The Roles: Part 2 (Things you liked, and things you didn't)

[DisneyAngie]

This topic strikes me as very similar to the other thread about the roles (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2237950), but I think my question is sufficiently different to warrant it's own thread.

I am applying to the CP in not all that long for Fall 2010, and while in some ways it feels like I have a lot of time to make up my mind, I can't seem to decide which role I should rank first (and then which location I should "request"). I flip flop back and forth a lot between attractions and merchandise. Attractions is sort of what I picture when I picture working in the parks, and I think it would be pretty cool to be able to tell people that I worked at SM/ToT/HM/IASW/wherever (at the same time, I understand that many of the attractions roles do not actually involve ride operation, such as working Innoventions, or one of the shows; regardless, I feel like when discussing the CP in future job interviews, I would be able to say that attractions was an experience where I was responsible for the safety of large numbers of people in addition to making sure they had fun, working together with the other CMs at that location, etc). But, I wonder if maybe merchandise or another role would allow more guest interaction and "magical moments," because I believe I would enjoy that aspect as well. I know the other thread says attractions still allows for plenty of magical moments, but I can't help feeling that if you work one of the bigger rides (ToT, Soarin', EE), you're pretty busy. Also, for roles like HM and ToT, where your role is to be creepy, is it still possible to create magical moments without breaking character? One more question - to those of you who worked attractions, did you feel safe doing so? Every now and then you hear about an incident of some sort where someone gets injured (guests or CMs) at an attraction, and I just kind of wonder...

So, to help us get a more complete picture of the roles, if you have participated in the CP could you share some of the things you liked or disliked about your location? I realize that, especially with things you didn't like, you may be limited in what you can say, and that's fine. Just share what you can. :)

And please don't limit yourself to attractions/merchandise; I'm open to other roles and I'm sure there are people out there debating between different roles too! :upsidedow

[Berlioz70]

Entertainment Characters

Can't say much - but heres something short and sweet:

I loved being global and getting to work at all parks and some of the resorts.
I loved the job and general work day.

I did not like that the managers never get to know the CPs, since we are only there a short time and move around so much while there.

[Yes,IStillLoveDisney]

Have you thought about doing transportation at all? It is very similar to attractions and is definitely a lot of fun. I am spending my CP working on the FriendShip Boats now and I love it. The nice thing about that is that when we take the boats out, one person is driving and one is deckhanding so while you are en route to whichever dock you are heading to you have a lot of time to interact with the guests. You also get to learn an actual skill since you are actually taught how to drive them and dock them which is pretty fun in itself and a cool thing to be able to say you can do. While I am not sure about the monorails, I believe the watercraft over at Magic Kingdom is also similar with allowing for the guest interaction. Just my thoughts on another role to consider although when I checked in at Casting, they did say that it is a harder role to get because there are not nearly as many people in those departments.

[glendalais]

But, I wonder if maybe merchandise or another role would allow more guest interaction and "magical moments," because I believe I would enjoy that aspect as well. I know the other thread says attractions still allows for plenty of magical moments, but I can't help feeling that if you work one of the bigger rides (ToT, Soarin', EE), you're pretty busy.

All Walt Disney World Co. Cast Members are responsible for and have the same opportunity to provide the Legendary Guest Service that our Guests have come to expect from Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.

Even on more fast-paced Attractions, it's fairly simple to acknowledge our Guests' celebrations or to go above and beyond and provide that extra special something for a younger Guest. In addition, most Attractions (like most other Frontline Areas) do have pre-organised Magical Moments that support our business objectives by creating an emotional attachment to our Parks and Resorts within our Guests.

Also, for roles like HM and ToT, where your role is to be creepy, is it still possible to create magical moments without breaking character?

In those positions, it can indeed be said that many times the Magical Moment is when our Cast stays in character and plays their parts (yes, I am channeling the basics, lol). Much of what brings the Disney Magic to life for our Guests is that our Cast Members "belong" in their positions.

One more question - to those of you who worked attractions, did you feel safe doing so? Every now and then you hear about an incident of some sort where someone gets injured (guests or CMs) at an attraction, and I just kind of wonder...

The Safety of both Guests and Cast Members has always been the first priority of the Walt Disney World Company, as well as of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.

Please rest assured that every Attractions Host and Hostess is fully and properly trained on how to safely operate their positions.

