Would you be a cast member after you retire?

[Phroobar]

Just a simple poll. Would you apply for a job at the parks after you retire? What park would you want to work at and what job?

 

[rob2004fx4]

Bus driver! Or work at the campground.

 

[Boknowsleo]

I actually put a lot of thought into this and I still flip flop. I love the benefits that come from being a Cast Member and think this could be a dream retirement job because of my love for WDW. On the other hand I wonder if I would eventually dislike going there since I work there. At or close to my retirement age if I just bought an annual pass and took more vacations per year to WDW maybe my love would stay stronger because it wouldn't also be my place of employment. Very tough decision in my eyes but a fun one to think about!

 

[AndyS2992]

When I retire I want to visit the parks as much as possible and have fun and not keep working my off for very little pay and getting stressed and such, even if it is at WDW.

 

[Sans Souci]

I voted "no." I took a job at Starbucks between undergrad and grad school, because I liked to work with my hands and everyone at my local 'bux was so nice. Once I started working there, it wasn't the actual work that bothered me, but the people who came in. People who would purchase two shots of espresso in a grande cup and then walk over to the condiments and fill up their cup with milk. Then there was a woman who would wear different hats when she would go through the drive thru and ask for a sample of a different drink each time. She wore different hats and drove the same car, so she thought we were so stupid, we didn't know. Starbucks is like Disney in that it positions itself as a premium brand and with that comes the whole "exceeding customer's expectations," so nobody felt very comfortable confronting these people about their behaviors, because it usually resulted in a phone call to Seattle.

So, I think I will keep my thoughts about working at WDW untainted, because I feel like the same type of patron frequents WDW. I saw a guest chew out a young CM at the Tomorrowland Dessert Party one year, because he didn't like where his family was seated. This man was crimson in the face and spittle was flying out of his mouth. I can't imagine dealing with that on a regular basis...

 

[JohnnyDollaz89]

Yes, Hollywood Studios!

 

[ShoalFox]

Depends on whether I'm still as obsessed with Disney then as I am now. I mean, there's at least 50 years before I will be old enough to retire.
If I do, then I'd see what the parks are like in 2066 and decide which I'd like the most.

 

[MinnieM123]

Yes, I think a part-time job after retirement, over in the AK park would be pleasant. I'd like to work at Rafiki's Planet Watch, in the Conservation Station, greeting visitors and helping them learn about the animals.

 

[Dartha Stewart]

Probably not. The O-town lifestyle is nice on a short-term basis. Vacationing there for a few weeks? No problem. That's paradise & a great escape from reality. But as a permanent Fla resident? Forget about it. I wouldn't be able to tolerate that now in my mid-30's, let alone when I've reached my old geezer years.

Yet I still plan to take many many Fla & Disney vacations until I plop over dead.

 

[Nemo14]

My husband and I always thought we would after we retired, but we came to our senses once we actually retired.

 

[kelknight84]

Drove the ferry and resort boats during college and would love to do it again when I retire!

 

[bethymouse]

I'd love to be in the show Hoop Dee Doo or Nemo, or even a character, but I'd be too old when I retire.

 

[Kiwiduck]

No, cast members seem to work really hard. When I retire I want to rest, not work harder than I did pre-retirement!

 

[SW_matt]

Id quite happily drive the ferry's and boats!

 

[SyracuseDisneyFan]

Yes. At the Magic Kingdom .

 

[graphite1326]

I always wanted to yell "BOAAARD!" at the railroad.

 

[216bruce]

You know, I thought about this for a long time, but realized that once you work for something/someplace that you have a nearly blind love for, you end up seeing the reality of the place a lot clearer and the magic is gone. Restrictive policies, jerks for bosses, lousy pay or conditions and especially dealing with really difficult, demanding spoiled guests. Nah. I'll stay a guest and preserve the illusion.

 

[DfromATX]

Hmmmm.... Age 60-something working for $7 or $8-something $'s an hour in the hot sun with a bunch of obnoxious tourists.... uh no thanks. Actually, I don't plan to work anywhere when I retire!

 

[glvsav37]

when I was a College program CM at Pecos Bill's there was a great retired couple who worked together there in the kitchen. He was a retired PO, she a retired teacher from somewhere up north. They always worked the same shift together. At the time (not sure if it is or still true) WDW was offering a lifetime pass for anyone who put in 'X' years (not sure what the time was) of service, and their goal was to hit that, then officially retire for the parks and spend their days with their grand kids in the parks.

As for the poll....I voted yes—wherever, but I think more importantly, the role would really change the perception. As an older CM, a role like the greeter at Grand Flo is a heck of a lot different in stress level then an older CM working the desk at Guest Relations or at a hotel.

 

[Mal]

I always picture myself being a little old lady working at one of the bakeries or confectionaries. I would happily wear a big poofy dress and dip caramel apples all day.