Dear Major League Baseball and Joe Torre,
As a fan that was in attendance at the Wild Card Game on October 5 at Turner Field I felt compelled, as a paying customer who did not throw one item on the field, to write you a letter about your customer service. I have watched baseball pretty much all my life, and am a loyal fan of "my boys", the Atlanta Braves. As a customer who has spent hundreds, perhaps thousands on tickets, clothes, etc., I was very disappointed with your service to me, and to 50,000 other fans. I feel that we, your customers, are being treated poorly. Not only do I spend money on your product, but also go to great lengths to attend games such as Friday night. On this particular occassion, I took half a personal day from work, arranged for childcare for both of my children, missed my son's high school football game, had to use the poorly run Marta system to get to the game, and made the hour trip to Turner Field. The customer service I was disappointed with was your reaction to the blown call in the 8th inning. Everyone knows it was the wrong call, which is understandable, people make mistakes. But rather than admit to your mistake, and try to provide excellent customer service to your customers, you stubbornly stood by the mistake, letting the customer know that our business is not very important to you. I will be the first to admit that one call did not cause the Braves to lose, but out of respect to your 50,000 plus paying customers, you owed it to us to make it right. We all go to great lengths, and spend great amounts of money on your product. Businesses who provide excellent customer service put the needs of the customer first, and make sure to admit to, and fix their mistakes. Joe Torre did not do this. He simply stood by his employee, rather than put his customers first. What message does it send? That we, and our business, are not that important to Major League Baseball, nor to Joe Torre or Bud Selig.
To TBS, and all the other "news networks" that have referred to the paying customers as disgraceful and disappointing: It was very disappointing to me to hear the day after the game how you were referring to all fans that way during your broadcast, although I did not throw one single thing on the field. We too, are your customers, and it was very disturbing to me to hear you refer to us in such a negative manner. I guess my business is not very important to you either. I would be appalled to learn that other businesses talk about me negatively in public, after I give them my hard earned money, why should you be any different?
And to John Schuerholz of the Braves, you apologized for and criticized 50,000 of us to the media after the game. On a personal note, I was a VIP guest in 2010 to a Braves game, with the hopes of meeting Bobby Cox. As I was on the field during batting practice waiting to meet Bobby (who I met and was very nice and appreciative that I was his fan) you walked by, looked at our guide, and shook your head no that you did not have time to meet me, clearly sending the message to me that I really wasn't that important to you. So, I do not wish for someone as pompous and arrogant as you, apologizing for me as a fan, please do not feel the need to speak for me again.
In closing, I would like to inform you that I, your paying customer, am very dissatisfied with your customer service and am considering taking my business elsewhere. The fans reaction to the missed call was not the most disturbing and disappointing thing about Friday night's game, it is the poor customer service provided to all of us by organizations who profit millions, perhaps billions, from fans like myself. Perhaps if enough of the paying customers start taking their business elsewhere, you will begin to listen.
Kelley Trippe
Flowery Branch, GA
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Leave the rat race behind...Run with The Mouse!
"26.2 miles, are you crazy?" and "The only way I run is if someone is chasing me with a butcher knife" are just some of the comments I get when people find out I am currently training for my first marathon. I run for many reasons: my health, to be a positive example to my kids, to relieve stress, and to form bonds with other runners. One other big reason I run is an excuse to go to Disney (as if you need an excuse!). I have run various road races, and have yet to find one that comes close to a Disney race in terms of quality and overall experience!
What makes them so much better than other races???
1. Atmosphere: On the course in a runDisney race, you encounter entertainment galore. From bands to acrobats, any character you wish to meet, and huge choirs in full robes; Disney races give you great excuses to stop for a moment during your run to have your picture made with your favorite character, or in front of a wonderful Disney backdrop.
My favorites? What other race shoots off fireworks as you start your race? My first race, the Princess Half Marathon, I watched all the videos I could find and saw where they shoot off fireworks at the beginning. I thought "I'll be in a later group, so I'll get to see them while waiting to start". Really, why would I doubt Disney. Much to my delight, as each coral came to the start line, the Fairy Godmother started us off, as fireworks were shot off for each group!
Goosebumps is the only word to describe running down Main Street towards the castle, as it is lined with supporters cheering you on. Probably the highlight of my run, I almost cry every time!
