Unmagical TOT CMs

[Wilt Dasney]

Ok, so those people that are talking about 12 hour shifts please tell me one thing. Exactly what is so physically demanding about standing at the ride and ensuring that the seat belts are in place?

Nothing, unless you have trouble being on your feet all day. That doesn't mean a CM's job isn't demanding, but the demands are generally not of a physical nature.

I don't think anyone here has said they go home from a Disney shift with aching muscles or hernias.

 

[draybook]

Before anyone gets riled up, let me say one thing. I'm not saying that their jobs aren't emotionally draining, but there's no reason they shouldn't be paying attention to the guests, and nobody here has proven me wrong to that effect.

 

[Wilt Dasney]

Before anyone gets riled up, let me say one thing. I'm not saying that their jobs aren't emotionally draining, but there's no reason they shouldn't be paying attention to the guests, and nobody here has proven me wrong to that effect.

No, I agree that it sounds like these kids were screwing around on stage. Not justified at all, in my opinion.

I was just making the point that physical demands aren't the only kinds of stresses one can encounter on the job. If that were the case, President of the United States would be the easiest gig around. :lol:

 

[draybook]

I agree and I want to make it perfectly clear to everyone that I've only been once to WDW but all of the CM's we encountered were awesome! I'm clearly speaking on the OP's encounter.

 

[lightboy]

If you were a WDW executive, would you be happy if you walked in and saw this happening? Better yet, do you enjoy paying for a vacation only to be "barely acknowledged" by the people where you're vacationing at?

Not trying to start a fight...but my 2 cents...

(1) If I was a WDW executive, I'd realize we have to hire more than just college kids, senior citizens, and entry-level-non-english-speaking immigrants (Please...there is ZERO-discrimination in this statement. Unfortunately, these are the only people that will work for such wages.) to run front-line at the parks. But that won't happen, because, WDW front-line CMs are some of the lowest paid workers in the CFL area. And Disney likes it that way. Cheaper the labor, the better.

(2) You'll see more of this. Mark my words. The labor situation at Disney is not getting better, it's getting worse. And the more the wages drop to near-or-at-minimum-wage, the more you'll see people do the bare minimum. It ain't like it used to be unfortunately. You'll never get that many CMs to all be enthusiastic about "telling the story" at minimum wage. Sorry, but it won't happen. Those kind of quality people still exist at Disney, but are lost in the crowd I fear.

Please remember, regardless of your demands for a magical vacation, at the end of the day...it's a job for each cast member.

And for the original op...

Heaven forbid you chat to anyone during your eight-hour-day at work...unless it's on your 15-minute break.

Same thing buddy, same thing.

 

[Chape19714]

"They are people, not machines."

What does this have to do with paying more attention to the guests? I'm not knocking the wonderful people that work at WDW but standing there letting people onto a ride and checking their seatbelts isn't the most stressful or physically demanding job on the planet. I really don't see how this can be excused by anyone. Their job is not to stand around talking to each other. Seriously, are we going to have to bring the Webster's definition of "job" into this thread?

Now granted, I don't expect CM's to be doing the whole presidential hand shake and smile routine with everyone that comes through, but they should in no way be standing together in a circle talking and "barely acknowledging" guests. If you were a WDW executive, would you be happy if you walked in and saw this happening? Better yet, do you enjoy paying for a vacation only to be "barely acknowledged" by the people where you're vacationing at?


Now, before I get anyone else confused about my personal feelings on the matter I must say one thing. I LOVED our trip this last September and the CM's there were spectacular. If I didn't love the Disney experience I wouldn't be going back. My feelings on slackers at work covers any workplace, not just Disney. However, I'm just making my opinion known about the OP's experience.

I'm bolding this, as it's pretty offensive to someone in attractions. We do far more than that, and most of the jobs are incredibly stressful. I've known many Cast Members go into Food service to get out of the stress attractions brings. We work with heavy machinery, that if it's not operated properly, can lead to serious injury. Not only speaking for the CMs sake, but it's also our job to watch the kids that parents ignore (and the adults who are in their own world). Somehow it's our responsibility to keep them safe too. Try being a perfect stranger protecting a kid who may not even speak your language! All because the parents are too caught up with themselves to pay attention to what's going on. We also have to memorize the exact way to evacuate an entire building on moments notice; all the time keeping guests calm, knowing that if a guest freaks out, their safety, and ours, could be at risk. And having to do all this in just a few minutes.

Sorry if you feel its "not that stressful", but trust me it is, and I've had nightmares about different scenarios happening at work. Please take a moment and put yourself in the other person's shoes. Or better yet, become a CM in this situation yourself before you judge.

