A CM said WHAT???

[ducklite]

Hmmm -- perhaps you are not informed as to what is appropriate for those of us who have been brought up to know that using such reference is not only offensive, but sacreligious. No, I don't run around throwing Bibles at people, but I do have certain standards that I find most comfortable, as do many other Christians.

And I can assure you, anyone like yourself who states, "If I were a supervisor . . . I'd have a hard time not laughing at you (no offense, but how do you make it through life if that's offensive?). I'd apologize (it would be lip service) " as you just did is in no position to be a supervisor. And I feel comfortable in guessing you are far from this position. I can assure you, that attitude would never cut it in my company. If any of our employees took this attitude of "hard time not laughing at you" or your apology as "lip service", they would be fired in a heartbeat . . . and rightfully so. We don't have room for that, thank goodness! I guess that's why we are as successful as we are.

You are wrong, I am a supervisor in a very successful company. And when I analyze the ROI for dealing with each customer, the amount of employees time that some of the "bible thumpers" take isn't worth the amount of business they give us. This is not applicable to all religious people. Many are just lovely people and great customers. But the ones who want to pray with our employees (this happened a few weeks ago and the store manager called home office to figure out how to handle it) or complain because a staffmember said "Bless You" rather than "God Bless You" (yup--we got a call from an irate idiot on that one recently as well), they are simply not worth the trouble.

Bottom line, your standards are more rigid than those in mainstream America. While you have the right to impose them on yourself, you don't have the right to impose them on others.

Anne

 

[ducklite]

I have to chime in here too. If the word was JC then I don't look at just saying the name as being in vain. I look at it as if the person is praying for help remembering...ie..."JC I can't remember, please help me remember." Now if it was GD then at least the D part is a curse...

I agree. That was my point. JC is NOT a curse. GD is entirely inappropriate either way you look at it.

Anne

 

[ducklite]

Well, maybe not cursing to YOU. To a Christian, using the Lord's name in vain is cursing, no matter which of His many names you use. "JC" is one of His names, so I consider it cursing.

If that original CM didn't realize what he was doing could be offensive to some (and I know not everyone would find it offensive), he should at least be informed that it IS offensive to some people and he should curb it while on the job. If he had said that in front of my children, I would have quietly spoken to him about it off to the side (so as not to make a bigger deal out of it in front of my kids). If my kids weren't with me, I would have called him on it.

Someone had posted earlier that anything can be considered offensive to somebody, and I agree that you can't please everybody all of the time. But this form of cursing is offensive to enough people in this world that that CM (and the rest of you who curse like this!) should know there's a good chance you're going to offend somebody by using it.

Just my .02

I'm a practicing Christian and don't get offended by it.

Anne

 

[disneyaggie]

You are wrong, I am a supervisor in a very successful company.

Uh huh.

I still stand by what I said. As the saying goes, "to each his own".

Now, back to the OP . . .

I must say, this is a great thread. With so many wonderful experiences at WDW, it is such a hoot to read some of these stories. Horrified by some, mind you, but wow! Some of these stories, well, you just gotta laugh at some of 'em! Keep the stories coming!

 

[ksoehrlein]

Beating a dead horse and hoping this thread doesn't get locked...
Disney's official stance on things that may be offensive to some, but not to others, has always been to err on the side of caution.

For example: When I was a CM and went through Traditions (a multi-day corporate training program for each and every new CM), we were specifically taught to *never* point out directions using just the pointer finger. Most of us on this board would not take offense to this at all, but apparently in some cultures, it is the equivalent of using the middle finger or worse. Disney really wanted us to know this and spent quite a bit of time discussing it in our training. (Could you imagine a post on a similar board among members of that culture? "All I did was ask where to find IASW, and although the CM explained and seemed nice about it, she pointed using her *first* finger!")

In light of Disney's corporate stance of trying to remove even the slightest possibility that someone may be offended by something, the CM who "used the Lord's name in vain," should gently be made aware that some people would find that use offensive. Whether you or I find the word in question offensive is immaterial; many people would and therefore, it should not be used by a Disney CM speaking onstage.

Sorry to drone on, but Disney's stance had been ingrained in me so severely that years later when I was waitressing, I dropped a fully-loaded tray and said, "Oh shoot" or perhaps even "Darn it!" The other servers thought it was so funny that my outburst had been so G-rated.

 

[Jackie H.]

I am a Christian....I don't think of JC as a curse (like someone said they may actually be calling out to God), but I don't find it always appropriate. I would also agree that whether or not you consider it cursing, if it is offensive to many folks it shouldn't be said by someone working in the tourist industry. Just like there are other terms that are not cursing but definately offensive to segments of the population-they should be avoided as well. No, no one can please everyone, but any company in any public service arena should strive to avoid KNOWN offensive terms.

