Do Disney Store employees get a discount?

[disneymania]

Does anyone know what the discount is for Disney Store employees? Just wonder if it is worth getting a P/T job there for the holidays.

[KathiWithAnI]

If the only reason you are going to work there is the discount-- then no, it wouldn't be worth it-- we work WAY too hard during the holiday season :)

If you want to work for Disney to be apart of the magic-- then go for it- I've been there 4 1/2 yrs and wouldn't leave for anything!

[A Mickeyfan]

here is a link to CM discounts..

and yes....it could be worth it....Link deleted at the request of the webmaster of that website

[mickey4ver]

With the above link is you have to be a CM to access it.

[Donna]

It is worth it if you love disney. Otherwise, you'd consider it hard work, especially during the holidays. While nice to have, the discount really should have nothing whatsoever to do with it if you truly want to work there as a part of the team.

[disneymania]

I am a stay at home mom of 3 children under 5 so I am no stranger to hard work. I love Disney & wish that I lived in Florida so that I could work in the parks. But since I am thousands of miles away, I thought working at the Disney Store may be next best thing.

My question about the discounts was because my husband travels for work & I was wondering if the discounts for vacations etc. would more than pay for hiring a babysitter while I was working.

I was not trying to imply that any Cast Member has an easy job but I thought that the budget board ppl would the most understanding of this type of question.

[renessa]

I had no trouble....it does take a few minutes to load up ....lot of stuff....great looking discounts!!!!!!!!!!!

[TinkerbellRules]

DON'T GO TO THAT WEBSITE!! It automatically uploads a spyware called Comet Curser!!!! I couldn't figure out how I got it, but I went to the site again after deleting this and it uploaded again.

Don't go there!!

[Toby'sFriend]

Let's just say that working in a mall store over the Christmas season is about as tough as it gets. You're going to be working pretty hard for those discounts! And it's not just hard work and impossible hours, it's alot of time with grouchy people who are angry at the crowds and will often take it out on you.

Soooo - if you want to work at the Disney store because you want to work for Disney then do it! Otherwise, I personally don't think you'd find it worth your while.

[disneymania]

Okay, I appreciate all of your constructive feedback about how hard of a job it is. BUT my real question was, "what is the discount for Disney Store employees". Based on that information, I can make the decision for myself as to whether it is worth my while. I tried the link posted above & it didn't work. Is it a big secret as to what the discounts are???

[NancyIL]

The manager at my local TDS said the CM's get a 20% merchandise discount on most things, but 10% on videos. I was able to go to that link, and there are discounts on WDW resorts (25-50%) and I THINK - free park admission for the CM. I don't know if the hotel/theme park perks apply to seasonal employees.

[KathiWithAnI]

This topic came up on the Community board just about a week or 2 ago... basically, no, we aren't supposed to discuss our benefits... I'm not saying no one will ( as you have seen), but maybe you'd have an easier time if you talked to a CM in your local store. Our benefits aren't top secret, but they really aren't supposed to be posted here in such a public forum

Since someone else has already mentioned that a starting CM gets 20%, I can tell you that is true. Sometimes we get surprises during the holiday season, but those vary from year to year.
As for the resort discount, that is totally based on availability and the discount varies by availability.

A seasonal CM will not get any passes that we might receive.

I do not know what you'd pay for a babysitter... but I can tell you for my 4 kids, I pay my babysitter more than I make at The Disney Store ( so I only work when my husband can be home to watch the kids).

I'm sorry if this is still too general... it's about as much as I feel comfortable discussing.

I'm sure a CM a your local store might be able to help you more.

Good Luck!
Kathi

[WebmasterAlex]

Here is a story explaining Comet Cursor.. I must say I don't like the tactic

Comet Cursor (http://www.zdnet.com/anchordesk/stories/story/0%2C10738%2C2677247%2C00.html)

[Sorcerer]

The message everyone is trying very diplomatically to give you is that if you have to know what the discounts/benefits are before deciding to become a Cast Member, then you probably have no business working for Disney. You've indicated that you are a fan of all things Disney and would love to work in the parks, so perhaps working at DS would be a good opportunity for you. However, if you are considering P/T seasonal work (just for the holidays) you should know that 99% of CM benefits will not apply to you. The benefits would only apply during your time of employment.
I hope some or all of these comments will help you with your decision. While your exact question has not been answered (b/c frankly, if one doesn't know what the benefits of working for Disney are, then they don't NEED to know - meaning, they are not a CM), I think you've probably been given enough information to make a decision.
And if not, then take Kathi's suggestion and go speak to a CM in your local DS.

[Kaelyn]

I think that Sorcerer's post pretty much covers it, but since you asked specifically about the hotel/theme park benefit, I will add that, yes we get discounts, but they won't do you any good as a seasonal since the "rule" is that all CM's can't request time off from Nov 1 until Jan 15, which is also the tenure of casuals/seasonals. If you have a party to go to and stuff like that, scheduling can be worked out, and it usually is without a problem. That is in part why we hire casusals, so don't flip out thinking that you will be devoting your whole life to Disney, altho it will feel that way sometimes. But none of us can have a few days off to go to WDW during the Christmas season. It is part of the price we pay to be part of the magic.

On a lighter note, there is no better place to be at Christmas then around people who love Disney. It helps to make up for the Grumpies that come in wondering why we don't have Halloween costumes at Christmas.

[Toby'sFriend]

The message everyone is trying very diplomatically to give you is that if you have to know what the discounts/benefits are before deciding to become a Cast Member, then you probably have no business working for Disney.

Well - no I wasn't. I for one always want to know what the pay and benefits are before I take a job, and I expect no less from anybody else. I was just trying to say that the job isn't worth it **just** for merchandise and/or ticket discounts that you might get in addition to your pay. I think that there are alot of different things you can do that would be less hectic, earn more money, and would be easier than working ANY retail mall store over the Christmas season.

And -- no I don't think you would earn enough to pay for your babysitting for 3 small children. But I guess that would depend on what your babysitting costs actually are......now if you could somehow work it out with your husband and the store that you would work hours when he is at home, then we might be talking about something else completely.

But honestly - I have no problem at all with somebody who is asking about WORKING at an honest job in order to help her family afford a vacation that they all love. As a matter of fact, I think it's admirable.

[kt-scarlett]

disneymania asked: Does anyone know what the discount is for Disney Store employees? Just wonder if it is worth getting a P/T job there for the holidays.

You could ask the Store Manager what discount you would receive as a seasonal cast member when you apply in person at the Disney Store. Any other benefits are applicable only to permanent cast members.

[Sorcerer]

OK, so I should have put "what most of us" instead of "what everyone". I apologize for implying I was speaking for all - I didn't mean it to come out that way.

Yes, getting a job to help make vacations more affordable is admirable, however I think most CMs would agree that more affordable vacations or discounted merchandise should not be the only reason one would consider working at DS.

My advice to anyone considering a job with DS: go to your local DS and speak with the Store Manager or Asst. Store Manager. They will answer your questions for you. A public forum such as this is not appropriate for job related matters ~ at least that is the opinion of the majority of CMs who frequent the DIS. And not only is it our opinion, but we're expected to keep DS information internal. As I've stated before, if one has to ask publicly in a forum such as this, then they probably have no right to know.

[NancyIL]

I filled out an application at TDS last week, and I am available for all shifts. However - I also noted that I already have plans to be in FL from Nov. 23 - Dec. 4 - so I probably won't even be called for an interview.

[disneymania]

Wow, didn't mean to start a major debate over this or offend anyone. I thought that this was just a simple question. Thanks to those of you who gave me the basic piece of information that I asked for.

[SalandJeff]

Okay, curiosity got the best of me and I went to the cast member discount site noted in this thread.

You can get to the site; however, you cannot look at the "cast discounts" section.

Also, I got a pop up box ASKING if I wanted to download the Comet software - I just clicked no and it is not appearing on my PC.

[Mercy]

Geesh, you all sound like working for TDS is some kind of a calling, like going into the priesthood or the ministry! I find it hard to believe that employees at TDS work any harder than any other retail store employees during the holidays. I also don't think it is unreasonable to ask what kind of benefits employees at TDS receive, I would want to know. All that said, I certainly wouldn't take a job just for the perks but because I needed to make extra money.

