Tables in Wonderland Upcoming Events

Tiggerish

Resident Redhead
Premium Member
Original Poster
Wow, what a disappointment, I feel terrible over your bad experience, becuase I'm the one who "made it possible" for you to have it. :cry:

I'm relieved to hear that it didn't ruin the rest of your trip, because the ending to that evening would sure be hard to get over.
 

sweetpee_1993

Well-Known Member
I'm sorry......... I reread my email from TIW and it stated:

DRESS CODE: CASUAL EVENING ATTIRE.

Just wondering if you received the 2nd email??

Sweetpee,
I am so sorry to hear about your experience. You are not going to believe this, but I attended this event. I actually found your post when I googled Tables In Wonderland upcoming events. It led me to this website, I joined and had to reply to your experience...............

My husband Jim and I attended this event. This is probably the 5th TIW event we've attended. We did not know a soul there. Not even the Cast Members in the black vests......No one looked familiar to us and at other events we did recognize a few people. We were out front when the "Director" was interacting with the crowd and then began asking your sons questions... I don't mean to be rude at all, but when he was asking your boys questions like "who is smarter? " etc... I actually thought you guys were just a family that happened upon the excitement in front of the ride and not part of the event at all. You are right, everyone else was definitely dressed up and obviously not in the park all day.

I received a 2nd email from TIW, that stated ATTIRE: "Business Casual." Did you receive this email?? I have 2 daughters ages 14 and 11 and we are all annual passholders. I've never taken them to any of these events, not because of the price, but because I felt it was an adult atmosphere. I agree with you that you should have been told that children usually do not attend these events. But maybe Disney CAN'T exclude them...... We've dined at Victoria and Alberts once, and even though you CAN bring children over 10, we would never do it because it just seems like an "adult only" experience. Plus there are way too many WDW restaurants they can go to.......

I suppose with expensive events (this one was $155 per person) I always do my homework and ask lots of questions........ Years ago, TIW did a "Family Event" which was held at Wide World of Sports and it was a baseball game with a BBQ lunch, popcorn, peanuts and beer... This was the one event we brought our children to. They had a great time and so did we.

We were actually sitting at the table next to yours and saw the 6 empty seats. I was hoping there wasn't some sort of accident that kept this family from coming. After reading your post, I am happy to hear this wasn't the case. Didn't mean to come off preachy, but this was a wonderful event that TIW held and I am hoping they continue to have them. Maybe your experience will teach them to be a little more specific as far as dress code, children attending etc..........

No, didn't get the 2nd email that stated the dress code. I sure wish I had. I just rechecked my email again and reread what I had. It doesn't say that. It's likely I just didn't get it or it sent to spam (which I never see because it deletes as things dump in). I never opened a laptop while we were there only cleaned out my inbox once a day to to eliminate the hundreds of forwards & ads I get.

I think making mention of the dress and the kids over the phone would've been the key because I would've declined at that point. We were already on our way to the airport. I would've known right away that I didn't have the proper attire with me.

As far as appropriate-ness for bringing my 12 & 13 year old sons, I think that a matter of perspective. We once had a friend who never took her kids to restaurants because she was not comfortable doing so. The result were children who didn't know how to behave properly in that setting. We've always made a huge effort to expose our boys to a wide range of events, settings, experiences so they had the opportunity to learn. The result, well, when they were 5 & 6 and had to attend a semi-formal dinner reception for their uncle's wedding in Canada they were the best behaved children there. I'll brag shamelessly here. When all the other children at the children's table who mostly were older than them had gotten up and started running around and making a commotion I looked over and there sat my boys all alone looking around at the other kids like they had lost their marbles completely. My parents never took me to anything of this sort and never socialized with anyone. Thus, when I was older and on my own I found myself having to overcome the awkwardness that comes from lack of experience. Would I take my kids to dinner at V & A's at their current ages? Yes, if I thought the culinary experience would interest them. How will children ever learn proper etiquette or how to conduct themselves if they never do these things? As it stands, my 13 year old has taken a recent interest in photography and brought his camera thinking he'd have a golden opportunity to photograph and explore the scenes we were to dine in. My youngest is very interested in film, acting, and loves old movies. We recently took them to see The Wizard of Oz on the big screen for a one-show-only for the re-release. It was an amazing family experience that holds a significant amount of sentimental value (my in-laws who were with us had their 1st date going to see The Wizard of Oz at the movies for one of it's many re-releases years back).

