...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:
