Time Limits on Cast Members?

[JungleJim]

The problem I have with Cast Members complaining on message boards is that it can break the magic for non cast members that read the posts. All Disney cast members are trained to keep the magic alive on stage and whenever you have that Disney nametag on. If you say you are a current cast member in a message board its like having your Disney nametag on.

 

[cm1988]

Originally posted by RobFL
...a lot of shifts are from Open till close...

I don't doubt that you've heard (pehaps even experienced) that. I would hesitate, though, to imply that was the norm.

Most shifts I hear about these days are 6, 7 or 8 hours. I see many, many of those posted; nothing longer. I've heard that if you pick up an (optional) overtime shift as well, you can be paid 'bridge time' if there is no more than a two hour interval between shifts. After 12 hours, you get double time.

Bridge time and double time are rare... not only because they would be budget-busters for management, they just aren't a good way to run an area which is run by people.

In recent years, some areas have provided optional 10 hour, 4-day per week schedules. I would guess there are probably many people who would prefer those shifts than can get them.

 

[Lord Alfred]

Originally posted by happy snapper
So buy your logic a person is upset at work, send them to a shrink. Turns out that there car is broken and they dont have the money to fix it. So unless the shrink happens to be a chap motor mechanic what exactly was the benefit of the visit.

You're overreacting. Of course I wouldn't send them to a shrink for normal problems. If you would have read the original post, you would see that the person in question "brings her personal life to work everyday and I have to hear about it and often console her when she cries." This is NOT your common everyday problem and it's not work-related. It sounds like she may be having serious problems that a counselor could help her with.

Perhaps when you have a few more years of life experiences you will realise that not every problem requires someone with a diploma to fix it. And buy the way in some jobs you are expected to care for and guide your people. So try to avoid blanket statements.

I'm well aware that most problems do not require a diploma. But from the description, this person has serious issues that may need some professional help. Many people end up in far worse situations (suicide, depression, etc.) that could be avoided if they had gotten some help. Oh, and blankets are warm! :lol:

Other than that why not let CMs blow off steam, better here on a board than in your face when your in a park.

The only difference is proximity. If you're going to complain about the company in public and "air out your dirty laundry", does it really matter where you do it? Certain guests will now know how you feel about them whether you said it to their faces or not. What's worse, is that guests who frequent these boards may get the impression that CMs are all bitter and disgruntled when, in fact, they are not. I don't have a problem with CMs griping to the general public, but I'm sure the company doesn't like it.

I once worked for a major software retailer that went through some trying times. Several employees went on various messageboards throughout the Net and lamented the management, stores, etc. A few days after that started, we received stern warnings to not discuss the company's practices in public forums. The associates who could be identified from their messages were diciplined. Hard to believe, but it happened! I'm glad Disney isn't like this.

To finish. CMs: Gripe all you want. Non-CMs: feel free to empathize with the CMs or feel contempt for them. It's up to you.

 

[cm1988]

Disgruntled?

Originally posted by JungleJim
When you read many of these boards you come across so many bitter cast members! Would it be best for some to just move on? Should there be a time limit??It's just not good for the overall show. It must make Cast Members who love thier job, and do it well angry to be around such negativity.

Every year, WDW commissions a "Cast Excellence Survey". Every cast member is encouraged to participate and answer 90+ questions in a "strongly disagree" to "strongly agree" format. Year after year, the vast majority (80++%) agree or strongly agree that the magic is being preserved, would recommend WDW as a workplace to others, that leadership can be trusted, that opportunities are available... etc., etc.

On the other hand, hundreds of cast members leave the company every year... maybe a better opportunity elsewhere, maybe it was time to move on, or it wasn't right for them. With 43000 cast members... lets be realistic.

It's understandable that people would use the www to do some venting. And truthfully... no great harm done, would you say? Removing any pixie-dusted glasses I may wear from time to time... the clear majority of c.m. posters I read in these forums seldom grumble. Many never do.

I've read some really nice stories here as well... maybe you recall a few.

And I'm going to guess that the majority of our non-cast member posters don't speak negatively about their jobs. That attitute enjoyed by WDW guests onstage... all that kindness, genuine concern, caring, fun, self-depreciating humor, eagerness to please... all of those things don't leave a lot of room for negativity. What the cast does just reflects who the guests are.

Don't we all appreciate pretty much the same things? Aren't we all made up of the same stuff?

