To the CM's on the board: what is the one "tip" you can give us?

[fairestoneofall]

Okay, now you have my curiosity peeked........ what is the small white piece of paper?

I might be wrong, but I think it means it's their lunch break (or other break). I only say this because I was chatting with a CM once and another CM handed him a small, white piece of paper. He told me that he was now on his lunch break and proceeded to escort DH and I to the front of the POTC line because I had taken the time to chat with him about photography (when other guests he'd tried to chat with had just walked away).

So, while I'm not a CM, I'd definitely say to take the time to be nice to CMs. They are people too. They are interested in you. It won't hurt you to take a few minutes to be kind and polite to someone. I certainly didn't expect anything in return--just took the time to talk to him. It was enough for me to get to meet someone new. And the front row seat (and skipping the line) on POTC was just a bonus.

 

[Goofyseven]

Don't hesitate to chat with other guests while waiting in line. We, me and two of my grandsons, were in line for Splash Mt and noticed a lady in a wheel chair having some difficulty. This day in the park was very crowed and waits were 15 to 30 minutes. Both boys asked if they could help. She said she was waiting for her son but moved away from the meeting place. One of the boys got out of line and went to where she was to meet him and got him back.

She was so thankful she said she had fast passed for six and would we like to join her. Of course we said yes and proceeded to do all the E rides in the MK without waiting in any line for more than 5 minutes.

So another guest made our trip truly magical!!

 

[Karibeth19]

Here's something that's less of a tip, but more of a request.

Please don't try to get us to "break character." Even those of us who aren't characters are involved with a storyline, especially the attractions CMs. I work on the safari and I always have people trying to get me to tell them "the real deal"

Yes, the safari is actually 2 weeks long (but its so fun you'll feel like it was only about 20 minutes)
Yes, those baobab trees and ostrich eggs are real (even though the backstage tour told you differently)
Those chains on the ground are only to get mud off our tires (but you'll notice that animals don't cross them into other areas)

There is only one Mickey Mouse and no amount of you winking or making sure there are only adults around will change that. He doesn't wear a costume, there is no one inside of him and the Cinderella you just saw was the same one you saw yesterday.

We love our jobs and we preserve the magic for everyone, not just those young enough not to know better. Of course, this doesn't mean that you'll never hear a backstage tip from a CM, but just because you tell me you've been to Disney 50 times and understand and there are no children around does not necessarily mean I'm going to break character to "let you in on it." If you want the real deal, take a backstage tour, buy a book or surf the net. It's all out there.

That reminds me of the CM we talked to while waiting in line for the Safari. She noticed my husband's OU backpack, and told us that's where she was going to school (She was probably in the College Program.). She said she was getting ready to go back home for a weekend, and then grinned a little and said she was NOT looking forward to the long flights from Africa to Oklahoma and back again! We loved it!

That's what makes Disney so special; everything has a story and the CM's make the story seem real.

 

[Raevyn_Wolfe]

The little piece of paper basicly means 8 times out of 10 they're on a break, or on their way to break some one. . . . the other 2 times they're on some sort of other mission.

I was just playing around cause it seems every time I'm on my way to break that's when I get stopped by every guest in close proximity. Either to pin trade or wondering where the bathroom, etc.

It REALLY isn't a problem or a gripe. Just joking around. I am ALWAYS more than willing to stop and help a guest whenever they need it. We all are. Even if we're technically on break. That doesn't mean we don't breathe a sigh of relief once we get backstage though.

 

[Buzz Litebeer]

I might be wrong, but I think it means it's their lunch break (or other break).

There are several things the "little white slip" could mean. In a nutshell; Disney uses a computer system that assigns jobs (or tasks) to the CMs and keeps track of where everyone is. The slip of paper is just a message from the computer telling you what to do next: it could be a break, the end of your shift, a meeting... the options vary from role to role. It doesn't always mean it's someone's break; in fact, I'd say most of the time it means the CM is to take over another CM's position. Most (not all) CMs at WDW use this system.

 

[onelilspark]

Orlando's weather is unpredictable. In the winter months it can go from 80 one day, to 40 the next day. I highly suggest bringing jeans, and a light jacket unless it is the summer.

To expand: even in the warmer months, be sure to bring a sweater or sweatshirt! Anywhere indoors in FL likes to crank the A/C, when you're in shorts and a tank, it's very very very chilly!!

 

[OurMsBrooks]

A CM's note to parents (meant with love):

Try to remember why you came. I can imagine it was for your kids.
If your kid doesn't want to ride something, don't make them.
If your kid doesn't want to see a character, don't do make them.

