Do Cast Members Dread the Crowd Rush?

[Berret]

So, I was just watching one of Martin's videos, specifically about Soarin', and it got me thinking: Do cast members who work at attractions that are very busy ever dread the rush of people when the park or attraction opens up and people come running, sometimes literally, to try to be the first one on and avoid the long lines later in the day? Like, things are nice and quiet, you just opened up, and them BAM, the crowd comes running in, then it multiplies and multiplies. Or, do they welcome the beginning rush. At least in my experience as a guest who has tried to hit a ride as soon as it opens, there's a sense of excitement and a thrill in being one of the first ones on the ride, and perhaps in some ways that transfers to the cast members who greet them and get them on the rides. Or maybe they hate the rush but when the lines are built up and steady, that's when they like it best. Now, if a cast members dreads people period, then perhaps it's not the best job for them, of course. I'm just curious of those who are current or former cast members and how they feel about it. Thank you.

 

[danyoung56]

I would think on the popular rides it's kind of a binary thing - empty and standing around, followed by tons of people for the rest of the day. I'm sure it's a nice vibe, hanging out at work and waiting for the crowds. But once they start, they're constant till quitting time.

 

[LAKid53]

I remember the first Black Friday I worked. Our store also opened into the mall and people were literally pressing their faces up against the glass doors, banging on them to get us to open RIGHT NOW! (no, I wasn't working at Wally World...nice department store in the mid 1970s). I was certainly astonished (and a tad terrified about the ensuing stampede once the doors opened). And decided that (1) I needed to find another part time job to help pay for college and (2) I'd never shop on Black Friday.

Seeing some of the videos taken right after rope drop as people run full speed to be the first in line for Anna and Elsa M&G reminded me of Black Friday. I'd be a little scared if I saw that crazy hord running towards me.

 

[Bacon]

Well depends on the ride and the cast member
i once rode the little mermaid no one besides me was in line and they were walking back and fourth for the crowds

 

[daringstoic]

I never had to work rope drop/walk-down because I never opened, but almost everyone I knew who did it hated it. It may work differently in other areas, but in Frontierland, several CMs went to meet the crowds at opening and walked them to the rides to prevent running and pushing. I hit the impression that people rarely listened to them and chaos tended to reign anyway.