Can we talk about cast members for a moment?

[Chester's Mum]

If this is in the wrong place, feel free to move me.

I don't see much written about cast members at the world. So I need to say something.

Is there a Disney boot camp somewhere? I know they don't get paid much.

In 15 trips to the world, the last three staying onsite, I have had one disappointing experience with a cast member. (it involved the front car of the monorail, I chalked it up to the driver probably having a rotten day).

How do they do it? I have asked stupid questions (i.e. asked at the entrance to Buzz Lightyear "Isn't there a ride about Toy Story somewhere?"), done stupid things, made a complete fool of myself in front of cast members, and always been treated like a member of the family. A smile always present, and a courteous response to my stupid questions, and kindness.

Once when riding Peter Pan (I think it was PP anyway) when my dd was 4, she dropped her little panda bear (who went everywhere with her) when we were just getting off the ride vehicle. She was upset, but I couldn't figure out why she was upset, I didn't see her drop it. Next thing I know, the ride was stopped and the cm was in behind the ride vehicles retrieving Andy Pandy. It made my daughters day.

Can we hear it for the cast members?

 

[GadgetRick]

Always thought the CMs are the star of the show there. They take so much crap from people yet they still smile and say, "Have a magical day!" Better than me.

I always tell people who ask me for advice of things to do when they go to talk to the CMs. They (typically) are more than happy to chat with you and you can learn things about the parks, what's good to do at the time, what's not. Some history and other info. I always make it a point to chat with CMs when I can. It's always well worth it.

 

[FanOfStitch]

I'm with you. Disney magic wouldn't exist without the CMs!!

 

[MikeAidanEoinMom]

If this is in the wrong place, feel free to move me.

I don't see much written about cast members at the world. So I need to say something.

Is there a Disney boot camp somewhere? I know they don't get paid much.

In 15 trips to the world, the last three staying onsite, I have had one disappointing experience with a cast member. (it involved the front car of the monorail, I chalked it up to the driver probably having a rotten day).

How do they do it? I have asked stupid questions (i.e. asked at the entrance to Buzz Lightyear "Isn't there a ride about Toy Story somewhere?"), done stupid things, made a complete fool of myself in front of cast members, and always been treated like a member of the family. A smile always present, and a courteous response to my stupid questions, and kindness.

Once when riding Peter Pan (I think it was PP anyway) when my dd was 4, she dropped her little panda bear (who went everywhere with her) when we were just getting off the ride vehicle. She was upset, but I couldn't figure out why she was upset, I didn't see her drop it. Next thing I know, the ride was stopped and the cm was in behind the ride vehicles retrieving Andy Pandy. It made my daughters day.

Can we hear it for the cast members?

My BIL had a similar experience in AK. His DD lost her stuffed monkey that she took everywhere . They left it on a safari car. After the first kind of laugh "My Daughter lost her monkey on the safari" <DIES> CM <chuckle> BIL no really LMAO they did find it for her. YEA CM's

 

[madge62]

Let's hear it for the CMs!

My daughter had the wonderful opportunity to work on Rock n Roller Coaster over the summer as a participant in the International College Summer Program and while not boot camp, they did attend a full day of Traditions, learning the Disney way.

She's so keen to go again that she hopes to be back next summer and sent off her application today. Little more difficult for her to get back as she requires a visa to work in the US but she's nothing if not determined and will find some way.

 

[buckylarue]

The Disney CMs are a BIG part of what makes WDW and DL such magical places to be. 99%+ of the CMs I have seen have been absolutely great, handling themselves with complete professionalism and always treating everyone like royalty. Try finding that at any other theme park!

Here's to you, Disney CMs!

 

[pepe of ohio]

I also wish to thank all the wonderful CM's that make our trips what they are, priceless and magical.

Our daughter was in the college program a few years back and to her those were some of the most wonderful times of her life, not monetary, but friend making and an inside look at Disney. To me the over the top CM's are the ones who have a true love and understanding of Disney and go out of their way no matter how they feel or what kind of day they are having. The odd so so CM is the one there just for the job and benefits and has no idea of WDW, probably never beenthere before, even as a child and doesn't feel the wonder, sad, but in our socoety, true.

Hats off to all the CM's, for the nonsense and tourists you put up with day in and day out. I personally know that you have all made our trips the lifelong memories we cherish since 1977, again, thank you all!

 

[Otimon]

Thank you everyone. It's our pleasure to make your day.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I have said it here often, the CM's make Disney what it is.

