How do you CM's do it? This is the time of year when, at least in the tourist area I am from, the crazies come out to play. It gets insane with idiocy. But it's only seasonal for us, as luckily, the Fall-Spring seasons get more of the family-oriented, decent folks. But summer...forget about it! I hardly have the patience to last June-August up here, so how do you CM's put up with some of the things you do? I have nothing but respect for all of you.
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Dealing With Tourists
- Thread starter Le Petomane
- Start date
DisneyPrincess5
Well-Known Member
Honestly, I have no idea.
There are so many awesome CMs who are jolly and "Disney-fied" and who will provide a classic, happy experience who really take their role seriously. But I have definitely seen a trend of some less interested, less patient ones in the past 5 or so years who don't really play along and barely grin at you.
I feel for them. They have to deal with some pretty overtired, hot, entitled guests who don't follow directions or who believe they have the right to pitch a fit when they haven't researched a ride that has been planned a refurb and "their little Jimmy NEEDS to see Peter Pan". Im not sure what their pay or benefits are but if they're not great, that's not helping the situation.
I so appreciate the calm, happy CMs and try to make the ones who look miserable happy or laugh because they put up with a lot.
There are so many awesome CMs who are jolly and "Disney-fied" and who will provide a classic, happy experience who really take their role seriously. But I have definitely seen a trend of some less interested, less patient ones in the past 5 or so years who don't really play along and barely grin at you.
I feel for them. They have to deal with some pretty overtired, hot, entitled guests who don't follow directions or who believe they have the right to pitch a fit when they haven't researched a ride that has been planned a refurb and "their little Jimmy NEEDS to see Peter Pan". Im not sure what their pay or benefits are but if they're not great, that's not helping the situation.
I so appreciate the calm, happy CMs and try to make the ones who look miserable happy or laugh because they put up with a lot.
Pumbas Nakasak
Heading for the great escape.
I understand some like to punch them, but only when they arent looking.
BrittanyRose428
Well-Known Member
I work on the Freedom Trail in Boston. I would say I've developed a lot of patience. You say a lot of the same things over and over and over again, and try really hard not to sound like it's the 85743579327532753724th time you've said it that day. You just have to realize that for whatever reason, people leave their brains at home when they go on vacation. People suddenly lose all ability to read (words and maps), and sometimes they lose basic social skills too. ("Hi, how are you today?" ... *horrified/blank stare/look in opposite direction*). Regardless, I think it's really fun to work in the industry, and I love hearing about how people's vacations are going. You have to have the right attitude about it I guess. If you think "I don't want to repeat myself a million times, people are so annoying" then the job will actually be annoying. You just have to make peace with the situation and have fun with it.
bethymouse
Well-Known Member
I have rarely seen sad faces on CMs, mostly happy ones. Occasionally you'll run across a few unhappy CMs when it's really hot and sticky ( like above 100 degrees). I don't know how the characters do it for meet n greets! Phew!
rocknroller81
Member
This. I like this. And I plan on doing the college program, but I may find it hard to not bop somebody in the nose just because their spoiled little kid can't go swimming in the Rivers of America even though it is clearly fenced off (not saying that did happen, but I wouldn't put it past some parents).
Noses are a favorite target. The bigger the better for the load of b#ll#cks to follow....
xdan0920
Think for yourselfer
Indeed.
BrittanyRose428
Well-Known Member
True I suppose, though this was just an example lol. I don't necessarily just say that one phrase to everyone who walks in. I could say something like "Where are you visiting from?" or "Are you interested in visiting the museum today?" and I would receive the same response.("Hi, how are you today?" ... *horrified/blank stare/look in opposite direction*)
"Howya doin..." is rhetorical and does not warrant a response
ABQ
Well-Known Member
Oh my goodness, are you one of those poor souls wearing period clothing during July in downtown Boston? Just wearing a collared shirt and tie was agony for me, I always felt bad for the folks working the Boston tourist market each summer.
BrittanyRose428
Well-Known Member
Oh no! I don't wear the period clothing on the Freedom Trail, thank God! haha I also work in Lexington though, where I do have to wear the period clothing, and it's not fun. Thankfully I'm inside where it's air conditioned most of the time, but it still is not the most comfortable thing to wear, I don't know how the CMs at WDW do it in some of those costumes! (though I guess I'll find out, I'm doing the college program there this fall.)
rt06
Well-Known Member
Chef Mickey
Well-Known Member
You could probably convince them to sit in the parking lot all day if you promised a VIP tour of Hess gas station and a free t-shirt.
Then they just sit out there all day and let the pros enjoy tourist free parks.
Then they just sit out there all day and let the pros enjoy tourist free parks.