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Kevy Baby
09-22-2003, 10:23 AM
I just wanted to vent about a potentially souring experience last Saturday night.

As a back story, my wife & I and a few fellow APs went to DL after our wedding a couple of years back; my wife in her gown and me in my tux (I even wore my jacket!). Even though it was wonderful sharing the formal events with all our family and friends, spending two hours running around D-Land is still to this day our favorite memory of the day. We were staying at the then Pan-Pacific (just before they changed the name to Paradise Pier). We pulled our car into the valet and they took our luggage up to the front desk. We told them we just wanted to check in and have them take our luggage up to the room for us, as we were heading to the park. As one girl checked us in, the other girl ran into the back room and came out with a signed picture of Mickey wishing us luck (it was really cute; she still had the pen in her hand!). Next, they had one of the oversized golf carts run us over to the Monorail station. When we got there, there was a group waiting to ride in the front with the operator (no, they don't let you do that any more!) that they pushed aside to put US on ahead of them (we didn't ask, they just did it - but we did thank the group for letting us go ahead).

When we arrived at the Tommorowland Monorail Station, our friends were waiting for us with screms and shouts. We then ran around for two hours taking pictures at every place we could think of (in front of the Castle, by the Wishing Well, on the steps of City Hall in Toon Town, on the Carousel, with Mickey holding our hands as if he were marrying us, and lots of other places). In all, we took about 100 pictures there. We finished the night riding POC. At the end of the ride (the park had closed by the time we got to the end), we asked (thinking it was a slim shot at best) if we could have them sneak my wife onto the "Wench for Sale" stage for a quick picture. The ride ops and their supervisor were up for it, but someone higher on the food chain nixed the idea (but it would have been SOOOOOOO cool!!!). All in all, a wonderful time: we have a separate photo album just for that adventure!!!

Fast forward to 9/20/03. We had related this adventure to some very good friends of ours getting married on this day. Being huge fans as well, they planned it as part of their day. My wife and I rushed them out immediately after the reception was over to get to the park. As it was, we only got there about 15 minutes before closing. And then their day takes a rapid nosedive...

The people at the entrance gate inform us that she (the bride) can't come in with her gown on. Before I could start asking why, a supervisor came rushing over and immediately started barking the same thing (he was not in the least pleasant about this) and was not going to even think about relenting. At this point I turn around and see the bride crying and looking crushed. I knew that this was going to be a day killer so I resolved that I was going to get her in the park come heck or high water. I asked the supervisor to get his Manager please so that I could discuss this matter further (I was prepared to go to Eisner if necessary). The Manager finally comes and she further says that, no, we are not getting in. I explain that all we want to do is get a one picture in front of the Castle and we would be happy. I explain that my wife and I were not only let into the park on our special day, but that we were given the white glove treatment by CMs ("Well sir, I guess things have changed" - an actual quote!). I asked what the rational was behind their current decision and was informed that A) there is a safety concern that she might get caught on something (the only legitimate reason), B) that some people might mistake her for one of The Princesses (I didn't get into the fact that none of the Princesses wear white!), and C) That they "MIGHT DETRACT FROM THE SHOW":confused:. This one floored me. First off, if they had not let "the show" deteriorate so badly, this wouldn't be a concern. Two, the "distraction" might last all of 5-10 seconds, so it really isn't a big deal. Three, considering that people smile, cheer, yell congratulations, etc., how is this a distraction?!? But I kept these thought to myself.

Being in sales and used to dealing with people, I knew to not be argumentative or confrontative. Rather, I laid out my side of the story, stating what we wanted (just for pictures, no rides - even offered to have them escort us to make sure we didn't get "out of line"). She (the Manager) finally relented and said she would have a Security Guard escort us. I could tell she was none too pleased, but I think she relented to stop the scene from gettng bad. Patience and civility prevail!

We got lucky and got a very nice and helpful security guy to escort us. After snapping of a couple of quick snapshots in front of the Castle, he asked if we wanted to take any other pictures, so we ran over to the Wishing Well real quick. He then started making suggestions for other places and we took a few more, but didn't want to over-stay our welcome. Thankfully, he was great and helped salvage what otherwise might have been a horrible experience!

Like I mentioned earlier, I understand the liability issue. But the other reasons for denial of entry were ridiculous!