 

[NC State]

I have had one disappointing experience with a cast member. (it involved the front car of the monorail, I chalked it up to the driver probably having a rotten day).

I think I had the same driver. I asked if we could ride up front, "yes, I guess so", that was the only thing he said the whole time! I guess I was hopeing he would talk about some of their daily task or what type of training, but nothing! It wasn't a fun ride.

Back OT...CMs are great, it wouldn't be the same if they were not there to wish us a "magical day".

 

[travelin' tigger]

I have said it here often, the CM's make Disney what it is.

They are absolutely major players in the "magic" of Disney. I have a few friends who are CMs at MK and it's amazing to see them at work - some of the people they've had to deal with are not very pleasant and they take it all in stride with a great attitude (I know I couldn't do it)!!

So here's to all those wonderful CMs at WDW!!!

 

[OHIODISNEYFAMILY]

My best memory of a cast member:

In 1999, we took our first trip to WDW. We had two 2 year olds and a 3 year old. Our first day, we headed to MK, only to find that they did NOT have double strollers at that park yet.....and of course, we hadn't brought our own, thinking we'd rent a double and a single. This was back when MK had the old blue strollers, if anyone remembers those. So, we're headed to Small World, fighting with the kids (they all wanted to ride, but one had to be carried), and feeling pretty darned unhappy. The CM at Small World noticed our distress, and with a smile showed us how the back of the stroller could drop completely flat, and the twins could sit back to back. I am pretty sure I hugged (and kissed???) her. This was probably no big deal to her, but it was a HUGE deal to us - it really saved the day, and probably the vacation.

This has been our experience all around through the years. I cannot remember contact with even one bad CM. These folks are the best and can offer advice to improve anyone's WDW trip.

I sometime have dreams of joining the ranks when I'm retired and the kids are grown. I'm only 4'11" tall....I think I'd be the perfect "fairy Godmother"!

 

[Lucky82061]

I have to chime in on this... the CM's are what makes Disney... Disney! Without them it wouldn't be the same. Any theme park can have rides/attractions/shows but without the right employee's the experience can be entirely ruined. I personally have never met a CM who didn't stop to go that extra mile to ensure everything was ok; Whether it was in the parks, in the restaurants, in the hotels, or the buses. I think WDW really goes to show you what wonderful people who love what they are doing are truly capable of. Sure there are occasionally those CM"s who seem to be having the worst day of their lives.. but they are few and far in between. I say for the CM's who make WDW truly a place to remember!

 

[Twende]

I call Disney our Happy Place. What makes it the Happy Place? It is not the attractions or the music or the food...well okay the food does play a role but the whole reason that Disney works Magic is the Cast Members!

May they all be blessed with the same amount of happiness that the bring to others!

We love you Cast Members! Thank you for all you do!

 

[Fitswimmer]

I just got back from a 3 day trip to WDW for my birthday. The CM's were amazing!! Everyone was so friendly and helpful. My waiter even sang "Happy Birthday" to me at Crystal Palace!! We watched Illuminations on Sunday night near a couple that were CM's at Fantasmic. They even spend their day off at WDW!! We had such a great time with them! Every CM on every ride was cheerful, friendly and made the experience even better! I don't know how they do it, I'm just really glad they do!!

 

[qtwns]

CMs rock! Thanks for all you do to make our visits magical!

 

[tiki23]

We met some fabulous CM's during our trip - we didn't meet anyone who wasn't helpful and cheerful - but two really stood out for us:

Barb - Trainer CM at POP - She was just awesome helping me with ADR changes, getting our fridge "package" and letting me use the computer for some banking issues.

Hafrid - Waiter at Boma - He was just great! Boma was our first dinner at WDW and he made it memorable. All of us had a wonderul time.

And to all the CM's and Mousekeepers we met on our trip - THANK YOU! - for helping to make our trip magical!

 

[PeachesDoesHair]

We went in September and we had the best waiter at the Princess Storybook Dinner. His name was Ole. He really just made our trip.

 

[disney junky]

DD did the CP. What did she do on her day off? Yep, into the parks. Why? One, it's free. Two, it's encouraged because she could better explain other parks and ride to guests who might ask. Three, she just loves it!

There isn't enough space here to for me to talk about all the wonderful cm's, but one thing I notice...they go out of their way to make your experience special....

 

[meeko_33785]

Yes, the CMs definatly make the parks special. On my last trip alone, there are so many I can think of that go the extra mile from offering to take my picture with characters without me ever asking to those who helped make some very magical moments happen. All are very much appreciated.