Has anyone ever written to Disney to compliment a CM?

[AEfx]

This was not WDW's fault, but everyone bent over backwards to help us!!

It's really true.

I mean, yes, some of the decisions they have made about the parks haven't been great lately - nor have the overall direction of the Disney company been great. However, they really do take care of people at Disney.

Every once in awhile someone who hasn't been and is planning a trip will ask, "What happens if I miss the bus? Am I stranded (if you are staying on property)?" and I always remember a trip to WDW when I was about 11.

We (my Disney-Aunt and I) had been eating at the Corral Reef restaurant at The Living Seas. This was her first trip to WDW and although we had rented a car she hates to drive, and since we were staying at the newly built CBR we had taken the bus to the park that day. Our PS was for 8:45, and I remember being worried that we wouldn't have long to eat since the park closed at 9. In fact, it was the opposite - since there were no waiting customers we weren't hurried at all and had a wonderful time. We didn't leave till around ten, and when we exited the park (how much fun is it to walk through an empty park!) there was no one. I mean, the place was dead. It was late-September so the crowds were nill anyway.

My DA is a very self-reliant person (and much older than my mom) but never had children of her own. If it had been her alone, she'd have just started walking, but I remember a look of fear I have rarely seen on her face at getting stranded at a themepark with her 11 year-old nephew. She just isn't someone that gets shaken easily - and that's why it sticks in my memory.

About thirty-seconds later, a Disney van (small bus - was for transporting people, but was more like a airport shuttle) pulled up, the door opened, and the driver smiled and said, "Where ya goin'?" To say relief came quickly is a vast understatement. He didn't ask, "Do you need help?" or "What the heck are you doing here?", just asked us where he could take us. After that (I think it was our first actual day in the parks) she really brightened up to Disney. Before we went she was very skeptical about the benefits of staying on-site - but I've heard her do nothing but rave about staying on-property and Disney service since.

Of course, this is just par for the course for Disney - it wasn't anything special, the drivers (he told us on the way) roam the lots after hours just for such things. And when you think about it, once you know how things work down there, it makes sense - but to someone who hasn't experienced what it's like to be a guest there it's hard for them to comprehend that they really *do* take care of people while under the Disney roof. Heck, the driver dropped us off a few feet from our room.

This was a decade and a half ago, and I don't remember the drivers name, but I do remember my aunt writing at the time. I'm taking her for a surprise trip this year, and I'm sure we'll have more magical stories to tell when we return.

AEfx

 

[ArielLover]

It's really true.

I mean, yes, some of the decisions they have made about the parks haven't been great lately - nor have the overall direction of the Disney company been great. However, they really do take care of people at Disney.

Every once in awhile someone who hasn't been and is planning a trip will ask, "What happens if I miss the bus? Am I stranded (if you are staying on property)?" and I always remember a trip to WDW when I was about 11.

We (my Disney-Aunt and I) had been eating at the Corral Reef restaurant at The Living Seas. This was her first trip to WDW and although we had rented a car she hates to drive, and since we were staying at the newly built CBR we had taken the bus to the park that day. Our PS was for 8:45, and I remember being worried that we wouldn't have long to eat since the park closed at 9. In fact, it was the opposite - since there were no waiting customers we weren't hurried at all and had a wonderful time. We didn't leave till around ten, and when we exited the park (how much fun is it to walk through an empty park!) there was no one. I mean, the place was dead. It was late-September so the crowds were nill anyway.

My DA is a very self-reliant person (and much older than my mom) but never had children of her own. If it had been her alone, she'd have just started walking, but I remember a look of fear I have rarely seen on her face at getting stranded at a themepark with her 11 year-old nephew. She just isn't someone that gets shaken easily - and that's why it sticks in my memory.

About thirty-seconds later, a Disney van (small bus - was for transporting people, but was more like a airport shuttle) pulled up, the door opened, and the driver smiled and said, "Where ya goin'?" To say relief came quickly is a vast understatement. He didn't ask, "Do you need help?" or "What the heck are you doing here?", just asked us where he could take us. After that (I think it was our first actual day in the parks) she really brightened up to Disney. Before we went she was very skeptical about the benefits of staying on-site - but I've heard her do nothing but rave about staying on-property and Disney service since.

Of course, this is just par for the course for Disney - it wasn't anything special, the drivers (he told us on the way) roam the lots after hours just for such things. And when you think about it, once you know how things work down there, it makes sense - but to someone who hasn't experienced what it's like to be a guest there it's hard for them to comprehend that they really *do* take care of people while under the Disney roof. Heck, the driver dropped us off a few feet from our room.

This was a decade and a half ago, and I don't remember the drivers name, but I do remember my aunt writing at the time. I'm taking her for a surprise trip this year, and I'm sure we'll have more magical stories to tell when we return.

