Crazy Question About College Program/Cast Members

[blondeheroine]

Okay, bear with me.

So, lately, I've found myself reading a lot of information from cast members on the college program. Then, I started thinking...

When I get home from each Disney trip, I usually write a letter in which I compliment the CMs that really made my trip special. I have about ten from my last trip alone.

I've always heard that these sort of things go into files for the CMs and that they get rewarded with either promotions or raises and even on occasion things like Disney Cruises.

THEN (I told you this was strange), I began wondering: if one of the CMs is in the college program, will they get the same "bells and whistles"? Obviously, as a guest, I won't know the difference between someone in the CP or a perm. CM (not that it'd make a difference - if someone goes out of the way to be nice to me, I'm going to do what I can to see that they get complimented).

Really, it's just a random wonder, but one of those things that continually makes you scratch your head and wonder. Because I'm like that. A fault, really...

Okay. Rambling? I'll shut up now.

 

[Syrreal]

The short answer is that Yes, CPers get the same "bells and whistles" as regular CMs. They still get credited and are elligible for all the stuff CMs are. The only difference, I think, would be if the CP got praise after their program was over. In this case, I would assume that it would go into their file for possible future reference (as many CPs return as seasonal, temporary, or perm CMs)

So, please keep those comments coming!

 

[princessgirl2238]

college program kids ( aka: cps) get verbal praise for doing a good job and a nice thanks at the end of their program. granted they get the same discounts and free entries into the parks, but they also are sometimes working mandatory 65 hour weeks (and there is a way to finagle it into not being considered overtime)- but i do know that cps love when guests ask about the college that's listed on their nametags (they'll be on the new nametags coming out soon) and are told they're doing a good job- just a little praise can definatly help cheer up their day.

 

[MyGoofy26]

Word comes down through the area managers and supervisors that you were praised - our managers used to hang certificates in the back room if we got a good "shop" (mystery shopper rated you highly) or positive guest comment. It's like mom hanging that A paper on the fridge, LOL.

And they do keep everything on file. I almost went back down to work, and called up to set up an appointment and it took no time at all because they still keep my info in their system (and I get a few emails a year letting me know they're hiring)

So if a CP decides to come back to Disney after graduation, your comment in their file just may help them get the job they want!

 

[MyGoofy26]

but they also are sometimes working mandatory 65 hour weeks (and there is a way to finagle it into not being considered overtime)

They must have really changed things then. When I did my CP there were a ton of ways to get OT without even nearing the 40 hour mark. I can't think of any way they could manipulate the schedule to pay no OT on 65 hours.

 

[blondeheroine]

Thanks for all the answers, guys. Curiousity killed the cat.

And without a doubt, I'll keep the comments coming (as should everyone else reading this thread).

 

[Syrreal]

college program kids ( aka: cps) get verbal praise for doing a good job and a nice thanks at the end of their program. granted they get the same discounts and free entries into the parks, but they also are sometimes working mandatory 65 hour weeks (and there is a way to finagle it into not being considered overtime)-

When I did the CP, if we got praise or guest service fanatics cards (can be given by managers, other CMs, or based on guest comments), we could be eligible for the drawings (I forget what they were called) and other things that were given just for guest service. Whether you a regular CM or a CP, you will get verbal praise if you get praise from a guest, that doesn't change just because of your status.
as far as the overtime. I always got paid overtime if I did over 40hrs a week or over 8 hrs a day. Got double OT too a few times. We were on a mandatory 6 days a week during holiday time, but we did get paid OT. We were also allowed to pick up extra shifts and they fit into the over 40/wk or 8/day you got Ot, no prob.

 

[i<3Disney]

We just got a guest fanatic card with our supervisor's signature on it (whoopy). The real reward though was when guests would actually just give a heart felt thanks when I went out of my way to help them. As you can imagine, some guests weren't nearly as kind as they should have been. I have to admit that when I was on the CP, I did feel VERY overworked and underappreciated. This varies at location..because a few of my friends absolutely loved their jobs and some of them disliked them. We were paid less than a newly hired employee would be making who was doing the same job. Most of the money we made was taken out for rent anyway.

But again, what made it all worth it was making guests trips more magical and I also met 2 amazing girls on the CP that are now my 2 best friends. The perk of getting the discounts and getting into the parks for free wasn't too bad either

 

[MyGoofy26]

As you can imagine, some guests weren't nearly as kind as they should have been. I have to admit that when I was on the CP, I did feel VERY overworked and underappreciated. This varies at location..because a few of my friends absolutely loved their jobs and some of them disliked them.

