Childrens Place to give back Disney Stores!!

[mickeymark34]

Remain Seated Please......Your profile says you are a "Business Owner". Hypothetically, if that business was going down, would you tell any of your employees to "get out early", "Don't go down with the ship", or ask them, "why stay?". What if some of your hardest working employees wanted to stay until the end, whould you tell them "You are only delaying the inevitible"?

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Was there any reason as to why the closing cast wasn't offered a transfer to another store? I thought Disney was going to try to do this?

I don't work for TDS, so I am not 100% clear on what the CMs at the liquidating stores have been told. I know that the stores that are NOT closing are not fully staffed with managers, but I also know the district manager hasn't contacted the remaining CMs about transferring.

Many, many CMs will not have the option of transferring -- in so many cases, the vast majority or all of the stores in certain states will be closing. For example, when 9 out of 10 stores in Missouri close, where do you place those extra 200 or so CMs? Can't send them all to that remaining store, and I seriously doubt that they'll want to move to another state just to work for TDS.

In my store's case, a few of us will likely transfer to neighboring stores, but most won't. And there has been NO help from the company in regards to transferring. Those of us that want to are having to contact those stores directly, or we've been contacted by them. Don't think for a minute, though, that Disney itself is worried about what's going to happen to all of us. Not the case.

That's kind of the situation I am seeing with my friends.

 

[boston1029]

Today totally sucked!!!!! We were told that we are closing Saturday, June 7. Our backstage is empty and when you talk it echoes. Wow, what an experience this has been. I can't wish this liquidation thing on anyone, not even my worst enemy. I have decided to move on with the company, most of my cast has decided not too. I have about 4 people who want to stay and I'm working with my dm on that. I just want to say to all of you who have been going through this that you are all strong people because you have to be to deal with this stuff everyday. I am in awe of your strength and am grateful for the people that I work with. The CAST of EXTON SQUARE Mall ROCKS!!!!!!!!!

 

[TheDisneyGirl02]

Today totally sucked!!!!! We were told that we are closing Saturday, June 7. Our backstage is empty and when you talk it echoes. Wow, what an experience this has been. I can't wish this liquidation thing on anyone, not even my worst enemy. I have decided to move on with the company, most of my cast has decided not too. I have about 4 people who want to stay and I'm working with my dm on that. I just want to say to all of you who have been going through this that you are all strong people because you have to be to deal with this stuff everyday. I am in awe of your strength and am grateful for the people that I work with. The CAST of EXTON SQUARE Mall ROCKS!!!!!!!!!

I'm very sorry to hear about your store closing early. Sadly, your store is one of the only TDS's in Eastern PA I have never been too and I wish I had a chance to meet the Cast. Good luck to you all!

 

[remain seated please]

please remain seated, I have only one question for you. Did you willingly leave your job with TDS, or were you removed from it?

I realize you think you're being "helpful", but it is clear to me, as it is to others here, that your opinions and ideas have been tainted by your own bad experiences wtih TDS. Your experiences are not necessarily what everyone else will go through. I'm sorry your relationship with Disney ended badly, but it's time for you to let go and move on. Your bitterness is not helping matters.

It's funny that because I no longer eat, drink, breathe and sleep Disney, like many of you, I am bitter. And now at least 2 of you are asking if I quit or if I was fired. Why the interest? Exactly how does that matter? Don't worry, I'm not dodging the question. I just find it extremly rude that some of you feel the need to make assumptions about me.

The answer is...BOTH! I decided I was no longer going to be pushed around by a DM and a Regional Director who were incompetant. I was harrassed, discriminated against and bullied by two women who made the Evil Queen and Ursula look more like Snow White and Ariel.

When these women took away a pre-approved long weekend from me so that I could spend time with my mom who had breast cancer, I had my fill. I took one of the days off and returned for the rest, knowing that I would be fired for it. Sure enough, I was promptly fired on Monday. It was the best thing that ever happened to me during my time as a Disney Store manager.

I turned over my evidence of the bullying, harrassment and discrimination to Human Resources and was offered re-instatement in another district/region (Arizona, which I was relocating to anyway). I turned them down and said I would never work for Disney again. Within two months, my old store was closed down and shortly after that, both the DM and the Regional Director were also gone.

So am I bitter at Disney and/or TDS? Aboslutely NOT! I have neither the time, the desire or the energy to be bitter. I have worked for much better companies than Disney (Yes, there are some of them out there). I no longer drink the Disney "kool-aid." That's because I have disagreed with the company's direction for years. I am a Disney Purist who hates what Disney has become. The demise of TDS started before I left in 2001. I have shared on these boards my observations of the collapse of TDS since 2002.

