Assistance from CMs....Am I a crazy person?

[HopperFan]

Thanks for addressing why you didn't just take a break from the parks. Even on or last day, I would have taken the kid for a break just to be sure he wasn't sick and to change my clothes, especially with the amount of vomit you described. Sorry your last day was so bad. I hope you can get back soon.

Now, can someone tell me who is Meg Crofton? (Mentioned back on page 13)

President of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts' U.S. and France operations,

 

[andyman8]

Now, can someone tell me who is Meg Crofton? (Mentioned back on page 13)

She was the President of WDW from 2006 through 2013 until George Kalogridis (spelling is probably wrong) replaced her. She was promoted to President of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Operations in U.S. and France. She will be retiring later next year. Considering she is not well liked by many Disney fans, many in the Disney fan community cannot wait until that day.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Again, I realize I'm a glutton for punishment for answering. But since I haven't answered this clearly yet....

This happened on our last day at the parks, and we don't know when we'll be able to afford to go back next. We were celebrating my birthday, and had planned to see Wishes on our last night, since we hadn't seen it. Since our son was not acting sick after the fact, we wanted to try to make it over to see it (and have my parents bring clothes to meet us, which we figured - wrongly - would go faster). If either my son were acting sick after or it wasn't our last day, we may have intially done things differently.

I don't expect that to change anyone's mind, but since you asked about that specifically, I thought I should answer.

Respectfully--no, you won't change any of our minds who have been there and done that.

What it boils down to for me is your choice to not return to the RV, get fully cleaned up and then move on with your day.


To me, it doesn't matter what special occasion it may have been or that if was the last day of your trip. You should have returned to your RV. I am not saying you couldn't go on with your day once you took care of business. But, you should have gone back to the RV.

Your additional information that you had a come hell or high water attitude to salvage your birthday that you made your choices accordingly. And such an attitude is not a negative at all--it is good to make lemonade out of lemons.

Where you lose me is your obsession over "assistance" you expected when all you really wanted was "compassion".

And even with compassion, had I been in your traveling party--I would have took one for the team, suggested we all go back to the RV--maybe have a beer while you get cleaned up and changed and then Salvage the rest of the day.

To me it just seems that you didn't want to give up. That doesn't make the CM's jerks or words you typed in such a way as to bypass filters (violation by the way-which is why I don't quote them). If anything, it could be argued that you leaned selfish because it was your birthday/birthday trip. I just don't think that is a good mindset to have. Especially when you want to channel your own shortcomings and imply that the CMs were the more egregious ones in their actions. It makes me wonder what facial expressions you were displaying and what words you were using with each interaction. And it makes me wonder if any suggestion to return to your RV would have been warmly received.

To reiterate--it makes me wonder, not judge you. It makes me wonder how the CMs perceived you.

 

[MichaelaF]

Lisa, since we are wondering...why do you care? If it's clear we just aren't going to agree on several key points here, why do you continue to "make points", usually pointing out to the letter EXACTLY what I have done wrong, where I "lose you" or what you would have done differently. Over and over again. You don't seem to want to actually be helpful, just correct. (Not just you, but the same could be said of probably 3-4 others in this thread.)

I mean, granted, I'm defensive at this point, I'll give you that. But this didn't happen to you. I had a bad experience, followed up by being attacked on a message board about it for literally every decision I made in the course of the story. But to you, I'm just some rando on a message board.

So I'm just wondering...why does it matter so much to you?

ETA: Adding "respectfully" doesn't actually make your responses respectful. You have blatently called me selfish (or it was good to make lemons out of lemonade? I'm unclear on that), assumed things I never said, assuming facial expressions when you were never there to see them, You have actually been judgmental and hurtful (though I'm sure I'll be called "oversensitive" for that) without much care. I got a response that you didn't need "admonishment" on a previous post, when I have received little other than that from you.

 

[Luv2Run]

Respectfully--no, you won't change any of our minds who have been there and done that.

What it boils down to for me is your choice to not return to the RV, get fully cleaned up and then move on with your day.


To me, it doesn't matter what special occasion it may have been or that if was the last day of your trip. You should have returned to your RV. I am not saying you couldn't go on with your day once you took care of business. But, you should have gone back to the RV.

Your additional information that you had a come hell or high water attitude to salvage your birthday that you made your choices accordingly. And such an attitude is not a negative at all--it is good to make lemonade out of lemons.

Where you lose me is your obsession over "assistance" you expected when all you really wanted was "compassion".

And even with compassion, had I been in your traveling party--I would have took one for the team, suggested we all go back to the RV--maybe have a beer while you get cleaned up and changed and then Salvage the rest of the day.