OK - now back on topic because I just thought of another funny one.

We were staying at Dixie Landings (it was then) and riding the boat back from DTD. The CM driving the boat had a very heavy accent from the far east. There were many times that between his accent and the microphone we couldn't understand anything he was saying. But he was obviously really enjoying his job and it was one of the best boat ride yet. He was telling jokes and really having a good time. Well, before we left the dock he announced 'this boat does NOT go to the West side....it goes to FQ & DL...I have folks almost everytrip that get on the wrong boat...does anyone want to go to WS? Are you sure? We are leaving now...I just want to be sure.'

So we leave the dock and like I said he is telling jokes and laughing and we all are having a great time. We get to DL and there is a man talking to him and the CM gets on the microphone and says loudly "Hey everybody! I've got one! He wanted to go to the West Side!!! I knew there would be somebody on the wrong boat!" He was laughing and really making fun of this guy unmercifully on the microphone! The way he kept on and on I actually wondered if it was part of the "show".

The CM was obviously just a jolly guy having a good time but I couldn't help but wonder how the man was taking all this ribbing. We didn't stay around to see if he was upset.

 

[disneyaggie]

Beating a dead horse and hoping this thread doesn't get locked...
Disney's official stance on things that may be offensive to some, but not to others, has always been to err on the side of caution.

For example: When I was a CM and went through Traditions (a multi-day corporate training program for each and every new CM), we were specifically taught to *never* point out directions using just the pointer finger. Most of us on this board would not take offense to this at all, but apparently in some cultures, it is the equivalent of using the middle finger or worse. Disney really wanted us to know this and spent quite a bit of time discussing it in our training. (Could you imagine a post on a similar board among members of that culture? "All I did was ask where to find IASW, and although the CM explained and seemed nice about it, she pointed using her *first* finger!")

In light of Disney's corporate stance of trying to remove even the slightest possibility that someone may be offended by something, the CM who "used the Lord's name in vain," should gently be made aware that some people would find that use offensive. Whether you or I find the word in question offensive is immaterial; many people would and therefore, it should not be used by a Disney CM speaking onstage.

Sorry to drone on, but Disney's stance had been ingrained in me so severely that years later when I was waitressing, I dropped a fully-loaded tray and said, "Oh shoot" or perhaps even "Darn it!" The other servers thought it was so funny that my outburst had been so G-rated.

One of the posters stated something to the effect that it seems the "magic" of working for Disney is not what it once was. Even though my experiences have been marvelous, do you have any insight as to why some of the "magic" may be slipping, or if it is at all.

We are all humans. And I know the expectation of working at WDW must be outta sight! Is it that some of the CM's don't have the spirit that was once there, or is it that we have such a high expectation that it seems like the magic is not as strong as others believe it could be by some? I would love your insight!

 

[rie'smom]

Ah, space mountain is the HUGE white thing in Tomorrowland & can be seen from miles around. I think is more shaped like an upsidown cone, it is pretty hard to miss.

To the poster who was watch shopping, Wold of Disny is the best place to buy a watch. They have the best selection, in my opinion (Unfortunately, I have at least 45 watches )

We all have bad days, unfortunately. I am sure we have said stuff at the office we wish we could take back. My old boss actually hung up on a client once; his partner had to call them back. They left us anyway...

It is a big white thing. I can see why someone wouldn't know how to find it- it doesn't look anything like a mountain!

 

[kjs1976]

I think too that we expect nothing less but the best customer service at WDW and when we hear or see something quite the contrary, we immediatly take note and get ruffled because it is so uncharacteristic of the Disney philosphy. I've overheard things that are out of place too. I was a cast member once myself and would've never imagined saying things out of context...to my managers, yes....not to guests!

This is no excuse, but we're all human and we all slip up in our jobs...hopefully cast members will realize that customer service is their top priority in represnting what Disney stands for so fewer incidents like these occur.

 

[phamton]

For example: When I was a CM and went through Traditions (a multi-day corporate training program for each and every new CM), we were specifically taught to *never* point out directions using just the pointer finger. Most of us on this board would not take offense to this at all, but apparently in some cultures, it is the equivalent of using the middle finger or worse.

Universal Studios also taught the same thing to team members there. I am convinced that it is just another urban legend and have found no cultures in modern times where pointing with the first finger is considered an obscene gesture. It was seen as as impoilite years ago in the Far East but definitely not obscene. Impolite like saying "Hey, You!" might be considered impolite in our society. But everyone is familiar with American tv and movies and know that it is the normal way we point here. It is not offensive to them. See: http://www.getcustoms.com/2004GTC/Articles/new014.html

I think the reasoning may be three-fold:

(1) When you are pointing out directions with one finger, a bystander might think you are actually pointing at them and discussing them. Pointing with two fingers or pointing with your hand looks less like you are pointing at an individual.