AEfx

One of the best stories I've ever heard

 

[OliveMcFly]

You're right, ppl complain more than praise. I can remember these 2 kids working in the Emporium that were so nice to give me info on the CP and talk me into doing it. They even waited on a costumer and came back to finish talking to me. They gave me a lot of info and were both really nice CMs. Also, a bus driver allowed me to take the Pirates of the Carribean sign on the bus. It's the greatest souvenir I ever brought home.

 

[webmomom]

I was also told by a CM when there is a special thing going on, I.E. Pirate Cruise, Grand adventureres in cooking, it is always good to send a letter telling the people at Disney how much you like it. He said that is the way alot of the programs are judged and kept.

I allways write a letter either how good or of a bad situtation. Sometimes I get a response and others I don't. I have been told by a friend of mine whos sister in law works for Disney, when it comes to get raises or promotions they really do look at the cms files and the more good they see in it, the better off is the cm.

 

[swimmom]

I can honestly say that I have never had a bad experience with a CM. However, I have never recognized a CM that has gone above & beyond either. On our next trip I am going to recognize those CM that make our trip magical. I have already started by sending an e-mail regarding the CM who took my room reservation. I did not get a response, which I am o.k. with, I just hope the CM got the recognition she deserved.

 

[ArchiDanDisney]

usually, what they do is tell you, then post it on the info board for your area, and highlightyour name and what not, so your fellow CM's can see what your actions did to make a guest experience that much better.

 

[Dayma]

Sad thing is more people complain then say nice things. It is worth peoples time to complain because they can get free tickets but most dont bother with anything else. Kinda sad.

On another note I did write Disney about SSE and where they were going with the ride in the future. They actually called me back and I talked to someone about it for 20 minutes. They even told me the At&T was leaving the ride long before it actually happened. I was impressed that they actually cared..

 

[Jungle Skipper]

I write letters for CM's if I meet one who really shows the magic...puts on good show and really seems to enjoy themselves.

I have a book of letters I recieved when I was a CM....I go through it when I'm feeling nostalgic..which happens a lot now that Im out of work...::sigh::

Jungle Josh

 

[stepherm]

Hey, I just got back from WDW and wish I could remember a certain cast member's name. Maybe you guys can help.

I saw this guy a few times at MGM working on RnR. A tall guy in his early twenties with short blonde curly hair. Great guy that really seemed to enjoy his job and made our trip that much better.

If any of you are in MGM in the next few days and happen to see him (from what I remember he sticks out like a sore thumb compared to the rest of the CMs I saw....I dont think I saw another CM that was blonde or tall working there.) try to remember his name. I would love to write a letter complementing him on his fine work, and I'm truely kicking myself for not catching his name.

 

[TheDisneyQueen]

This has to be one of the best threads I have ever seen... I can't wait to go to disney and see these wonderful CMs i have been hearing about... Can't wait to see these CMs so that i can recognize them and hopefully get a call from disney too!! How truly magical!Better bring a notepad in my pack to catch the CM's and where they work!

 

[webmomom]

Sad thing is more people complain then say nice things. It is worth peoples time to complain because they can get free tickets but most dont bother with anything else. Kinda sad.

On the other hand; Last month we were at Disney and on our last day as we were leaving our hotel our car broke. I will not go into the long story about that, but after I got home I wrote a letter telling the people at Disney how wonderful we were treated both by the hotel and then the Car Care Center.

We just got back Sunday night from Being there again and when we checked in (we are DVC members) I was told we were upgraded to a preferred view room. The only reason I could see was maybe this letter that I wrote helped do that.

 

[DispatchInhibit]

Most of the time if a letter is received about a cast member, the CM is called to the managers office and is either told about the letter or given a copy of the letter and also receives a positive notation on their record card. Sometimes the CM will also receive a special certificate or card, atleast that's how it is in my area.

 

[Redsilas]

I always write when I can

I remember the first time I did this I went down to guest services to fill out a sheet with the CM's name. I've also done it online on Disney's home page as well.

I love the waiters in both French restaurants...they have been very kind to a solo diner eating there!

 

[Rora]

I'm glad this subject came up. There were many times when I left one of the parks and wanted to fire off a letter to someone in charge. But once I got home I lost interest and didn't feel like searching for an address. It never crossed my mind to write and praise a CM. And being one employee amongst thousands I wonder if they ever really get the pat on the back they deserve. Maybe that's why I've noticed that some of the CM haven't been as friendly and helpful as they seemed to be when I visited as a child. I will definitely send a letter of praise the next time. And I'll keepthe address handy for others so they can do the same.

 

[barnum42]

I will definitely send a letter of praise the next time. And I'll keepthe address handy for others so they can do the same.

I made that decision on my last trip, and kept a notepad in my camera bag to jot names down for emailing after my trip.

 

[Tornado]

I wrote a letter to the manager of the All-Star Sports resort after a fortnight stay basically just thanking them for a brilliant stay, and we would definatly stay again.

We never heard back, but it feels good to thank the people that go out of their way to help you.