 

[Slipknot]

Please take a moment and put yourself in the other person's shoes.

To heck with that. Let everyone who thinks working attractions with Fastpass isn't stressful work only Fastpass return for a day!!!

 

[DTM93]

I think like in the previous post it can be quite hard, I'm not a Cast Member at all but like the previous post said you have thousands of people passing through and you have to make sure they're all safe or if an evacuation happens, that would be quite hard to deal with.

At least I can say when I am old enough for a Gap Year I will work at WDW, DLP wherever and I won't mind the Minimum Wage and will work hard, I never saw a problem at WDW anyway even if they weren't "in character" because I think of them more as people who are making sure your safe on the ride and are more interested in your safety than anything.

Plus if they don't need to talk to you and it is not something important they need to tell you, then I don't understand the problem.

 

[draybook]

I'm bolding this, as it's pretty offensive to someone in attractions. We do far more than that, and most of the jobs are incredibly stressful. I've known many Cast Members go into Food service to get out of the stress attractions brings. We work with heavy machinery, that if it's not operated properly, can lead to serious injury. Not only speaking for the CMs sake, but it's also our job to watch the kids that parents ignore (and the adults who are in their own world). Somehow it's our responsibility to keep them safe too. Try being a perfect stranger protecting a kid who may not even speak your language! All because the parents are too caught up with themselves to pay attention to what's going on. We also have to memorize the exact way to evacuate an entire building on moments notice; all the time keeping guests calm, knowing that if a guest freaks out, their safety, and ours, could be at risk. And having to do all this in just a few minutes.

Sorry if you feel its "not that stressful", but trust me it is, and I've had nightmares about different scenarios happening at work. Please take a moment and put yourself in the other person's shoes. Or better yet, become a CM in this situation yourself before you judge.

I was in the Army for 3 years, 11Charlie, which is mortars. We regularly worked with a Bravo team and a Mike team, Mike being tank drivers. I'm pretty sure that qualifies as heavy machinery as well as dangerous equipment.

Before this job that I work now I worked at FedEx for 4.5 at the Memphis Hub. I worked around lots of heavy machinery as well as loading planes. I parked $250k loaders 4-6 inches from the plane fuselage with precision. I've had my head squashed between the edge of an AKE can and the aft belly door of a Baby Bus.

In this warehouse I've operated cherry pickers, reach trucks, walkie riders, counter balances and clamp trucks. These machines are very dangerous if not used properly. Does any of this qualify me as knowing what I'm talking about?


And to the person who said "it's just a job to the CM", you just proved my point. If it's just a job to you then gtfo and let someone else work there. Nobody held you at gunpoint and forced you to take the job at minimum wage. In this economy there's plenty of people willing to work.

 

[lightboy]

And to the person who said "it's just a job to the CM", you just proved my point. If it's just a job to you then gtfo and let someone else work there. Nobody held you at gunpoint and forced you to take the job at minimum wage. In this economy there's plenty of people willing to work.

This has come up a million times, don't open that can of worms.

It doesn't work like that unfortunately. You can wish to your heart's desire that it would...but it won't.

And that further shows a slight bit of ignorance. Plenty of people willing to work. Work, yes. Forced to act and tell a story with a smile for 8 hours? Eh, starting to get a bit iffy there. Being an attractions host at Disney is not a "traditional" job. Or is being a cast member period. Even many that are excited for a job like this, are numb of it after a year of working full-time. But does that mean they should quit because their enthusiasm doesn't meet your expectations?

I for one am not one with a minimum wage job. However, I stick up for the ones that are. Why should these people quit? There's no jobs to go to. This is all they have right now, for some...all they can get...or all they're qualified for. You can't expect them to quit. For a lot of them, they do the best job they can on their feet for 8 hours smiling their little heart away.

Relax. Can't change it. Don't like it...write a letter. Very simple.

 

[mickhyperion]

I was the store manager of a chain music store (i.e. "record" store) for 15 years, from the mid-80s until 2000. Over the years my staff ranged in ages from 18 to 65, though most were usually within the 18-22 age group. I worked in stores from Las Vegas to LA to Seattle. We paid the frontline employees minimum wage and barely a penny more all the years I worked for this company.

