Ok guys. I was gone for the weekend, but I'm back to defend my fellow CMs.
If you are a CM here complaining about other CMs, then you probably have a valid point. Having been a CP, I have a completely new perspective on what's expected of CMs. No, goofing off does not mean we're not doing our job. Often times, the goofing off is the extra little magic that helps make the guest's visit magical. In fact, its the CMs who don't goof off and just stand there like a brick wall that provide horrible guest service.
If you are a guest here complaining about CMs, I have to say, spend a day in our shoes and then see how easy it is to perfectly keep up the magic. Yes, before my college program experience, I thought it would be easy just to sit there and tell everyone to have a magical day. I thought human nature was inherently good. ..........Then I dealt with rude, vicious, horrible guests. I'm a pretty optimistic person, but so many of the guests who come through are TERRIBLE!! You'd think being at the happiest place on earth would make people, umm, happy? But its like you all come in with pitchforks ready to stab the nearest person, either guest or CM. I've been screamed at, cussed out, threatened to be killed (over trivial things such as a child being too short to ride or the wait time being too long for their liking).
I'm sure these people are mostly nice in the real world, but something changes them once they walk through that main gate.
I'm not gonna say all CMs are perfect; there are problems.
AND its NOT just CPs.
(I'm really sick of this CP bashing..and I also have trouble believing half the stories that are presented here, I believe they are made up just to top the last person's story) When I was interviewed for the college program, only 2 of us were selected out of the 25 or so that interviewed at my school. That's gotta say something about the quality they are trying to select.
Its also not only management. Yes, there are some dumb managers, but there are also good ones who still embody the Disney spirit and strive for quality.
So if the problem lies not in just management, CMs or specifically CPs, then where must it be? Guests. So many guests who are looking for something to complain about; they expect at 100% satisfaction level and a perfect vacation, and when one thing goes wrong, look for someone to blame it on. And then these guests are rude to other guests, and to CMs...its a big cycle.
If people would only come to the parks a little more appreciative and thankful that they are fortunate enough to come to a wonderful place; that they have the money and the time to come and family to spend it with; that there are CMs out there pulling 18 hour shifts on the holidays away from their families so that guests may have the time of their life; that were in a wonderful country where they are allowed to visit a magical place such as WDW...there are so many reasons for guests to be thankful and happy, yet they all seem to focus on the negatives.
CMs need a reason to feel fulfilled in their jobs. I got a high from the energy and happiness of sincerely appreciative guests. On Christmas, two-TWO- guests thanked me in the 17-some odd hours I worked. Yet these two people made my day and made it worthwhile.
Just show some respect. The CMs attitudes towards you extend far beyond their jobs. They will treat you the same way you treat them, I am sure. I know that anyone who cares enough to post negative things on this board is the type of guest who knows Disney inside and out, and goes around scrutenizing. I challenge you to take a trip to WDW and for once, focus on the positives. Maybe you can even throw in a little thank you to those CMs who stick out--in a positive way
) without goofing off, then maybe you aren't doing your job after all.
