Unmagical Day at the Magic Kingdom

[mf1972]

who’s on 1st...what’s on 2nd, & i don’t know if sam is on 3rd because he does nothing

 

[Willmark]

This past Wednesday, we showed up at the park to find a deluge of rain where a drizzle was predicted. After waiting for the rain to die down, we made a dash for Be Our Guest for breakfast. We arrived drenched, shivering, and hungry. I live in Minnesota, and there's no cold like wet and windy Florida cold. It eats into your bones and lingers too long. Thank God for coffee!

Just over an hour later, we'd finished off our meal (OK, we devoured more delightful food than any of us had planned), and we left the restaurant to find sunlight streaming through broken clouds. It cooled off quickly after sunset, so I used it as an excuse to buy a Haunted Mansion hoodie.

All in all, between having to put up with cold rain to start the day, getting a last-minute BOG reservation, and snagging nine(!) primo fastpasses, this is the worst day at MK I've had in the past ten years. And I loved every minute of it.

^ I think you posted in the wrong thread. This thread is for those things deemed unmagical.

 

[nickys]

i think if i was a CM at MK named sam, i would seriously consider changing my name

I think on my next trip I’ll make it my mission to find a CM called Sam. Any CM. And I’ll get a selfie.

By the way, do we know that Sam is a man.? She could be a woman, as in Samantha. I re-read it and couldn’t spot if she used the pronoun he or she anywhere, it was just “Sam did not do ...., Sam did not do ... , Sam did nothing”. But there again, sometimes you don’t see the obvious.

 

[mf1972]

I think on my next trip I’ll make it my mission to find a CM called Sam. Any CM. And I’ll get a selfie.

By the way, do we know that Sam is a man.? She could be a woman, as in Samantha. I re-read it and couldn’t spot if she used the pronoun he or she anywhere, it was just “Sam did not do ...., Sam did not do ... , Sam did nothing”. But there again, sometimes you don’t see the obvious.

very good point. i never thought of that.

 

[Cesar R M]

I think on my next trip I’ll make it my mission to find a CM called Sam. Any CM. And I’ll get a selfie.

By the way, do we know that Sam is a man.? She could be a woman, as in Samantha. I re-read it and couldn’t spot if she used the pronoun he or she anywhere, it was just “Sam did not do ...., Sam did not do ... , Sam did nothing”. But there again, sometimes you don’t see the obvious.

What baffled me is how Katiebug explicitly focused in a single CM.
For a "professional" person she claimed to be.. I'm surprised she didn't even go to try to talk with more CMs or pull the "May I talk to the Manager?" earlier.

 

[Willmark]

I’m tempting to do a line by line eviceration of our OPs post just for the Hell of it with plenty of snark. I do that from time to time when someone posts something egregious, usually in the politics sub forum...

 

[Smiley/OCD]

I had to make an account for all this yummy goodness.

It's like watching a car crash in slow motion...you don't want to see the carnage, but YES! you really do!

 

[larryz]

By the way, do we know that Sam is a man.? She could be a woman, as in Samantha. I re-read it and couldn’t spot if she used the pronoun he or she anywhere, it was just “Sam did not do ...., Sam did not do ... , Sam did nothing”. But there again, sometimes you don’t see the obvious.

 

[unmitigated disaster]

Katiebug could have solved a zillion issues by just telling her kids Sam was Cinderella in disguise. Also, possibly, with a sex change.

 

[EagleScout610]

So....has Sam done anything yet?

 

[KBLovedDisney]

So....has Sam done anything yet?

I was wondering where this thread went...

 

[larryz]

I was wondering where this thread went...

This thread is like a sink clog in your kids' bathroom. Just when you think it's gone...

 

[KBLovedDisney]

Want to know what Sam actually did? He gave the CEO advice to give the southeast theme parks metal air carriages for that 90+ degree heat with no AC.

So, Sam did something.

 

[smile]

Katiebug could have solved a zillion issues, possibly, with a sex change.

only took 84 pages

 

[justintheharris]

This thread never gets old. I hope guest relations at Magic Kingdom keeps this complaint pinned on the wall backstage for a good laugh and to remember that when daily guest complaints seem silly, there’s ALWAYS worse.

