Snobbery among cast members?

[Thrill Seeker]

As a CM for just over a year (12 months as CP, 2 months as Seasonal) I can say that yes, there is a bit of snobbery amongst CMs. CPs are typically looked down upon by anyone over them because they are the lowest of the low on the totem poll of Disney. CPs get worked a lot and don't make a ton of money, but that's ok because they are only here temporarily. Seasonal are looked at as slightly more competent, but not always. Often the full timers are the ones who look down on everyone else because work is their life.

Now, I'm not saying this applies to every CM. There are many full timers who are really nice and treat CPs and Seasonal folks really well, but there are others who don't. Then again, this is the kind of stuff you see everywhere throughout life.

 

[Thrill Seeker]

Raven, you are a brave man. Trying to explain the hierarchy of being a CM is tough.

I've noticed that Quick Service and Custodial don't get their dues. It is said that everyone at Disney is Custodial, but I can hardly classify myself as that. I have nothing but respect for those roles because I know many people who work it and they deal with a lot.

I'd say Attractions and Entertainment get the rap for being snobs.

I wouldn't say that. You have to understand that attractions and entertainment CMs have to deal with a lot of guest interaction, both positive and negative. When people come to the parks, the come to see characters and go on rides, which is where we come in. It also means attractions and entertainment CMs are also more closely looked at by guests than say, merch and custodial. Food service I would definitely say has it rough either way...

(I'm an attractions CM in case you were wondering)

 

[tizzo]

As a Cast Member for nearly 3 months now, I can safely and confidently say that when it comes to cocky attitudes and snobby people, CMs in entertainment are the worst, with the face characters being the worst of all.

The princesses are just downright nasty to others CMs backstage. Never making eye contact, never saying hello, and pushing right past you if they are in a hurry. And if you dare say hello or flash them a smile, they give you a glare that could kill.

I wonder how much of this is "snobbery" and how much is just the pressure of the job. From the outside, I can see how being a character could seem like fun. And I bet it is a lot of fun - for the first hour or so.

But characters have to maintain the illusion constantly while on stage. And face characters have to do so with their facial expressions and voices as well as just their body language, no matter what happens. And as a cast member you know as well as anyone that parents these days tend not to parent; kids can be whiney, filthy, smelly, hopped up on sugar, or just poorly behaved; and people in general can be downright nasty - especially when they've paid as much as they have for their Disney vacation and things don't go the way they wanted them to. I have to say I think I'd prefer almost any job I can imagine (with the caveat that I do not know much at all about what jobs there are) than being a face character.

 

[raven]

CPs are typically looked down upon by anyone over them because they are the lowest of the low on the totem poll of Disney.

Now, I'm not saying this applies to every CM. There are many full timers who are really nice and treat CPs and Seasonal folks really well, but there are others who don't. Then again, this is the kind of stuff you see everywhere throughout life.

This is because CPs come with a bad reputation of partying, slacking off, and generally being there for themselves and not the guests. I know not all CPs do this but the reputation is there. There have been plenty of CP Babies born in the past.

As much as I'd like to look at them in a different light it constantly hits me in the face. Just last night it was EMH at Epcot. I was walking through the Soarin' queue seeing the CPs hugging and hanging on each other in front of guests because they will be leaving soon. I watched as some guests snickered to each other about their akward actions as a CM. Time after time I find CPs on their cell phones or texting sitting in a custodial closet or, like last weekend, texting in front of guests (Outdoor Foods). And go figure, one of them gave me a sneer as I walked by with my pan and broom.

I'm not saying that CPs are the only ones who do this but they certainly are seen more often than others doing it. Now that you are not a CP anymore it will slowly start to become more noticable to you over the next couple of years.

Entertainment as well think they are the top in the class. Getting off the bus last night behind Canada/Soarin'/World Showplace we ran directly into Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald and 2 character handlers. All 6 of us waved and said hello but they just looked at us. I know they were headed to WSP for an event but could at least one of them simply give us a wave? Guess not.

 

[JustInTime]

Peter...