With less than a mile left until the finish, there is always a huge choir, in full robes, singing praise songs as you run by towards the finish!
2. Your Goodies: As you finish your runDisney race, you immediately get a wonderful medal for finishing. The race shirts are extremely nice also. Personally, I'm amazed that the Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta still gives cotton T shirts. runDisney shirts are shirts made in quality material you can actually wear to run in, and also look nice enough to wear when not running!
3. The Variety of Challenges with runDisney Races: runDisney offers many different races at different times during the year and different lengths. Most races are a weekend event, kicking off with a wonderful Expo and including kids' races, Family 5K races, and races during different times of the day. The Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon takes place at night in October, as does the Tower of Terror 10 milers at Hollywood Studios during September.
runDisney also offers the Coast to Coast Challenge. Run one runDisney half or full marathon at Walt Disney World, and one at DisneyLand during the same calendar year, and receive the Coast to Coast Medal. And for the goofiest of runners: The Goofy Challenge at Marathon Weekend. These goofy runners run the half marathon on Saturday, and then the full marathon on Sunday!
My personal goal (let's see if Billy actually reads my blogs, as this means alot of traveling) is to run all the runDisney races, and the last one on my list is the Goofy Challenge!
So, leave the rat race behind and run with The Mouse! It is an experience I guarantee is worth every penny!
Disney SpecialsMy Favorite youtube videoIncluded are links to runDisney website, personal pictures and videos, monthly specials, and one of my favorite youtube videos that I've found!www.runDisney.com
What makes them so much better than other races???
1. Atmosphere: On the course in a runDisney race, you encounter entertainment galore. From bands to acrobats, any character you wish to meet, and huge choirs in full robes; Disney races give you great excuses to stop for a moment during your run to have your picture made with your favorite character, or in front of a wonderful Disney backdrop.
My favorites? What other race shoots off fireworks as you start your race? My first race, the Princess Half Marathon, I watched all the videos I could find and saw where they shoot off fireworks at the beginning. I thought "I'll be in a later group, so I'll get to see them while waiting to start". Really, why would I doubt Disney. Much to my delight, as each coral came to the start line, the Fairy Godmother started us off, as fireworks were shot off for each group!
Goosebumps is the only word to describe running down Main Street towards the castle, as it is lined with supporters cheering you on. Probably the highlight of my run, I almost cry every time!
With less than a mile left until the finish, there is always a huge choir, in full robes, singing praise songs as you run by towards the finish!
2. Your Goodies: As you finish your runDisney race, you immediately get a wonderful medal for finishing. The race shirts are extremely nice also. Personally, I'm amazed that the Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta still gives cotton T shirts. runDisney shirts are shirts made in quality material you can actually wear to run in, and also look nice enough to wear when not running!
3. The Variety of Challenges with runDisney Races: runDisney offers many different races at different times during the year and different lengths. Most races are a weekend event, kicking off with a wonderful Expo and including kids' races, Family 5K races, and races during different times of the day. The Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon takes place at night in October, as does the Tower of Terror 10 milers at Hollywood Studios during September.
runDisney also offers the Coast to Coast Challenge. Run one runDisney half or full marathon at Walt Disney World, and one at DisneyLand during the same calendar year, and receive the Coast to Coast Medal. And for the goofiest of runners: The Goofy Challenge at Marathon Weekend. These goofy runners run the half marathon on Saturday, and then the full marathon on Sunday!
My personal goal (let's see if Billy actually reads my blogs, as this means alot of traveling) is to run all the runDisney races, and the last one on my list is the Goofy Challenge!
So, leave the rat race behind and run with The Mouse! It is an experience I guarantee is worth every penny!
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Food Glorious Food!
Unless you are a big fan of chicken nuggets and pizza, a big consideration when traveling to Disney is your dining options. Disney offers a variety of dining options and experiences, and also offers an affordable way to experience these while on vacation. It may seem like a small aspect of your trip, but scheduling your dining may be one of the most crucial decisions you will make.
When I was a Disney "rookie", I thought it was ridiculous to pay so much money for the Dining Plan. When I would calculate the price of my trip, and add the dining plan, I would foolishly say to myself, "I can save more money than that and not get the plan". After several trips of standing in line waiting for my tray of chicken nuggets, pizza, or mini corn dogs, I had to admit I was mistaken.