Okay, I feel better now that got this off my chest (I will be writing to DL management about this as well!).

Stepping of my soapbox...

PapiBear
09-22-2003, 10:32 AM
Great way to engender warm feelings toward the Park. I'll make sure I recommend to any friends getting married to stay FAR away from any Disney park, even on honeymoons.

Hit 'em where it hurts. A woman walking into the Park in a wedding gown is enough to get upset over, but preventative maintenance to avoid guest death and injury? Oh, no, the lawyers and the bean-counters can't be bothered with THAT.

I'm thinking of a phrase that begins with F.

cstephens
09-22-2003, 10:34 AM
While it's unfortunate that your friends had that experience, I'm surprised Disney agreed to your demands. I'm also surprised that you and your wife were able to do this several years ago as it's been my understanding that they haven't allowed this sort of thing at least in the past five years - not sure about before that. Some of the Fairy Tale Wedding packages include being able to take pictures in your wedding attire inside the park, so your friends were basically able to get their pictures taken for free whereas others have to pay for that privilege. And while the CM could have phrased it in a nicer way, I definitely agree that you and your wife being able to do this several years ago really has no bearing on whether or not your friend should have been able to do that now.

Lani
09-22-2003, 10:52 AM
I may be wrong but perhaps the biggest argument against them allowing that is that people pay big bucks to get married in the park and to get their pictures taken in their bride and groom outfits in the park. It would, in their mind, decrease the value of that package if every newlywed could go into the park and get their own pictures taken.

I'm glad they finally acquiesed, though.

Nephythys
09-22-2003, 11:11 AM
I can agree with points from all these posts-

I agree that it would make me angry if they set you up to expect something and then refused to follow through with it- even if it was an assumed expectation- however, if you got in on what is really an error on some CM's part- then they should not repeat it-

I also do not agree with the explanations why she could not go in the park in her dress- except the one about catching on something- but even that is weak reasoning-

They should have been more polite based on this account- IMO

I really agree with Papibear-they get freaked out over a dress but let things get run down in other ways- that's sad-

I'm sorry that happened to your friends- I'm glad it had a somewhat happy ending- now I am forewarned if I ever get remarried- don't go to DL-

cstephens
09-22-2003, 11:17 AM
Originally posted by Nephythys
now I am forewarned if I ever get remarried- don't go to DL-

Just don't go in your wedding attire. I know of people who have gone to DL the night of their wedding or shortly thereafter and had a wonderful time.

Nephythys
09-22-2003, 11:40 AM
Originally posted by cstephens
Just don't go in your wedding attire. I know of people who have gone to DL the night of their wedding or shortly thereafter and had a wonderful time.

Good point- I should be more specific- don't go to DL in a wedding dress-

Honestly- given the way I like to ride the rides- a dress would be impractical anyway and I would be worried about ruining it-

I would go the night before or for a honeymoon because I love DL- now I just need to meet a man who does too...

That's what we need- a Disney Dating service!;)

adriennek
09-22-2003, 01:56 PM
Originally posted by Kevy Baby
Okay, I feel better now that got this off my chest (I will be writing to DL management about this as well!).

Personally, I think you should write a letter and compliment the manager for allowing you in with a security guard escort. As others have mentioned, I'm really surprised that they let you in a few years ago. There's a standard policy with Disneyland that prevents guests from entering in dress that would be distracting to other guests and I know it's usually used with people in wedding dress.

Again, as others have mentioned, usually the only way to get pictures taken in the park is to pay the bucks to have your wedding there and even then, you're limited as to where you can get your pictures taken. I was in a wedding at the DLH and experienced this first hand...

I think your friends are really lucky they let you in. I understand you don't like the policy and you don't like the reasoning, but they made a big exception to allow you in.

Adrienne

gliterrboy
09-22-2003, 02:53 PM
Originally posted by adriennek
usually the only way to get pictures taken in the park is to pay the bucks to have your wedding there and even then, you're limited as to where you can get your pictures taken. I was in a wedding at the DLH and experienced this first hand...


excuse me for saying, but that is REALLY lame that Disney is THAT money hungry. guests can take pictures of themselves ANYWHERE in the park. so to limit somone from PAYING to come into the park and take pictures of themself in their wedding attire is REALLY stupid. I think seeing someone in their gown at Disneyland would inspire me to spend MORE money and feel MORE magic (thinking "wow, maybe i'll have MY wedding here, etc. this really is a special place") and NOT make me think "wow, there's someone in a wedding dress, thats the outside world and now i don't feel like i'm enjoying the show at Disneyland"! Its depressing that the company would go THAT far and cause a huge conflict/problem during someone's magical day. if there is any sort of liability about riding attractions, then the attractions people could tell them "sorry, you can't ride in that gown" and that would help that, but they shouldn't be banned from the park in general. just my 2 cents.

