CM Discounts?

[michellemmj]

Does anyone know what kind of discounts Disney CM's get? I just heard that the Disney Store near me is hiring and since I am considering getting a PT job anyhow, this might be ideal.

 

[Poohnatic]

A clarification:

As a Disney Store cast member, you're asked for a MINIMUM of three shift availability, at least one of which must be a weekend shift. Shifts tend to run 3-5 hours. Sometimes you will be asked to work outside the availability you have given.

Most stores staff based on business trends. Being available for the peak days/hours should help your chances. You will be expected to work many holidays-the majority of stores are only closed Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Vacations are not allowed from November 1st through January 1st-part timers and full timers.

The stores recently saw a reduction in payroll that is allocated. What this means for the average cast member is that you are expected to do lots of things in a little time:setting signs for daily promotions, vacuuming and cleaning are closing tasks that must be done every night.

I'm not trying to discourage anyone from applying, but feel that anyone considering a position for the perks should know the other side of the role.

Oh yeah, you must be 18 to be hired

Suzanne

 

[Nancybell]

With regard to discounts does this pertain to all PT and FT Employees? How long do you have to be employed before your benefits begin. I might consider working PT since I am a Disney fanatic. Any other words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. NancyBell

 

[Poohnatic]

Nancy,

Many of the benefits are for full and part timers. Discounts depend on length of service, with all part timers starting with a 20% merchandise discount.

It sure helps if you've got a healthy dose of pixie dust...guests expect you to sprinkle it! If you thrive on change, and can multi-task well, then you will do fine. If you find that you work best when focusing on just one thing at a time, you may not enjoy the experience.

Good luck!

Suzanne

 

[Nancybell]

Suzanne: Thanks so much for your quick response. I might look into this on a PT status. I currently work FT as a Staffing Recruiter for a major call center in South Carolina so I know the amount of patience it takes dealing with all levels of individuals. I'll keep you posted if I go through with it. Are you still working for Disney? Again, thanks so much.

Nancy

 

[RweTHEREyet]

DisneyGal358, at which Disney Store do you work?

 

[kt-scarlett]

Originally posted by DisneyGal358
I am only available Friday nights and Sat and Sun during the day. You only need to give them 3 days of availablity.

Wow. Pretty nice.

Heads UP, those of you considering applying to your local, Disney Store. These availabilty requirements vary WIDELY depending on your store. Just an example, mine required you to be available from OPEN to CLOSE both Saturday and Sunday *PLUS* either two weekday nights or two daytime weekday shifts. And if you are thinking of applying to work only during the holidays.... remember, shifts are added and store hours increase during the holiday period until almost midnight and NO vacation or days off may be requested during this time.

Yes, there are a lot of great benefits to being a Cast Member. But remember it is still retail and Disney retail to boot. Keep smiling, make sure you have a good supply of Pixie Dust at the ready and keep your love of Disney in good stead.

Good luck!!

 

[sln88]

Or just the 4 1 day passes? Discounts on the cruises or Disneyquest?

 

[MouseGirl VA]

Disney Store CMs are also required to conduct themselves professionally and to maintain a standard of excellence set by Disney. This includes not revealing company confidential information, like benefits, in such public places as message boards or to potential applicants. To do so risks immediate termination as it violates the Confidentiality Agreement signed when a CM starts with the company.

 

[pr surfer]

Just remember...

people have been fired from the Walt Disney Co. before for letting this information out into the public on such a widely read forums. Pray that A-your management isn't reading, and B-they can't trace this post back to you

 

[eye R.N.]

There are also substantial (read months at a time) black out periods where no vacation request are allowed.

Work TDS because you love the mouse. Otherwise you'll find it's not worth it.

 

[maleficent1959]

Originally posted by DisneyGal358
I am a college student and I am only available Friday nights and Sat and Sun during the day. You only need to give them 3 days of availablity. (Company policy - your store may need you more/less but 3 days must be on the books) Also I have never had a problem about switching with other CM's or taking a weekend off.

That sure wasn't the case at my store. We had to give full availability Saturday and Sunday, as well as at least three shifts during the week. We were only allowed to trade a certain number of shifts in a specified period and only if the management agreed, there was a maximum number of days you could take off in a row or within the month and those had to be approved (yes, they turned down requests), the blackout periods got ridiculous (I could not even request off to take my son to the doctor for his check-up), and you were sometimes scheduled outside of your availability (the company reserves that right) if the store needed you.

Sometimes you will find after five years that it isn't worth it no matter how much you love the Mouse. The final straw for me was my birthday weekend in March. I had arranged to trade my shifts (with the approval of the assistant manager because the store manager was on vacation) because my husband had a special weekend planned for me. It was going to be our first weekend away without the three-year-old and with another one on the way probably our last for a while. Four days before I was supposed to leave the store manager called to tell me that she didn't care if I had made these arrangements, and didn't care that they were approved, I could not have the time off. With money already spent on the weekend, I chose to spend it with my husband and I left the store. I figured I could inconvenience her for a weekend or I could hear about how I chose my job over my husband for the rest of my life.

 

[sln88]

maleficent1959! It sounds like the policies at that store were a bit ridiculous. I know some people can't because of the $$, but it is great to see that you chose your marriage over your job! It is sad that companies expect people to do those things, especially when you tried to follow all their rules.

anyhow, as far as confidentiality goes, maybe current workers can't talk, but ex- employees might be willing to.