ESPN Zone

[JarretttheGuy]

So, While I am very happy to get to be a CM, I really feel that it's not the real experience.

The ESPN Zone is owned by Disney Regional Entertainment, so I get some basic CM perks, but that's about it. My roommate used to work for WDW as Pluto, none the less, and he talks of his CM experience as being awesome, a lot of work, but tons of emotional rewards, and great treatment by his managers.

I know that serving tables is extremely different than character work, but I kinda feel that I am being shafted on the experience side of things. I have to hold up to the "Disney Standard" and even though I do a stellar job, I don't reap any reward for it, emotional OR financial (no protection from bad guests).

I guess I'm just curious about the CM servers at the park restaurants. How do you feel about your job? Does your management make you feel good about working there, or do they make you feel like a jerk for having the job?

My girlfriend worked for the World of Disney store on 5th ave, and she had a great experience, I'm curious if it is the fact that the store is owned by Parks and Resorts, while my restaurant is owned by DRE.

Perhaps one day, probably retirement, I will be a cool old man CM at the park, just loving life.

 

[kcw]

my personal opinion (note, not all would agree) is that I wouldn't like working for disney outside of the parks. DTD, the resorts, and even possibly the water parks. To me, it's just not the same "magic" or experience that you'd have within the parks. Granted I'm biased because I work in the actual parks and have the best job ever but hey.... so my advice is to finish your time in ESPN and then possibly look into moving somewhere in the parks- maybe you'll like it better, and maybe you won't

 

[mkt]

My thought... I'm done with the parks, if I go back, it's creative or nothing.

 

[Pioneer Hall]

Every component of the company functions differently. I have worked (on and off) at the Disney Store by me for a long time. Even back when we were owned by Disney it was far from a great experience. It never seemed any different than working retail somewhere else, unless some of us CM's made it fun. So while my management never really looked to create a Disney experience...three or four of us did and had a great time doing it. My advice to you is to have fun and remember the company you represent. Even though your atmosphere and boss might not make it seem that way...you can still have a relatively good time being a CM even outside of the parks. Not many people know ESPN is even owned by Disney, so show them it is. Sign a check with the famous ears and have the very friendly attitude. See how it goes...and then if you want the experience one day try to get a job at one of the park restaurants.

 

[freckleslg]

Just a quick question since you worked at the espn zone.. what was your uniform/costume there?