Lani
09-22-2003, 03:00 PM
Originally posted by gliterrboy
excuse me for saying, but that is REALLY lame that Disney is THAT money hungry.What do you think they are, some non-profit charity? The reason for their whole existence, as a publically traded company, is to make money for the stockholders.

Newlyweds already do have a way to go into the park in their outfits.

I hate to defend Disney, but I think that kind of attitude seems kind of selfish to me.

Hades
09-22-2003, 03:00 PM
Personally, I think you should write a letter and compliment the manager for allowing you in with a security guard escort. As others have mentioned, I'm really surprised that they let you in a few years ago. There's a standard policy with Disneyland that prevents guests from entering in dress that would be distracting to other guests and I know it's usually used with people in wedding dress.

I would be careful to do this because it may actually work against the manager in this instance. If it is policy to not allow people to take personal wedding pictures in their wedding outfits (the exeption being wedding parties that paid for the opportunity to have their wedding in the park), it may actually place that manager on notice. It's a tough call.:(

As a cast member, I'm sorry that things started out for your friends the way that they did, but glad that the security guard did his best to make up for the short sightedness of the managers. It seems to me there is an epidemic of guest service myopia in the management levels in recent years.:rolleyes:

Just a small suggestion for other newlyweds that plan on coming to Disneyland for their honeymoon or post-wedding day frolic, get yourselves the bridal Minnie ears and groom Mickey hat at the Mad Hatter Shop on Main Street (yeah, yeah! Blatant merchandising ploy! But I do work in merchandising! It's a habit! LOL!;) ) and go nuts taking pics in all of those romantic spots around the park. Granted, the pictures won't be as spectacular as Kevy Baby's magical (and very rare) time in the park, but you will have those memories of romance in the Magic Kingdom, without those management trolls to spoil things for you. And believe me, us cast members will be right there wishing you all congratulations and happiness on your wedding!:)

Lani
09-22-2003, 03:02 PM
Originally posted by Nephythys
Good point- I should be more specific- don't go to DL in a wedding dressA nice outfit, a bouquet of flowers, and the bride and groom mouse ears, would probably make for a really nice get-up for photos in the park! :)

Pat-n-Eil
09-22-2003, 03:16 PM
I'm really torn on this issue..

1. If there is a "get married in Disneyland" package, and I don't doubt that there is, then I definitely see why they would not want to allow an outside party to usurp the park for their own "selfish" reasons. (Let's avoid any Gay Day discussion for the moment).

If it could be to the detriment of other people's enjoyment or if it undermines the value of their own wedding package, then I do understand.

2. But they shouldn't be rude. They should just calmly explain the situation and steer you in the direction of where you can buy the mickey & minnie wedding ears and be done with it. (Unless those ears are only available to people using the marriage package).

3. I think showing up 15 minutes before closing probably didn't help the situation in any way. That must be a busy time at the gate with closing procecures.. this would definitely be unwise timing.

4. It was darn nice of them to give you your own security guard to escort you to various photo opportunities.

While it should be the goal of Disney & the CMs to make every guest feel special, there are limitations. Imagine if every person entering the park demanded special treatment like this.. When everything is special - then nothing is special.

UncleGDogWord
09-22-2003, 03:55 PM
Like the previous post states. Disney is charging some big bank to have your wedding there. Last time I was there on a Magic Morning there was a glass looking carriage being hauled down Main Street with the Disney Secret Service in costume tailing the carriage.

They don't want to give out freebies for something they charge a lot (I want to say $10,000, just for the basics, but I may be wrong)

Next time try DCA... They need the patronage.

T-minus 26h 5m till the jorney to SOCAL begins!

I'M GOING TO DISNEYLAND!!! YEA!!!!