 

[Willmark]

The time has come for my famous line by line destruction of posts on this post, stand by it will take a while, lots of material to work with here.

 

[Willmark]

As the movie Apocalypse Now says "Time to terminiate with extreme prejuidice..."

Let me start out by saying that I love Disney World, or at least I did until my recent trip on Monday, March 3, 2014.

Something tells me from your opening statement this isnt going to turn out well, no?

I have been to Disney at least twenty times.

And yet you're going to make some idiotic, first time noob mistakes right? (Lets read on!)

I honeymooned at Disney World.

Not sure why this is particularity note-worthy or relevant, but congrats?

I have Disney stock.

Congrats so does everyone else with a 401k, do you want a pony too?

I never ever thought I would ever write a complaint letter

You didnt, you posted on a forum which is not www.disney.com confusing huh?

to the "happiest place on earth".

Fairly sure that's Disneyland's tagline.

Granted, I have not been in a few years.

Time for some research then? Whats that, you didn’t? Something tells me this wont end well.

There have been lots of changes at Disney, and most of them are not good.

"THIS IS TOTALLY NEW INFORMATION!" (Phoebe Buffay voice)

The reason I have not gone in a few years is that I have been busy having children

Probably explains the Honeymoon? Right? (wink, wink, bow chicka wow wow)

an adorable little Princess who is 2 years old, named Skye, and my 5-month old little Prince Dylan.

I'll take a pass on picking on kids.

I also have a twelve year old princess, Julie, and 14 year old princess, Kaitlynn.

I think they would be mortified to be called princesses at 12 and 14, no?

We are a big family.

Nah, them Duggars? Now that is a BIG family!

We paid lots of money for our tickets.

Just like everyone else.

The charge of parking has gone up. It is $14.00 and it was $10.00.

Pesky inflation and price increases! (you should see what it is in 2019!)

When you park for the Magic Kingdom, you actually wind up at the ticket and transportation center and then have to take a tram.

And I quote "I have been to Disney at least twenty times." You think you would know this having been there that many times.

You can't put the baby and all the stuff in the stroller because it will not fit on the tram.

You should post in the stroller threads too, lots of "helpful" advice there too, same with the Scooter threads, those are so civil.

Barring that less stuff... or a smaller stroller...or both...

I guess you could walk, because it took fifteen minutes to wait for the tram anyway.

Well, most Americans can do with more walking not less... just saying.

After you get to the Ticket and Transportation Center then you have to take the ferry or monorail to the actual Magic Kingdom.

Yes... And?

It took over an hour to actually get to the gates of the Magic Kingdom from the time we parked. I think that's a little ridiculous.

I heard they invented a Teleporter over at Journey into Imagination, but Figment ate it.

The first thing I noticed from the monorail is that the castle is under construction (hmmmm, not very magical).

Contrary to popular belief the laws of physics and construction do apply at Disney.

Once inside the park the moat is drained!!!! It is ugly, not magical at all.

See above.

There were two cast members blocking the way who rudely told us we could go around the back - past the smoking area and drained moat - which is very un-magical.

Rude cast members, drained moats and smoking areas, oh my!

The cast members could clearly see that Skye was crying because all she wanted to do was see Cinderella's castle and meet Cinderella.

Wait were her eyes closed or something or did the castle disappear? A minute ago you said it was closed in the back?

They didn't do anything!!!! In fact, they just looked disgusted that we were bothering them and now my annoying kid was crying.

You said it, not us.

They didn't say, "Don't worry, you'll see Cinderella later."

That's off script.

or offer to escort her in back themselves, or tell us where we could meet or see Cinderella later, or even say "I'm sorry, little princess, please don't cry!"

Guided tours are extra, but you did "pay a lot of money for your tickets!"

So basically, we were there for less than fifteen minutes and my little girl is crying.

Wait you said it took an HOUR to get there, now you're saying its less than 15 minutes? Do you have a TARDIS?????

So we went in the back way, made a wish in the fountain, and saw what we could of the castle, which wasn't much.

First you say you saw a little, then not at all, now a little? Is there some sort of Disney holo-projection going on?

My little girl never did see Cinderella that day.

Wait...which is it????

I thought we could meet her after the castle show because all the characters come down afterwards to greet the children, but apparently that is a thing of the past. After the show the characters disappeared?