One thing was consistent in all the years I held this job, regardless of city or era or who was working for me at the time: employees require CONSTANT supervision in order to be held to any sort of standards whatsoever. "While the cat's away, the mice will play." Regarding conversations and maintaining an excellent customer service demeanor, all too often I had to remind my staff that they should be working not talking. What always struck me particularly odd was how they all seemed to somehow believe that because they were standing on one side of the counter, that the conversations they were having in full voice were somehow not audible to people on the other side of the counter, not to mention the ones that could hear them clear across the store over the music that we were playing. Rarely were these employees intentionally being mischievous or spiteful by having these conversations, they were just exuberant and enjoyed their co-workers and couldn't help themselves from talking about their lives. Unfortunately, all too often they couldn't stop these conversations long enough to pay much attention to the customer that was right in front of them at the time. That was when they had gone way too far. I never fired anyone for this behavior, but as I said it was a constant ritual to have to remind them to pay attention to their jobs and the customers that were handing them money.

If CM's aren't doing their jobs properly it is up to management to curb this behavior. All employees will get punchy when they're tired or hyper or ADD or whatever you want to call it. It's no excuse for poor performance, especially if the customer or guest suffers as a result, but it's going to happen. It always has and always will, especially in a "fun" job like at WDW, or in my case, a record store. If the problem is out of control and guests are being treated flat out rudely on a consistent basis or put at risk, it has become an issue of poor management. As CM's are "playing a role" in the show, I think standards need to remain quite high. During Fantasmic or Festival of the Lion King or any other show Disney puts on, if the cast were feeling tired one evening and decided during the final show to just not really care anymore, the show would fail and guests would be justifiably outraged. If guests are being "barely acknowledged" or seatbelts are not being properly checked because they are too busy talking, this could indicate there is a problem. The question would then be, is it consistently happening or was it an isolated incident?

Guests only get a snap shot by which to judge most of the time. For them, that snap shot may seem to indicate how things are ALL of the time, not just that late evening when everyone was tired. Perception is reality. The OP in this thread obviously had seen that this was not how the CM's were performing ALL of the time, but it was still disappointing to them. I've personally seen and dealt with MANY rude or oblivious CM's on both coasts over the years, but they have been the exceptions, not the rule. It's still disappointing when it happens and at times even outrageous. I don't think it's a new phenomenon or anything that will ever go completely away, but as long as it is kept in check I think the Disney standards will continue to remain high and we'll all be alright.

 

[draybook]

This has come up a million times, don't open that can of worms.

It doesn't work like that unfortunately. You can wish to your heart's desire that it would...but it won't.

And that further shows a slight bit of ignorance. Plenty of people willing to work. Work, yes. Forced to act and tell a story with a smile for 8 hours? Eh, starting to get a bit iffy there. Being an attractions host at Disney is not a "traditional" job. Or is being a cast member period. Even many that are excited for a job like this, are numb of it after a year of working full-time. But does that mean they should quit because their enthusiasm doesn't meet your expectations?

I for one am not one with a minimum wage job. However, I stick up for the ones that are. Why should these people quit? There's no jobs to go to. This is all they have right now, for some...all they can get...or all they're qualified for. You can't expect them to quit. For a lot of them, they do the best job they can on their feet for 8 hours smiling their little heart away.

Relax. Can't change it. Don't like it...write a letter. Very simple.

Yes, and the whole minimum wage argument has been brought up just as much. Once again, I'm sorry that someone is making minimum wage but life isn't fair sometimes. I remember that during my employment at FedEx I wasn't making enough really to cover what my family required. Guess what I did? Yep, I took an overnight stocking position at WalMart barely making over minimum wage. Oh, did I mention that I was also going to school 3 nights a week, on top of having time for my wife and kids?

You see, I know all about the whole making ends meet deal. I've worked minimum wage jobs before and I gave 100% during ALL of my shift. And I never said they had to "tell a story and smile" for 8 hours. I said they shouldn't be standing around in a circle talking to each other instead of interacting with the guests. Shoot, a smile would kind of ruin the whole ToT theme if you ask me.

For the most part, most people get numb to their job after a while, that's no excuse for lack of effort. Heck, maybe I do have high expectations and standards but if you ask me, if the whole world was the same way then maybe things would be better. :shrug:

 

[AshaNeOmah]

I was in the Army for 3 years, 11Charlie, which is mortars. We regularly worked with a Bravo team and a Mike team, Mike being tank drivers. I'm pretty sure that qualifies as heavy machinery as well as dangerous equipment.

Before this job that I work now I worked at FedEx for 4.5 at the Memphis Hub. I worked around lots of heavy machinery as well as loading planes. I parked $250k loaders 4-6 inches from the plane fuselage with precision. I've had my head squashed between the edge of an AKE can and the aft belly door of a Baby Bus.