I guess the key problem was lack of communication. I was very surprised with the number of day guests walking around that we weren't handed a badge or any other item to identify us when we signed in. Every other "exclusive" experience I've had at Disney be it a tour or a special dining experience we were given a name badge of some sort.

It's interesting you mentioned this is the 5th event you've attended. When Nicole was apologizing she stated that this was only the 2nd of these events they've done so they're still learning how to iron out all the kinks. I didn't laugh in her face because I know for a fact that's not true (it's not like I just signed up for TiW yesterday). It comes off terribly patronizing to be lied to.

Overall, it was a horribly disappointing experience. I don't make it a habit to bear my soul to the world but I was sooooo psyched about the opportunity to have dinner inside the GMR. Words just don't do it justice. The husband and I have been targeting WDW for our big vow renewal celebration for our 20th in a few more years and I had really been favoring this venue for the reception. Also, with Oz holding such significance for my in-laws and our entire family I was overjoyed at the opportunity to experience that scene so intimately with them. When I spoke to Nicole inside the GMR I was choking back tears. I held it in every time the urge came because I didn't want to upset anyone else more so than they already were. When one of your children cries from disappointment that's no easy task. Finally, once everyone was in bed asleep I was able to let it out which in the end made me that much more angry because I should *not* be crying myself to sleep in the middle of my family vacation.

Would I host my private event in this venue now? Nope, not with negative emotion attached to it. Heck, I'm not sure I even want to ride the regular ride anytime soon and the GMR is an old favorite.

The negative experience with this is the straw that broke the camel's back for this trip. There were lots of little things that really made it plain to see that service and quality are truly in a serious downward spiral at WDW overall right now. We were hoping to book a bounceback for the kids' spring break early in March but we had no desire to book anything while there. Maybe we will before the time comes but I'm still pretty on the fence with the thought of it. :cool:
 

wdwwdeagle

Member
As far as appropriate-ness for bringing my 12 & 13 year old sons, I think that a matter of perspective. We once had a friend who never took her kids to restaurants because she was not comfortable doing so. The result were children who didn't know how to behave properly in that setting. We've always made a huge effort to expose our boys to a wide range of events, settings, experiences so they had the opportunity to learn. Would I take my kids to dinner at V & A's at their current ages? Yes, if I thought the culinary experience would interest them. How will children ever learn proper etiquette or how to conduct themselves if they never do these things?


Sweetpee...
I'm so sorry about what happened to you and your family.

I know it's a thread drift, but I just wanted to say that I agree 1 billion percent with what you said above (quote). As with anything else with children, you take small steps, allowing them to learn how the world works in increments. Thus, they are able to handle themselves appropriately. I applaud your approach, and agree that children who are exposed to the world in appropriate ways both reap the benefits, and eventually become productive citizens.
 

Janet2k

New Member
Sweetpee_1993, I'm sorry to hear you had a less than favorable experience with Tables in Wonderland. As someone who has held her Fairy Tale Weddings vow renewal dinner party inside the Great Movie Ride, that is one event that I'd hate to hear that anyone missed.

Dianabullis, I'd love to hear how the Tables in Wonderland event turned out. I'm new to the WDWMAGIC website, so if you've shared your story somewhere, please let me know so that I may read it (and if you have photos, all the better).
 

sweetpee_1993

Well-Known Member
Sweetpee_1993, I'm sorry to hear you had a less than favorable experience with Tables in Wonderland. As someone who has held her Fairy Tale Weddings vow renewal dinner party inside the Great Movie Ride, that is one event that I'd hate to hear that anyone missed.

