Just A Little Discouraged

[daringstoic]

So, how does management make the guests happy that get hacked off because they see an idiot getting preferential treatment? :shrug:

Oh, the Hispanic family who the guy had been verbally abusing got to wait in a 2 hour line for the ride while he waltzed on without waiting another second. In hindsight, I wish I had quietly asked the family who he was yelling at to come with me and given them a rider-switch so they could go in through the FP entrance or back-doored them myself. The guy would've been happy because he got rid of them and they would've been the ones getting to skip the line. Unfortunately, I didn't think of that until way later when I had finally calmed down about the whole incident.

The very next day, I went to Epcot and I saw the SAME man screaming at a CM in 4 Seasons in the Land pavilion. I hid behind my park map until he finally left, and then went up to the CM (she turned out to be a fellow resident of Vista Way) and I told her my story from the day before and we commiserated together. If it worked for him the day before at Splash, why not try it again? It's obviously the way to get what you want at WDW.

This was by far the worst experience I, or any of my co-workers, had in the 7 months I was there, but it happens all the time. Even with this and all of the smaller "guest incidents" (as they're so politely referred to on the park radio system), my CP was still the best thing I've ever done and I wouldn't trade the time I spent down there for the world. Now we look back and laugh at all of the stuff that happened (except for this story. I still get too riled up about this story to laugh at it.). CMs put up with a lot, but as long as you can make one little kid's day more special, it's worth it at the end of the day.

 

[LoriMistress]

Hi Everyone,

I think I just need a place to vent for a moment. I am a CM (I shall leave my area of business a mystery) and am becoming increasingly worried about the level of courtesy and caring of the average park guest.

I don't want to sound like i'm complaining about working at the most magical place on earth because that is where my heart lives and nothing in this world makes me happier than to be a part of making dreams come true for our guests every day. It's just that the guests don't seem to get it anymore.

My fellow cast members may agree (or disagree) which is fine, and I may just have turned stupid, it's just, what happened to the understanding that my actions may adversely affect a lot of people. Maybe i'll just make a list of a few things that have been bothering me for a while and you guys can tell me I'm just being ridiculous and need to get over it

1. Why is it ok for 4 members of your group to duck under the railing of the attraction at the very last minute of the 45 minute wait, and when I question what you are doing your response is "But they're with us they just came from the bathroom" If you can't wait 45 minutes without using the restroom, we have fastpass available and if that doesn't suit your needs, a Guest Relations cast member may be better able to address your needs.

2. Why do you enter a queue line when your (husband, wife, son, daughter) is still in the bathroom, or getting something to eat/drink? Do you really think it's ok for the rest of your party to go around all the people that got into that line after you based on the amount of people they saw waiting when they entered. Shouldn't there really be NO LINE CUTTING. Isn't that what you'd want me to enforce if someone steps in front of YOU in line?

3. Why do you get angry with me when I politely ask you to step to the side and finish your food and drink before going into the attraction and your response is always "I just bought this and I'M NOT throwing it away" Who said you had to experience the attraction RIGHT NOW. You're on vacation remember? Go sit down and relax for just a minute.

4. When you chain your stroller to a hand rail, and I call security to cut the chain, How am I an A**Hole?

5. Why can't you understand that Disney attractions don't "Break Down." 99% of the time it's because you took a few seconds too long to get in or out. If you can't attentively follow the process, Disney parks may not be the best place for you. Pay attention and move quickly please! (By no means would I ever direct this to a guest with a disablility. We are priveliged to accomodate your needs and are happy to do so)

6. How could you possibly throw a peice of trash on the ground? This might be a product of my parents actually raising me when I was young, but I mentally can NOT drop trash anywhere but a trash can.

I think all that I'm really trying to say is take time to relax and enjoy your vacation, but when I give you instructions, please follow them. I really do WANT the best for you and your family. If you are not ok with following my simple instructions, Walt Disney World may not be the right place for you to visit. Don't get me wrong, these are petty things, but really do add up after a long day. Having said ALL that. I should mention one more time that I'm proud to have the greatest job in the world. And to all the great appreciative guests who get teary eyed and genuinely happy when you walk through the gates and into our world of fantasy, I'm here for YOU. The really sad part is.....these days, you're a minority

I completely agree with you. People should use the restrooms or eat/drink BEFORE getting in line.

 

[mro415]

Ive seen it before when i worked in the emporium. and even backstage. Not everyone cares about what they do as much as others. And i completely understand that you are aggrivated. but you are doing your job and that is all you can do with a smile on your face. Not everyone was raised not to throw things on the ground, its just a hard thing to swallow..