To me it just seems that you didn't want to give up. That doesn't make the CM's jerks or words you typed in such a way as to bypass filters (violation by the way-which is why I don't quote them). If anything, it could be argued that you leaned selfish because it was your birthday/birthday trip. I just don't think that is a good mindset to have. Especially when you want to channel your own shortcomings and imply that the CMs were the more egregious ones in their actions. It makes me wonder what facial expressions you were displaying and what words you were using with each interaction. And it makes me wonder if any suggestion to return to your RV would have been warmly received.

To reiterate--it makes me wonder, not judge you. It makes me wonder how the CMs perceived you.

It's like you're stealing the thoughts out of my head.

 

[huhwhat]

it baffles me why your husband would go to the hostess of the Garden Grille looking for assistance with a puke covered child and wife..... vomit and restaurants generally dont mix

 

[MichaelaF]

it baffles me why your husband would go to the hostess of the Garden Grille looking for assistance with a puke covered child and wife..... vomit and restaurants generally dont mix

I was in the bathroom next to Garden Grille with my son trying to clean up at the time. He was asking her what we should do next, as she was the closest CM at that time.

Anything else? What other minor details can I clarify that I may have done wrong, folks? Don't want to leave any stones unturned!

 

[Marthasor]

Besides, empathy, accurate information. If as you mention, this was their 47th puker of the day, then the CM should have been well versed in what solutions to offer the Mom, including the nearest companion restroom (something they should know anyway, in order to assist guests with disabilities), or offer like someone said the Baby Center...and I would through in First Aid. Both places would likely have better "clean up" supplies, than your normal bathroom.

OP, I am sorry you had to experience such an uncomfortable and trying situation. But your post highlights something that I've been feeling for a long time, that CM's are less capable of handling things that are "out of the ordinary." If it's not easy, and fun, many want to do as least as they can, get rid of you and let it be someone else's problem. But other than lip service to old ideals, they aren't expected to, aren't trained to, might even get in trouble because it interfered with their expected job duties. Turnover is pretty high, and many don't spend any free time exploring the parks, so many CM's never gain any sort of mastery to help them be of superior assistance to a guest beyond their immediate job area.

For any business, they are measured, not in when situations are simple and easily accomplished, but how well they deal with the "curveballs" of something going wrong. You, unfortunately got a rude awakening on where Disney falls on the spectrum, currently, and not coasting on their reputation.

I really agree with this post. I struck up conversations with two CM's on our last trip who were part of the college program - one in a shop in MK and one in the gift shop at BC - except the one who worked in MK and so had to be there for the job, NEITHER had visited the parks AT ALL. While this may be an oddity, I was shocked that WDW had employees in high traffic positions who didn't even have basic knowledge of the parks in order to answer guest questions. They knew how to ring up merchandise and that was it.

I think service has gone downhill in WDW. I remember a visit in 2005 when I asked a CM in MK where the bathroom was. Instead of pointing it out, he WALKED me over as he thought I would miss it if I walked on my own. On a recent trip, I had an issue and CM's kept passing me off to other CM's all of whom did not have an accurate answer to my question. Yes, I think they simply want to get rid of you as fast as they can.

Anyway, I'm sorry you had this experience. I understand why you persevered. Who would think it would be so hard to find pants or shorts in WDW! I understand the cost issue as well. My DS sat in a wet stroller once and really wanted a dry pair of underwear and dry shorts, which of course I didn't have with me. Went to Mousegears and $50 later he was dry and ready to tour again.

 

[jcjen519]

I get what the Op says...Disney used to over-deliver on a problem. I mean, we're all used to "dump your soda, Disney gets you a new one free" and "kids' ice cream falls on the ground, Disney gets a new one for you free", etc, etc. I mean, I've brought CMs over in the past to guests who obviously needed them (and I've told the CMs what the guests need) - and things were solved. Puke should be no different. It would be beyond simple for ride CMs to have travel size baby wipes packs (those 8 packs) to hand out to anyone who pukes or gets puked on - heck, that should almost be mandatory since the alcohol would help sanitize everything. Plus, it would be simple for Disney to have an unofficial "puke covered" rule where a guest (if they are done for the day) could go to guest services and get their day added back to their pass (by having their entry wiped out after they exit, so you couldn't double dip) due to getting covered in puke (or some other perk that would get you out of the parks disturbing other guests enjoyment and passing germs). Everyone benefits and Disney gets a gold star for enjoyment... But no, instead we tell op she should be more prepared or expect less...not me, I'd have told the CM myself (if I saw someone puked on) to go help - that's the Disney University training Disney gave me and until they don't want to own that message of above and beyond service, I'm gonna hold them to it.

Exactly. I don't understand why people insist on helping disney lower the bar.

It's not even just disney that would do those things (ice cream....soda...etc) , most resorts are very helpful when guests have a problem especially when children are involved. Heck...most fast food places would replace an ice cream for a kid!

 

[SmithSmith]

Vomit is always treated as a biohazard as if is not possible to determine a diagnosis on the spot.

