A question for Disney Store CMs

[dznynut]

I have the great opportunity to work very part-time (4 - 10 hours/week) at our local Disney Store. I can't imagine getting paid to be at my favorite store! Anyway, can any Disney Store CMs help me out with some discount questions? We go to WDW at least once a year and we are DVC members. What kind of discounts could I expect on park admission tickets, on-site lodging, merchandise, food, DCL cruises and future DVC add-ons? Thanks for any input!

 

[mooses41]

I'm pretty sure you get a 10% discount on dvc points.

 

[zurgswife]

What kind of discounts could I expect on park admission tickets, on-site lodging, merchandise, food, DCL cruises and future DVC add-ons?

Park tickets....years ago the discount was awesome...I still think it's really good. Plus CM's now I think get entry into the park with their ID, didn't have that when I worked there.

On-site lodging...my friends have been telling me lately that the discounts are similar to the huge discounts that regular guests can get, no big savings here.

Merchandise...should still be 20% and after quite a few years goes up

DCL cruises ....I think they offer specials every year during certain seasons and they seem to be similar to FL resident specials..

DVC add-ons ...10% sounds right....

It's a great part-time job...but remember it is a PT job that comes with a lot of rules...especially when it comes to time off....Make sure your aware of the restrictions before you balance them against the perks...I've still got great friends from my store but the restrictions out weighed the fun...for me....and the pay is lousey...

 

[zulaya]

What are you defining as lousy pay? Just curious...

 

[CarolMN]

I considered working part time at a Disney Store but decided not to apply when I found out that CMs could not take time off between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. (Actually, there are other "restricted" times, but this is the one that eliminated TDS from my plans). I can't imagine giving up my early December trips to WDW for a part time job.

 

[zurgswife]

I started at minimum $5.25 per hr.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

that is what the starting pay is here in SW FL too...... minimum wage $5.25 and an annual raise is very little (26 cents!)

 

[JC Butterfly]

Ahhhhh, my favorite memory, being a TDS cast member. I haven't worked there for about 2 years so things can definitely change!

As far as the cost of admission tickets, you will have to talk to your store manager as they need to be ordered special (I don't believe you can buy the discounted tickets at the gates). The savings was modest, maybe $10 off a 4 day price.

This is a job where you are definitely in it to make the MAGIC more than the money! I was with the store for 4 years and met some of the most wonderful people in the world. I had the chance to help so many people plan vacations and learn about the company, it was great!

Maybe it depends on your management, but I found that they could be very flexible (within reason). Of course everyone would like to have time off between Thanksgiving and Christmas. During the busy season we would hire people called "seasonal employees" they were told they would receive minimal time off during the season but could specify their times/dates required off at time of hire. Then the "regular" cast members could have off with all the addtional help. So I wouldn't totally count out the possibility of having some time off after you stay with the company for a while.

Also, at different times of my employment it was possible to purchase percentages of stock in the company out of each pay check but that may be discontinued?

As far as discounts in the park, I received 20% off at all stores & restaurants. Admission to Pleasure Island was free on Thursdays. There are discounts of up to 50% on Cirque and Disney Quest as well as at the movie theater. After 3 years I qualified for a 35% discount on merchandise (that can be used through the catalog too!)

Let the pixie dust fly!

Brenda

 

[zurgswife]

I totally agree with it being the MAGIC...I adore my store CM's to this day and visit quite regularlly.....but the minimal hours ( I was hired for 10per week and some weeks got none; the many on call shifts in one week 3 at times....got frustrating)

All in all it was a great experience but knowing what I know, I don't know if I would do it again....