But your not alone and these problems definitly happen more than they should

 

[unkadug]

You're not suggesting that a guest unloading slowly could cause a cascading E-Stop on Space Mountain, thereby causing a 30-45 minute reset, are you?

If it makes you feel any better, I keep witnessing people sitting at green lights while driving.

'Cause they are "On the phone with Tyrone".

 

[joanna71985]

I have been lucky so far, in that I have had very few instances where I had to go to my manager, and in those few my manager has backed me up. The worst one (for me) had to be where a lady came running up literally 2 seconds before Peter Pan and Wendy left for the night. The line was closed, there was literally 2 families left, and I kindly explain that unfortunately the line was closed and Peter and Wendy had to return to Neverland to check on the Lost Boys and Wendy's brothers. Well, she totally flipped off on me- calling names, telling me I was doing a horrible job and not to make a scene (I should not make a scene?). Then when we started walking off, she followed us, demanding my name and wanted to talk to a manager. Luckily my manager backed me up, explaining that once the lines are closed, no one else can get in line.

Oooh!!! Oooh!!! That actually HAPPENED to me two summers ago when I worked in Fantasyland. I didn't even get as far as calling Security - the guy who padlocked his stroller to a fence started screaming four-letter words at me as soon as I said in the world's most respectful (I swear!) tones, "Sir, next time, please park your stroller in..." When he paused for breath, I asked him if he'd like to speak to my manager. "I sure would, you #!*#ing !#*!" he replied.

My MANAGER called Security. :ROFLOL:

Oh my goodness, how horrible!!

 

[hpyhnt 1000]

I have been lucky so far, in that I have had very few instances where I had to go to my manager, and in those few my manager has backed me up. The worst one (for me) had to be where a lady came running up literally 2 seconds before Peter Pan and Wendy left for the night. The line was closed, there was literally 2 families left, and I kindly explain that unfortunately the line was closed and Peter and Wendy had to return to Neverland to check on the Lost Boys and Wendy's brothers. Well, she totally flipped off on me- calling names, telling me I was doing a horrible job and not to make a scene (I should not make a scene?). Then when we started walking off, she followed us, demanding my name and wanted to talk to a manager. Luckily my manager backed me up, explaining that once the lines are closed, no one else can get in line.

Did you literally say to her that they needed to return to return to Neverland to check on the Lost Boys, because I think that might have been what set her off. :lol:

Still, I admire you for keeping the Disney magic going by saying that, and I'm sorry you had to go through that experience.

 

[typhoon22]

It really makes me upset when I see guests yell at or be rude to the CM's. I have actually intervened (verbally) On one , maybe two occasions to take up for the CM.

I would love to belong to a "Guardian Angel" type group at WDW and physically escort these people outside.

I've decided to make it a point and go out of my way to thank the CM's for the job they do during my Jun trip and all other trips from now on.

As for now, hang in there and THANKS!!:sohappy:

 

[Kerby626]

To all you CM's out there. We love yall!!! And if you can drop a hint(or pm me) as to where you work because I want to keep an eye out and say hello. Of course I talk to CM's like it's cool anyway and I understand if you don't or won't.

 

[TheDisneyGirl02]

I have been lucky so far, in that I have had very few instances where I had to go to my manager, and in those few my manager has backed me up. The worst one (for me) had to be where a lady came running up literally 2 seconds before Peter Pan and Wendy left for the night. The line was closed, there was literally 2 families left, and I kindly explain that unfortunately the line was closed and Peter and Wendy had to return to Neverland to check on the Lost Boys and Wendy's brothers. Well, she totally flipped off on me- calling names, telling me I was doing a horrible job and not to make a scene (I should not make a scene?). Then when we started walking off, she followed us, demanding my name and wanted to talk to a manager. Luckily my manager backed me up, explaining that once the lines are closed, no one else can get in line. Oh my goodness, how horrible!!

My favorite was when the mom told me that I ruined her entire vacation because her little girl didn't get to see Snow White. No lady, I didn't ruin your vacation you just didn't read your times guide! : ) Great story though about the Lost Boys and Neverland.

I used to work at Ariel's Grotto a lot (not one of my favorite locations) and every 45 minutes or so, Ariel needs to take a swim so her fins don't dry out. So, I would basically go and cut the line right before the guests would enter the grotto part and tell the guests to wait right there and that Ariel would be back in 5 minutes. Well, people would get ticked of and yell because they were tired of waiting been outside in the heat too long, whatever - even though I couldn't help the fact that Ariel was going swimming for 5 minutes. So after a few times of getting yelled at, I finally decided to sort of play a trick on the guests.