Dianabullis, I'd love to hear how the Tables in Wonderland event turned out. I'm new to the WDWMAGIC website, so if you've shared your story somewhere, please let me know so that I may read it (and if you have photos, all the better).

Believe me, it really, really broke my heart to walk away from the experience when we were right there within eye-shot of the entry point where folks were walking down onto the ride path. It's only been within the last few days that we got word that finance had processed our refund. I've been holding out hope that seeing my account balance jump a little will take away the sting a bit. I doubt it, tho. **sigh**
 

dianabullis

New Member
Janet2k,
We really had a wonderful time and I am hoping TIW continues these events. From start to finish, it was done with lots comedy and to be able to walk through this ride and get up close to each part of the ride was priceless.

Sweetpea, so glad to hear you were able to get your refund. That must make you feel a little better about the whole fiasco. I am in complete agreement with you about exposing children to many different experiences and events. My husband also agrees and our children at 14 and 11 have been all over the country,and also Europe and Hawaii many times. We believe exposing them to different things definitely DOES help them learn how to act and conduct themselves in most situations.. That being said, it's also nice to have alone time with my husband and other adults, since we do so much with our children on a usual basis.

Below are some pictures that will basically tell the "Story" of the night...... hope you enjoy them.

Diana


http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=43667&id=1546378342&l=452762e5ea
 

shipley731

Well-Known Member
For anyone that's interested, TIW just sent out another announcement with the latest events:
Feb8.jpg
Feb11.jpg
Feb14.jpg
Feb25.jpg
 

Crazy4WDW1

Active Member
I really wish they would announce these things few months earlier. Unless you are a Florida resident, you don't seem to be able to attend. I live in Pittsburgh and usually plan my trips 3 months in advance. If I try and plan any closer the air fare is just to pricey and we can't always get rooms. :shrug:
 

corey154

Active Member
Sweetpea, I'm with you on this one. I would have been upset too. My daughter is the same way, I can take her about anywhere, and the castmember on the phone should have been more specific to you about dress code as well if the children were considered a little young for this. (which I think 12 and 13 should have been fine for a fine dining event) You were paying the same amount per dinner as everyone there, you should not have felt like a second class citizen at any time...bottom line. I'm sure TiW is a great experience for others, but I'm with you and I'm thankful for your input.
 

Tiggerish

Resident Redhead
Premium Member
Original Poster
I really wish they would announce these things few months earlier. Unless you are a Florida resident, you don't seem to be able to attend. I live in Pittsburgh and usually plan my trips 3 months in advance. If I try and plan any closer the air fare is just to pricey and we can't always get rooms. :shrug:

I agree. For non-locals, it's a matter of hoping that an event will take place during your already-booked vacation, or moaning about "just missing" one.
 

Phonedave

Well-Known Member
Sweetpea, I'm with you on this one. I would have been upset too. My daughter is the same way, I can take her about anywhere, and the castmember on the phone should have been more specific to you about dress code as well if the children were considered a little young for this. (which I think 12 and 13 should have been fine for a fine dining event) You were paying the same amount per dinner as everyone there, you should not have felt like a second class citizen at any time...bottom line. I'm sure TiW is a great experience for others, but I'm with you and I'm thankful for your input.


If WDW, and Disney in general, want a certain age and/or dress then they need to specify it and enforce it.

My kids are the same way, they know if they are in a 'fancy' environment and act accordingly. Sure they do kid things - such as my 8 y/o might elbow over her drink while trying to cut her steak - but as far as behaving, they are fine.

When we were on the cruises, they have a semi-formal / dress up night. My kids and I dressed accordingly - it was not formal, so sportcoat and tie, and sundress and flats for the kids. We had people in t-shirts and shorts walking around.