(2)Pointing with two fingers is a theatrical point. It is easier for the audience to see you pointing when you are on stage. Cast members are essentially"actors" so they point as if they are on stage.

(3) And this one is a little harder to believe: Walt himself often pointed with two fingers because he was holding a cigarette between his index and middle finger.

I'm still trying to find any culture where pointing with one finger is an obscene gesture. Now the "V" sign (for "Victory" or the same sign for "Peace") is obscene in other cultures but the index finger point doesn't seem to be. We have no problem saying we are rooting for our team in the US and aren't warned that rooting does not mean the same in Australia. We never got that in training but were warned not to call anything a fanny pack or we might offend the British. Fanny does not mean the same thing in the UK but everyone I have talked to from the UK is aware that we call them fannypacks and don't take offense.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

One year I planned a trip for our family to celebrate some very special birthdays. Right before our trip we were notified they had to move us out of our chosen resort because it was full. I was very upset and didn't want to move even though they were offering us an upgrade, saying I'm sure there are plenty of others who would like this upgrade, give it to them. No go - we had to move. We'd chosen this resort as a family and had been planning and saving for the trip for a year, and our twins would be celebrating their 5th birthday while we were there. This conversation went back and forth for much of the morning, and at one point got very heated. She actually told me if we showed up at the resort they would not give us a room. Infuriated, I told her I might show up anyway and she said they would then send the police!

At one point actually yelled into the phone that we were lucky to get the upgrade and that she herself never even got to take a vacation because she was divorced and raising her children on her meager salary, etc... I was so angry I almost cancelled the whole thing, but decided it would be worse to let this ruin my vacation than to just take the upgrade and get over it (which we eventually did and admittedly it was a nice upgrade). I did write letters of complaint about the whole experience and I did receive a message on our room phone during our stay from a WDW Executive, but I kind of felt like it was swept under the rug because they had given us such a nice upgrade, we should be happy. It's not something I'll ever forget, I was shaken up not only for the whole day but for a long time afterward.

 

[crow11ad]

On our last trip this past October we checked in at POR. We had a room only ressie with a continuing ressie for the rest of the week with dining. The first day was great. The next morning I walked from our room in Alligator Bayou to the check in. There was a long line. There computers were down. I let them know we had ADR for DOnalds that morning and how we are supposed to get into AK. The CM told me he would put the info into the system and go to AK and they could see and give us a ticket for that day. I asked about the computers and was told there was no one to call. Come on it's DIsney. Anyways we get to AK and nothing in the computer. But they could see our ADR and we were off.

After leaving AK we go back to POR and the computers are still down. We had ADRs for that night at Chef Mickeys. I asked what about our dining plan and she told me that I could just pay for it and bring them the receipts. I was like no and asked for a manager. While she was "getting a manager" I asked the other CM if they could just switch us to POFQ. We got it ok and the king bed and not litterly 10 steps from our room to the food court at POFQ. Funny, I am still waiting on a manager to speak with. Needless to say, POR never again. POFQ rocks.

 

[MinnieM21]

One year I planned a trip for our family to celebrate some very special birthdays. Right before our trip we were notified they had to move us out of our chosen resort because it was full. I was very upset and didn't want to move even though they were offering us an upgrade, saying I'm sure there are plenty of others who would like this upgrade, give it to them. No go - we had to move. We'd chosen this resort as a family and had been planning and saving for the trip for a year, and our twins would be celebrating their 5th birthday while we were there. This conversation went back and forth for much of the morning, and at one point got very heated. She actually told me if we showed up at the resort they would not give us a room. Infuriated, I told her I might show up anyway and she said they would then send the police!

At one point actually yelled into the phone that we were lucky to get the upgrade and that she herself never even got to take a vacation because she was divorced and raising her children on her meager salary, etc... I was so angry I almost cancelled the whole thing, but decided it would be worse to let this ruin my vacation than to just take the upgrade and get over it (which we eventually did and admittedly it was a nice upgrade). I did write letters of complaint about the whole experience and I did receive a message on our room phone during our stay from a WDW Executive, but I kind of felt like it was swept under the rug because they had given us such a nice upgrade, we should be happy. It's not something I'll ever forget, I was shaken up not only for the whole day but for a long time afterward.

Wow! I'm so sorry that happened to you.

 

[goodferry]

We were staying at the Polynesian one trip and it was our last day. DH had three of our four kids at the Volcano pool swimming while I packed. He had all their stuff on a chair at the deep end of the pool.

