Can we talk about cast members for a moment?

[Heather]

Just wanted to add a big hip-hip-hooray to all the wonderful CMs. I can't imagine they get paid nearly enough to take some of the things dished out to them, but the fact that SO many of them go out of their way to help out (and even just smile and be cheerful) is what makes the Disney magic so unique and wonderful.

Thanks to all the great CMs!!!!!!

 

[disneyaggie]

I just LOVE CM's! They really are the ones that make the magic happen!

In September, I was staying at my second home (Pop Century) and bought tons of items that needed shipped back home. I was told numerous times at the various parks, "Oh, your hotel can ship everything you have back to your home". So I kept having items sent to my hotel. My last night there, I sorted through the amazing amount of items and kept the ones I wanted to pack and take right home from the items I needed to ship.

I lugged 7 large bags and a Christmas tree (too cute to pass up at EPCOT's MouseGear) to the hotel front desk. Imagine my horror when the CM behind the counter told me, "we don't have the capability to ship anything from here". I almost had a heart attack! I told her, "Oh ma'am, I was told all over each park that I could have the items shipped from the parks to my hotel and that the hotel could ship it right to my home". Of course, there are so many goofy rules that the gift shop at Pop has, it did not include all of my items.

I was seriously on the verge of crying! The lady got her supervisor and the magic began. I don't know where they got all the items from but they brought out boxes and packing tape and the fun began. We packed 5 boxes and had them ready for UPS in no time. I even wrote a note of commendation so they could be commended by their peers.

Thanks again to all the CM's who make the magic happen. Y'all are the best!

 

[orljustin]

Working in the parks is a pretty fun job most of the time, because people, for the most part are there to have a good time, and are mostly happy. Sometimes, the repetition gets you down, sometimes you deal with bad guests. Sometimes you get great good/bad stories to tell your friends. It's worth more than $6.50, but the perks are pretty good.

 

[Joanna71985]

I remember the blue strollers! Me and my sister always rode back to back in them. Anyway, thank you all for your kind words. I love working at Disney. This is my 2nd CP, and I plan on working for Disney full-time when I am finished with school. Why? Because I love Disney. Some of the best moments and memories of my life came here.

 

[dizprincess717]

Disney Boot Camp is Traditions. It's a 6-hour course in which recently hired CMs are taught the past, present, and future of the company. It's the "brain washing" so to speak. We're told all these stories that tug on your heartstrings. But, it is pretty boring, especially for someone who knew almost all the information they were telling me!

Being a CM was the greatest experience of my entire life. I still don't know how I made it through 14-hour days at Splash. The last 4 hours I was just out of it, I was mentally and physically exhausted. And yes, it is VERY difficult to smile and point behind you when telling Guests the FP machines are directly behind me. And no, you cannot get in 15 minutes early with your FP. And the 3 o'clock parade is at 1500 hours. There were some days where I (and other fellow CMs) were just not in the mood to deal with anything. We got grouchy - who wouldn't get grouchy answering the same question to a Guest directly behind the other Guest who asked the same exact thing? Sadly my CP came to an end. And now I'm at the Disney Store! Even though Disney Co. no longer owns the Disney Store (but I heard they wish they still did!) we still use the same terms - CM, backstage, challenge, etc.

It's not the rides or the characters that make Disney - it's the CMs. Everyone there who works the attractions, food services, and merchandise. They are Disney.

 

[MMOUSEFAN]

Oh this thread maked me more exited about me becoming a Cast Member next June!!!! And yes cast member are the ones that make magic come true :

 

[Vemnox]

Just as a reminder:
If you encounter a CM going above and beyond, please ask for a manager or, even better, take 5 minutes to go to Guest Relations and fill out an "Applause O'Gram." These fantastic certificates go to both the manager of the CM and to the CM themselves and get put on their record card which, in turn, helps them out personally.
Trust me - being recognized for the magic only helps create it even more! So many people "expect" above-and-beyond behavior, which is fine of course, but it means so much to have someone say something about you personally.

 

[cleo]

I'm not sure if this is a TPA&S thread or a C-Board thread, but it's so refreshing to see great comments about the Cast Members I can't help but leave it here and add my for some of the hardest working people in the World.

Disney would not be Disney without the ever-patient, long-suffering CM's, who truly do make the magic come to life. Add my thanks and appreciation to an uplifting thread about some really amazing people.

 

[AStamm]

We were amazed at the poor quality of CMs at DL after having such great experiences at WDW. Most of the DL CMs had tags on with "Class of 2005" or "2006", so you know the turn-over is really high.