It was all an evil ploy to thwart your trips of twenty times past!

Then I was told that they are holding Cinderella captive in the new Princess Fairytale Hall and you can get a fastpass so you don't have to wait in line for over an hour. Well, I went to get fastpasses and the new system would not allow me to get one. Ariel was also "unavailable" and so was Rapunzel. I was able to get a fastpass to meet Mickey but that wasn't until 6:30pm - 7:30pm.

Yeah... that pesky research thing biting you in the behind again.

I used to be able to get a fastpass outside any ride. Now you can only get three? This is a horrible system. I was waiting in line for 45 minutes to get the fastpasses! How is that fast or magical?

1. I used to have six-pack abs, but like your past trips its a thing of the past. 2. Its not.

At lunchtime, we went to Cosmic Ray's, or at least tried to. I got little Dylan out of the stroller along with all the stuff and sent my hubby to get the food so I could sit down with the little kids. There were two cast members guarding the door to where the seating is blocking the way. I was told that I couldn't sit down unless I have bought food!!!!! What!!!!!!!! Are you serious??????

How dare people who HAVE food not be able to sit down when people who do not have food YET are taking up tables. The NERVE of some people!

I pointed to my husband in line and told him that I could not wait 30 minutes with a two year old and five month old without a stroller.

Sounds like that is on you.

I told my husband who was furious and complained to the manager, Sam.

I'm sure Sam's version is different.

Sam did nothing.

Good for Sam.

Sam did not apologize.

Nor should he.

Sam did not let me sit down.

Nor should he.

Sam did not give us vouchers for free dessert.

Nor should he.

Sam did nothing but stand in front of the door and treat us like second-class citizens.

No he didn’t, he treated you just like everyone else, difficult concept in your self centered world I know.

I wasn't bringing in food from home. I was planning to buy it, but even if the opposite was the case - why aren't people allowed to sit down anywhere for free?

You are able to buy it, there were simply people ahead of you and the world doesn't revolve around you. Shocking I know.

Especially people with little children who paid over $100 per person to get into the park?

Just like everyone else.

I was so angry I left and went over to Pecos Bills.

That will show Cosmic Ray's and Disney! OH WAIT...

They also had cast members guarding the seats.

How dastardly, I’m sure you would have got away with it to if it wasnt for those meddling cast members too! (shakes fist)

I was hungry and frustrated, so I gave in and waited with the kids to get all the food before I sat down.

In other words you FINALLY started following the rules. Just like everyone else.

This is a ridiculous policy and it needs to be changed right away. People are paying ridiculous prices for so-so food and you won't let a mother of four sit down!

I heard if you’re a mother of three that’s the right combo to ignore the rules.

I'm serious, if you keep doing this to mothers with little kids, it will cause a riot.

Rioting 5 month and 2 year olds? SCARY!

There was a mother of twins and another grandmother at Cosmic Ray's who were just as angry as I was.

Just as angry? My guess they weren’t that angry, maybe 3/4? 5/8 as angry?

I would also like to mention that Julie , is a picky eater. She eats chicken nuggets or pizza. There was nothing on the menu at Pecos Bills for her to eat - only burgers. I talked her into a Southwest Salad, which had grilled chicken on it.

Don't raise a picky eater or at least allow one at 12? Either way that's on you.

Food selection, quality and customer service is better at the state fair, than at Disney World restaurants.

To be fair you're talking Quick Service here.

Don't you think all the restaurants should have staples for the kids? - Hot dog, hamburger, pizza, mac and cheese, chicken nuggets, corn dogs.

Or kids should realize that on vacation they aren't going to be catered to like you apparently do? Especially once past a certain age, like 12?

Skye wanted ice cream. I couldn't get it there. I was told to go to a vendor outside.

And? That pesky walking thing again?

And why don't you sell McDonald's fries anymore. I loved that!

I got nothing here.

After we were seated I needed to get up and get napkins and toppings.

You seem to be really bad at planning, you might want to start making checklists.

Apparently, you are paying the guards to watch the guests because three cast members asked me what I was doing out of my seat & reminded me that I couldn't sit down unless I had bought food. They were not offering to help me get everything I needed to feed my troop-they were strictly enforcing the rules & treating everyone like cattle.

MMMMMMOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

A cast member followed me back to my seat to make sure I had really bought food! So lunch was not very magical at all.

Well... was it the happiest?

I paid over $70 dollars for everyone and nobody was happy.

I guess not.

For dinner, I tried to make reservations but was told there was nothing available unless I went to Downtown Disney. Crystal Palace and Be Your Guest had a three hour wait and we were told that people with reservations have priority.

How dare Disney take people with reservations over people who are incredibly poor at planning!

I find it really hard to fathom that Disney World is making it so difficult to get a simple meal.

It’s not. I'm told tens of thousands of people manage to navigate this seemingly complex thing called plans and reservations on a daily basis, you should look into it on your next trip.

We skipped dinner and ate at Denny's

Was it a Grandslam Breakfast? Well at least not for the "picky eater" right?

- which was cheaper and made everyone happy.

I'm betting your server wasn't happy until you left.

Next week we are planning to go to Epcot or MGM during spring break.

Since that was five years ago, how did it go? Did you have as many travails as this trip?

I called Disney Dining to make reservations. I was appalled when I was told I had to guarantee any dining reservation with a credit card and cancel up to 24 hours in advance or be charged $10 per person. Ok, so that's $60 if we are stuck on a ride or get there late.

Show up early?

People with four kids are rarely on time.

People with four kids get to places on time all the time, it just seems this is a mystery to only you?

At this point, I was angry enough to ask for a manager to discuss all of these "new policies".

Did they change them just for you?

I spoke to Winston. He was also no help.

Did he "do nothing" too?

He said he would gladly take my reservation but not without a credit card.

Gosh darn pesky rules again!

I told him about the debacle at Cosmic Ray's. He said he had never heard of that happening before, so I guess it's not his problem.

The problem you created? No, its not his problem.

I told him that I took my two year old princess to the Magic Kingdom and she was unable to see Cinderella or Mickey Mouse. Apparently, he didn't care about that at all?

We've already established this was on you.

Then he had the nerve to tell me that everyone is held to their high standard of policies, even Executive Vice Presidents!

Good policy really.

Really, well how does he know I'm not an Executive Vice President?

Because they are aware of policies and procedures which you clearly are not?

He said he knew because an Executive Vice President would not cut off his sentences.

None of us are surprised by Winston's sage observation.

Wow! Well, you can tell Winston that I am not an Executive

He (we) already knew that.

but I am a travel agent.

Please tell us the name of your service so we can avoid it.

And you can bet that this letter is going to be emailed to everyone I can think of at this point. And if any of my clients ask me where they should visit in Orlando - I will definitely tell them that Disney World is not worth the money anymore.

I got to be honest, I'm calling into question your “skills” as a travel agent.

Their customer service is sub-par at best and they simply don't care if a little kid is crying because they can't meet their favorite character.

You think a travel agent would be aware of these "new polices"

And if I could have a dollar for every time a Disney Cast member rolled their eyes at me on my visit - I would have over $100 dollars - which would cover the cost of my over-priced Disney ticket.

AND I WANT A UNICORN TOO!

I asked Winston to refund my tickets because at this point I never want to go to Disney again.

Then why would they give back the "last" dollars you are giving them? Rookie mistake for a "Travel Agent".

He offered to transfer me to ticketing but reminded me that the tickets are non-refundable. Great customer service Disney! Epic Fail! I am ashamed of you.

I guess you didnt read the fine print, you know, something a Travel Agent would know.

I've been a loyal Disney fan and guest for forty years. It's a shame that that loyalty was shattered in one visit to the so-called Magic Kingdom.

Remember, its not the "happiest place on earth!"

If you refuse to do anything to make this right, any future visits to theme parks for my family will be spent at Universal Studios or Busch Gardens.

I guess we had better start searching the history of fan boards for Universal and/or Busch Gardens. If this is any indication there has to be more “great” posts/threads waiting to be discovered!

And I mean more than a half-hearted apology and an eye roll!

I uh... heard on "another" board you said got a full refund? I call shenanigans.

 

[FettFan]

 

[KBLovedDisney]

 

[Raineman]

Fantastic job! You not only did a mic drop for every one of her complaints, you picked the mic back up and punted it right back into her face.