Kevy Baby
09-22-2003, 04:49 PM
Originally posted by UncleGDogWord
Like the previous post states. Disney is charging some big bank to have your wedding there. Last time I was there on a Magic Morning there was a glass looking carriage being hauled down Main Street with the Disney Secret Service in costume tailing the carriage.

I am sure things always change, but we looked into Fairytale Weddings several years ago. Two of the prices I remember are that the Crystal Coach for 1 hour (with coachmen of course) was $1600. They had (although it looks like this has gone the way of the dodo) services available INSIDE the park (I remember seeing one by the Castle) with a maximum of 10 (yes ten) guests for $5,000.

I work (although I am trying to retire) as a wedding DJ and I can tell you that getting married at the Disneyland Hotel is not worth what they charge (IMHO). The staff over there is notoriously rude and unhelpful. They really hustle people through on Disney's schedule, not giving a darn about the service (unless things have changed in the last two/three years). In contrast, I must say that my experiences at the Grand Californian are exactly the opposite!


Originally posted by UncleGDogWord
I'M GOING TO DISNEYLAND!!!

I hear a DaDa song playing... (tee hee)

efoxx
09-22-2003, 08:05 PM
just a couple of thoughts.

1. if Disney allows one couple then they must allow every couple access to the park for pictures. while one doesn't effect the show, a hundred couples each with four brides maids and four grooms men and photoagraphers will. and this will happen if word gets out. then the poor people on vacation will have to compete with all these brides fighting for a shot in front of the wishing well. and what about the poor sap who wants to propose there, how romantic would it be if just as he falls to his knees some photographer yells at him for ruining his shot.

2. the safety issue is a concern. again not just with one couple, but when you have that many there will be some who insist upon getting their picture while riding splash mountain, and each one will claim emphatically that they know some one who got to do it just last week.

3. somewhere along the way one of these brides will get their gowns ruined. some kid will drop his ice cream on her, or some half crazed mom in a rush to make it to pooh will run over her train, and it will be Disney's fault. after all they ruined her day by letting "them" into her park. and she will demand that Disney make good on it. oh and better hurry, their wedding starts in 1 hour.

4. finally Disney's financial stake does come into play. but only a little. while Disney does charge a pretty penny for the right to do this, they also limit the number. this is primarliy to avoid the above problems. if Disney were ONLY motivated by the money, then they would allow unlimited amounts of people, heck they might even come up with a special pass, say $300 per wedding party, two hours, with escort. no rides, but all the pics you can take. and for an extra $50 mickey will pose as your best man;)

Morrigoon
09-22-2003, 10:30 PM
I agree with the interfering with the show. Remember the show is about Disney characters, not you.

However, as one who would still want the pics ;) my advice is to stash or cover the gown (this only really works if you wear something small - or stash the petticoat, detach the train, and wear a sweater over the top of your dress.) Then put it on inside, close to where you're taking the photos!

Take off the tux jacket and they'll probably give you no trouble, especially on friday and saturday (just saturday in winter) when there's dancing at carnation plaza. The more your clothes fit in with swing/salsa dancing, the better your chances are.

AussieDisneyFan
09-23-2003, 01:02 AM
When we were in the park Dec 2000. There was a young couple having photos taken. They had an area roped off and (now I may be imagining this in my memory) but I think Mickey and Minnie were there too.

I assume that they paid big bucks for this.

dsnyredhead
09-23-2003, 04:57 AM
Just reading the original post, did the couple ever think to bother to ask DL before they decided to go to the main gate? I would have asked ahead of time whether or not they could get into the parks before they decided to head over.

I was married at the Paradise Pier hotel in 2000 and I knew well ahead of time that going into the parks dressed in attire was not allowed. We were informed of this information during our pre-wedding meetings with the FairlyTale wedding office. The only way to have pictures taken in the park were if you paid for a specific package that allowed such pictures to be taken inside the park. It sounds kinda silly at this point, but I believe that one of the stores sells bride and groom mickey ears that once you were in regular clothing, you could have worn those in the park and had pictures taken that way. I know it's not the same thing, but it is what is allowed.

Just because one couple was able to get in a few years before doesn't mean that another couple even a week later if the regulations changed that soon would be able to.

I would have just accepted it and moved on.

Kevy Baby
09-23-2003, 09:45 AM
Originally posted by dsnyredhead
Just reading the original post, did the couple ever think to bother to ask DL before they decided to go to the main gate? I would have asked ahead of time whether or not they could get into the parks before they decided to head over.