On the first day of our free DDP trip (2nd or 3rd ride) in August DH lost his sunglasses on Snow White, having them fly right off his head and onto the ground. He talked the CM at the exit who said to check back in 15 minutes. We did, but they hadn't found them. Another CM asked DH to ride with her and try to point them out. He saw them right away, but it took her another 3 rides to get them. Talk about dedication to the task! It made DHs day that he got his sunglasses back and didn't have to fork over big bucks for another pair.

 

[byoung]

I agree most CM's are great, 3 cheers for them.

 

[Silman6]

just a quick story to add... we had just entered Disney Studios with DS (at the time 6) and he was wearing a winnie the pooh shirt with his name on the bottom. A CM came up to us at the entrance, handed him a napkin and said "Michael, I don't know how to tell you this, but you have pooh all over your shirt." He was puzzled as to how the CM knew his name (because he was so overwhelmed by his surroundings that he didn't realize it was written on his shirt) and his mother and I could not stop laughing. Just a nice way to put a smile on our faces to start the day. They all do such a great job!!

 

[PamNC]

We were there 11/18 - 11/26. My DH and I have commented on how wonderful all the CM's were, even better than usual. They make you feel so special!! I can't imagine going anywhere else in the world and getting service and treatment like that. In my opinion, the CM's ARE Disney. There would be no Disney without them.

PamNC

 

[mom0299]

The CMs are great. Disney wouldn't be Disney without them.

CMs, you rock!

 

[tiki23]

Since I didn't think to do it while we were there, what is the best way to send a "kudos" to a great CM?

 

[lborne]

I was a CM for the summer way back in 1991 working Main Street Ops - got to drive the cars and bus too - it was really great. I had no training at all, but I think during the interview process, they can tell who is a going to make a good CM and be friendly to the guests.

Having said that, I was told 3 things that helped me stay "cheerful".

1. My boss reminded us that some people save all their life for only one chance to come to DW, travel great distances, etc. And if we are in a bad mood or are rude, it can ruin their entire trip.

2. We were told that if we were having a bad day, to just call in sick, because if we arrived to work looking depressed, angry or just plain NOT cheerful, we would be asked to leave.

3. We were encouraged to report other CMs who were rude or disrespectful to guests. And we were reminded that Disney sometimes had CMs dressed as tourists who roamed the park asking CMs questions to ***** their knowledge and politeness.

 

[lpandorf]

We took a trip mid-Nov and I was so happy with the CM characters I wrote Disney about them. Some of those characters were great and really went out of their way to make my kids day. Esp my 2 year old son who was a little hesitant to go up to them. The princesses at CRT great! Brer Bear in front of AK was aweseom! Also loved Stich at AK and Captain Hook and Smee the night of MVMCP Nov 17 great! I did not get a response from Disney but hopefully they passed on the feedback to the characters. I tried to be specific with times and dates we saw these characters.

 

[Adi12982]

It is true - a bad attitude can ruin a trip.

We have had countless of wonderful experiences with CM's. They really are the makers of magic!

We haven't mentioned it, but I also really enjoy and have had wonderful experiences with the Reservation's and dining CM's! From when you start planning a trip to when you leave CM's really go out of their way to make your trip wonderful!! I am thankful they are there!

 

[missymagic]

I agree the CM's are wonderful...Can't wait only 6 more days...People can be so rude and I have witnessed this on numerous occassions and I have always made a point of saying something to the CM to try and help put the smile back on there face...they have always been very thankful for that.

When I grow up and retire that is what I want to do. I am 34 now but I am not sure if I will ever grow up

 

[marcbelt]

Ive been to WDW so many times, Im pretty ashamed I never knew about the Applause O gram. For every jerk CM Ive come across, hundreds more have been incredible.

I shall fill these out in great quantities in 2 weeks.

 

[DisneyFan1980]

Our DD is there right now on the Career Start program and she is putting in applications to get hired on full time. I told her today about this thread and she told me a little of what they are "taught" at "boot camp". She loves working at WDW! This has been her dream for most of her life. Hate having her so far away, but it warms my heart to know she is so happy. And yes, on her days off she's at one of the parks! LOL Sometimes I think it isn't fair that she's having so much fun. LOL

This next trip will be extra special for us, having our DD as a CM. We will appreciate all those other CM's so much more!! Kudos to all the CM's!! As others have said, it wouldn't be WDW without them.