While OP may have been confident that if was just too many sweets, I'm pretty sure OSHA does not want a business taking such chances with their employees.

So for purposes of all vomit in a public place, it is always a biohazard. Easily cleaned up with the proper tools--but a biohazard none the less.

No it's not always considered a biohazard. I can find many sources where the presence of blood needs to be present for it to considered bio hazardous. Here's one:

http://schools.nyc.gov/NR/rdonlyres...NGOFREGULATEDWASTEANDCLEANUPPROTOCOL92013.pdf

For us to know exactly how Disney treats a Code V we would need a custodial CM come here and explain what it is they do with the vomit once the Voban has absorbed it.

 

[minniemous]

I really agree with this post. I struck up conversations with two CM's on our last trip who were part of the college program - one in a shop in MK and one in the gift shop at BC - except the one who worked in MK and so had to be there for the job, NEITHER had visited the parks AT ALL. While this may be an oddity, I was shocked that WDW had employees in high traffic positions who didn't even have basic knowledge of the parks in order to answer guest questions. They knew how to ring up merchandise and that was it.

I think service has gone downhill in WDW. I remember a visit in 2005 when I asked a CM in MK where the bathroom was. Instead of pointing it out, he WALKED me over as he thought I would miss it if I walked on my own. On a recent trip, I had an issue and CM's kept passing me off to other CM's all of whom did not have an accurate answer to my question. Yes, I think they simply want to get rid of you as fast as they can.

Anyway, I'm sorry you had this experience. I understand why you persevered. Who would think it would be so hard to find pants or shorts in WDW! I understand the cost issue as well. My DS sat in a wet stroller once and really wanted a dry pair of underwear and dry shorts, which of course I didn't have with me. Went to Mousegears and $50 later he was dry and ready to tour again.

Totally agree.

 

[mom-2greatkids]

Why was you DH asking the Garden Grill hostess what to do next? What kind of answer were you hoping to get?

You are the child's parents--it's your job to figure out what to do next.

I don't mean to be harsh, I'm genuinely baffled at the question.

 

[MichaelaF]

I have been advised, appropriately, by several kind and understanding folks to not continue to feed the trolls here, and to walk away. It's clear that no matter what I do, I will continue to be attacked for pretty much everything. (And in walking away, I'm sure I will draw it's own judgments and ire, ironically enough.) Perhaps I was oversensitive, and continue to be, but gosh, some of you have been downright mean and hurtful. It's not a great way to spend a Sunday, and I certainly shouldn't have continued to feed it.

So...I truly do need to walk away from this thread. Thanks, with sincerity, to those who were compassionate and understanding and kind to me. You are why I bother coming back to the DIS Boards (on occassion).

 

[Amanda999]

I struck up conversations with two CM's on our last trip who were part of the college program - one in a shop in MK and one in the gift shop at BC - except the one who worked in MK and so had to be there for the job, NEITHER had visited the parks AT ALL. While this may be an oddity, I was shocked that WDW had employees in high traffic positions who didn't even have basic knowledge of the parks in order to answer guest questions. They knew how to ring up merchandise and that was it.
.

In August I was near Tiki Room, walking towards JC. Asked a college CM if this was the way to JC (just to confirm; it was 8,000 degrees out and I didn't want to go the wrong way). She ... wait for it ... pulled out and unfolded a map! I'd be surprised if she'd even been to MK since childhood. But at least she tried.

 

[carlyle688]

I have been advised, appropriately, by several kind and understanding folks to not continue to feed the trolls here, and to walk away. It's clear that no matter what I do, I will continue to be attacked for pretty much everything. (And in walking away, I'm sure I will draw it's own judgments and ire, ironically enough.) Perhaps I was oversensitive, and continue to be, but gosh, some of you have been downright mean and hurtful. It's not a great way to spend a Sunday, and I certainly shouldn't have continued to feed it.

So...I truly do need to walk away from this thread. Thanks, with sincerity, to those who were compassionate and understanding and kind to me. You are why I bother coming back to the DIS Boards (on occassion).

Seriously? So, if people don't agree with you, they are trolls? You act like you are the only person who has ever had a kid puke on them. And since all of Epot did not bend over backwards to fix your problem, they are wrong. And now everyone who disagrees with you is a troll.

 

[HopperFan]

Regarding the OP's situation (and yes I have read through) I feel only one thing should have happened - wash off all excess vomit and immediately return to the resort. Everyone shower, clean clothes and wait a time to make sure the child was not ill - then head to MK for Wishes. Walking anywhere with that much vomit would not be an option. I would have no further opinion on what has happened as we are only hearing the OP's story from her point of view. Are their rude CMs - yes, but I'm there 5-6 weeks a year with a handicapped DS (so extra work), they are not rampant. There could have been miscommunication on both sides of interactions - and we've mostly been in a similar situation and it's not fun. They should have answered her questions and it sounds like they did other than the CM did not know where the closest Companion Restroom was - sadly it was in the Land and another across the path from the Land (both on maps).