When I would go close the line, I would ask the little kid who was standing there if they could do Ariel a favor and wait for a few minutes while Ariel takes a swim. They would always nod yes and then the parents would say to me, "well how long is THAT going to take?". I replied, "Usually Ariel likes to swim for about 45 minutes or so" (that's when the shocked look always appeared on their face) "but I talked to her she said that she would cut it back to only about 5 minutes." :ROFLOL: I must say, people were a lot nicer after I told them that! LOL!!!!

 

[markjohns1]

my CP was still the best thing I've ever done and I wouldn't trade the time I spent down there for the world. Now we look back and laugh at all of the stuff that happened (except for this story. I still get too riled up about this story to laugh at it.). CMs put up with a lot, but as long as you can make one little kid's day more special, it's worth it at the end of the day.

That is exactly how I feel about it. It was an experience I will never forget, and I still get the urge to move back down there for good. Although there are some bad times, it's a surreal job and if you really take advantage of it, you can make some special moments that you and the guests will always remember. As much as you are "supposed" to smile there, I think I genuinely smiled as a CM more than I have at any other job.

It's also one of those jobs I think everyone in the world should have to do for a while, just to get a better appreciation for those who do. I also include working retail and being a server on that list as well. I think the world would be a lot more humble and respectful place if that happened.

 

[Rinx]

It's so unfortunate how disrespectful people are, though it's not surprising living in the world today where greed and selfishness tends to gain the upper hand. These obnoxious people are the way they are because they will always get what they want.

The wheel that squeeks the most is the one that gets oiled.

If you want them to shut up you have to give them what they want unfortunately or you will never hear the end of it. That's how society is these days and I give CM's all the credit in the world for having to put up with the true a@# wholes.

 

[CommandoDisney]

i also dont understand how people can litter. most of the time, whatever garbage it is, can just fit in your pocket until you find a trash recepticle. line cutting is ridiculous. obviously there are instances when a family member gets seperated or there are special needs or whatever, but the idea that one person will go wait in line for the entire group is just annoying. i mean ive had to do catch up with my group before in a line and i personally feel like a jerk walking by other people in line because i know all of them are thinking "where do you think YOURE going?!" and you cant really explain to every single person what your situation is.

as for the eating/drinking in line, i dont really have a problem as long as they are clean about it. if they are munching on a snack and holding on to the trash before throwing it out, is fine, if they are lazily licking a melting ice cream cone that is dripping all over the floor, then no, thats not cool. so i guess it just comes down to whos hands the food is in, but obviously there is no way to tell until afterwards, so i understand it is tricky.

cast members, or employees of any service based business should never be abused. like many other posters have said, just because you paid to enter does not mean you have the right to treat people like your servant. the park has policies for reasons that may be beyond you, and while it may inconvience you, if you are nice about it, they are usually more inclined to bend the rules for you, especially in disney! the customer is NOT always right.

 

[photoflight]

I've done the railing thing. I've never gotten OUT of line... or had someone go in line while I did something and came back, but I've done it. Odd circumstances though.

It happens. I don't think the point is to complain about the occasional person that does it...but rather the ones that are obviously using a person as a walking fastpass.

Readers here seem to usually imagine that the CM is complaining about the people who actually have reasonable circumstances to pop back in line. A Dad carrying his 4y/o because he had an emergency is one thing... an entire family cutting in line after their walking fastpass held their place for 45 minutes is an entirely different matter.

Then there are the groups of people that decide they all want ice-cream but they want to go on, say, the "Rockin' Roller Coaster". Both lines are enormous, but it isn't a problem because they send one person in their group of 6 to stand in line at RRC, then rest of them get their ice-creams, and then cut in line and bring the walking-fastpass their ice-cream too. That kind of stuff isn't an accident, it is planned and calculated.

 

[Stitch_626_UK]

Yeah that would be real DISNEY like of him. :shrug:

actually when i worked for disney, which i loved but i would never do again, thankgod for the cultural rep program, when ever anyone said "have a magical day" it actually means f * * * off!, so that would indeed be VERY disney of him or her!

 

[sarabi]

I totally get the OP on this one and I can't argue with a single point in the original post. OP, I'm with you. People can be such brats sometimes.

But to make yourself feel better, here's what I suggest: actively look for the guests that aren't being brats. Let the brats pass you by like nothings (obviously do your job) but then let them be gone. Most likely they'll never see you again. But pay particular attention to the guests who do something polite, like give their space in line to someone, pick up a piece of trash (I'm an obsessive trash picker upper, especially at DAK, because I can't bear to see my park defaced), take someone else's picture, say "please and thank you", give their extra deserts to another family, etc.

Watch for it. The good people are out there and they are ultimately enjoying their vacation more than the gripers, the whiners, and the line-butters.

