Today we took the boys to the mall to see Santa. We got them all dressed up in their Christmas attire. Nicholas was so excited. We wrote his letter and mailed it off yesterday. So we had a special breakfast this morning of doughnuts that we made a special trip to the grocery store to get. Nicholas got to pick them out (he was so excited). We left after breakfast at about 10:00. I figured it was early enough to get there, stand in line for an hour or so, see Santa, have a little lunch, and get back in time for Conner's nap @ 2:00. We loaded the boys in the mommy bus and headed on down to the mall. When we got there, of course there's no parking, but that didn't bother us because we were going to see SANTA! Finally, we found parking, put the boys in the stroller and headed in to see Santa. It took us a while to find him because he wasn't centrally located like he had been in other malls. When we got to the line, there was a 'Santa's Helper' there turning people away. He says to us, "Sorry, we're booked." I said, "what do you mean booked? Since when do you have to make an appointment to see Santa?" We're new to this town, so I'm thinking it's possible and we just didn't know the custom here. He said, "we're not letting anyone else into the line, you'll have to come back in 4 hours." "4 hours?", I said, "What makes you think the line won't be this long in 4 hours?" He says, "we're not letting anyone in line until after 2:00, then we'll start a new line". So of course by now Nicholas is asking what's going on. We walked him up to the front of the booth so he could at least look at Santa. By now I'm fuming. How to you tell your 4 year old that he's not allowed to see Santa? So we casually walked away and said, "Let's go see what's in the Disney Store!!" Luckily, that was enough of a distraction. There were other parents who weren't so lucky. There was a pair of little girls standing in front of Santa where we had taken Nicholas just bawling their little heads off. I felt so bad for their daddy who was trying to console them.
On the way to the Disney Store, I stopped by the information desk to fill out a comment card. When I was half way done filling it out, a woman asked if I'd been helped. I told her no, that I was just filling out the card. She asked if she could help me with my concern. So I told her about being turned away from Santa. She couldn't believe it. (as I couldn't) After I gave her all the details, she said she would find out what was going on because they weren't supposed to be doing that. (which is what I figured) She got my cell phone number and said she'd call me as soon as they got it sorted out.
I thought WONDERFUL maybe they'll put us in the front of the line or give a free picture or something for making them aware of the situation. So off I go to find Alex and the boys (who had gone on since the boys were getting restless). We did a little window shopping, had some lunch and still no call. It was a good 1 1/2 - 2 hours. Finally, we decided that we'd leave since Conner was getting sleepy. On the way out, I stopped by the information booth to see if they'd found anything out. The gentleman says, "I was just going to call you." (sure you were) "The manager of the mall spoke with the Santa people and repremanded them. Told them they weren't supposed to do that. They won't be doing that any more." I said, "well it's too late for us, we're going home" He says, "Sorry for your trouble". (yes, and that's it! so much for customer service!)
It was a big let down, especially as a parent. At least we got to spend the day with the boys out and about. Looking at toys and such.
That is horrible.. So they just let you walk away no "come with us Ma'am, Sorry that you and your children have had to wait all day long to see Our Biggest attraction of the day we will put you up front or at least get you in line somewhere..and resolve the situation."
That just Infuriates me...
Posted by: Ellie | November 30, 2008 at 02:04 PM