For the record. While I feel for those who are losing their jobs at TDS, I am also sorry that so many people are so selfish when it comes to this company. "They are our stores." "We will always be a family." "Our Disney family." "I cried all day today." "I will always have the pixie dust." BLAH, BLAH, BLAH! This poor, poor, pitiful me attitude is beyond old...It's bordering on pathetic.

So fine, people. Stay until the end and have your funerals or whatever. Disney is not worth it (especially TDS). And like I've said here repeatedly, they could care less about you. So continue with the denial. And feel free to continue with the attacks. I have dealt with worse on this very subject, on these very boards.

But know that those you who disagree with me are not the only ones on these boards. Other have commented privately to me on how my observations have actually helped them, or just shared that they agree with me. It would seem that there is balance in the force after all.

 

[applepie28]

PLEASE REMAIN SEATED....

FYI - - - - - i am a transplant from a store that closed previosly so i don't know WHERE you got the idea that TDS does not offer this option to its cast members.

FYI - - - - - your negativity is a real downer. i think the loyalty that i and the other CM's are showing is extraordinary and when we go to other jobs, TDS or not- retail or not, it WILL look good that we stayed until the end. i realize that TDS the company is not looking out for me the individual person but people who decide to stay are doing what they feel is right. and by the way, can you point me in the direction of a company that does care about its employees as individual people cause i think i'd like to apply. otherwise i really don't think that we need to keep hearing about how much the company does not care about us. just because we are loyal, hard working people that does not mean that we are blind to the cold hard facts of life. we just choose to go on and try to make the best we can out of the situation presented to us.

if you want to be bitter go right ahead and do that but we really don't need to keep seeing your negativity.

 

[TheDisneyGirl02]

It's funny that because I no longer eat, drink, breathe and sleep Disney, like many of you, I am bitter. And now at least 2 of you are asking if I quit or if I was fired. Why the interest? Exactly how does that matter? Don't worry, I'm not dodging the question. I just find it extremly rude that some of you feel the need to make assumptions about me.

The answer is...BOTH! I decided I was no longer going to be pushed around by a DM and a Regional Director who were incompetant. I was harrassed, discriminated against and bullied by two women who made the Evil Queen and Ursula look more like Snow White and Ariel.

When these women took away a pre-approved long weekend from me so that I could spend time with my mom who had breast cancer, I had my fill. I took one of the days off and returned for the rest, knowing that I would be fired for it. Sure enough, I was promptly fired on Monday. It was the best thing that ever happened to me during my time as a Disney Store manager.

I turned over my evidence of the bullying, harrassment and discrimination to Human Resources and was offered re-instatement in another district/region (Arizona, which I was relocating to anyway). I turned them down and said I would never work for Disney again. Within two months, my old store was closed down and shortly after that, both the DM and the Regional Director were also gone.

So am I bitter at Disney and/or TDS? Aboslutely NOT! I have neither the time, the desire or the energy to be bitter. I have worked for much better companies than Disney (Yes, there are some of them out there). I no longer drink the Disney "kool-aid." That's because I have disagreed with the company's direction for years. I am a Disney Purist who hates what Disney has become. The demise of TDS started before I left in 2001. I have shared on these boards my observations of the collapse of TDS since 2002.

For the record. While I feel for those who are losing their jobs at TDS, I am also sorry that so many people are so selfish when it comes to this company. "They are our stores." "We will always be a family." "Our Disney family." "I cried all day today." "I will always have the pixie dust." BLAH, BLAH, BLAH! This poor, poor, pitiful me attitude is beyond old...It's bordering on pathetic.

So fine, people. Stay until the end and have your funerals or whatever. Disney is not worth it (especially TDS). And like I've said here repeatedly, they could care less about you. So continue with the denial. And feel free to continue with the attacks. I have dealt with worse on this very subject, on these very boards.

But know that those you who disagree with me are not the only ones on these boards. Other have commented privately to me on how my observations have actually helped them, or just shared that they agree with me. It would seem that there is balance in the force after all.

Finally...the truth is out! I'm sorry about the DM and RM that bullied you - that was not right. Taking away a pre-approved long weekend would really upset me too. It was probably best for you and TDS to part ways at that point. However, what happened to you hasn't happened nor will it happen to most of the CM's.

Some of the things that you have said have been hurtful to ALL Disney fans, regardless if they work for the company or not. Obviously most of the people who are on these boards are Disney fans who live and breath Disney - why say such hurtful things when everyone is here for the same reason?