I suspect it's the same for this TIW event. Either there should have been no problem (or comment) made about Sweetpea's family's age and dress, or it should have been clearly stated when she made the reservations.

I just booked a room at the local horse track for my Rotary Club fundraiser. They sent a specific list of what is and is not allowed as far as dress goes, they did not give some vague "business casual" description. Disney should be able to do the same.

-dave
 

dianabullis

New Member
Dress Code was specified for this event......

it stated: CASUAL EVENING ATTIRE

I think the problem was that Sweetpea did not check or receive the 2nd email.
 

Phonedave

Well-Known Member
Dress Code was specified for this event......

it stated: CASUAL EVENING ATTIRE

I think the problem was that Sweetpea did not check or receive the 2nd email.


Define CASUAL EVENING ATTIRE

It means different things to different people. That is the problem with vague descriptions. One persons casual evening attire means khakis and a golf shirt. To another person it means slacks and a sport coat, tie optional.


What Disney needs to do is be specific. As an example, below is what I recevied from the Meadowlands Race Track when I booked a dinner there. It's pretty specific.


Pegasus Restaurant
&

Saloon Areas

All guests will be required to dress “Business Casual” in the Pegasus Restaurant and Saloon areas.
No athletic attire, jeans, sneakers or tee shirts will be permitted.
For your information and convenience, we offer a list of suggested acceptable and unacceptable attire

Acceptable

Men

Women

¨ Suits
¨ Dresses
¨ Sports Jackets
¨ Skirts
¨ Golf Shirts
¨ Pantsuits
¨ Collared Shirts
¨ Jumpsuits
¨ Band Collared Shirts
¨ Skorts
¨ Dress Slacks
¨ Culottes
¨ Khaki or Casual Slacks
¨ Casual Sweaters
¨ Dress or Casual Shoes
¨ Blouses
¨ Turtleneck Sweaters
¨ Dress or Casual Shoes



Unacceptable

Men & Women

¨ Jeans (All types and styles)
¨ All athletic attire
¨ Shorts
¨ Tank Tops
¨ Tee Shirts
¨ Sweat Suits
¨ Sneakers
¨ Shoeless
¨ Ripped, torn, dirty or wrinkled clothing is unacceptable.



The Meadowlands Racetrack in conjunction with ARAMARK Restaurant Services would like to thank you for choosing Pegasus for your dining pleasure. In an effort to maintain our high standards of elegance and fine dining, all guests are asked to adhere to our “Business Casual Dress Code.”

Please be advised the Meadowlands Racetrack reserve the right to determine what is considered acceptable attire.
NOTE: AS OF APRIL 15, 2005 – NO SMOKING IS ALLOWED
 

wdwwdeagle

Member
Just to lighten the mood a little, I'm going to throw in this tidbit.....

We received an invite to a benefit for the local Red Cross the other day.
Dress code?......

"Snappy Casual"

(????????????)

Although I could probably throw together something along those lines from my wardrobe, I'm certain Mr. Eagle doesn't own anything that anyone would describe as "snappy" -- how do you 'snap-up' a dark business suit? Flirty pocket square? Carnation on the lapel? Ick. Maybe we'll just skip it, because we're not "snappy" people.

Okay, back on topic.....
I feel like sweetpee's family should not have been treated like they didn't deserve to be at the event, regardless of their attire. Any event planner worth their salt knows that embarrassing an attendee is never the right thing to do.
 

Tiggerish

Resident Redhead
Premium Member
Original Poster
I feel like sweetpee's family should not have been treated like they didn't deserve to be at the event, regardless of their attire. Any event planner worth their salt knows that embarrassing an attendee is never the right thing to do.

Exactly right. To your first point, especially since it was taking place in a theme park. To your second point, true, and you would expect even better from Disney. It did seem as though Nicole did try to make up for the faux pas, but that sort of episode would be very hard to recover from and totally understandable that sweetpee would feel that she no longer wanted to attend.