 

[sublimesting]

Here is a story about a nice CM that used real world thinking and didn't just go strictly by the rules...which I like to see. We were waiting for RnRC and the CM was being a stickler about Fast Passes, which I don't mind as it ensures fairness. So we were sitting on a wall as we had 7 minutes until we could use ours. We watched as she made person after person wait those last several minutes. Well, here comes a group of 50 Brazilians all chanting and what not. The people waiting for their time in a few minutes were visibly upset that a large portion of Brazil was going to now be in front of them at the last minute. Well, the CM saw them all approaching and said "Let's go quickly!" Thus allowing everyone in a few minutes early and also saving us about 15 minutes of wait time. It was nice of her as she made about 15 suddenly grumpy people happy and she really didn't have to.

 

[rlaeromech]

I have found that in everything in life, there are people that simply lack the ability to communicate effectively. All they know is abbrasiveness, harsh words, mean and snide comments and always with a scowl on their face. A Proverb says that a soft answer turns away wrath and I have seen CM's do this to no avail. Answer so softly and nicely to a beligerant, ugly guest.

I tell my family and everyone that goes with us, that there is only one thing that can ruin this trip. ATTITUDE!

I wish WDW could figure out how to scan for this, maybe they can utilize the finger scan, scan your DNA, figure out if you are proned to aggresive behavior, then deny you entry to the park? Problem is, we are ALL capable of this type of behavior, SOME of us have DECIDED to control it. For others, IT controls THEM.

Hang in there CM's, I'll be there in 2 weeks with my family and we will be so thank-ful you are there!

 

[BiggerTigger]

Was it the way I was raised. I too was taught to through trash in a trash can (hence the name). I rarely get to go to WDW but when I do visit I make sure I get the most for my money, but I follow the rules and direction.
The last time I was there I was standing in line for Buzz Lightyears' ride and I had just made it underneath the walkway cover from the rain. Behind me I had a small family with the mother in a wheel chair. From my point of view she looked basically healthy, but that wasn't my place to ask why she was in a wheel chair, I simply asked them to take my place under the cover while I stood in the rain. I lost a few seconds of getting on the ride, but I gained the satisfaction of knowing I has kind to someone.
It's simple, follow the rules, be kind to everyone, and most of all have fun.

 

[Joy Peace]

Unfortuneately we are living in the time of a generation of rude, unruly, careless people. My husband works retail and deals with this everyday. It is so sad that some of us can not have respect for others. I believe the CM's have an awesome responsibility to provide excellent service to WDW costumers and I applude:sohappy: their efforts. It cant be easy dealing with a majority of rude disrectful people. Just know that there are those of us out there who apprieciate all you do for us to ensure our vacation is great. Thanks for all your hard work!!!:wave:

 

[Elonwy]

Here is a story about a nice CM that used real world thinking and didn't just go strictly by the rules...which I like to see. We were waiting for RnRC and the CM was being a stickler about Fast Passes, which I don't mind as it ensures fairness. So we were sitting on a wall as we had 7 minutes until we could use ours. We watched as she made person after person wait those last several minutes. Well, here comes a group of 50 Brazilians all chanting and what not. The people waiting for their time in a few minutes were visibly upset that a large portion of Brazil was going to now be in front of them at the last minute. Well, the CM saw them all approaching and said "Let's go quickly!" Thus allowing everyone in a few minutes early and also saving us about 15 minutes of wait time. It was nice of her as she made about 15 suddenly grumpy people happy and she really didn't have to.

I also had a CM respond in what i thought was a very fair manner. I was waiting in line on Splash Mountain (not the Fastpass line) and a family of two men and five children (around ages 12-15) started walking up the fastpass line and then tried to duck under the rope in front of us. When the CM saw them he asked if they had fastpasses and they said "no" but that their wives were already in line.

So the CM said "Well we certainly don't want to break up the family...what are your wives names?" The men said they were Jennifer and Melanie so the CM walked up the line calling for Jennifer and Melanie. Found them in the cave before you board and told them to come out and join their family at the back of the line! Then they asked the entire crew to move back and he let about 60 people pass them before he allowed them back in line!

I was quite happy as they obviously weren't toddlers who needed a "potty break" they just thought they had the right to cut in front of all of us because they made their wives "hold" a place in line.

I personally don't mind when people have small children and have to catch up with their families and I generally don't care if it's one or 2 people but 7 people with teenagers can be quite annoying.

BTW I LOVE Disney CM's...have never had a problem with any of them and have only had good...no GREAT experiences because of them so thanks guys :sohappy::sohappy::sohappy::sohappy::sohappy: