Getting What You Want at Disney

All you have to do is ask - the right way!

- by Bob McLain, February 4, 2011

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Some people are ask-challenged.

Either they don't ask for something that they're entitled to have, or they ask in such an abrasive way that they're not likely to get it.

At Disney, I've noticed a different problem. People expect satisfaction in every little thing because, well, they're at Disney, and they deserve it.

That often leads to nasty scenes.

James Dolan, a blogger for the Disney Driven Life, has great tips for getting what you want at Disney without breathing fire (or coming across as a wimp).

Make no mistake about it: asking is an art. If you're not good at it, you'll never be great at it - but you can improve by learning a few simple techniques.

I'm not a fan of confrontation, and my approach to asking for favors (or simply asking for something that should have been offered to me in the first place) is more inquisitorial.

I never huff and puff and act aggrieved. Instead, I ask the Cast Member why my request is not possible. You'd be surprised how hard it is for some of them to answer that question with certainty. Once you've learned why it's not possible, you can suggest ways to make it possible. Every time the CM counters what you've said, ask another question.

At the very least, you'll stand a chance of prodding the CM into the next phase of her 'script' which often is an offer or an adjustment of some kind.

If no offer or adjustment is forthcoming, it never hurts to ask for a manager. Actually, yes, it does sometimes hurt - but the victim can be the Cast Member, not yourelf. To avoid that, make sure you begin your conversation with the manager by telling him how helpful the Cast Member has been - except for one little thing which you hope he will now solve.

Maybe your approach differs. Do what works! Just don't take refusal personally.

For more advice, make sure you read James' article on the Disney Driven Life. It's not a tutorial but it's a great place to start your quest to become a better asker.

Don't stop there! More Tidings Await...