Dianabullis, thanks for sharing the pictures. I enjoyed looking at them. I hope to be able to go to one of these events someday, if one coincides with my vacation!
 

sweetpee_1993

Well-Known Member
Dress Code was specified for this event......

it stated: CASUAL EVENING ATTIRE

I think the problem was that Sweetpea did not check or receive the 2nd email.

...because I was already on the way to the airport to leave for the trip which I told Nicole no less than twice on the phone as she got my cc # and our party details including ages of my children. Nothing was said about dress other than casual and the event was referred to as a lot of fun for us to look forward to. ((Seriously. You're going to Disney World where you can leave your cares behind and be a kid again. Someone tells you you will have "a lot of fun to look forward to". Where in that does it mean you need to dress up a bit or that kids aren't usually included in that particular "fun"?)) Nothing was said about children other than "I'm sure they'll enjoy it" or something to that meaning. No, I didn't get the email that specified the dress because I don't waste time while on vacation breaking out my laptop. I refuse to give another dime for the internet service that shouldn't be an extra charge to begin with. I utilize my iPhone several times a day to check for anything pertinent in my inbox and get rid of the junk. I don't look at any other folder besides the inbox. No spam. My spam folder is set to delete anything that goes into it by default as soon as it gets there. Nothing is saved. But I digress.

When I booked Jiko and the Yachtsman for this trip I was told what the dress requirements were. In 2008 Lunch w/an Imagineer had requirements and suggestions. In the past when I've booked 10 or more different dining reservations/events during a single phone conversation I was read the laundry list of requirements & suggestions for each reservation even tho it was all but verbatim for the most part. When I've booked tours in the past I've been given the run-down of what to expect, suggestions, and rules/requirements. Golf & fishing they're pretty darned specific about what you need/don't need and can/cannot do. Not once was there ever a need to ask. Not once did I need to rely on an email for this info. Not once. Heck, I'd say upwards of 80% of the time a CM tells me they will send me an email confirmation I never receive it. In this broad range of things I've booked and enjoyed at WDW I have never had the experience I did w/TiW. Never has there been a lack of clarity especially over the phone. It's simple as that.

I bet I've read that pretty advertisement that was posted for this event a dozen times. I've looked and looked and cannot for the life of me see what in that page suggests proper attire. There's absolutely nothing there about children. If you aren't clear about things it's just not right to turn around and point these things out as if someone should've known. Well, okay, maybe I should knock the dust off my trusty crystal ball from time to time but still...what if I didn't have one???? :lol:

We're having a Superbowl party at my house Sunday. Our guests that we invited have been given the rundown of what to expect and what to bring for those who asked. We've been clear as a bell with everyone. I didn't send out an email or invitations or anything. We called everyone or spoke to them in person. But, ya know, if someone shows up and maybe has already eaten dinner or **gasp** in a Colts jersey (haha..just kiddin..:lol:) that person can rest assured that I won't treat them any differently than the person who arrived in a Saints jersey with a yummy king cake to share. I'll still do everything in my power to make sure that each of my guests know how wonderful it is that they are spending time with us and that they feel right at home. When hosting an event that's a fundamental responsibility of the host or hostess. I don't think a few pointers over the phone is that much to ask especially when you've made it clear twice that further communication will most likely be limited from that point forward. And ya know, if someone showed up to something I was hosting not prepared I would look to myself first for where the error in communication might have occurred because when inviting guests these are my responsibilities. I most certainly would never in a million years do anything to risk making an uncomfortable guest feel worse. I may not have been raised with a whole lot of elaborate experiences but I did learn a thing or two about hospitality, empathy, and how to treat other people. It ain't rocket-science. Even us "plain ol' average folk" have figured out how to be gracious. :hammer:

I'm glad lots of guests enjoyed the TiW event and have had great experiences with them in the past. That's wonderful. Those people will keep the TiW events thriving. That's not a bad thing. But, I assure you, TiW won't see me again at one of their events. No way. TiW is nothing more than a discount program that I use strictly for money-saving purposes. That's all there is to it. There's plenty of other fantastic dining experiences both upscale and casual to be had at WDW and beyond where I can relax, feel welcome, and enjoy a delicious meal with outstanding hospitality.