[TinkerbellRules]

Mercy: I agree with you. I worked retail for around 6 yrs and don't think it's going to be any different working at TDS or Target! Oh ** well ** I think I'd be much happier seeing the Disney stuff though :) Everyone tells me I need to work at Disney or TDS! I am also currently working in my DD's school cafe and can't see it being any harder than that! It's so much more physically demanding then people think (and more than I thought). Then again, I am 15 yrs AGO then when I worked retail ;) ( I just reread my post. I meant "ago" not "old")

I also don't see the big deal in telling what the benefits to working at Disney or TDS. All other retail chains promote their discounts when hiring. I have seem the discounts, but I'm unable to remember what they are. I may have saved it somewhere.

[Sorcerer]

Isn't it odd that most folks who see nothing wrong with posting Cast Member benefits or discounts are not Cast Members themselves?

The bottom line is, if you are not a CM or interviewing to be one, then you have no right to know. Period. If you are called in for an interview, ask THEN what the benefits are if they are that important to you.

Disney's benefits are not publicly noted b/c they don't need to resort to such tactics to recruit new CMs.

I would never claim that my job is any harder or easier than anyone else's. Without experiencing the other person's job first hand, it would be difficult to draw an honest conclusion.

I have two jobs, humor me for a moment. When describing my full-time job to my fellow CMs I'm told "that sounds like so much work, and so challenging! Working at DS must be so easy for you". My full-time position is managing the marketing department (an in-house ad agency) for a large international corporation. Challenging, yes. But I find my job at DS much more enjoyable and full of opportunities. I thought retail would be a cakewalk! I was very wrong. And as much as you all dislike hearing it, Disney is not your typical retail store.

So, I'll ask you, unless you've had the opportunity to work at DS, please refrain from making judgements.

For those of you who are criticizing the implication that working at DS is more challenging than any other retail establishment, I'll ask you to remember that the next time you go into our stores. I've read many complaints on these boards regarding a CM who didn't treat you as well as you expected, or that we're not making you feel as special as you believe you are entitled to feel. Yes, Disney is here to Exceed Guest's Expectations. We are not Target, K-Mart or Toys R Us...we're Disney. And because we're Disney, we're held to a higher standard - by our managers and YOU, our guests.

[Kaa]

I have deleted the link to the website with the Cast Member discounts posted at the request of the webmaster of that site.

[Dizzy-Disney4]

Don't understand what the big secret is...Disney posts what benefits CMs that actually work at WDW have for benefits so what's the big deal about ds employee benefits? Most people looking for employment anywhere want to know what benefits are offered before they apply.

[mickey4ver]

I think what most of the posts are saying is that if you are really interested in working for TD, then go in to one and ask for a manager/assistant manager and ask the questions. If it sounds like something you would like to do, then finish the application process and go from there.

Why is that no one seems to get that CM's are just not supposed to give this information out themselves? It isn't like they are hiding something, it is just a fact that they are NOT supposed to discuss it.... period.... end of sentence.

[Dizzy-Disney4]

I get it, I just think its a silly rule.

[doombuggy]

I agree with Sorcerer. I also have two jobs and work equally hard at both them. You can interchange "benefits" with "compensation." Whether the employer is the Walt Disney Company or CIGNA, your compensation will include benefits. Most people think of benefits as medical, dental and vision care. This also includes things such as auto or travel reimbursement, etc. Sometimes these types of benefits are called perks. But they are still part of your compensation - comp is not always just salary. A company would probably pay you less in $ if you are given more perks (such as a company car, for example). To make a long story short, asking about what kind of "perks" or added benefits I receive at my job is just like asking me how much I make in $. Regardless of whether you meant to offend or not, some people are going to be offended. If you are interested in joining the Walt Disney Co. family, please do so. When filling out the application at your job interview, you should ask about the job's benefits, just like you would at CIGNA, or IBM or any other company.