The bolded section above was COMPLETELY uncalled for. Although you didn't mention names, you have offended many people on this board. I will always love my Disney family (BOTH of my Disney families -WDW & TDS) and will always cherish the memories that have made there. I'm sorry that you're Disney family didn't work out for you, but please don't call us pathetic because it worked for us.

 

[disneydawn6]

I know, I know. This doesn't sound like Disney. But it is. When the Pleasanton, CA store closed in 2001 (lease issues), we were given a list of CM's from that store who we could consider. There were 2 people on the list. Everyone else was considered a "dinosaur" because they had worked in that store for nearly 10 years and were no longer considered in "the Disney way."

Three of those "dinosaur" CM's came to my store in San Francisco (40 miles away) asking for jobs. While 2 of them clearly met the "dinosaur" image, one of them did not. I fought to bring her on my team and was successful. Eventually I promoted her to lead. This woman spent nearly 10 years as a part-time castmember without even a promotion. That was an incredible achievement in patience.

)

When Pleasanton closed we were quite happy to hire one of their "dinosaurs" and he is still with us today and great as ever ... He's right in line behind me and I've lasted for 19 years. Apparently longer then you made it. Are one of your "dinosaurs" your talking about Debra? She is quite happy working at Disneyland now in guest services.... So I guess her patience paid off, even though she came from TDS. She also had the great honor of being in the Disney Store Trivia Competition at Disneyland..... So maybe they do like some of us........
Just call me the 19 year "dinosaur" and proud of it...

 

[disneydawn6]

[

 

[remain seated please]

When Pleasanton closed we were quite happy to hire one of their "dinosaurs" and he is still with us today and great as ever ... He's right in line behind me and I've lasted for 19 years. Apparently longer then you made it. Are one of your "dinosaurs" your talking about Debra? She is quite happy working at Disneyland now in guest services.... So I guess her patience paid off, even though she came from TDS. She also had the great honor of being in the Disney Store Trivia Competition at Disneyland..... So maybe they do like some of us........
Just call me the 19 year "dinosaur" and proud of it...

I am talking about Debra. She was amazing! The DM (see below) made her sound like a manager's worst nightmare. The Debra I hired was a gift. I immediately promoted her to lead CM, much to the DM's dismay. By this time I had given up on the DM. She obviously hated me, but that was fine because the RD was very much in my corner. That RD was Shirley. I'm sure you remember her. She was awesome, and made my life at TDS worthwhile...
Until she went to England.

Then Grace took over as RD and all hell began to break loose. The DM was MARY. Never before Disney and not since have I dealt with a person as nasty, arrogant and ignorant as Mary. At a time when TDS was beginning to tank, Mary's ilk was the type that contributed to the demise of the company. She was an embarrassment to Disney.

Publically, she would praise people and privately she would ridicule them. I have plenty of horror stories about her, but you'll have to wait until my book comes out. I'm happy you have lasted 19 years and that (like me), you rescued a good CM from Pleasanton. While my management stint at TDS lasted just over 2 years, it felt like twenty. Two lessons I took from that job were to not be afraid to be myself and to get out when the job is no longer fun. Had I gone into that job with the mentality I have today, I would not have lasted six months.

 

[remain seated please]

Finally...the truth is out! I'm sorry about the DM and RM that bullied you - that was not right. Taking away a pre-approved long weekend would really upset me too. It was probably best for you and TDS to part ways at that point. However, what happened to you hasn't happened nor will it happen to most of the CM's.

Some of the things that you have said have been hurtful to ALL Disney fans, regardless if they work for the company or not. Obviously most of the people who are on these boards are Disney fans who live and breath Disney - why say such hurtful things when everyone is here for the same reason?

The bolded section above was COMPLETELY uncalled for. Although you didn't mention names, you have offended many people on this board. I will always love my Disney family (BOTH of my Disney families -WDW & TDS) and will always cherish the memories that have made there. I'm sorry that you're Disney family didn't work out for you, but please don't call us pathetic because it worked for us.

No need to apologize to me for things that two insignificant people did many years ago. As I have said, I am not bitter and moved on from TDS a long time ago.

My observations are based on reality and fact. Calling them hurtful is a little over the top. I don't sugar coat my opinions. There is plenty of sugar coating going on here already. As for offending people. I believe that one is offended only if they choose to be. The act of being offended is a selfish choice by the "offendee". I don't believe in offending people. If you disagree with me that's fine. I cited specific examples of things that have been said on this thread, over and over for several months. I did not call anybody "pathetic". I was referring to a behavior that I felt was bordering on pathetic.