The rest of my post is not regarding this particular situation but similar for guests to think about. My DD is a current Disney CM and has been trained in multiple jobs including attractions and custodial. First please remember that many of the front line CMs are Disney College Program interns who have had very specific training in their exact position and no more. They sometimes pick up shifts in areas not their own so while they may understand their job, they might not know the area. They are for the most part only there for six months, work very long hours with minimal pay. Most are not cross trained. My DD was and even upon arrival many at the DCP did not understand what her job was because there are very few cross trained.

The "attractions" CM at the boat would not be permitted in any way to clean the vomit (Code V). As a PP suggested the mere sight or smell of it may have been difficult for them to tolerate. All the CM knows is that the guest needed to leave the area quickly so they could go clean up AND their ride just got stopped. The custodial CM trained to clean vomit is called and escorted by an attractions CM to the vomit, CM uses the chemical to solidify it, sweeps it up and places it in backstage trash. This has now stopped the entire ride and let's face it guests are not real positive when their line stops and they have to wait longer - often taking it out on the CMs. CMs can not touch the guest or their child or the waste. The CM can not leave their position, can not walk with the guest or assist. They can call a manager but may have to go through a supervisor. There is a system and it must be followed. It is doubtful any guest in that position would want to stick around for that. As far as custodial in many of the trashcans throughout the parks there is a door that opens to a compartment with special chemicals - but only custodial CMs are trained to use them. There are very strict processes now and CMs do not have the leeway to step away from their job like they may have years ago when the economy was slow and parks were emptier.

Disney is expensive, each day is of high value and sadly that means that many families, not wanting to miss anything go to the parks sick or with sick children. CMs are constantly being exposed to some potent germs and getting sick. My DD and her friends say they have never been so sick in their lives as they are working at Disney because so many guests come into the park sick. Disney does not like their CMs sick so subconsciously none are going to actively engage someone sick. They go through volumes of sanitizer. As guests and parents we have to make those tough decisions that maybe staying in our rooms is best when there is illness. Or when illness strikes in the park then it's time to immediately take a break. I have sat in a room a couple days with a sick child - I even passed on housekeeping so they would not be exposed - I got clean towels from them and handled rest on my own. Not fun, hate missing out on the fun, but it's the right thing to do for the one who is sick and out of respect for other guests and CMs.

And not to sound mean but replacing a balloon or ice cream or spilled drink is one thing - but I don't want Disney to help sick guests stay in the park longer. CMs don't know if it's a fluke, viral or bacterial. Sick guests need to take a break in their hotel room.

 

[BugsDaddy]

Seriously? So, if people don't agree with you, they are trolls? You act like you are the only person who has ever had a kid puke on them. And since all of Epot did not bend over backwards to fix your problem, they are wrong. And now everyone who disagrees with you is a troll.

For someone to post a thread like this two months after the incident has occurred seems odd to me. Maybe a disclaimer should have been included on the original post that she was only looking for sympathetic responses. If you are begging for attention, why not be upfront about it?

 

[kaytieeldr]

I have been advised, appropriately, by several kind and understanding folks to not continue to feed the trolls here, and to walk away. It's clear that no matter what I do, I will continue to be attacked for pretty much everything. (And in walking away, I'm sure I will draw it's own judgments and ire, ironically enough.) Perhaps I was oversensitive, and continue to be, but gosh, some of you have been downright mean and hurtful. It's not a great way to spend a Sunday, and I certainly shouldn't have continued to feed it.

So...I truly do need to walk away from this thread. Thanks, with sincerity, to those who were compassionate and understanding and kind to me. You are why I bother coming back to the DIS Boards (on occassion).

The OP may or may not still be reading - but just to be clear, not getting the responses one expects in no way makes the responders trolls.

 

[SmithSmith]

The OP may or may not still be reading - but just to be clear, not getting the responses one expects in no way makes the responders trolls.

I agree, BUT there were posts asking the same questions over and over again.

 

[HopperFan]

No it's not always considered a biohazard. I can find many sources where the presence of blood needs to be present for it to considered bio hazardous. Here's one:

http://schools.nyc.gov/NR/rdonlyres...NGOFREGULATEDWASTEANDCLEANUPPROTOCOL92013.pdf

For us to know exactly how Disney treats a Code V we would need a custodial CM come here and explain what it is they do with the vomit once the Voban has absorbed it.

DD is CM who is multi-trained including Custodial. I just texted her.

Attractions CM escorts Custodial CM when they arrive to the vomit. They apply the chemical and wait for it to absorb. They sweep it up and remove it. It is disposed in "backstage trash."