Cast member behavior?

[exDS vet]

There are some here who have made CM's sound like characters in the Disney movies. These are real people with real lives (I hope) outside of their jobs. I was a Disney Store manager for a few years, and while I never experienced CM's yelling or cussing at Guests, it doesn't mean they weren't humans.

Disney Guests can be the worst in retail or hospitality. More often than not, they expect too much. In the case of this post, several of you are doubting the OP's story (even the OP!) The last time I was at DL, I clearly overheard three CM's on stage, in the Emporium complaining to each other about recently having to work longer shifts than usual. These CM's were in costume, and the **** as well as other words were flying around like crazy. The things they were saying about other CM's (supervisors, etc.) could have easily gotten them fired or at least severely reprimanded.

Sure, we expect that CM's will be on their best behavior at all times. But isn't that expecting a little too much. Most of these people work limited hours, make minimum wage and don't embrace the mouse like many of you think they should. Bottom line is this is a job. Some are cut out for it, most are not. But either way you look at it. Most of these people will not be working there in 5 years. Even the top management moves on. Have you heard some of the things Ei$ner used to say to people?

All this being said, I don't believe a CM would cuss at a Guest unless they were really pissed off at the company and were planning to quit on that day. But having witnessed the behavior that I saw at the Emporium and other similar events, I can say that where there is bad morale, there tends to be worse behavior. Not even Disneyland is above it.

 

[Albort]

My question is... do you visit the parks when you are not working AND do you stand in line for autograph?

visit parks yes. Not as often as i used to. When i first started working, i would visit like 3 times a week not including work days. Now, probably once a month. stand in line for autographs, no. To be honest, i love Disneyland, but im not too interested in meeting characters. besides, it be one less person in line for the kids.

I dont know why today but My fellow cast member who i worked today acted insanely goofy. Sometimes the guest play along, but most of them the guest just though we were weird. come on, play along!

But then we saw many parents spanking their children in front of our cart. Kinda makes me think of that new spanking law.

 

[GreenGirl8]

The best way to handle this kind of situation is to write down the cast member's name..take a look at the time and location and head over to guest relations. They have formal papers to write down complains/compliments for cast members. Those forms are looked at individually and cast members are given warnings after complaints are investigated. I have done this a few times, but for compliments. I think I have complained only once and it was for a very good reason.