Dizzy-Disney4, I am sorry you think the requirement of employees of the company are asked not to speak about benefits is "silly." I have this to say about your comment: "I don't make the rules, honey, I just work here." :wave:

[RLMS56]

As an ex TDS CM (just left last month due to medical reasons) I can tell you it is NOT a secret what the discounts. I was never told and never heard of any CM told not to discuss it. Yes working at TDS is a lot of work but fun and it is retail. All that being said if you truly want to work at TDS I would suggest stopping into the store. As for TDS not needing to resort to such tactics.....a friend just told me her local TDS had a "help wanted" sign in their window yesterday. Now that's what I call desperate! If you have any questions feel free to send me a private message.

[Sorcerer]

Regarding the "help wanted" sign...it's true that many stores are now displaying the "opportunities available" sign, but when I asked why our store was doing so (since I had the impression we had plenty of Future Interest forms on file) I was told we were directed to do so by home base. I believe it may have something to do with giving everyone an opportunity to apply for seasonal?

Additionally, if you read my post, you'd note that I said Disney doesn't resort to posting benefits/perks/discounts when recruiting for new Cast Members. I never said they don't advertise opportunities at all.

[beattyfamily]

I, too, think it's so silly the big that is being made about her original question.

She asked what the discounts were, not what do you make and what the benefits are.

Asking what the discounts are is NOT the same as asking what you make, period.

I see NO reason this should be such a big secret and this thread made me laugh.

And just because non-CM's are interested in what the discounts are before they apply or start doesn't in no way mean they shouldn't work there as someone stated.

What's the big secret? If tell us what the discounts are, will you then have to kill us?

I repeat, this is not anything like discussing someones salary, IMHO.

I, too, worked in retail at a clothing store and know what it's like during the holidays. I see the only difference with Disney, is that you are expected to go above and beyond in kindness and helpfulness.

I hope I didn't offend any CM's but this is how I feel about this thread and the "big" secret discounts.;)

[mickey4ver]

to stop beating this dead horse! Have some of these posts offended CM's, probably so, but, everyone has their right to their opinions on the topic, CM's and non CM's.

Everyone that is NOT a CM finds it laughable, so let's all laugh ~ HA HA~ and we'll move on.
By the way, for those who don't mind sharing the perks of their jobs, how much does your company contribute to your retirement funds or 401K's on your behalf? I'd like to know before I apply at your place of employment, to see if it is worthwhile for me to work there.

[Dizzy-Disney4]

You know, no one was ever personally asked what THEIR perks were. This person just asked a general question, hoping for some information (which is what these boards are about right??). Yes, asking someone personally what they may or may not make, could be considered rude, but asking a general question as to whether or not anyone knew if there was a discount and what it might be is totally different. No need to get so sarcastic.

[KathiWithAnI]

HEADLINE IN GLOBAL NEWS TODAY...........

300 DISNEY CAST MEMBERS TORTURED

Inside sources say that Mickey had to 'eliminate' more than 300 CMs today, because he was told they had been discussing their perks on public internet boards.
When Mr. Mouse was asked if this was really a necessary step, Mr. Mouse replied, "Well, I hate when I have to take strong stands on these kinds of issues. But, these people signed agreements when they came to work for me. Rules are rules. Perks are for Cast Members and I feel that others just didn't have a 'need to know'. I realize some CMs were only trying to be nice and answer what seemed to be innocent questions......."

Mr. Mouse also disclosed that after perks began to be revealed, other inside information began to leak... seems there are just no limits to what people feel they 'have a right to know'.
Soon after the perks issue began to grow out of proportion, nasty rumors began that the Characters you see in the parks are just people dressed up in costumes!! :eek:
Then people began demanding to know where the buttons are to turn rides on and off!

Guests began making lists and asking every CM they saw exactly what their salaries are.....


Pretty soon it was havoc everywhere... no one was riding rides, they were too busy trying to find out inside information!

Mr. Mouse said this all had to come to a stop.... he began tracing all the problems back to a source on the internet.... It turns out that people were demanding to know CM perks-- we still aren't sure why...while CMs kept saying, it's our jobs and our business, please don't make us divulge this information... go to your local store and ask them... But the boards wouldn't have it and soon CMs began saying more than they meant too... so Mr. Mouse has finally tracked down all CMs with big mouths and they are being chained inside the "It's a Small World Attraction" for all eternity.