I now highly recommend the Disney Dining Plan, and here's why:
Often times, Disney will run Free Dining during different times of the year.
This usually occurs between the months of October and December, but you can sometimes catch the special other times of the year. You must book a package with the room and tickets. It can be a big money saver, and worth trying to go during this time.
Time to rest your barking dogs!
You are on your feet a LOT at Disney. Anytime you can sit down and have someone else wait on you is money well spent. Disney offers sit down meals, which includes Character Meals. Outside of the Dining Plan, these can quickly add up (just ask my husband about the time we went to the Crystal Palace for supper while not on the Dining Plan!).
I prefer to purchase the Standard Dining Plan, which is one sit down, one quick service, and one snack a day. Disney offers a Quick Service Dining Plan, which is more affordable and seems more appealing when looking at the price, but does not give you the luxury of having someone else assist you each day.
Get pictures with characters out of your way while eating!
When you book a character meal, different Disney characters come to your table as you are eating for pictures and autographs, thus avoiding standing in those lines at the parks to meet them! There are a variety of character opportunities available, so you can make sure you schedule character meals that satisfy meeting all of your kids' favorite characters.
Getting the Dining Plan saves your money out of pocket while on vacation!
Since the Dining Plan is included in your vacation package, you must pay off the total 45 days before your check in. If you book your trip early enough, you can make payments each month and have everything paid for before you even drive through the gates.
Our family went last year in December, using the free Dining Plan, and only spent $90 out of pocket in four days!
Important things to consider when booking your Dining:
Reservations open 180 days in advance. If you make your resort reservation before the 180 days, ask when is the first day you can book your dining. I now use the online reservations, much easier than calling in for a reservation. You can access this at http://www.disneyworld.com/. Click on Dining, then Reservations. If you are hoping to reserve the Castle, or other hugely popular dining options, you must book 180 days in advance. You can always cancel if you get closer and change your mind about a dining experience.
If you have young children who get up early anyway, book your breakfast in the parks early, before the parks open. You avoid the lines at the gates by doing so, and just walk out of your restaurant into the park while everyone else is filing in! I love going to Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom before the park opens, it is great to walk down Main Street without the huge crowd; makes for a great time to get pictures in front of the castle!
Your Dining is based on how many nights you stay at the resort, not how many days are on your park tickets. For example, if you stay 5 nights, but only go the park 4 days, you still receive 5 sit down meals per person in your party. This allows you to double up one day and use two sit down meals in a day, or use two sit down credits to eat somewhere like the castle (this requires two sit down credits).
Our Favorite Dining Experiences:
I have not found one that is not my favorite, but here are a few that I quite enjoy:
Donald's Safari Breakfast in Animal Kingdom Park
Classic Disney characters dressed in safari gear and costumes visit you as you enjoy a wonderful breakfast buffet. I personally love the gravy biscuits!
Garden Grill at EPCOT
This is available for lunch and dinner only. The restaurant is located in the Land, and they serve the food grown in the Land. It is a rain forest setting, and the restaurant slowly spins as classic characters come to your table to visit. They serve good salads and vegetables, so it is a refreshing change for adults.
Park Fare at Grand Floridian
This is one of my favorite places to eat breakfast. They have an omelet station, and I love their Eggs Benedict. Characters include Mary Poppins, Alice and the Mad Hatter, Pooh, and Tigger. They also offer Cinderella, the Step Sisters, and Prince Charming for dinner, which we have never experienced.
Ohana at the Polynesian Resort
This breakfast is one of our favorites, my husband loves the juice they serve! This meal also includes character greetings with Lilo and Stitch, favorites of many kids!
And last but not least, for every little Princess, Cinderella's Royal Table located inside the Castle in Magic Kingdom!
Cinderella is located in the lobby, and available for pictures. Breakfast and Lunch options include visits from various Disney Princesses. Dinner includes a dinner show with the mice and the Fairy Godmother!
This meal does take two Sit Down Credits for each person. Or, you can save your credits and just pay for the meal, which is what I have done. It is something every princess must experience at least once (and I mean EVERY princess, no matter her age!)
So when booking your next trip to Disney, avoid making my rookie mistake and use the Dining Plan; your wallet and kids will thank you!