When I met Peter Pan in Adventureland back in 09', he was so out of character and rude. The CM told me to step up for the photo and he acted like I was interrupting something. He asked my why I was standing there. And then he said, "Where did you just come from?"/ I honestly didn't know what to say. He kinda did an eye roll and flashed a smile without saying another word. Wendy was laughing. So mean. I could tell he was a fellow homosexual. Perhaps that was why? Just being Katy? Who even knows...

 

[mp2bill]

Indeed there is. Upper management seems to be the worst. All of the cronies working their way up to it tend to kiss their a$$ and be so fake at appreciation events, service awards and cast celebrations.

I think this is true of most businesses. If you want to get ahead, you have to kiss the butt of the person in front of you.

 

[Thrill Seeker]

This is because CPs come with a bad reputation of partying, slacking off, and generally being there for themselves and not the guests. I know not all CPs do this but the reputation is there. There have been plenty of CP Babies born in the past.

As much as I'd like to look at them in a different light it constantly hits me in the face. Just last night it was EMH at Epcot. I was walking through the Soarin' queue seeing the CPs hugging and hanging on each other in front of guests because they will be leaving soon. I watched as some guests snickered to each other about their akward actions as a CM. Time after time I find CPs on their cell phones or texting sitting in a custodial closet or, like last weekend, texting in front of guests (Outdoor Foods). And go figure, one of them gave me a sneer as I walked by with my pan and broom.

I'm not saying that CPs are the only ones who do this but they certainly are seen more often than others doing it. Now that you are not a CP anymore it will slowly start to become more noticable to you over the next couple of years.

Entertainment as well think they are the top in the class. Getting off the bus last night behind Canada/Soarin'/World Showplace we ran directly into Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald and 2 character handlers. All 6 of us waved and said hello but they just looked at us. I know they were headed to WSP for an event but could at least one of them simply give us a wave? Guess not.

True as that may be, those CPs who actually do their job well and who interact with guests as they are suppose to are still looked down upon because of the fact that they are CPs.

I agree that stuff like what you mentioned is not acceptable behavior, especially around guests, but that's just a few bad apple CPs who probably are only there to enjoy their "extended vacation" in Florida.

It's just kind of messed up that CMs look down on other CMs just because of their status or job. We're all working for the mouse and should treat each other with respect. We're not in middle school anymore...

 

[TheBeatles]

I wouldn't say that. You have to understand that attractions and entertainment CMs have to deal with a lot of guest interaction, both positive and negative. When people come to the parks, the come to see characters and go on rides, which is where we come in. It also means attractions and entertainment CMs are also more closely looked at by guests than say, merch and custodial. Food service I would definitely say has it rough either way...

(I'm an attractions CM in case you were wondering)

i'm transferring from food & bev to attractions next month. i'll pm you when i do to see if we might be in the same area.

while i don't agree with your point, i definitely understand where you are coming from. however, all of my friends in entertainment agree it's made up of divas and none of them seem to like anyone they work with. to me, it's like a mini hollywood scene.

 

[thelookingglass]

I wonder how much of this is "snobbery" and how much is just the pressure of the job. From the outside, I can see how being a character could seem like fun. And I bet it is a lot of fun - for the first hour or so.

But characters have to maintain the illusion constantly while on stage. And face characters have to do so with their facial expressions and voices as well as just their body language, no matter what happens. And as a cast member you know as well as anyone that parents these days tend not to parent; kids can be whiney, filthy, smelly, hopped up on sugar, or just poorly behaved; and people in general can be downright nasty - especially when they've paid as much as they have for their Disney vacation and things don't go the way they wanted them to. I have to say I think I'd prefer almost any job I can imagine (with the caveat that I do not know much at all about what jobs there are) than being a face character.

Think of the type of girl that wants to act as a princess and is pretty enough to be one.

Snobby? Tons of drama? Probably a theater major of some sort? Stuck up? You betcha.

The amount of stress they get from their job, at least from guest interactions, is NOTHING compared to that which other jobs deal with.

 

[TheBeatles]

This is because CPs come with a bad reputation of partying, slacking off, and generally being there for themselves and not the guests. I know not all CPs do this but the reputation is there. There have been plenty of CP Babies born in the past.