Yes, this story is ridiculous, but no more so than the turn this thread has taken...... please don't make us endanger ourselves... please check with your local Disney Store for further info.....

[Dizzy-Disney4]

:rolleyes:
I'll just remove this so that I'm not "harping" on the subject ;) .

[mickey4ver]

asked for the benefits/discounts for working at The Disney Store, not at the parks or resorts. Perhaps they feel differently down there about what they what public, but I do believe the the stores operate a little differently. Just as I'm sure the WDW cast has many different perks than do CM's at the stores or other divisions of the company, it is completely obvious that store CM's are told not to discuss this in public forums.

I know for a fact a former DS CM who went on a Disney cruise, signed a document stating that the CM and their family WOULD NOT discuss the discounts with anyone that they had received or dismissal was an option. So someone somewhere is serious about this issue.

[TinkerbellRules]

Sorcerer: I agree that two jobs are tough. I've done that myself (working FT at a bank and PT retail). I was actually expected to treat ALL customers with respect and helpfulness in all my jobs. I hate what customer service (?) has turned into! As a whole (not including TDS/WDW), there isn't such a thing. I rarely get thanked and they look at me funny when I say "your welcome". I NEVER treated my customers like that. I've seen it change over the past 15-20 yrs when I worked retail. I would have been fired if I treated people the way the majority do around here (less than 1% unemployment rate here). Too many jobs and not enough people. If you're old enough to remember that, you know what I mean (and I'm not implying that we are "old" ;) )

And, yes, I have seen CM's post on here a while back about the discounts. I just can't seem to locate it, so I didn't think it was a big deal.

**I would never claim that my job is any harder or easier than anyone else's. Without experiencing the other person's job first hand, it would be difficult to draw an honest conclusion**

It wasn't you. It was others that made it sound as if the job was harder than others. And you're right. I just didn't like the "comparsions" to other jobs as well. Retail is hard work especially around the holidays (been there, done that), but I'm not sure one store is that much different than the rest. That's all I meant. People think my little job at the school is easy. Yes, it's a no brainer, the pay is awful, but I get to see my DD and talk with the other kids plus I only work when she's in school! It's very physically demanding lifting all those huge mixing bowls and huge trays of pasta ;)

[KathiWithAnI]

As for the link above... 1) it's for WDW CMs( Not saying none of it applies to TDS CMs) and 2) you'll notice it DOES NOT list specific percentages of discounts.... on merchandise or on park passes... it is a VERY general listing of benefits. They do not "Clearly state the perks"

I was trying to lighten the mood here and hopefully put an end to this thread... the original poster has gotten the info she needed ( I think...)

DD4 keeps harping on, basically, whether or not we are lying when we say we are not allowed to discuss discounts.... what I am told I can say has nothing to do with what Disney chooses to put on a website... they also make press releases which I am not allowed to do for them either....

We aren't lying, we are tired of discussing this.... please go to the local Disney Store and chat with them..

Since my light hearted News Article was wasted on some here... I'm done.

Have fun, make sure you completely flatten this dead horse you are beating.

[kt-scarlett]

Originally posted by Dizzy-Disney4
:rolleyes: Disney's list of benefits (http://disney.go.com/disneycareers/wdwcareers/benefits.html) for people who actually work at the Walt Disney World Resort.
Got your point...now this is why I'm saying the rule is silly. They quite clearly state the "perks" on their website for working at Disney.

Apples and Oranges.

The above referenced site simply acknowledges that WDW CMs do receive a discount (among other things). The original poster of this thread wanted to know How Much of a discount TDS CMs get. Quote: Does anyone know what the discount is for Disney Store employees? Just wonder if it is worth getting a P/T job there for the holidays. End Quote. I don't see WDW divulging exactly How Much WDW CMs get off their purchases and passes. Quite clearly or otherwise.

[TinkerbellRules]

I forgot to thank you for posting the link on Comet Curser. At least I know it's basically harmless although I'm not sure something that forces you do d/l it is.

[Toby'sFriend]

I don't care if it's an official Disney policy or not -- if you don't feel comfortable telling people about the benefits of your job...then don't do it! It's absolutely positively your right.... you don't even have to defend it to us.