Links for upcoming specials:
Disney is offering several specials in honor of Leap Day this year entitled One More Disney Day, just announced on New Year's Eve:
http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/one-more-disney-day/
And check out all the new exciting events for 2012:
http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/01/walt-disney-world-resort-looking-forward-to-royal-rooms-new-fantasyland-and-more-in-2012/?CMP=SOC-WDWFY11Q4FBDM0133
When I was a Disney "rookie", I thought it was ridiculous to pay so much money for the Dining Plan. When I would calculate the price of my trip, and add the dining plan, I would foolishly say to myself, "I can save more money than that and not get the plan". After several trips of standing in line waiting for my tray of chicken nuggets, pizza, or mini corn dogs, I had to admit I was mistaken.
I now highly recommend the Disney Dining Plan, and here's why:
Often times, Disney will run Free Dining during different times of the year.
This usually occurs between the months of October and December, but you can sometimes catch the special other times of the year. You must book a package with the room and tickets. It can be a big money saver, and worth trying to go during this time.
Time to rest your barking dogs!
You are on your feet a LOT at Disney. Anytime you can sit down and have someone else wait on you is money well spent. Disney offers sit down meals, which includes Character Meals. Outside of the Dining Plan, these can quickly add up (just ask my husband about the time we went to the Crystal Palace for supper while not on the Dining Plan!).
I prefer to purchase the Standard Dining Plan, which is one sit down, one quick service, and one snack a day. Disney offers a Quick Service Dining Plan, which is more affordable and seems more appealing when looking at the price, but does not give you the luxury of having someone else assist you each day.
Get pictures with characters out of your way while eating!
When you book a character meal, different Disney characters come to your table as you are eating for pictures and autographs, thus avoiding standing in those lines at the parks to meet them! There are a variety of character opportunities available, so you can make sure you schedule character meals that satisfy meeting all of your kids' favorite characters.
Getting the Dining Plan saves your money out of pocket while on vacation!
Since the Dining Plan is included in your vacation package, you must pay off the total 45 days before your check in. If you book your trip early enough, you can make payments each month and have everything paid for before you even drive through the gates.
Our family went last year in December, using the free Dining Plan, and only spent $90 out of pocket in four days!
 |
| Meeting Mickey at Garden Grill in EPCOT |
Reservations open 180 days in advance. If you make your resort reservation before the 180 days, ask when is the first day you can book your dining. I now use the online reservations, much easier than calling in for a reservation. You can access this at http://www.disneyworld.com/. Click on Dining, then Reservations. If you are hoping to reserve the Castle, or other hugely popular dining options, you must book 180 days in advance. You can always cancel if you get closer and change your mind about a dining experience.
If you have young children who get up early anyway, book your breakfast in the parks early, before the parks open. You avoid the lines at the gates by doing so, and just walk out of your restaurant into the park while everyone else is filing in! I love going to Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom before the park opens, it is great to walk down Main Street without the huge crowd; makes for a great time to get pictures in front of the castle!
Your Dining is based on how many nights you stay at the resort, not how many days are on your park tickets. For example, if you stay 5 nights, but only go the park 4 days, you still receive 5 sit down meals per person in your party. This allows you to double up one day and use two sit down meals in a day, or use two sit down credits to eat somewhere like the castle (this requires two sit down credits).
 |
| The Mad Hatter at Park Fare! |
I have not found one that is not my favorite, but here are a few that I quite enjoy:
Donald's Safari Breakfast in Animal Kingdom Park
Classic Disney characters dressed in safari gear and costumes visit you as you enjoy a wonderful breakfast buffet. I personally love the gravy biscuits!
Garden Grill at EPCOT
This is available for lunch and dinner only. The restaurant is located in the Land, and they serve the food grown in the Land. It is a rain forest setting, and the restaurant slowly spins as classic characters come to your table to visit. They serve good salads and vegetables, so it is a refreshing change for adults.
Park Fare at Grand Floridian
This is one of my favorite places to eat breakfast. They have an omelet station, and I love their Eggs Benedict. Characters include Mary Poppins, Alice and the Mad Hatter, Pooh, and Tigger. They also offer Cinderella, the Step Sisters, and Prince Charming for dinner, which we have never experienced.
Ohana at the Polynesian Resort
This breakfast is one of our favorites, my husband loves the juice they serve! This meal also includes character greetings with Lilo and Stitch, favorites of many kids!
