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Disney CMs calling guests " Friends"?
- Thread starter tallica
- Start date
GimpYancIent
Well-Known Member
Sadly the way some act it’s the slogan what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Substitute Vegas for another vacation destination.
Sorry friend, we're self isolating due to covid exposure. Trying to be a good friend to those that aren't healthy.
Disone
Well-Known Member
Yeah.... creepy.... Like being called a guest when you paid Good money to be there. Clearly you're a customer.
seriously, I don't think this is creepy at all. Is far better than folks, people, and everyone.
Should be taking the same context as " guest "
Shiriki_Utundu
Member
Yeah.... creepy.... Like being called a guest when you paid Good money to be there. Clearly you're a customer.
seriously, I don't think this is creepy at all. Is far better than folks, people, and everyone.
can we not at least be fair about it.
cast wasn't individually addressing us as "guest" in ordinary dialogue. Entering the the parks at tap in or transacting in a store it's not as if they were saying:
"Enjoy your day here at the Magic Kingdom, Guest"
"Hello, Guest"
the term "guest" would appropriately be heard when addressing the masses in something like: "Guests of all ages, welcome to........." or "We ask all guests to refrain from........" over speakers or microphones
or
when multiple registers are open at Starbucks: "I can help the next guest in line".
.
but to be individually greeted with "friend" is awkward, disingenuous and uncomfortable to hear because it is forced instead of natural.
Last edited:
networkpro
Well-Known Member
- In the Parks
- Yes
Only if what happens in NYC would just choose another destination it would be much more civil.
Disone
Well-Known Member
Okay friend. Whatever you say
Goofyernmost
Well-Known Member
Absolutely agree and absolutely unnecessary in a friendly greeting. That is conveyed with attitude and tone. The word is useless without that. As a noun it is defined as "a person whom one knows and with whom one has a bond of mutual affection" (Oxford). That makes it a word that is totally inappropriate as well as inaccurate when used in the context of a Theme park greeting. That's especially true when used in the manner that it appears the upper management of Disney think it should be used. Perhaps they should take some of that Mega-bonus they receive and enroll in basic grammar class.
Disone
Well-Known Member
I get that it is slightly different because the word guest is not used in the greeting.... Having said that, I 100% assure you that if the internet was around when Disneyland opened in 1955, there would be those who would say the exact same thing about the use of the word guest. Maybe not you but I assure you someone would feel that the word guest is totally inappropriate as well as inaccurate to use in a theme park setting.
We accept it today because the internet was not around and it has become the culture of the Disney company to call a customer a guest. Many think it's part of Walt's brilliance.
I don't take an issue with this. This is not a big deal. If you're offended by it.... I feel as though you may be reading too much into it and being overly sensitive.
It IS all about tone and how the word is used. Context matters!!! Additionally, I'm pretty sure somewhere in my ventures, this is not the first time. Someone in a business setting has called me friend. It has never freaked me out.
I've also been called part of a family. That too would be inaccurate but in the context of the moment it was fine.
The exact same thing can be said about any other phrases, But most especially , " have a magical day."
With a very minor change of tone in that phrase can take on a very very different meaning than it's original intent. And that can be quite clear.
JoeCamel
Well-Known Member
Could we add thank you and you're welcome and banish no problem and you know forever?
networkpro
Well-Known Member
- In the Parks
- Yes
If you haven't figured it out its just another attempt at parasocial marketing engagement to engender a false sense of familiarity. I for one just expect civil courteous behavior from the employees, not to invite them over for dinner.
LittleBuford
Well-Known Member
But are they now necessarily saying “friend” in the examples you provided? I think it’s much likelier they’d just say a bare “Enjoy your day here at the Magic Kingdom.” As I understand it, “friend(s)” is meant to take the place of “sir”/“ma’am”/“ladies and gentlemen”, etc., in situations where vocative forms of address are required; no-one is compelled to use it when it would sound unnecessary or unidiomatic.
LittleBuford
Well-Known Member
And if you need to get their attention?
"Hello, head over behind the yellow line."
"Hello, head over behind the yellow line."
"HELLO, head over behind the yellow line."
"HELLO!! HELLO!! OVER HERE. PLEASE HEAD OVER BEHIND THE YELLOW LINE!"
"What, you talking to us?"
Social phrases like: "sir, ma'am, friend, pal, chief, guys, son, mister, miss, etc..." are used to establish a social link to give a direction, or ask a question. Seems odd to just start suddenly talk to someone not paying full attention to you.