

I never thought of it that way before. Surely there are a great many people at Disney celebrating special events and it is an everyday occasion and all that, but I am sure many CM's like to be able to give a small gift or surprise to an unsuspecting guest. But how would they know there is an occasion if someone did not share the info?

I still couldn't and wouldn't tell someone if it were my personal occasion, but I will be there in two weeks with 15 family members, 8 of which are all celebrating birthdays within the same month. The oldest will be 85 and the youngest will be 2. I have planned many special things for the birthday crowd, but did not hesitate to mention it when making the PS for dinner. If something happens, great. If not, I have already taken care of the extras.

That said, there are all types of people out there, and some are more want for attention than others. I wouldn't think it is my place to tell them to get a life though. That is rather harsh.

Sam

 

[Pete's Mom]

We celebrated my son's 5th birthday at MK last December and will be celebrating his 6th at WDW this December. Being that it was just the two us and we were far from home and his friends, it was wonderful to have so many CM's wish him a Happy Birthday. When we returned to our room at ASMo, there was a birthday card for him on his bed from Woody. My son shook like a leaf with joy and looked at it in awe just speechless! He even fell asleep with that card in his hand. I remember thinking that this is a magical moment that he will remember when he grows up and becomes an adult with bills to pay, job stress, and life's little and big heartaches. Would that we could all have such a wonderful moment to look back upon!

While I do think it is cheesy to expect the red carpet treatment or even a "freebie", I see no reason (especially with children) to NOT let someone know about a birthday. Sometimes the sweetest gift of all can be a simple smile and a "Happy Birthday!

 

[Figaro]

"Sometimes the sweetest gift of all can be a simple smile and a "Happy Birthday!"

Exactly! My parents were so thrilled when the airline pilot announced before landing that it was their 50th wedding anniversary and everyone in the plane applauded them.

I guess I look at the sharing of special events with other people as being a way to share joy with everyone. No expectations except other people being happy for other people. I always try to congratulate people when I know that they are celebrating a birthday, anniversary or wedding.

 

[DisLUV]

I am sitting at my desk in my class room looking at a picture of my little Abby Mouse (my darling daughter) and I agree when it is your childs birthday you are proud and I know that on my DD first trip to Disney, if it is on her birthday, her daddy may just walk down main street with a bull horn ... not because I want the be first on all the rides and ride everyone with Mickey, but because I am proud of my DD. Now if I were to go down main street with a bull horn saying "IT IS MY 26TH BIRTHDAY NOTICE ME NOTICE ME " AND wore 26 birthday buttons with a hat that looked like a cake with 26 candles on it then I might be a little needy.

**Bottom line you make the event special by just being in WDW everything else is just gravy....***

 

[mrsapalm]

Okay... I just got back from our 6-day trip to WDW. While there, we celebrated my birthday and our wedding anniversary. When we checked in (CBR), I politely asked the CM if there are any special events on those two specific days. She directed me to the show guides in the park literature - which was more than okay with me. Not once did I ever expect anything special to be added to our room for these events, so there was no disappointment.
On my birthday, I proudly wore my birthday button. I got special treatment on a number of occasions that day, and a few CMs shone brightly in my eyes without me ever having to say a word about it being my birthday. The treatment I received was much more than I ever thought to expect, so I was pleasantly surprised with each magical moment. Again, not once did I ever expect any special treatment. I was not disappointed if I didn't receive any from any CMs, either. After all, WDW is a business.
On our anniversary (the two are just 2 days apart), we told the CMs who booked our lunch and dinner PSs that we were celebrating our anniversary in hopes of securing a table in a romantic (i.e. quiet) setting. Our server at the Coral Reef went above and beyond the call of duty when she read on our seating card that it was our anniversary. Her tip, in return, more than reflected the special treatment we received (i.e. compensated for our free desserts plus awarded her for her attention and well wishes). We received no special "treatment" for our dinner at another restaurant, but did get seated at a table in an area we had hoped for. We were not disappointed at all, and were very thankful that we got the seating that we had wanted.
I think it's when you least expect it, that you receive the best treatment. I wouldn't have dreamed of wearing my birthday button any other day besides my actual birthday. I'm not a dishonest kind of person. Not once did I expect free things or royal treatment.... if it happened, it happened... simple as that. Nobody is entitled to anything more than what they pay for... a trip is what you make of it, not what you expect people to do for you for nothing in return. Isn't that part of "special moments" being so special?
-MrsAPalm

 

[Eeyore1954]

Originally posted by Figaro
I guess I look at the sharing of special events with other people as being a way to share joy with everyone. No expectations except other people being happy for other people. I always try to congratulate people when I know that they are celebrating a birthday, anniversary or wedding.