As much as I'd like to look at them in a different light it constantly hits me in the face. Just last night it was EMH at Epcot. I was walking through the Soarin' queue seeing the CPs hugging and hanging on each other in front of guests because they will be leaving soon. I watched as some guests snickered to each other about their akward actions as a CM. Time after time I find CPs on their cell phones or texting sitting in a custodial closet or, like last weekend, texting in front of guests (Outdoor Foods). And go figure, one of them gave me a sneer as I walked by with my pan and broom.

I'm not saying that CPs are the only ones who do this but they certainly are seen more often than others doing it. Now that you are not a CP anymore it will slowly start to become more noticable to you over the next couple of years.

Entertainment as well think they are the top in the class. Getting off the bus last night behind Canada/Soarin'/World Showplace we ran directly into Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald and 2 character handlers. All 6 of us waved and said hello but they just looked at us. I know they were headed to WSP for an event but could at least one of them simply give us a wave? Guess not.

The best way to sum up full and part timers attitude towards CPs is a quote from someone I work with.

"So, you're the one who will be taking all my hours?"

CPs definitely have a bad reputation for both warranted and unwarranted reasons. To be fair though, it must be annoying/difficult to work with a cycle of new people every few months who don't know the Disney way of doing things.

The best perk of being a CP is that we are given a lot more opportunities to network and advance.

 

[TinkerChelli]

Zach, I wished I was working there myself. I think everyday would be a great day and I would have miles of smiles for everyone for sure.
You are very lucky and it is well deserved for sure. I am so darn happy for you.
Lv Lucille

As a Cast Member for nearly 3 months now, I can safely and confidently say that when it comes to cocky attitudes and snobby people, CMs in entertainment are the worst, with the face characters being the worst of all.

The princesses are just downright nasty to others CMs backstage. Never making eye contact, never saying hello, and pushing right past you if they are in a hurry. And if you dare say hello or flash them a smile, they give you a glare that could kill.

There are a few characters who are genuinly nice and happy to be there, but the vast majority of face characters are rather unpleasant people.

With myself going from F&B to attractions, I must say, I get alot more respect and "Wow that is cool!" from fellow CMs. Custodial and F&B may be the ones who don't get looked at with a good eye, but they have the biggest work load, and they certainly make more money.

Overall, I treat everyone the same, as I feel like it is everyones responsibility to make magic and carry on Walt Disney's legacy, regardless if you are cooking hotdogs in the back of Casey's Corner, or helping bring a character go life for a guest.

But, a CMs 'status' in terms of what they do exists, and the 'I'm better than you' attitudes they most always display will continue.

All I know is, I'm lucky as hell to be working here, keeping Walt spirit alive.

 

[Disney05]

I hope being a CM out weighs all the nonsense you either have to see or endure behind the scenes.

 

[CP_alum08]

Frankly I think it's an achievement in itself that Disney manages to get as many college kids as they employ to treat guests on-stage with as much respect as they do.

This is so true, and so sad. Being one of those 'youngsters' it really bothers me to see how my generation acts. Im not saying im perfect, not even close, but I like to think that I have a general respect for people (elders especially because they have seen and done it all).

That being said, I did the CP about 2 years ago. It was amazing! I had the time of my life. I was Food and Beverage at Caribbean Beach. I started out working in the food court and about a month in I was moved 'up' to driving the Beverage Cart. This meant that I drove a Caribbean themed golf cart around to all the different pools on the property selling people drinks and snacks. I was able to meet and mingle with people FAR more than standing behind a fryer and loved my job. I had three managers (and one that was in training) 2 of those managers were 2 of the genuinely nicest people I have ever met and I still keep in contact with them.

Now, on the other hand, one of my roommates worked F&B at the Electric Umbrella. he absolutely hated his job. Hated being there, co-workers, managers, etc. Now to be fair, EU is one of the busiest (if not the busiest) on WDW property and he wasn't the happiest kid to start with, but still.

Being a CP, you get VERY little say in where you work or what you do there but it can totally make or break your experience. Obviously, as with any major corporation, there is going to be awesome bosses and some terrible ones. In my experiences if you have a great one, you stick with the job as long as you can and if you have a bad boss you get out.