The kids were coming down the pool and something happened and the five year old ended up with a gash on her head. So she is standing in the pool with DH SCREAMING, because it hurt and because she is a little bit of a drama queen.

So he takes her over to the stand where they have the towels and have hair braiding and asks the lady there for a towel for his daughter, who is getting even more hysterical as the blood is running down her face.

So the woman says "I can't give you a towel without your room key" So he explains to her that he will show her his key as soon as he gets our DD settled down, that it is with his stuff on the other side of the pool. So she says "Well, if you really are a guest, what building and what is your room number?" So he tells her we are in Hawaii and the room number. She says "There is no such building at the Polynesian as Hawaii. You better leave and go back to your own resort before I call security."

He was furious, so he gathered his stuff up and brought her into the building and the concierge staff helped her, but he never did get a towel from that woman.

We did happen to run into the General Manager on our way out and he asked how our trip had been. We told him the story and he assured us that he would take care of it right away.

I can totally understand why they require a room key to get a towel, because pool hopping is a problem at the Poly and it was crowded. However, when a child is hurt, I don't care what resort they are from, the CM should do everything in their power to help.

 

[88Keys]

Service has slipped because WDW can no longer be as picky as to who they hire......remember, 25 years ago or so there was only one park and 2 or 3 hotels. Now there are 4 parks and dozens of large hotels -- rude people are much more likely to slip through

 

[Jennifer48]

Although some people with extraordinarily strong religious beliefs feel that saying "JC" is cursing, that falls against most mainstream beliefs.

If I were a supervisor and you came to me and said my employee was cursing, and I asked you what he had said and you said "JC", I'd have a hard time not laughing at you (no offense, but how do you make it through life if that's offensive?). I'd apologize (it would be lip service) and tell my employee that you had complained, but wouldn't reprimand him for it.

While it might be considered inappropriate by some, it's far from the seven deadly words.

Anne

I don't mean to drag this on but, no offense? I'd like to know where you are a supervisor so I don't go there. Thats enough about this. Sorry again for dragging it on. Some people just don't get it.

Ok here's mine-----
In October my friends and I were checking in to Hollywood & Vine for our Fantasmic Dinner Package ADRs. The girl at the booth looked at us with a straight face and said, "sorry, I'm not allowed to seat you guys."

We all looked at each other like "huh?"

She took one look at my friend who had a Red Sox visor on and said "yeah I'm from NY" and we said "oh...sorry for you."

She got so upset saying how the Red Sox were lucky to win the World Series and that was it for me. I drilled her into the ground with baseball trivia and she had NOTHING else to say. She didn't even put her head up when she told us to wait to the side until our name was called.

We told her!

 

[disneyaggie]

So the woman says "I can't give you a towel without your room key" So he explains to her that he will show her his key as soon as he gets our DD settled down, that it is with his stuff on the other side of the pool. So she says "Well, if you really are a guest, what building and what is your room number?" So he tells her we are in Hawaii and the room number. She says "There is no such building at the Polynesian as Hawaii. You better leave and go back to your own resort before I call security."

Oh, my stars! I can not believe that she wouldn't even provide a towel for an injured child, much less, play 20 Questions with your DH during all of this. Now that's sad!

 

[ElleBelle]

Oh, my stars! I can not believe that she wouldn't even provide a towel for an injured child, much less, play 20 Questions with your DH during all of this. Now that's sad!

I agree- I would have been furious!

 

[ducklite]

I don't mean to drag this on but, no offense? I'd like to know where you are a supervisor so I don't go there. Thats enough about this. Sorry again for dragging it on. Some people just don't get it.

Maybe some don't "get it" but that's a two way street. Others are irrationally "sensitive" to everyday life.

Anne

 

[frayedend]

I don't mean to drag this on but, no offense? I'd like to know where you are a supervisor so I don't go there. Thats enough about this. Sorry again for dragging it on. Some people just don't get it.

Ok here's mine-----
In October my friends and I were checking in to Hollywood & Vine for our Fantasmic Dinner Package ADRs. The girl at the booth looked at us with a straight face and said, "sorry, I'm not allowed to seat you guys."

We all looked at each other like "huh?"

She took one look at my friend who had a Red Sox visor on and said "yeah I'm from NY" and we said "oh...sorry for you."

She got so upset saying how the Red Sox were lucky to win the World Series and that was it for me. I drilled her into the ground with baseball trivia and she had NOTHING else to say. She didn't even put her head up when she told us to wait to the side until our name was called.

We told her!

I'll have to cancel my trip! I didn't know they allowed Yankees fans in Disney