Okay, time to move on to another thread, but thanks to everyone in jobs everywhere who try to make things better for whatever 'guest' enters your space. Thanks to the mechanic who really cares that my car runs well. Thanks to the dry cleaners who know my name and how much starch for my shirts. And I am most thankful for the dental hygenist for the pride she takes in her profession so she knows when to apply the topical anesthetic!

 

[cymbaldiva]

Originally posted by JungleJim
The problem I have with Cast Members complaining on message boards is that it can break the magic for non cast members that read the posts. All Disney cast members are trained to keep the magic alive on stage and whenever you have that Dsiney nametag on. If you say you are a current cast member in a message board its like having your Disney nametag on.

That's what I meant! I know everyone does need to vent about their job (Lord knows I do it constantly!), but do they have to dump it on my head? I really will be wondering the next time I visit the World what all the CM's think of me! BTW, I work in customer service, so I really do know how it is and have NEVER gone off on a CM - even the time that DH had a bug in his hot chocolate!

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

Originally posted by Lord Alfred


You're overreacting. Of course I wouldn't send them to a shrink for normal problems. If you would have read the original post, you would see that the person in question "brings her personal life to work everyday and I have to hear about it and often console her when she cries."

And if you had read my original point you would see I was trying to show that a freindly ear can nip most things in the bud. As for people bringing problems to work yes ive had it in bucketloads, from messy custody casses, to people with emotional hand grenades. In a management /supervisory position you have to deal with this including delicately suggesting help. I was under the impression that most western societies were struggling to seperate the impact of work on domestic life. And if someone is off colour at work thenoverall performance is affected. But I guess were not all team players.
As for venting off, a good boss will take it directly, listen to see if theres anything of value and move on. With the odd exception many of todays gripes can be sorted if the manager bothers to listen and do HIS/her job. But unfortunately we live in a culture of non boat rocking which results in over reaction to comments.


But back to CM comments, most of the comments on here have been about declining standards not pay or conditions, and to me that jusst shows comitment of staff who actually give a toss about the image their company sells. And as such are as valid here as anyone elses.

Buy the way my company is so draconian we cant even register to vote properly.

 

[mkt]

Originally posted by Lord Alfred
The only difference is proximity. If you're going to complain about the company in public and "air out your dirty laundry", does it really matter where you do it? Certain guests will now know how you feel about them whether you said it to their faces or not. What's worse, is that guests who frequent these boards may get the impression that CMs are all bitter and disgruntled when, in fact, they are not. I don't have a problem with CMs griping to the general public, but I'm sure the company doesn't like it.

I once worked for a major software retailer that went through some trying times. Several employees went on various messageboards throughout the Net and lamented the management, stores, etc. A few days after that started, we received stern warnings to not discuss the company's practices in public forums. The associates who could be identified from their messages were diciplined. Hard to believe, but it happened! I'm glad Disney isn't like this.

how about this then,

I criticize Disney from a guest and stockholder perspective on the boards, and leave my CM griping for the Ale House (or tell management directly). I already know what can happen (I have at least 1 friend who was fired for something he posted, and I personally have a feeling I'm being watched).

The only time I post about CM experience is when its relevant, or a positive story.. I've griped in the past, and I've stopped (last time.. maybe January)

 

[lfritts]

Appreciation to the CMs

I have to say, I have been to Disney 4x, and have not had any negative experience w/ANY CM on or off property. In fact, we were there in 9/99 (?) when a Hurricane (Floyd?) was expected to hit Florida, and then CMs did a FANTASTIC job of taking care of the guests in the resorts, tho I am certain they were anxious about their homes and families. I have raved to my friends and other folks traveling to WDW about the service - in fact, there is a 1-2 week "decompress" time after returning from WDW, when I have to once again accept the realization that I will not get that level of service or attention in the "Real World".

I certainly agree that, up to a point, it is the American Way to b**** about your job (I'm self-employed, and I b****!). But only up to a point - beyond that point, quit complaining and find another job!!! That being said, a message board is a good, anonymous place to vent. Better to get it out, than to take it out on a guest (which I have never seen, and can't see happening!) Let's face it, we guests are not always paragons of virtue and patience - yet these people manage to keep a smile on their face, and a focus on their mission.