In my original posting, I had stated that 1) it wasn't "some couple we heard about", it was my wife and I (we have the pictures to prove it if you really doubt it), 2) when we did it, we were NEVER told we couldn't do and we were there for two hours. Many CMs (including security) went out of their way to help us (we didn't ASK for it or even expect it - it just happened).Therefore a reasonable level of expectation had been established by Disneyland that what we were doing would be acceptable. Before my wife and I went, we had checked ahead of time to make sure it wasn't a problem. They said the only restriction was that you couldn't have a photographer with a tripod. Yes, our bad for not re-checking ahead of time; I did not think that that the rules would have changed so drastically.

As far as the liability issue (which I fully understand - yet was not their biggest concern), this is easily addressed. Don't let us ride any rides. To deny entrance into the PARK because of this is tantamount to saying "don't drive a car because you might get into an accident". Yes, stop us at the ride if we try to get on one. I really can't think of anything within the park that moves that doen't have a CM checking those who go near it. But Disneyland is not about "rides", it is about the Magic and that is what we were trying to capture.

The argument that since Disneyland offers wedding packages and therefore somehow has a lock on whether one can do what we did also has no basis. They sell clothing (and I mean EVERYTHING, down to underwear and socks); should they prevent people frm wearing their own clothing in? You can buy all sorts of pictures of various sights and attractions throughout the park; should one be prevented from taking their own pictures?

And as for "detracting from the show", this is preposterous! Again, I cannot see how a bride in a wedding dress is a negative sight (okay, maybe to a woman who just got dumped at the altar who came to DL to escape her worries for a day it might be an issue, but hey, the world's not perfect). Where is the line drawn? Should we all be in the same uniform so that no one detracts from the show? Are the large families walking around in matching T-shirts not something you look at? I see teenagers (and adults for that matter) in clothes that I find offensive (or just plain rediculous), but they are in the park (and I don't think they should be removed). I see women walking around in high-heel shoes all day long and know that this is really bad for their feet and body, but this is perfectly acceptable. How about those individuals with bad body odor? Standing behind them in a tight queue for 2 hours REALLY detracts from my experience! Yes, they do prevent people in gang attire from entering the park, but that is for safety concerns: I have not heard of too many brides going on shooting sprees (although I have known a few who were on the verge of one :) )

I am guessing from some of the posts I see that you can purchase packages where they will rope off an area for your photos. I think this is great. We were not asking for anyone to make exceptions for us. If you have never stepped out of the way or waited for someone to take a photo somewhere, you have never been to Disneyland! When we got to the Wishing Well, there was a family there taking pictures and we waited for them to finish (I even stepped in to take a photo so they could all be in it - something I do all the time at the parks). We did nothing differerent than any guests. Nor did we ask for special treatment! We went to a couple of spots, waited out turn and quickly moved on. How is that any different?

And as for the argument that "if you do it for one, you have to do it for all" predicting that you will get 500 groups a day. A) the likelihood of getting a major influx is extremely low - most couples would not want to do what we did, whether from desire or energetic ability (from my experience, which is extensive when it comes to weddings, most couples are way too tired to do something like this after their wedding and reception are over). B) Disneyland is a Special Place and it is (or nowadays, more accurately, "was") the norm to do the extraordinary things to make people feel special. Again, we were not asking for special treatment.

A couple of closing thoughts: 1) while I have referred repeatedly to what happened to us, I want this opportunity to be avaiable for anyone who wants to do it. I am not trying to be selfish, I am just using my own experiences to address a larger issue; 2) I have stated a couple of times that we were not seeking special treatment when in reality what happened Saturday night was that we DID get special treatment. My argument is that this SHOULDN'T have had to be special!

And yes, we were culpable in not re-checking ahead of time to make sure this was still okay. And showing up 15 mintes before closing was not helpful either.


Originally posted by dsnyredhead
I would have just accepted it and moved on.


Then that is one difference between you and I: when I believe I am right, I fight for it. Besides, an upset crying bride is VERY persuasive to me :)

millionairegirl
09-23-2003, 09:56 AM
Personally, I think it DOES detract from the show. I would be very perturbed to see a wedding party shooing people away from New Orleans square so they could get that 'perfect picure', without people in the background. And I do think that some kids would get confused about the princesses (depending on the bridal gown and how little the child was).