I agree totally! I love being at Disney and having the opportunity to sing "Happy Birthday" or applaud someone who's celebrating a special event -- whatever it is. To me that adds a little magic to my trip, too. The joy of a celebration is always a little sweeter when it is shared with others.

 

[gaegrand]

Where do you get those birthday pins?

I will be there with my daughter, her husband, three children, and her sister-in-law. We will be celebrating my daughter's birthday.

She is doing a wonderful but difficult job rearing her triplets, now four years old. I think it would be great if people told her "Happy Birthday."

 

[epcotfan]

Originally posted by Ned Land
WDW gets a million calls every year from families allerting the staff that their trip is in celebration of a special event. They get to their room and if they don't get a card or a fruit basket they are mad. But...is this a special action on Disney's part or just part of the normal routine. I mean... is it really special to receive a card or something if you have to call up and ask for it? And if people don't get it they are furious.

I place much more value on the spur of the moment stuff that the Cast Members do on our trips. Am I wrong?

I agree with you wholeheartedly! It means much more to me when a cast member does something unexpected. I don't get why people get their undies in a knot when they don't get a card or freebie. Wouldn't it be better if you went without any expectations and then if something nice happened it would be icing on the cake?

If you really need something special in the room for a loved one then why not use a gift service or the WDW Florist? Gifts Of A Lifetime along with other services can provide special occasion momentos.

 

[MiaSRN62]

I guess I look at the sharing of special events with other people as being a way to share joy with everyone. No expectations except other people being happy for other people. I always try to congratulate people when I know that they are celebrating a birthday, anniversary or wedding.

I totally agree also. Many times, we specifically go to WDW to celebrate these occasions. The memories I have of Minne Mouse dancing around our table at Chef Mickey's on my daughters' birthdays will stay with me forever. My girls still look back at the pictures and video of all the guests waving their napkins in the air while the "Celebrate" song played overhead. I didn't look for any handouts---just trying to add a little "sparkle" to the occassion. On another occassion, my son chose to celebrate his 12th birthday at the Whispering Canyon Cafe--he's a big meat-eater. I had called the day prior to order (and pay for) a special birthday cake to be brought out after dinner as a suprise to him. I expected nothing for free. What we got ? The whole restaurant sang "happy birthday" to him. It made for a memorable day. Heck.....we've done these things at the local Olive Garden restaurant to celebrate a special occassion. It's fun. I don't see what's wrong with it at all. We would never think of complaining though.
Also, once I had faxed the Contemporary to let them know my husband and I were flying in to celebrate our anniversary. All I requested was a "lake" view vs a "parking lot" view from our Garden Wing room. I wasn't looking for anything free. Instead, when we checked in, we found we had been upgraded to 14th floor concierge ! We were ecstatic to say the least. Would we have complained had we not gotten our request filled ? No way. Would I bring a birthday or anniversary to the attention of the resort again ? You betchya : ) I think it's fun also to be able to celebrate in these small ways with others. Our kids get a kick out of singing "happy birthday" to someone else while in a restaurant or wherever.

 

[marty]

I am so glad I read all four pages of this post. My husband and I are taking our granddaughter to Disneyworld for her birthday. She will be 6 on January 16. We have planned to take her to Chef Mickey's for dinner to celebrate. All she (or we) would really like is for people to sing "Happy Birthday" to her. Would it be better for us to tell them about the birthday when we make our Priority Seating or when we arrive?

 

[Mackey Mouse]

Why not when you make your reservation and follow it up when you get there with just a reminder.. That way you have covered it and if they do not anything for her.. you at least made the effort.