Anyone work at the disney store?

[Maci A.]

Just wanting an insiders view of what it is like to work there? I realize it has alot to do with the staff in each individual store, but would like to hear anyones thoughts on the subject.
I have worked at my current retail store for almost 7 years now, and have thought many times about going toworkfor the disney store. It seems fun, but I know things are not always what they seem in retail!
Any comments would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!

 

[CBRorBust]

Like any other retail place, it's got it's up's and down's.

You have to realize one thing going into TDS. The people who work there are NOT there for the money. I promise you this! They are there because they are disney fanatics and want to spend thier spare time around all things disney.

So if you love kids, love parents, and love disney it's the place to be.

 

[DocRafiki]

I loved it, and I think that was the key... the people were there because they wanted to be, and they all LOVED Disney. The only person who ever complained at my store was the manager... and she said if she didn't need the money, she'd give up the manager position and be a regular part-time CM.

I don't think they have many people working 40 hours though, if that's what you're looking for.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Has the 'feel' of working at TDS changed over the past year or so, since the stores have gone over their transformation? Just wondering from current CM's.

 

[fab5101]

I'll try to explain my Disney Logic....

I've been a CM for 6 1/2 years now.

When I was younger, I always told myself I would work at The Disney Store (TDS) one day. My birthday falls at the END of summer, so I had to wait until the next summer to apply (18 age req.) I was hired on temp and remained part time. Back then we had the sweaters, sing alongs and a "next best thing to the parks" atmosphere.

Living more than an hour away, while I was at college, I arranged to come home once a month to work, in order to keep my PT status. I got a call from my SM who said that policy was going to change and that I would have to work at least 1 shift a week to stay active. So what did I do???? I decided that I loved my PT job too much to stay away! I commuted every Sunday to and from TDS.

I graduated from college, degree in hand, got married, and moved back to Indy (where my store was). Instead of pursuing my degree, I was offered a FT mgmt position at my DREAM JOB!!!
I JUMPED on it!

Now, I'm working my way up the chain and love every day of my job! Sure, it's long hours, a long commute (1 hr ea way b/c of a new promotion), guest issues, low pay....but it's DISNEY.

The company has changed drastically over the past 6 1/2 years. We've become more business focused, but we have not lost sight of our guests (no matter what some may think). Sure, the sing-a-longs aren't on the laser disc as much, but I sure have fun dancing through the store! I've accepted the changes of the company and have intergrated MY own Disney Magic into the mix!

There are days when one guest can REALLY ruin your whole day, but there is always the next guest who beams with excitement because I've helped them find the perfect gift for a "friend who's not having a good day".

I truly LOVE my job, my Cast Members (at my store and here on the DIS), and my guests. I'll do what I can to make their "Disney Experience" an enjoyable one. I don't go to work dreading what lies ahead of me. I see the challenge of my goals, and the excitement of making someone's DISNEY DAY!!!!!!

I think I may be here for a while......

And one last thing before you go to the next thread.....

Would you like to pre-order your copy of Beauty and the Beast today for your free gifts????? LOL!!!!!

 

[DocRafiki]

Originally posted by Dan Murphy
Has the 'feel' of working at TDS changed over the past year or so, since the stores have gone over their transformation? Just wondering from current CM's.

Oh yeah, I thought about mentioning that my interpretation might not be so relevant in the "new" TDS, since this was years ago... sweater days

 

[Maci A.]

Thanks everyone! It sounds about like what I expected, I am a disney fanatic! My current company is kid oriented and well known for customer service, so I have that in the bag. I will go talk to the manager and see what they have to say.

Keep the comments coming, if there is anyone else out there!

 

[Maci A.]

Hey Fab5101

Question?
At The company I work for now I am a part time asst manager, meaning I open/close the store and help train people etc. but still only work part time hours. Does the disney store have any kind of similar postion? Part of the reason I have not gone to disney before is because I have this postion now, I make more money than the average part timer, and I have to work to supplement the family income. I am afraid finicially I will not be able to go to disney, as a part timer, it would be too much of a pay cut!

 

[fab5101]

Macy A,
They sure do. It depends on what size store it is. Just go ask if there are any "Part Time Lead" positions available. Many stores have them...I have 2. It sounds like what you do is similar to our Leads.

Like I said, just go talk to the Manager, fill out a future interest form and maybe turn in a resume showing that you HAVE management experience.

Best of luck!

And if you are in my neck of the woods, don't hesitate to drop an app off to my store too!

 

[KathiWithAnI]

First-- BRAVO FAB5101!! YOu explained that wonderfully!
I have been there for 5 1/2 yrs and agree with all the sentiments you have expressed!

As for the Part time Asst Manager position... all of our managers and Assts are full time. We do have what is called a "lead" Position that is the only management type position that is PT and from what you discribe, I'm afraid the pay wouldn't work for you.. BUT, that is only my guess and I can't say what the rates are for your area.... it's certainly worth checking out!

I wish we had a part time Asst. Manager position... I'd job on that in a heart beat! LOL
Kathi

 

[KathiWithAnI]

Guess Fab and I were writing at the same time LOL

 

[Maci A.]

Well I went by the disney store today on my way to work, and took a resume. I spoke to a "lead", she said they did not have any lead positions available, but there was one at another store near by (I am not willing to drive), one of their other leads may transfer to that store, b/c it is a bigger store. IF they do that, they may have an opening! So keep your fingers crossed! Thanks for all the info. When I said I was interested in the lead position, she asked if I had worked for disney before!
Thanks again,
I will let ya'll know if anything comes of it!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Good luck and best wishes, Maci, on your Disney pursuit.

I must say I have had the pleasure of having fab5101 take care of me, and a few other DIS folks, on a visit to her store last year after a DIS meet. I then was able to accompany both her and her DH at dinner later that evening. She is a true 'Disney person' (if that is the correct description).