It also bothers me that the guard/manager made an exception for your friends. Rules exist for a reason, and this is just an example of Disney catering to a demanding AP holder. This is why AP holders have a bad name with the CMs.

JeffG
09-23-2003, 10:25 AM
Originally posted by Kevy Baby
Before my wife and I went, we had checked ahead of time to make sure it wasn't a problem. They said the only restriction was that you couldn't have a photographer with a tripod. Yes, our bad for not re-checking ahead of time; I did not think that that the rules would have changed so drastically.

Unless I've missed it, I don't think you have ever said exactly when you and your wife were married and allowed to go in and take pictures in your formal wedding attire. My wife and I were married at one of the hotels exactly 3 years ago (our anniversary is tomorrow) and they definitely had a strict policy against this in place at that time. In fact, they weren't even offering paid in-park photo packages at that particular time unless you paid the extremely high prices (5 figures) to actually marry inside the park.

I also know another couple that were married at the Disneyland Hotel about 2 years before us. We talked with them pretty extensively as we were planning our wedding and they too very clearly indicated to us that the park would not admit guests in formal wedding attire unless you paid specifically for the privilege through one of their packages. That tells me that this policy has been in place for at least 5 years.

If this was really such an important part of the wedding day, I definitely think you made a huge error by not calling to confirm it ahead of time. I certainly couldn't have imagined not pre-confirming such a significant element during our wedding planning. If it wasn't really that important, then the description of your reactions upon being refused admission seems rather over-the-top.

I certainly do understand the disappointment, but Disneyland is private property and they do have every right to restrict this type of thing in whatever way they wish. Even if you don't agree that is is "bad show" for brides and grooms in formal attire to be using the park as a wedding photo location, that is really Disney's decision to make. Quite frankly, even if their only motivation for the policy is that they want to charge people to do this, that is completely within their rights as well. I don't even really see it as out-of-line for a for-profit venture to want to charge for something like this.

It was nice of the managers to finally let you go ahead, although your description does make it sound like you pretty much got what you want by throwing a tantrum and leaving them in a situation where they gave in to avoid a bigger scene. I'm not sure that is anything to be proud of.

-Jeff

cstephens
09-23-2003, 10:48 AM
Originally posted by Kevy Baby
The argument that since Disneyland offers wedding packages and therefore somehow has a lock on whether one can do what we did also has no basis.

Sure it does. The basis is that it's Disney property, so it's completely within their rights to decide whether or not to let people in wedding attire enter their park.


Originally posted by Kevy Baby
They sell clothing (and I mean EVERYTHING, down to underwear and socks); should they prevent people frm wearing their own clothing in? You can buy all sorts of pictures of various sights and attractions throughout the park; should one be prevented from taking their own pictures?

No, and no, because both are permitted under Disney guidelines.


Originally posted by Kevy Baby
Where is the line drawn?

Where Disney has decided it's drawn - no costumes for adults and no traditional wedding attire.


Originally posted by Kevy Baby
We were not asking for anyone to make exceptions for us. ... We did nothing differerent than any guests. ... Nor did we ask for special treatment! How is that any different?

Again, we were not asking for special treatment.


Yes you were, yes you did, yes you did, it's different because you demanded to be able to do something they don't normally allow others to do, and yes, you were very definitely asking for special treatment by demanding that they allow your friends to do something they do not allow others to do.


Originally posted by Kevy Baby
1) while I have referred repeatedly to what happened to us, I want this opportunity to be avaiable for anyone who wants to do it.

And Disney doesn't want everyone to be able to do it without paying the stated prices, which I think is entirely their right, given that it's PRIVATE PROPERTY. You do understand that having your picture taking in the park in full wedding attire is not a right, don't you?

So I guess anyone who wants to do this should just show up at the front gate in full wedding attire, have everyone be really upset and cause a scene and demand to speak to Michael Eisner, and then maybe eventually, Disney will let them do it just to shut them up.


Originally posted by Kevy Baby
Then that is one difference between you and I: when I believe I am right, I fight for it. Besides, an upset crying bride is VERY persuasive to me :)

Even though your belief was incorrect, so you demanded that they accommodate your friends even though it's not something they would normally agree to, whereas she would have accepted the stated rules which are applicable to everyone.