[Reinhart_x]

If you want to have many guest interactions and magical moments, look no further than custodial. Yes, it may sound bad at first, but in my eyes and based on what people in this and other roles have said, including managers, it's the best job there. Of course I have some bias, but honestly, I talked to so many people and it was wonderful helping them all out or just conversing with them. In fact, I got a magical moment within a couple of days of starting. It's a way better job than it sounds...can you go take a break to watch the fireworks almost every night? In most of the other jobs, no, you can't. :thumbsup2

Merchandise probably wouldn't be bad either, plenty of interaction, usually a shaded or cooler area. My roommate loved every minute of his job in merchandise. Well, except stocking. As for attractions...well, it's probably cool to say you worked on so and so attraction, but you will have to stand in just one place a lot and if a ride breaks down or a kid is an inch or two short from being able to ride, prepare for people to give you grief for it. If you don't mind that, go for it! :banana:

[americangeiko]

BBB Hostess

Likes:
-You make tips, or at least they did when I was there.
-You have a 'set schedule' as the boutique opens and closes at set times every day and you'll only be there 1 hour before or 1 hour after open/close. (So no til 3am shifts)
-The costume isn't hideous compared to others.
-It's completely in-doors, so no cold or heat issues.
-After the first 2-3 weeks there's little supervision.
-You create some of the strongest magical moments for guests during their entire stay, and it's all you!
-If you work at Cinderella's Castle, you get to see the Royal Suite, as all Castle Workers are entitled too.

Neutral: (Could go both ways)
-All your co-workers are female.
-You have a lot of guest interaction. (I've had heavenly kids, and outright brats, and I had to entertain both for at least 30-45 mins.)
-Never a dull moment--except for maybe before we open or after we close. (It's either really crazy, or really dead, and there's no in between.)
-You're completely covered in pixie dust 24/7, and all of your stuff too.

Con:
-You have to walk 3 flights of stairs to get to your job location.
-You have to walk at least 1 flight of stairs to a bathroom.
-You can't work any other Merchandise location as you aren't trained to run a register.
-You can't work any other boutique as it's against the rules, or it was when I was there.
-You can't go season in this position due to the job skill level.
-Due to the limited number of people trained in your position, you can't just post your shift on the Hub for someone else to pick it up.
-It does get repetitive after a while.

Even though the position is an incredible job, but it's still that, a job.

There will be days you'll love it, and have the most wonderful guest interactions that you've ever had. (It's been 2 years and I still remember a lot of them.) And then there'll be days where all your kids will be bald (try doing a hairstyle on a kid with no hair), scream bloody murder at the top of their lungs, or have "the pumbas".

[Ariel864]

BBB Hostess

Likes:
-You make tips, or at least they did when I was there.
-You have a 'set schedule' as the boutique opens and closes at set times every day and you'll only be there 1 hour before or 1 hour after open/close. (So no til 3am shifts)
-The costume isn't hideous compared to others.
-It's completely in-doors, so no cold or heat issues.
-After the first 2-3 weeks there's little supervision.
-You create some of the strongest magical moments for guests during their entire stay, and it's all you!
-If you work at Cinderella's Castle, you get to see the Royal Suite, as all Castle Workers are entitled too.

Neutral: (Could go both ways)
-All your co-workers are female.
-You have a lot of guest interaction. (I've had heavenly kids, and outright brats, and I had to entertain both for at least 30-45 mins.)
-Never a dull moment--except for maybe before we open or after we close. (It's either really crazy, or really dead, and there's no in between.)
-You're completely covered in pixie dust 24/7, and all of your stuff too.

Con:
-You have to walk 3 flights of stairs to get to your job location.
-You have to walk at least 1 flight of stairs to a bathroom.
-You can't work any other Merchandise location as you aren't trained to run a register.
-You can't work any other boutique as it's against the rules, or it was when I was there.
-You can't go season in this position due to the job skill level.
-Due to the limited number of people trained in your position, you can't just post your shift on the Hub for someone else to pick it up.
-It does get repetitive after a while.

Even though the position is an incredible job, but it's still that, a job.

There will be days you'll love it, and have the most wonderful guest interactions that you've ever had. (It's been 2 years and I still remember a lot of them.) And then there'll be days where all your kids will be bald (try doing a hairstyle on a kid with no hair), scream bloody murder at the top of their lungs, or have "the pumbas".

This may sound like a strange question, but how are they on breaks? I am hypoglycemic so it's something I need to consider when making my role choice list. I need to be able to be at a job that has regularly scheduled breaks.

[americangeiko]

This may sound like a strange question, but how are they on breaks? I am hypoglycemic so it's something I need to consider when making my role choice list. I need to be able to be at a job that has regularly scheduled breaks.

You will receive breaks at all Disney roles as it's mandatory for CPs to take them, but the Boutique isn't a 'slow' place. It make take longer than normal on some days for you to receive your break as their not given at a "set" time every day, but as a rotation based on who's been there the longest.

[Wishes Count]

.