I wonder if people who don't have computers or rely on email are just outta luck in this day & age. What's so hard about talking to each other? :shrug:
 

sweetpee_1993

Well-Known Member
Just to lighten the mood a little, I'm going to throw in this tidbit.....

We received an invite to a benefit for the local Red Cross the other day.
Dress code?......

"Snappy Casual"

(????????????)

Although I could probably throw together something along those lines from my wardrobe, I'm certain Mr. Eagle doesn't own anything that anyone would describe as "snappy" -- how do you 'snap-up' a dark business suit? Flirty pocket square? Carnation on the lapel? Ick. Maybe we'll just skip it, because we're not "snappy" people.

Okay, back on topic.....
I feel like sweetpee's family should not have been treated like they didn't deserve to be at the event, regardless of their attire. Any event planner worth their salt knows that embarrassing an attendee is never the right thing to do.


:ROFLOL::ROFLOL:

Snappy Casual. Well, let's see...that could mean to dress up yer bestist overalls that don't got no holes in 'em with a colorful flannel shirt. And maybe ya oughtta take a bath *and* put on some stink-purty. Oooor, a really loud Hawaiian shirt with some khakis. An old-school pastel seersucker pants-suit? Oh Oh! I got it! A sport coat with a vibrant Mickey Mouse tie! Yeah! That's snappy. Or just snap your fingers a lot. Who can argue with a more literal translation than that?

And yes, your last paragraph is the part that bit my hiney the most. Who does that??? Talk about Lack-O-Class with a capital L-O-C.... Sheesh!

I did get my refund, tho. :sohappy:
 

Phonedave

Well-Known Member
Phonedave? You have a very good point. Just restricting ourselves to WDW... the term CASUAL EVENING ATTIRE can very GREATLY depending on where one is going.

It would be a very good idea for Disney to POST the definition of "CASUAL EVENING ATTIRE", verses "BUSSINES CASUAL ATTIRE" then STICK to the definitions, globally. Part 1 may or may not have been done... but I know from personal experience that part 2 (STICKING to it), has not been done. "CASUAL EVENING ATTIRE" says to me that we are looking at Victoria & Alberts wear.

I am too lazy to check right now.

Is V&A jacket required for men, or not ?

-dave
 

shipley731

Well-Known Member
I am too lazy to check right now.

Is V&A jacket required for men, or not ?

-dave

This is what it says on the V & A page from Dining reservations on disneyworld.com
Guest Policies .panelC7 .regionL ul li{font-size:.75em;margin-left:25px;list-style-type:disc !important;margin-bottom:5px;}.panelC7 .regionL ul{margin-bottom:20px;}
  • Specialty celebration cakes are available for an additional charge and should be ordered 48 hours in advance by calling (407) 827-2253.
  • This experience takes place in a non-smoking environment.
  • Guests ages 10 and above are invited to dine at this establishment.
  • This location can accommodate most special dietary needs. Advance notice may be required and cancellation fees may apply. Please indicate any special dietary need at time of reservation booking. Learn more about how we can help accommodate special dietary needs.
  • A cancellation policy applies and may result in charges if you cancel with insufficient notice. Specific policies related to this facility will be detailed at time of reservation booking.
  • Dinner jacket is required for gentlemen (tie optional) and dress or pants ensemble for ladies. Reservations required. Plan for 2 to 2.5 hours dining time.
  • To make reservations, book online or call (407) WDW-DVNA or 407-939-3862 up to 180 days prior to your visit.
  • Price range based on average Guest check, not including alcohol, tax and tip.
 

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