The Disney Store has always been an emotional topic on the DIS. Thats partly because of the adversity where TDS is concerned and the trouble the company has been in for so long. People are very passionate about TDS for a variety of reasons. I see it as a business unit of Disney that has run its course. Without a major re-invention, I don't see a future for the chain. If I'm proven wrong, sobeit. For the past several years I have been correct in my observations (however painful they may be) about TDS. I see nothing wrong with being critical of TDS and sharing a viewpoint that is different from many others.

 

[disneydawn6]

I am talking about Debra. She was amazing! The DM (see below) made her sound like a manager's worst nightmare. The Debra I hired was a gift. I immediately promoted her to lead CM, much to the DM's dismay. By this time I had given up on the DM. She obviously hated me, but that was fine because the RD was very much in my corner. That RD was Shirley. I'm sure you remember her. She was awesome, and made my life at TDS worthwhile...
Until she went to England.

Then Grace took over as RD and all hell began to break loose. The DM was MARY. Never before Disney and not since have I dealt with a person as nasty, arrogant and ignorant as Mary. At a time when TDS was beginning to tank, Mary's ilk was the type that contributed to the demise of the company. She was an embarrassment to Disney.

Publicly, she would praise people and privately she would ridicule them. I have plenty of horror stories about her, but you'll have to wait until my book comes out. I'm happy you have lasted 19 years and that (like me), you rescued a good CM from Pleasanton. While my management stint at TDS lasted just over 2 years, it felt like twenty. Two lessons I took from that job were to not be afraid to be myself and to get out when the job is no longer fun. Had I gone into that job with the mentality I have today, I would not have lasted six months.

Debra started in my store 6 months after we opened. She was the only person in the store more fanatical then me She loved coming to my house to whip my butt in Disney Trivia When Pleasanton opened she transferred over there... I still visit her when I'm down at Disneyland.

We have a wonderful cast now. We are all so excited to be part of the magic again. I can't wait to go to work. Hopefully we can remain Disney for while... At least until I retire and move to Fl to work PT at WDW

I might add that over the years we have had dozens of our CM's transfer to WDW, DL, Radio Disney, done the College program, gone to Home base and we even had our ASM get an interview at Pixar from one of our regulars who work there.

 

[TheDisneyGirl02]

Even though I asked a YEAR in advance I was suddenly not allowed to go on a 4 week cross country vacation to WDW and I had to fly back from Texas so I could work 2 days and then fly back and meet my family in Florida. It cost me $400 in plane tickets and I made $40 working two days at a part time job. She use to tell me as she was screaming at me in front of guests onstage, "Look at my 5 year pin, I'll always have more years then you!" I use to call my husband crying, on my break telling him how much I loved Disney but how awful she was treating us. He use to say, "she won't last, she won't last, this will all pass " Well now I think back and smile as I look at my 15 year pin that she will never have...... When we get any bad managers or DM's in now I tell the new people, "she won't last, she won't last this will all pass" and I have to smile to myself because no one has EVER been that horrible.....

Having to work 2 days during a 4 week cross country vacation is terrible! My family and I did that two years ago (we drove from PA to CA to FL and then home to PA) and I was lucky enough that my manager and district manager let me go. It was an amazing trip (I'm sure you can attest to that too!), this country is a beautiful place.

I love you're saying "she won't last, she won't last this will all pass". That is great!

 

[ranidayz]

Umm, I don't work for Disney at all - but in the interest of all that is good and right -- perhaps this board should avoid naming anyone for negative reasons as they are not here to defend themselves.

Just my humble 'guest' opinion....

 

[disneydawn6]

 

[dis24242]

It's funny that because I no longer eat, drink, breathe and sleep Disney, like many of you, I am bitter. And now at least 2 of you are asking if I quit or if I was fired. Why the interest?

I'm interested just because I'd like to know the background of someone who's view points, in my opinion, seem to hit the nail on the head. So, I'm thinkin' that's why most ask. They just want to know ya.

I decided I was no longer going to be pushed around by a DM and a Regional Director who were incompetant. I was harrassed, discriminated against and bullied by two women who made the Evil Queen and Ursula look more like Snow White and Ariel.

I think there is a huge emotional difference between TDS management and pt cast. As a pt cast I never have the stress of District and Regional managers breathing down my neck. I never worry about hours, inventory, shipments, payroll, cast personal problesm, and meeting the store financial goals. My full time GM job pays the bills and TDS just provides the fun.