Amen to that. Not making the kids ride something is sometimes a struggle for me. There are many things I really believe they will like if they will just try it, but I force myself (with great and painful difficulty) to hold back from "making" them do it. As far as we go is to suggest that each kid choose one thing that is outside of their "comfort zone" to try during the trip, just one thing that makes them nervous. Sometimes they end up loving it, and sometimes they don't. I think it helps that they get to choose it, rather than having us force something upon them.

I have heard horror stories of kids being dragged through entire lines screaming and crying. Is it really worth that for anybody (not least of which for the strangers around them in line)? I know someone whose child actually tried to climb out of a ride when it was already moving, after having screamed through the whole line.

Like you said, remember who the vacation is for.

 

[Buzz Litebeer]

I know someone whose child actually tried to climb out of a ride when it was already moving, after having screamed through the whole line.

I've actually seen it first hand (and had to Emergency Stop the attraction as a result -- which resulted in a ride closure for over an hour until the attraction could be reset. THOUSANDS of guests didn't get to ride that day because of those parents' selfishness).

 

[JerseyMamaBear]

Tip from an ex- CM...

Be humble. There are people at Disney from all walks of life. Some are millionaires, and some have been saving for years, and years, and years just to be able to come for a few days. Two stories I will never forget are... The Big Brothers, and Big Sisters from Toronto Canada, flew down with over a hundred disadvantaged children. They took an early morning flight, went to MK for the day, and then flew back at 11 PM at night. Those children were so sweet, and were so thankful to be there. The sponsers had been doing fundraisers for over a year for the trip. To me, it was just magical to see these kids faces that would otherwise never be able to go to Disney as a child. They were so thankful for just one day at Disney. Another late night I was chatting with this wonder guest. She told me that it was her dream to take her 8 children to Disney. She was from Alabama, they drove through the night to make it to MK for rope drop, stayed the whole day, and drove straight back to Alabama. She started crying, and told me she wished she could do more, but the one day trip cost her family over 1000 dollars, and that is all she could do. Just then her little boy walked up to her, gave her a hug, and said, "mommy, this has been the best day of my life, thank-you". It was so sweet!
!!

WOW, I know Im pregnant a overly emotional, but if that doesent bring a tear to your eye and make you realize just how fortunate we are with our X amount of trips, then nothing will. I needed that little reminder, Thank you

 

[Raevyn_Wolfe]

As far as we go is to suggest that each kid choose one thing that is outside of their "comfort zone" to try during the trip, just one thing that makes them nervous. Sometimes they end up loving it, and sometimes they don't.

See, and that is a VERY good idea. Cause then you're giving your kids the ability to CHOOSE.

And ya, I understand the desire to persuade a kid to do something they don't want to do cause you hate the idea of them missing out on something you just "know" they'll like.
But there is a major difference between subtle persuasion (and still being willing to accept that your child just might not be ready yet if they say no) and forcing your screaming, crying child to do something they're scared to death to do. At that point the child isn't going to enjoy ANYTHING, even if he/she might have otherwise.

 

[shebaxric]

This thread teaches all of us some very important life lessons that we can apply inside and outside of WDW. Thanks to everyone for all of their good posts.

 

[AngB21]

Amen to that. Not making the kids ride something is sometimes a struggle for me. There are many things I really believe they will like if they will just try it, but I force myself (with great and painful difficulty) to hold back from "making" them do it. As far as we go is to suggest that each kid choose one thing that is outside of their "comfort zone" to try during the trip, just one thing that makes them nervous. Sometimes they end up loving it, and sometimes they don't. I think it helps that they get to choose it, rather than having us force something upon them.

I have heard horror stories of kids being dragged through entire lines screaming and crying. Is it really worth that for anybody (not least of which for the strangers around them in line)? I know someone whose child actually tried to climb out of a ride when it was already moving, after having screamed through the whole line.

Like you said, remember who the vacation is for.

This is my ultimate worst nightmare that I am pretty sure will eventually come true. My DD always chickens out at the very last second. We've waited in lines for just about everything and she is very excited about it and the second its our turn that's when everything crumbles and we have to walk away. I would never drag her on something if she was screaming about it but sometimes I am soooo tempted to try it just once to see what happens. I'm worried that we're going to spend all our time waiting in lines and doing nothing else!!

 

[buzz2400]

I agree not to force kids into doing things they don't want to do. We were on thunder mountain and the daughter screamed the whole time like she was dying. I felt sorry for her. For many years I didn't go to haunted mansion because my son was terrified of it. Now it is his favorite ride at MK.

I also just want to suggest to people to say thank you to the characters when you get your picture taken or their autograph. And don't have a fit when you are standing in line and the character has to go rest for a bit.

 

[TotalSnowWhite]

I agree not to force kids into doing things they don't want to do. We were on thunder mountain and the daughter screamed the whole time like she was dying. I felt sorry for her. For many years I didn't go to haunted mansion because my son was terrified of it. Now it is his favorite ride at MK.

I also just want to suggest to people to say thank you to the characters when you get your picture taken or their autograph. And don't have a fit when you are standing in line and the character has to go rest for a bit.

Amen to that!!

 

[lacrosse_lady72]

Tip from an ex- CM...

Orlando's weather is unpredictable. In the winter months it can go from 80 one day, to 40 the next day. I highly suggest bringing jeans, and a light jacket unless it is the summer.

No matter what you do to prevent it, children are going to be tired, and cranky at the end of the day, which makes the parents tired and cranky as well. Try not to let other people's bad attitudes ruin your evening. If you stay until closing, how about finding a nice quiet spot (example between the emporium and crystal palace), and treating your kids to an ice cream, or tell them a story after the fireworks have ended. Let the massive crowds leave, and then make your way out of the parks. You will then (hopefully) insure a seat on the monorail, and insure a seat on the bus back to the resort.

Everyone there is on vacation, everyone there has spent a lot of money to be there, and everyone there wants to have a great time. The thousands of people there want to see the fireworks just like you.

Stop, and smell the roses. Go with the flow. Stop, and sit down for awhile, and just people watch!

Try to get early ADRs for Crystal Palace one morning. Since you will already be in the park for rope drop, go to the front of the castle, and just watch the people running into the park. I promise, it is one of the most magical things I have ever witnessed at MK.

Be humble. There are people at Disney from all walks of life. Some are millionaires, and some have been saving for years, and years, and years just to be able to come for a few days. Two stories I will never forget are... The Big Brothers, and Big Sisters from Toronto Canada, flew down with over a hundred disadvantaged children. They took an early morning flight, went to MK for the day, and then flew back at 11 PM at night. Those children were so sweet, and were so thankful to be there. The sponsers had been doing fundraisers for over a year for the trip. To me, it was just magical to see these kids faces that would otherwise never be able to go to Disney as a child. They were so thankful for just one day at Disney. Another late night I was chatting with this wonder guest. She told me that it was her dream to take her 8 children to Disney. She was from Alabama, they drove through the night to make it to MK for rope drop, stayed the whole day, and drove straight back to Alabama. She started crying, and told me she wished she could do more, but the one day trip cost her family over 1000 dollars, and that is all she could do. Just then her little boy walked up to her, gave her a hug, and said, "mommy, this has been the best day of my life, thank-you". It was so sweet!

Disney is magical, but it can put people in a horrid mood. Just take the time to stop, clear your mind, and try to have the best time ever. If you need to go back to your resort for a nap, go. If you planned to get up early, but your exhausted, sleep in. If you want to stay for fireworks, but all the kids and your spouse are cranky, hot, and ready to leave, go back to the resort. Remember, it is your vacation!!

Oh, that's the sweetest thing... I hope they get to go back sometime!

 

[zulemara]

I always like to focus on "how things work" at WDW. Everything we do is done on a grand scale, so here are some tid bits, which can help you understand why things don't always go according to plan. These are based on WDW transportation:

1. The buses do not simply shuttle point A to point B. A bus will pick up guests at PoP century and take them to DHS. While approaching DHS, the bus driver contacts dispatch and dispatch advises what the next destination will be. Therefore, the bus carrying pop century guests might pull into the POR slot at DHS and pick up guests there. Although it looks like everyone on that bus came from POR, they in fact came from POP Century.

Part of this system is computerized. Of course we all LOVE computers because they are never wrong and never cause a problem right? So when a computer messes up or a dispatcher doesn't have their head on straight, you end up waiting 40 minutes for a bus. It could also be that a bus has multiple stops scheduled and fills up on the first stop. Therefore another bus has to be dispatched to stop number 2, causing yet another delay.

I'll be completely honest, I HATE the buses. I have had quite a few bad experiences as a guest when using them and it's because of those experiences that I talked to a bus driver at work one day and asked about this.

2. All the boats operate on a shuttle cycle. If a boat is tied up and secured at a dock, but the gate/rope is closed, you're not getting on that boat, so don't waste energy running towards it.

