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Disney CMs calling guests " Friends"?
- Thread starter tallica
- Start date
JustAFan
Well-Known Member
I've noticed it for years. They'll actually use many different friendly or fun terms. In Toy Story Land at HS, they'll call you toys. On Soarin', they'll call you passengers. At Spaceship Earth, you're a time traveler. Disney often finds non-threatening ways to interact with guests, including the famous Disney point.
Also, I live in Texas. You won't live here long before being called 'hon' or 'sweetheart'.
Also, I live in Texas. You won't live here long before being called 'hon' or 'sweetheart'.
Out of curiosity. When in Frontierland shouldn't it be "Y'all"? Maybe Tomorrowland could be "Entities". Main Street could be "Neighbors". Adventureland could be "Explorers". Liberty Square "My Good People"
And reserve "Friends" only for those who are paying at the ticket window.
And reserve "Friends" only for those who are paying at the ticket window.
As long as "Friends" doesn't become CM code for "suckers."
Oh. That's Pandora's Box. "Dearest Friends", "My Friends", "My Very Special Friends",
There's gonna be a lot of "super secret" code.
ElvisMickey
Well-Known Member
I‘m waiting for the disgruntled cast members to start throwing around “sexy” and “sweet cheeks”.
VaderTron
Well-Known Member
Disneyson
Well-Known Member
As a person with several transgender friends, I am aware that (while they would not make a big stink about it or act like, as some might say, 'snowflakes',) they would probably be happy with the phasing out of "guys." Probably doesn't go over well with women that aren't used to being called "guys" either. Obviously it's a term that's not meant to be mean, but also it's not gonna kill anyone at WDW to see the death of the word "guys" - my thought is that if it takes like .2% effort on my part and makes someone else's day 100% better, then like, why not switch?
I know that even before the "5th Key", there was a strong push at Disney to not use "guys", with training to use themed dialogue, or else in an unthemed area to say "folks" (as in Mickey's "Hiya, folks!"). Of course, like how not every cast member is always "in theme", neither did everyone stop saying "guys." In other words, this is not something new, but probably something that is being pushed now more with the new key.
I do agree though, Friends sounds fake, and I hate it when people call me that - you're right, I'm not their 'friend'. I also agree that "HI FRIENDS" sounds like "HOWDY SUCKER HAVE A *MAAAAGICAL DAY*" I PERSONALLY would prefer to be called "guy", but then again I am a guy. Using terms like "Hello, everyone!" or "Hey there, Explorers!" seems better. When I worked there I would say "Hey there, movie stars!" and "Namaste, travelers!" Easier for everyone, fun for the kids, helps immersion, and when you get the words in your mouth and with repetition it begins to come out of your mouth more easily.
I know that even before the "5th Key", there was a strong push at Disney to not use "guys", with training to use themed dialogue, or else in an unthemed area to say "folks" (as in Mickey's "Hiya, folks!"). Of course, like how not every cast member is always "in theme", neither did everyone stop saying "guys." In other words, this is not something new, but probably something that is being pushed now more with the new key.
I do agree though, Friends sounds fake, and I hate it when people call me that - you're right, I'm not their 'friend'. I also agree that "HI FRIENDS" sounds like "HOWDY SUCKER HAVE A *MAAAAGICAL DAY*" I PERSONALLY would prefer to be called "guy", but then again I am a guy. Using terms like "Hello, everyone!" or "Hey there, Explorers!" seems better. When I worked there I would say "Hey there, movie stars!" and "Namaste, travelers!" Easier for everyone, fun for the kids, helps immersion, and when you get the words in your mouth and with repetition it begins to come out of your mouth more easily.
yensid67
Well-Known Member
Maybe it has to do with Disney adding a 5th Key to the Traditions Training...INCLUSION. By saying friend you refer to everyone despite race, religion, etc.
Here's the article...
Disney plans to update its legendary Four Keys foundation with a fifth key - Inclusion.