[La Belle et la Bête]

BBB Hostess

Likes:
-You make tips, or at least they did when I was there.
-You have a 'set schedule' as the boutique opens and closes at set times every day and you'll only be there 1 hour before or 1 hour after open/close. (So no til 3am shifts)
-The costume isn't hideous compared to others.
-It's completely in-doors, so no cold or heat issues.
-After the first 2-3 weeks there's little supervision.
-You create some of the strongest magical moments for guests during their entire stay, and it's all you!
-If you work at Cinderella's Castle, you get to see the Royal Suite, as all Castle Workers are entitled too.

Neutral: (Could go both ways)
-All your co-workers are female.
-You have a lot of guest interaction. (I've had heavenly kids, and outright brats, and I had to entertain both for at least 30-45 mins.)
-Never a dull moment--except for maybe before we open or after we close. (It's either really crazy, or really dead, and there's no in between.)
-You're completely covered in pixie dust 24/7, and all of your stuff too.

Con:
-You have to walk 3 flights of stairs to get to your job location.
-You have to walk at least 1 flight of stairs to a bathroom.
-You can't work any other Merchandise location as you aren't trained to run a register.
-You can't work any other boutique as it's against the rules, or it was when I was there.
-You can't go season in this position due to the job skill level.
-Due to the limited number of people trained in your position, you can't just post your shift on the Hub for someone else to pick it up.
-It does get repetitive after a while.

Even though the position is an incredible job, but it's still that, a job.

There will be days you'll love it, and have the most wonderful guest interactions that you've ever had. (It's been 2 years and I still remember a lot of them.) And then there'll be days where all your kids will be bald (try doing a hairstyle on a kid with no hair), scream bloody murder at the top of their lungs, or have "the pumbas".

This is really helpful :)

My hair and makeup experience is a little unconventional (compared to actually being in a salon) but I have worked with children so I am hoping I am considered for this role.

Do you know if you can request working at Cinderella's Castle (granted you are chosen as a BBBH)?

[mare07]

I worked in attractions for a years, so I can probably answer most of your attractions related questions. I was placed in Dinoland: USA which is a sort of unique area for a few reasons. We have 3 different costumes which fit each of the roles we might be playing that day and we have 5 very different attractions:
Dinosaur: The Ride (My main attraction, but I worked in all 5)
Triceratops Spin (dumbo-esque)
Primeval Whirl
Finding Nemo: The Musical
The Boneyard Playground

All the attractions have specific magical moments they do each hour, but you definitely have a chance to interact with the guests. There are jobs within the different rides where you can't really talk to guests, but also jobs where all you do is interact with them (i.e. greeter positions). You can make a guests day in a variety of ways. Just because you work at a "big" ride doesn't mean you can't have fun with the guests. And you are not always busy. You can't always have a long conversation with guests, but you'll always be solving problems or have the chance to have a quick interaction. If you are able to solve their problem or make a connection the guest will remember.

Safety is the number one priority at attractions and we spend a lot (a lot) of time on safety and prevention training. The reason 99% of accidents happen is because someone (guest or cm) isn't paying attention or is playing around. Dinosaur is one of the most technologically advanced rides in all of WDW (behind only Test Track and ToT), so there was a lot to learn and get to know about the ride. They do safety audits in attractions every day and there are varying degrees of the audits, so we do a lot of training to prepare for them. They usually involve some sort of safety idea (in Dinosaur they make sure we are always watching a car in motion and SEE THE GUESTS pull on the yellow tab of their seatbelt). They are always visiting and revisiting the safety procedures in place to make sure the attractions are as safe as possible.

In Finding Nemo our main goal is to get guests into the theater. There are a lot fewer safety regulations in the theater, but lots of things to worry about nonetheless. The theater has lot of restrictions in place by entertainment that limit our interaction with the guests, but I've heard that's not normally the case.

I really enjoyed attractions. I didn't like being stuck at one all the time, though. I'd rather move around and do all the attractions. I loved it when I'd have a week where I worked at Dinosaur for 3 days, Theater 1 and Dinorama 1. Kept things interesting and I get bored easily. Other people just wanted the one and as a CP you'll proably be assigned to just one, especially if it's an e-ticket attraction. I didn't like the long hours I sometimes got. My first 3 months (summer) I worked on average 60 hours a week with one 13 hour day a week. This sucked! Not a lot of time to spend time with your fellow cm's outside of work and you spend so much time working together you hate each other anyway. This, however, is rare and will subside, I promise.

I can't really complain about anything with the actual job except that it sometimes got bored and annoying, but that's the case with any role. I didn't have any problems with the management, but they change so often the land could change by the time you get there anyway.