And last but not least, for every little Princess, Cinderella's Royal Table located inside the Castle in Magic Kingdom!
Cinderella is located in the lobby, and available for pictures. Breakfast and Lunch options include visits from various Disney Princesses. Dinner includes a dinner show with the mice and the Fairy Godmother!
This meal does take two Sit Down Credits for each person. Or, you can save your credits and just pay for the meal, which is what I have done. It is something every princess must experience at least once (and I mean EVERY princess, no matter her age!)
Links for upcoming specials:
Disney is offering several specials in honor of Leap Day this year entitled One More Disney Day, just announced on New Year's Eve:
http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/one-more-disney-day/
And check out all the new exciting events for 2012:
http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/01/walt-disney-world-resort-looking-forward-to-royal-rooms-new-fantasyland-and-more-in-2012/?CMP=SOC-WDWFY11Q4FBDM0133
Sunday, December 25, 2011
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Planning your first trip to the most magical place on Earth? There are so many things to consider when planning your first trip, or any trip for that matter, to the Happiest Place on Earth. One major factor to consider and one I am often asked: "What time of the year is the best time to visit?" For me, personally, the answer could be sarcastic: "Hello, EVERY day is a good day to go to Disney!!!", because I'd hop in the car and go anytime of the year. Disney makes it their business to offer specials at various times throughout the year, so every day is a good day at Disney. Now I know not everyone would prefer to visit as often as we do, so here are some of the most crowded times of the year, according to Birnbaum's Guide to Walt Disney World: Christmas Day through New Year's Day President's Day Week Marathon Weekend 3rd week of March through 3rd week of April June through the 3rd week of August Our family has visited in February, March, April, May, June, October, and December. They are all wonderful times to go and have their advantages and disadvantages. For instance, February and March is a great time to visit because it is already warm in Orlando. During one of our trips in February it was 87 degrees our last day at the parks, which made it kind of difficult to return to tempratures in the 30's! We have been during Spring Break also. Yes, it was a little crowded, but here's the thing about Disney: Even when it's crowded they are masters at moving people through as quickly as possible. They also offer entertainment at various rides as you wait in line. We have also visited as soon as school was out in Georgia at the end of May, beginning of June. The plus to that time of the year is that the schools up North are still in session so it is not too crowded. If you go during that time purchase some ponchos before you go though. It usually rains every day during that time of year, which can work to your advantage if you brave the elements and stay at the parks in the rain, they tend to be less crowded. Fall is a beautiful time of year to visit. The weather is simply perfect and they offer events such as Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, which I hear is wonderful; and is on my list to visit during that time. But for me, hands down, the absolute best time to visit is during the Christmas Season. Now, if you've been paying attention, you are referring me back to the most crowded weeks of the year list, with Christmas to New Year's Day listed. But Disney is decorated for Christmas at the beginning of November through the end of December, allowing two whole months to experience the magic.  |
Why is it my favorite time to visit?:
It's never too early to book your trip to Disney for the 2012 Holiday Season! Usually, Disney will offer the Dining Plan for free during the months of November and December (excluding Thanksgiving Week and the week of Christmas), so you can get great deals on a trip that your family will forever cherish. Go ahead and let Santa know that next year, you want to be in the most magical place on Earth to celebrate Christmas!
At the end of each post, I will share deals from Disney World, the newest deal is receive up to 30% off your resort price during the spring:
Please share with your friends and subscribe!
Go to the top of the page and enter your email right under the Professor Mouse title to subscribe!
Please feel free to comment and ask questions for advice!
I will share weekly tips and links to specials and events.
Upcoming blogs include:
--Food Glorious Food--The Disney Dining Experience
--"Mommy can I buy that PLEASE?"--Tips to avoid breaking the bank on merchandise while in the parks
--"Oh the places you'll go!"--Disney Resort options
Go to the top of the page and enter your email right under the Professor Mouse title to subscribe!
Please feel free to comment and ask questions for advice!
I will share weekly tips and links to specials and events.
Upcoming blogs include:
--Food Glorious Food--The Disney Dining Experience
--"Mommy can I buy that PLEASE?"--Tips to avoid breaking the bank on merchandise while in the parks
--"Oh the places you'll go!"--Disney Resort options
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