And while it's always unfortunate to have an upset crying bride, I don't think that's an excuse that gives you license to do anything.

Kevy Baby
09-23-2003, 11:17 AM
Originally posted by millionairegirl
Personally, I think it DOES detract from the show. I would be very perturbed to see a wedding party shooing people away from New Orleans square so they could get that 'perfect picure', without people in the background.

I have stated repeatedly that WE DID NOT ASK FOR SPECIAL ATTENTION. We did not make anyone move out of the way for any special pictures. We were not taking formal photos, just casuals with a point-and-shoot camera and a disposable camera. Other than being in what the bride and groom were wearing, we did NOTHING different than what any other guest would have done! That is the whole point! And again, I have to ask IN WHAT WAY does it detract from the show any more than a large family in matching t-shirts or a little girl in a princess dress "detracts" from the show. Sure, you might look, smile (or express disgust if you don't like it) and then move on. Unless you put uniforms and blinders on everyone and make them march lock-step, there will be "distractions" all day long at Disneyland!

You are certainly entitled to your opinion (something for which I would fight for you and, and I am fighting for myself right now), but your opinion does not a rule make. Just as my opinion that the guy with the bad B.O. (and since you are obviously a CM, you know what I am talking about) can distract from the show yet still be in the park, why can't I (even though I don't agree that I am distracting!)?


Originally posted by millionairegirl
It also bothers me that the guard/manager made an exception for your friends. Rules exist for a reason, and this is just an example of Disney catering to a demanding AP holder. This is why AP holders have a bad name with the CMs.

Well, the ability to have a different opinion is what makes this country great. You say rules exist for a reason, and I agree. But when you disagree with a rule, you set to do something about it (which is why I have been so adament about this issue on this board)! And, rules are ever changing; obviously they changed between when my wife I did this and now. I was (wrongly, admittedly) operating off of a PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE. In my line of work, I need to work to make adjustments to satisfy my clients' needs all the time. Yes, sometimes it is a pain the tush, but it is what you do if you want to RETAIN customers!

And why shouldn't Disney cater to "demanding AP holder[s]"?!? We (as a group) are paying customers who spend an exceptional amount of money at the resort (Why do you think Disney likes APs? As a group they are very high profit!). Most of the time, we are mostly harmless and in my opinion a heck of a lot of fun. But if there is something wrong, we speak up. I'm sorry if you don't like it if I say you aren't doing your job right (this is not meant as a personal attack nor a broad accusation; my experience is that almost all the CMs I encounter are absolutley wonderful!). In my eight years as an AP, I have never ever complained about an individual CM and if I did have something to comment on, I always just report the facts in a pleasant manner. I HAVE several times gone to City Hall to file a compliment if I have seen a CM go above and beyond. But always remember and important rule of business: never forget who puts the bread on your table: the customer!

And as far as my signature line ("Just anoiher annoying AP"); it is meant as a joke, please take it that way.

millionairegirl
09-23-2003, 11:37 AM
Originally posted by Kevy Baby

You are certainly entitled to your opinion (something for which I would fight for you and, and I am fighting for myself right now), but your opinion does not a rule make. Just as my opinion that the guy with the bad B.O. (and since you are obviously a CM, you know what I am talking about) can distract from the show yet still be in the park, why can't I (even though I don't agree that I am distracting!)?

No, I'm not a CM yet, maybe when I win the lotto I will do it part-time, but until then my lifestyle requires that I work an 8-5 corporate job. Anyway, it doesn't matter that you don't find it a distraction, it is Disney's RIGHT to instate that rule. Their reasons do not matter, all that matters is that the rule exists. If I was barred entry for whatever reason they do not HAVE to let me in, and they should not 'bend' a rule to let me in.



But when you disagree with a rule, you set to do something about it (which is why I have been so adament about this issue on this board)! And, rules are ever changing; obviously they changed between when my wife I did this and now....
And why shouldn't Disney cater to "demanding AP holder[s]"?!? We (as a group) are paying customers who spend an exceptional amount of money at the resort (Why do you think Disney likes APs? As a group they are very high profit!).

Personally, I don't disagree with the rule. Of course, you have every right to disagree with the rule, but I think you handled it poorly. Having AP does not give you the RIGHT to demand admittance to the park. If Disney does not want to admit you, they do not have to. Disney does not owe you anything special just because you have an AP.