I just got a little chuckle out of all of this because I get sent to colleges, high schools, last year I went to my son's middle school and the jr. high to try and convince people to enter my profession. What the pay is and what the benefits are is ALWAYS one of the first questions asked. It doesn't matter if they are 5th graders or college seniors.

I could just imagine the looks on the faces if I said --
If you have to know what the benefits are before you decide to work as a Computer Programmer - then you probaby have no business being a computer programmer!!!!!!

Anyway - this is getting silly. I hope the Christmas rush goes well for all of you Disney Store CMs.

mickey4ver - everything I do now is contract work, so I'm considered self-employed. I used to get 50 cents for every $1 up to the first $7000 -- or $3500 a year into my 401K. Depending on the profits of the company I also got about 1 to 3% of my salary put into a profit sharing plan. Ok -- are we even now?

[Dizzy-Disney4]

Oh for crying out loud, I never implied ANYONE was lying...I simply said I thought it was a silly RULE. I also realise that the link was for the resorts and not the stores (although they are both Disney), just trying to make a point.
I guess I'll keep my OPINIONS to myself around here so no one gets offended.:rolleyes:

[mickey4ver]

I worked in a school cafeteria when my kids were young, and at that time, less came in prepared and we actually prepared/baked/cooked a lot of what was served. It is a very demanding job. You're right, a no-brainer, but you have to be quick on your feet and stay out of the way of hot trays! And you know, there were still parents who called the school to complain about something in the cafeteria!

[mickey4ver]

I need to look into computer programming! Thanks for the info:p

[KathiWithAnI]

well I still don't see why it's a "silly rule" if Disney wants to maintain control of the info given out and not have this information distributed by any and every CM who will just end up being misquoted anyway.......
It's our rule, silly or not, so nah nah de boo boo ( as my 3 yr old son says) ;)

[Dizzy-Disney4]

You don't need to see why I think its silly...that's why we disagree. I was only expressing my opinion of something, not someone. I think its silly, you do not...so, we agree to disagree??? Truce, because this is giving me a headache?:)

To those of you who do work retail over the holidays, good luck. Been there, done that, couldn't pay me enough to do it again...people get downright nasty that time of year. I worked at The Gap, Sears, and Toys R Us (talk about chaos) over X-mas and I think I'd rather do anything else. It takes someone stronger than me to deal with the stuff that retail sales people have to over the Holidays.

[TinkerbellRules]

Mickey4ever: My mom used to work in the cafe as well when I was a kid. I tease her that I'm following in her footsteps 30 yrs later ;) We do still prepare much of the food in our district, but some of the government food is prepared, just bake it and serve. I saw the Indy public school cafe on the news and it was all prepackaged and just served on a paper divider with the wrap on it. We actually serve/dish out the food. I thought, gee, that would be easy to do (prepackaged - no trays/utensils/dishes to wash/less time to serve), but wondered how good it would be. The cook that's been there for 20 yrs makes some of the best homemade cookies :D

[TinkerbellRules]

I found this post by searching. I knew I'd seen the discounts on here before which is why I didn't think it was top secret or job threatening. Maybe some are more willing to take the chance to be "killed or tortured" for letting the info out ;) It actually is quite a nice post. I think a lot of times, we completely misunderstand what others are saying on these boards because we can't actually hear the tone or see the people. Sometimes we're just to "blunt and to the point" because we've spent too much time on here ;) I know I've said things that I later read and think "that's not what I meant to say". I think most of us have done that.


Anyway, here's the link and I don't know if the poster in correct or not:

http://www.disboards.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=31281&highlight=employee+discounts

Hey, maybe it's just "that time of the month" for all of us ;) (excluding the males on here of course and not meant to offend anyone ;) )

:jester:

[disneymania]

I have never been so sorry that I asked a question :)

Before having kids I worked for a large employee benefits consulting firm which obviously warped my sense of what is & isn't appropriate to discuss with the average person.

In my experience, companies usually advertise benefits & perks of the job to attract employees in this tough economic market. Maybe Disney is different though.

Many of your posts were very funny & I appreciate the link listed above.

[Kaa]

I believe the question asked by the original poster has been answered to the extent it will be without bloodshed. I am locking this post.