3. This is a universal tip to anyone visiting WDW. Although you might think you're the center of the world, you're not. Waiting for 1 more person, can mean ticking off the other people on the boat or even worse, 120 people waiting on the dock at our destination(this can apply to rides, shows, etc). So even though you want us to wait for you, don't take it personally if we don't. Once we set in motion the "casting off" procedure, we are not going to stop it.

4. opening a gate on your own, jumping a gate, or ducking ropes are the quickest way to make sure you don't get on the next boat. I am not kidding, if I see another kid jump a closed gate thinking he will get on my boat, I will sssooo make him go to the back of the line.

I don't mean for this to be a negative post, but I want to stress that Disney transportation is MASS TRANSPORTATION! It's not quick, it will never be quick, so get over it. If you want to watch the fireworks, then don't be on the dock at 8:00 waiting for a boat and complain about it when you can't watch them. If you have a hoop de doo reservation at 9:30 don't be on the dock at 9:15 at MK and expect to get there on time and be mad when it takes longer.

There are multiple operational hazards we go through every night. That wonderful electrical water pageant effectively stops all water traffic from 9:25-9:32ish and from 10:15-10:20ish because it goes through the water bridge during that time. We can't dock when it's performing, we can't leave when it's performing, and we can't be within 150 ft of it at anytime.

When ferryboats come through the water bridge from dry dock, we have to wait. If the ferry is by the contemporary, it issues an all call to hold traffic. We then have to sit while it gets all the way through the bridge before proceeding.

When the water level is low(like it is now) we have 3 routes operating off 2 docks. That means someone is gonna be waiting for an open dock, which throws off our cycles.

These are all things we deal with on a consistent basis and I know every other aspect of WDW has the same issues to put up with. They are things that are 99% out of our control. Yet we do our best to be as efficient as possible. For me, understanding why things happen helps me calm down when I'm upset. That's the reason why, when I know a delay has been very long, as the captain I will get on the mic and offer any guest the opportunity to talk with me about the delay. Not everyone does this and in fact I might be the only one, but I strongly believe that education yields understanding.

Now, what can you do to help your expectations? Be nice to the CMs who are transporting you. I have seen this theme multiple times in this thread and it really is true.


So be nice to CMs, and be patient!!! I have had many guests be friendly to me and it really really helps my day. So to all of you who have done that, I sincerely say thank you. Sometimes it's that funny little comment about the "cows in the pen" at the ferryboat that can cheer me up and make me laugh. That's infectious and effects the rest of my day!

 

[Buzz Litebeer]

This is a universal tip to anyone visiting WDW. Although you might think you're the center of the world, you're not. Waiting for 1 more person, can mean ticking off the other people on the boat or even worse, 120 people waiting on the dock at our destination(this can apply to rides, shows, etc). So even though you want us to wait for you, don't take it personally if we don't. Once we set in motion the "casting off" procedure, we are not going to stop it.

Or as I was told early on in my Disney career: Guests wait for rides. Rides don't wait for guests.

 

[colonialtinker]

WOW zulemara. I was impressed by your post. Keep up the good work

 

[zulemara]

WOW zulemara. I was impressed by your post. Keep up the good work

well I'm glad you liked it. I really didn't want it to come across as negative so hopefully it didn't. I just see so many people who poorly plan and then get upset because it doesn't go their way. It's perfectly ok to not plan your trip, but you still have to plan if you're going to use transportation.

 

[Tara922c]

I might be wrong, but I think it means it's their lunch break (or other break). I only say this because I was chatting with a CM once and another CM handed him a small, white piece of paper. He told me that he was now on his lunch break and proceeded to escort DH and I to the front of the POTC line because I had taken the time to chat with him about photography (when other guests he'd tried to chat with had just walked away).

So, while I'm not a CM, I'd definitely say to take the time to be nice to CMs. They are people too. They are interested in you. It won't hurt you to take a few minutes to be kind and polite to someone. I certainly didn't expect anything in return--just took the time to talk to him. It was enough for me to get to meet someone new. And the front row seat (and skipping the line) on POTC was just a bonus.

Yep, your're right on those small pieces of paper. When a cast member clocks in, the computer will print a small piece of paper. It will say something like, "Suzie Q. is scheduled for a break, please go to register 12 to take over".Sometimes it will say it is time for someone to go home, or your taking over that posistion, so they can take over another position. The little while slip basically tells the CM who is clocking in where to go, and the CM who they are releaving where to go.