In this warehouse I've operated cherry pickers, reach trucks, walkie riders, counter balances and clamp trucks. These machines are very dangerous if not used properly. Does any of this qualify me as knowing what I'm talking about?


And to the person who said "it's just a job to the CM", you just proved my point. If it's just a job to you then gtfo and let someone else work there. Nobody held you at gunpoint and forced you to take the job at minimum wage. In this economy there's plenty of people willing to work.

Did you ever talk to your co-workers about non work related issues during down times in the Army, FedEx or warehouse? If these CMs were loading and unloading guests properly and assuring everyone was safe the time spend talking was indeed downtime.

Anyway, the OPs complaint was that a certain voice was not used and a 'mask' was not worn. Not that the CMs were not doing their job properly.

Your expectations for workplace behavior are unrealistic and nearly impossible to achieve.

 

[Fade_to_Blah]

Did you ever talk to your co-workers about non work related issues during down times in the Army, FedEx or warehouse? If these CMs were loading and unloading guests properly and assuring everyone was safe the time spend talking was indeed downtime.

Anyway, the OPs complaint was that a certain voice was not used and a 'mask' was not worn. Not that the CMs were not doing their job properly.

Your expectations for workplace behavior are unrealistic and nearly impossible to achieve.

I dont have a problem with them chatting at all. However, I was under the impression they were not doing their job loading guests properly and giving the attention that is needed.

 

[Chape19714]

I was in the Army for 3 years, 11Charlie, which is mortars. We regularly worked with a Bravo team and a Mike team, Mike being tank drivers. I'm pretty sure that qualifies as heavy machinery as well as dangerous equipment.

Before this job that I work now I worked at FedEx for 4.5 at the Memphis Hub. I worked around lots of heavy machinery as well as loading planes. I parked $250k loaders 4-6 inches from the plane fuselage with precision. I've had my head squashed between the edge of an AKE can and the aft belly door of a Baby Bus.

In this warehouse I've operated cherry pickers, reach trucks, walkie riders, counter balances and clamp trucks. These machines are very dangerous if not used properly. Does any of this qualify me as knowing what I'm talking about?


And to the person who said "it's just a job to the CM", you just proved my point. If it's just a job to you then gtfo and let someone else work there. Nobody held you at gunpoint and forced you to take the job at minimum wage. In this economy there's plenty of people willing to work.

Not Really. We have to work with Machinery that's more powerful in many cases, and be able to operate said machines around thousands of people each hour that don't know what they're doing. Now, if you had total strangers standing around in this warehouse while you were operating the machines every minute of every hour, then you may understand.

 

[AshaNeOmah]

I dont have a problem with them chatting at all. However, I was under the impression they were not doing their job loading guests properly and giving the attention that is needed.

No problems. I think there are a few other in the thread who got that impression. The OP clearly states that the CMs were seating the guests and checking seatbelts. He/she was upset that a spooky voice and/or blank expression wasn't used that evening by a few cast members.

 

[Fade_to_Blah]

No problems. I think there are a few other in the thread who got that impression. The OP clearly states that the CMs were seating the guests and checking seatbelts. He/she was upset that a spooky voice and/or blank expression wasn't used that evening by a few cast members.

Yea, i think at one point the thread turned to "Ok, the OP's case there wasnt an issue as the CM's were doing their job, but IF they were not....". So its getting confusing now

 

[Fade_to_Blah]

Not Really. We have to work with Machinery that's more powerful in many cases, and be able to operate said machines around thousands of people each hour that don't know what they're doing. Now, if you had total strangers standing around in this warehouse while you were operating the machines every minute of every hour, then you may understand.

Could you explain your basic ride control panel? Not trying to start a fight, but it seems the systems for ride controls dont allow you to do much. Correct me if im wrong

 

[chwilson88]

Well, Linda's a anyway, everybody knows that. :shrug:

And give Billy a break...I've heard Sue puts out. :lookaroun

So funny...:lol:

 

[Chape19714]

Could you explain your basic ride control panel? Not trying to start a fight, but it seems the systems for ride controls dont allow you to do much. Correct me if im wrong

The basic Panels that guests see are not overly complicated, however it's panels like the main control panel, and the panels hidden in the ride itself (at some attractions) that are complicated. Some main panels include over 300 Switches, buttons, etc. It can get complicated. (which need to be done in a certain order at a certain time, or the ride can/will shut down)

That being said, in order to provide safety, all you really need is that big red "STOP" button. If a guest does something wrong, hit it. Stress comes into play knowing if you don't hit it in time, there's serious conquences. And once you do, you now have a line full of angry guests asking why they can't ride.