I wonder what time they filmed in? Pop usually has at least 2-3x the yellow shirt CMs out that are in either of these videos (usually 6-8). Been a thing I've noticed in videos for a while now, no matter the time of day. Didn't notice CMs greeting/confirming arrivals either. Rather odd.
Not a fan of the new tables they added at either end - the two ends are the best spots to have CMs because they provide a way to catch guests coming or going from the lobby (and aren't as crowded as the middle). I doubt any CM will use those tables as a replacement for desk space (especially if you need to grab something stores either in deck storage or the cabinets behind, both of which I'm surprised they kept). The actual desk space has also been reduced - a big problem come check-in or when there's a lot of people needing assistance (magic bands... cursed magic bands). Or when you have to deal with deliveries, especially with multiple boxes, or wedding party favors, or multiple rooms acting as one party who want to try and check in together (or one-after-the-other) because they want to be sure they have rooms near each other. The CMs on hand will bunch up into the middle (a big pet peeve of some management), and it'll look worse and provide less guest service ability than the previous lobby. Nice for people needing a sit - but why would they need to sit in the lobby so formally? They kept the map stands (tacky but a favourite to fill during slower times), so that's nice. 99% sure the green colour by the semi-hallway is the same as well, or maybe I'm hallucinating.
Yup, that’s unfortunate…it was an awesome display and definitely something to pass the time while the family was in line to check in…perhaps since no one really does that to the same extent anymore, they decided to just do away with them?
You'd be surprised how packed Pop can get at times. I've seen well over 100 in the lobby at times, and that was without groups. Particularly during busy weekends, like marathons or holidays. It gets full, and a line (or blob) naturally forms of people waiting for assistance from a CM. The carpet over by the line-forming sign is new - so maybe they finally listened to folks like me on that who complained (it's hell trying to organize a line of a few dozen tourists when they have nothing but a sign to oritntate them). It also looks like a new sign too.
I used to regularly see families and other guests looking at the shadowboxes frequently, espeically towards the evening, and I always made an effort to at least go up to one family a night and talk about the boxes (and sometimes what was in them). I estimate maybe 10% of guests actively looked at the boxes for more than a few seconds, but it was an essential way of placemaking for the resort that no longer exists. Unfortunately.
If that's the case, it's being kept a secret from the frontline CMs.
Most at Pop sincerely believed they were losing all the storage space between the back cabinets and the under-desk storage, and also losing the desks altogether. From frontline to management. (God knows what that would have looked like though.) Unless I was misinformed from various people, the shadowboxes will not be returning.
Most frontline CMs hear about Disney news from the blogs before they hear it from “the Company”. I could be wrong but that area looks like it’s missing something.
Unless a CM has an internal network (or reads this site), it's doubtful they even do that. Many CMs I've met/worked with don't bother to read whatever announcements they put up on Cast Life (or if you're a traditionalist like me, the Hub), never mind other news that doesn't get posted there. Some are much more informed than others, but they're the exception rather than the rule - I can count them on one hand compared to the dozens I worked with and the thousands I've interacted with meaninfgully over the years.