What sorts of things are the CMs complaining about, anyway? I haven't seen any posts on specific issues - Let's also keep in mind, there are some folks (I know, I'm related to them) that will never be happy - you could give them a bar of gold, and they would complain it's too heavy!

In case I didn't make my point well enough in the first paragraph, every CM that I have met/will meet has my gratitude for making every trip to WDW/DL/etc. that I have ever had/will have SPECIAL AND MAGICAL.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU --- The CMs (from Imagineers to administration to housekeeping to kitchen staff to wait staff to characters to ride attendants to whomever else I neglected to mention) are what makes Disney what it is.

STANDING OVATION!!!

:sohappy: :sohappy: :sohappy: :sohappy: :sohappy:


Next trip : Port Orleans Riverside 9/02 (yea!)

 

[MKCustodial]

Originally posted by mktiggerman
5-i like working with the people I work with (except the MK queens and princesses), I hate most (not all) of my management

Funny, Rob, I always felt the princesses were a little snobish whenever I bumped into them at the Mouseketeria. But I talked about it with some friends and they dismissed the idea, saying I was imagining things. The Fairy Godmather, on the other hand, was always so nice.

 

[mkt]

Originally posted by MKCustodial
Funny, Rob, I always felt the princesses were a little snobish whenever I bumped into them at the Mouseketeria.

they are, for the most part...

 

[cruiseman]

There are so many ways to look at this topic. I had the pleasure and sometimes unpleasure of working the innaugural season of the disney cruiseline. We worked 70 hour weeks and it wasnt easy most of the time, but our merchandise staff of 16 didnt let your know we were frustrated. It was very tough being out at sea for 5 months straight but because of that Disney took extra care with us. Now this is only our department i can speak for. But we always had great rewards and rec. and merchandise reps from shore side would come and take us to the casino for lunch and the pay was ok. It certainly isnt for everybody but when a guest pays thousands on there vacation I dont believe they should hear your gripes. Whether or not its right to post them on this sight is your decision. I choose not to because i think all of those that love the magic dont need to have there bubbles burst by a few comments. i also spent a long lenth of time working for the disney store and i personally didnt like the way we were being treated , the merch was not what it used to be and i found myself not enjoying there magic anymore, so i found another job.
I love disney from the inside and out.

 

[dreamer]

Disney is its cast members. That is why I like DW. They are great people. If I run into one having a bad day, I'll run into a dozen who make up for it.

I can assure every cast member that the smiles and kind words they pass out mean a lot to every person they come into contact with. Just remember that the vast majority of people won't thank you, but you will have touched their lives.

No matter what your occupation, accolades are rare. You'll have to put up with discouraging people and pick up the cr*&^%ap after others. You can do it at DW or do it in an office. Some people can handle contact with hundreds and hundreds of vacationers a day. Some can't. It's just a matter of finding what you love to do and doing it, regardless of those who try to discourage you. Keep on keeping on.

As for cast members dumping here, that's fine with me. I'll give em a pat on the back. I have a wheelbarrowfull of stuff left over every day from my job, but no forum to dump it on. (Sigh, my poor wife.)

 

[Sweetums]

Originally posted by JungleJim
Tiggerman- I worked for Disney for over 5 years and think they treat the cast members very well. What is it that unhappy Cast Members want??? What would make them happy??

Are you serious????? :veryconfu

 

[mkt]

Originally posted by Sweetums


Are you serious????? :veryconfu

i think he may be the only one

 

[cymbaldiva]

Newsflash dreamer -

Most of the free world doesn't have a forum to vent upon! :lol:

We just go to work, get ill with whatever's going on at out jobs and come home b*******. Unfortunately it's our loved ones who have to bear the brunt of our tirades! It is better to take it out on those who know and care about you as opposed to an unsusspecting public though - at least your friends and family love you enough to understand!

Peace! :wave:

 

[stale32441]

i know that whenever im on stage, it is all about the guest. The guest and the magic. No matter what im doing, or who i am, thats what it is about. Whenever im not on stage, be it from the moment i step off, to when im walking around in plain clothes, i try to be as much a guest as possible(without the stupidity, or questions about the bathroom). When i just hang out with my friends someone may mention a situation that happened at work or a guest story(those always go good with drinking:lol: ), but we try to stay away from work, as im sure most people do in any type of job....

 

[cymbaldiva]

:lol: The stories go pretty well with a cold one in my line of work too! Guess we all have to deal with B/S at one time or another!