For more than 60 years, the Four Keys of Safety, Courtesy, Show, and Efficiency have been instilled in every Cast Member from day one of their Traditions training, and is a guiding principle of guest service for the company.
The new key represents the company's commitment to cultural transformation, and with it being part of the keys, it will be part of everyday working life for Cast Members.
The position of the fifth key in the hierarchy is still to be determined.
Here's the article...
Disney updates its legendary Four Keys model to include a fifth key
9 days ago in "The Walt Disney Company"
Forums Tweet ShareDisney plans to update its legendary Four Keys foundation with a fifth key - Inclusion.
For more than 60 years, the Four Keys of Safety, Courtesy, Show, and Efficiency have been instilled in every Cast Member from day one of their Traditions training, and is a guiding principle of guest service for the company.
The new key represents the company's commitment to cultural transformation, and with it being part of the keys, it will be part of everyday working life for Cast Members.
The position of the fifth key in the hierarchy is still to be determined.
GimpYancIent
Well-Known Member
After a couple of Dole Whip Rum Floats it really does not matter.
Disneyson
Well-Known Member
Yeah, this is what I took away from the comment to and it's a solid yikes from me - I'd be more careful about what you imply.That his friends are transgender? That’s a heck of a Rum Float.
To me, it doesn't matter at all, agreed. To you, maybe (probably) not either.
The thing is, at the end of the day neither you nor I can really tell other people that their feelings are stupid or to get over it, we don't control their feelings or brains. To others that I know, they might not say it in public, they definitely "get" it, and, as I said, would not be "that guy" (hah another gendered phrase, should probably say 'that person', I'm still learning too) about it, but it matters a lot for some and is ALWAYS a good move to be cognizant of the feelings of other humans. Just like the two-finger point, it's not like a lot of guest are going to care, but it's a really smart courtesy done for the people that MIGHT care.
Let's bring it back to Disney here. Making people comfortable isn't just "the decent thing to do", it's also going to make those people that care feel safer at WDW and thus return to spend their money there. And it doesn't cost them anything to take precautions.
Money or "earning brownie points" aside, I just do it to be a decent person, because I know a lot of people actually do think these sorts of thing matters, who am I to judge? I just want to make sure people feel happy, and it literally does not change my life at all.
Disneyson
Well-Known Member
Understood the joke and can sympathyze with your perspective. I sometimes feel that way, too. Just sometimes hurts when you write something from the heart and people regard it flippantly. Maybe I'm being too serious and santimonious, but I also think it's a matter, at least for me, of understanding one's place in this conversation.
Disneyson
Well-Known Member
Again, as I said, very fair. Totally do enjoy my life, actually! Dunno why you think I don't.
Just wanted to share my honest opinion on the topic!
I used to have a bunch of "rowdy" friends - on Monday Night. But they all got fired.
Back to the topic. I get references to friends made by CMs. But is this a conscientious change in how CM's are to address Guests?
Back to the topic. I get references to friends made by CMs. But is this a conscientious change in how CM's are to address Guests?
GimpYancIent
Well-Known Member
Well, friend, seems to be a non-abrasive well intentioned message to persons that one does not know but is conducting business with. Unless you want to John Wayne it and call people "Pilgrim" maybe?
TrainsOfDisney
Well-Known Member
Last summer in California it was almost constant, so it seems like it probably is.
I don’t think it’s the only term cm’s are allowed to use. As others have said there are on theme..: “to our valued guests” at tower, howdy partners! At big thunder etc.
The bigger push, hopefully, is that guests are greeted and not just instructed. The point is, “hello friends please continue through the walkway as this is not a viewing area” sounds better than “keep it moving!”
MarvelCharacterNerd
Well-Known Member
Think it's been pretty regular at DLR for a while. I can hear the chirpy "Hello, friends! Please ______________" (fill in the polite instructions) from CM's in my memory's ear. I'd be very happy to see those friends again.