So, while I see the cast as family, the store as home, I think managers MUST see the store as a business. Managers butts are on the line everyday. I've seen first hand some nice and some evil DM's. Did they affect me? Heck, no I'm not the manager. I'm just the guy spreadin' some magic .. singing songs, playing games, and sellin' stuff.

I am a Disney Purist who hates what Disney has become. The demise of TDS started before I left in 2001. I have shared on these boards my observations of the collapse of TDS since 2002.

This one fact, to me explains the view points. I think PRSeated IS Disney. I think we all long to have Disney return the historical great standard we all knew.

This poor, poor, pitiful me attitude is beyond old...It's bordering on pathetic.

I think, when you're losing the best job you ever had it's tough to move on.
However, be patient. Everyone has their own emotional speed. Times will be better. For some folks it'll happen sooner but, for some it will take some time.
Be patient. Not everyone is the same.
I was devastated when I learned my store was closing. I cried, wrote letters to execs, talked to mall management, government officials and stomped my feet. But a friend pointed out to me that if I have so much Mickey in me then I'd better get ah goin' to "THE SHOW." Well, that's what I'm goin' do. Headin' for WDW as soon as I retire from my payin' job at GM.

I'm thinkin' we all have some great TDS memories. Managers and cast alike.

Ok, I'm steppin down from my soapbox. Talk among yourselves. It's ok.

 

[disneydawn6]

I think there is a huge emotional difference between TDS management and pt cast. As a pt cast I never have the stress of District and Regional managers breathing down my neck. I never worry about hours, inventory, shipments, payroll, cast personal problesm, and meeting the store financial goals. My full time GM job pays the bills and TDS just provides the fun.

So, while I see the cast as family, the store as home, I think managers MUST see the store as a business. Managers butts are on the line everyday. I've seen first hand some nice and some evil DM's. Did they affect me? Heck, no I'm not the manager. I'm just the guy spreadin' some magic .. singing songs, playing games, and sellin' stuff.

I agree completely I was asked when I was new if I would like to be a lead... I wouldn't have lasted 6 months and I new it I wanted to stay for the long haul and I knew even after the short time I was there I could not have taken the pressure... I'm still PT and lovin it after 19 years.

 

[Mickey&Donald]

I think it's a mistake to paint all TDS management with such a broad brush. I've never been a PT cast member. I started with TDS as a Lead CM, then moved up to ASM, and due to interesting circumstances, am now SM.

While we do experience a bit more job stress than a regular CM, there are many of us in management who are feeling a profound loss with the closure of these stores. The "business" side of things wasn't always fun, but the MAGIC more than made up for it.

Just another perspective for you.

This one fact, to me explains the view points. I think PRSeated IS Disney. I think we all long to have Disney return the historical great standard we all knew.

While I do agree that Disney (as a whole, not just TDS) needs a serious overhaul, I cannot for one minute stomach the idea of someone as negative and caustic as prs being the embodiment of Disney.

We're all entitled to our opinions (and this is mine) -- but prs could try to find a better outlet fot his/her dissatisfaction with the Company than the methods executed here.

I seriously doubt he/she gives any thought to WWWD? What Would Walt Do?

 

[Mickey&Donald]

combined posts.

 

[doombuggy]

Today totally sucked!!!!! We were told that we are closing Saturday, June 7. Our backstage is empty and when you talk it echoes. Wow, what an experience this has been. I can't wish this liquidation thing on anyone, not even my worst enemy. I have decided to move on with the company, most of my cast has decided not too. I have about 4 people who want to stay and I'm working with my dm on that. I just want to say to all of you who have been going through this that you are all strong people because you have to be to deal with this stuff everyday. I am in awe of your strength and am grateful for the people that I work with. The CAST of EXTON SQUARE Mall ROCKS!!!!!!!!!

Yes, you guys sure do! Miss ya, pal! Come visit us soon!

Yes, folks, I used to work at that store, hence my comment to boston1029. And contrary to what pleaseremainseated reported in his/her district, when one of the stores in OUR district closed back in early 2001, we took in about 6 of their cast, while some of the others went to one or two other stores (it's been awhile....). Yes, it took hours away from me and the other opening cast (we opened the previous April), but hey....these were seasoned workers who knew what they were doing.

I have been working retail more on that off since 1985, and it is tough. Pleaseremainseated, my best friend went thru a similar situation as you with another chain retailer (not disney). She would work 50 - 60 hours a week and had little or no support from upper mgmt. She left there in February, moved back home to PA and is working at another retailer, where she is experiencing the exact opposite. As with any job, sometimes in the people who you work with in your direct circle.

Good luck to all the TDS people!