I guess my biggest tif is you signed up to work at The Happiest Place on Earth, no one is making you work there. If you dont like the job and cannot preform up to the standards of the environment, it's probably not the place for you, whether you are upper management, part-time minimum wage, or anywhere in between.

I will get off my soap box now, sorry everyone :ROFLOL:

 

[raven]

I agree that stuff like what you mentioned is not acceptable behavior, especially around guests, but that's just a few bad apple CPs who probably are only there to enjoy their "extended vacation" in Florida.

It's just kind of messed up that CMs look down on other CMs just because of their status or job. We're all working for the mouse and should treat each other with respect. We're not in middle school anymore...

One bad apple can spoil the whole crop. A few bad CP experiences is all it takes to get a reputation. The same thing can be said for the brazilian tour groups. One of them pushes and shoves and suddenly all of them are looked down upon.

And as far as people looking down on other people just because of their status, that happens all over the world. Until there is a complete shake-up and restructuring from the top down it will continue. "Respect" has to come from above as well and, in many cases, it simply isn't there to begin with.

The best way to sum up full and part timers attitude towards CPs is a quote from someone I work with.

"So, you're the one who will be taking all my hours?"

CPs definitely have a bad reputation for both warranted and unwarranted reasons. To be fair though, it must be annoying/difficult to work with a cycle of new people every few months who don't know the Disney way of doing things.

The best perk of being a CP is that we are given a lot more opportunities to network and advance.

That could possibly be one of the things that annoys regular CMs though. CPs are here for a short time but are given opportunities that regular CMs have to work years to get a chance at. Again, I blame the uppers for that and not the CPs.

 

[raven]

I guess my biggest tif is you signed up to work at The Happiest Place on Earth, no one is making you work there. If you dont like the job and cannot preform up to the standards of the environment, it's probably not the place for you, whether you are upper management, part-time minimum wage, or anywhere in between.

There is one problem with that. People sign up to work for The Happiest Place on Earth but not the Grumpiest Managers on Earth. "Standards of the environment" shouldn't include racial favoritism, implimenting your own rules and harrassment from management in the Happiest Place on Earth either but it happens. The reason why people stay there? One reason is that the pay is higher than most other departments. The other reason is that they recieve so many unfair reprimands that they can't move. I try to keep my blinders push ahead.

Understand that not all departments treat their CMs the same way. You can't believe the harshness that goes on in some areas until you've experienced it yourself. It's been reported many times but nothing is ever done about it.

 

[unkadug]

When I met Peter Pan in Adventureland back in 09', he was so out of character and rude. The CM told me to step up for the photo and he acted like I was interrupting something. He asked my why I was standing there. And then he said, "Where did you just come from?"/ I honestly didn't know what to say. He kinda did an eye roll and flashed a smile without saying another word. Wendy was laughing. So mean. I could tell he was a fellow homosexual. Perhaps that was why? Just being Katy? Who even knows...

or perhaps

 

[CP_alum08]

Understand that not all departments treat their CMs the same way. You can't believe the harshness that goes on in some areas until you've experienced it yourself. It's been reported many times but nothing is ever done about it.

I suppose thats true. My experience was a great one so I can't really judge how others feel. I will admit, that even though I liked my job and loved working there, Im sure there were things I could have done for guests to make them feel more comfortable and have a better experience. There are those at WDW you go way above and beyond what is required and it really stands out, the people who are truly making magic happen for kids and adults alike everyday, and those are the people that make WDW a great place!

 

[fosse76]

As a Cast Member for nearly 3 months now, I can safely and confidently say that when it comes to cocky attitudes and snobby people, CMs in entertainment are the worst, with the face characters being the worst of all.

You'll find that to be true ANYWHERE, though. Actors (or people who call themselves actors) are, in general, some of the most disrespectful, snobbish, narcissistic people you will ever encounter. It's true at WDW, it's true at Six Flags, any theater department of any school you can name, Hollywood, and on Broadway. I've dealt with so many actors I can't tell you how many times I've had to put them in their place.