My area was fantastic. They really looked out for us CPs. They did comment regularly that all of us (except one) really took our jobs seriously, and didn't slack like other groups of CPs they've had come in, so I think that helped. But they made sure that we were taken care of, or taking care of ourselves. On holidays they'd all bring in food and make sure us CPs were the first to eat because, as they said, they knew we didn't get home cooked hot meals too often on the program LOL!

But then I had friends who were just gunned for by full timers and managers because they were CPs.

The perk of getting the discounts and getting into the parks for free wasn't too bad either

Don't forget access to property control!

 

[Syrreal]

I agree that it did depend on your location. I knew people that were just really disappointed with their CP experience. I had an awesome time. I think it was because we weren't treated any diff that the CMs. In fact, the whole land (incl managers) was pretty good friends. We went out together after work (usually to the Alehouse ) and to PI. I actually spent more time with my coworkers than I did with my roomates!! And I made a lot of great friends down there. Plus, I don't know if you guys got this at your departments, but about every 2-3 weeks we always got a little "gift" from our managers. It was something small, pizza, ice cream, something like that. But it was always good for morale.

Ah, property control. I got some good stuff there.

 

[Stepharoonie!]

I got a guest fanatic thanks card once, and it came with a thank you from the highest manager at AKL. I was pretty impressed (and thankful!)

I do know that any complaint letters are also hung up on boards for CM's to read...but I personally wouldn't write to complain about a CM unless they were downright rude to me.

 

[MyGoofy26]

Plus, I don't know if you guys got this at your departments, but about every 2-3 weeks we always got a little "gift" from our managers. It was something small, pizza, ice cream, something like that. But it was always good for morale.

I did merchandise, and one of our managers was in charge of merch for special events. So nights he closed, if there was a party of some sort he'd often have to ditch us to make sure things were alright over there. He'd usually come back having invaded an ice cream cart for us, LOL!

 

[blondeheroine]

I got a guest fanatic thanks card once, and it came with a thank you from the highest manager at AKL. I was pretty impressed (and thankful!)

I do know that any complaint letters are also hung up on boards for CM's to read...but I personally wouldn't write to complain about a CM unless they were downright rude to me.

I always wondered about complaints. It's honestly RARE that I'm treated rude by a CM (though it has happened - a story that I tell to people that causes jaws to slack). There was also a woman at Muppets 3D who I am still contemplating mentioning as she was SO rude to the guests that it became a bonding issue between complete strangers in the queue. Seriously, I stopped to show my friend the key under the mat and she YELLED, "You've got to MOVE!" Later, someone was looking at one of the holographic photos in the queue and again she YELLED, "Don't look at the pictures! Just move down!"

Nasty girl.

But honestly, I've got, I think, ten names of people who will get praise from me (haven't written my letter yet - got home and had to put my dog down and just haven't been in the spirit , but I'm writing it this week!).

Now here's another question. Normally, I write one letter. Should I write a separate letter for each employee. I don't mind at all.

Also, is there a better place to send it that would make it get to the CMs manager quicker?

 

[Stepharoonie!]

I always wondered about complaints. It's honestly RARE that I'm treated rude by a CM (though it has happened - a story that I tell to people that causes jaws to slack). There was also a woman at Muppets 3D who I am still contemplating mentioning as she was SO rude to the guests that it became a bonding issue between complete strangers in the queue. Seriously, I stopped to show my friend the key under the mat and she YELLED, "You've got to MOVE!" Later, someone was looking at one of the holographic photos in the queue and again she YELLED, "Don't look at the pictures! Just move down!"

Nasty girl.

But honestly, I've got, I think, ten names of people who will get praise from me (haven't written my letter yet - got home and had to put my dog down and just haven't been in the spirit , but I'm writing it this week!).

Now here's another question. Normally, I write one letter. Should I write a separate letter for each employee. I don't mind at all.

Also, is there a better place to send it that would make it get to the CMs manager quicker?

OHHH....I would definetly complain about that! That is a little rude!

I think if you write one letter, that's fine...they would copy the letter and distribute to the appropriate areas.

 

[Syrreal]

I'll second what Steph said.

I would just separate the names by park/resort. That would make it easier for the people passing on your good words.

I wold also definitely complain about that CM. As far as I know, the stuff in the queue line IS actually meant to be seen. Otherwise, why even botehr with theming?

 

[blondeheroine]

I wold also definitely complain about that CM. As far as I know, the stuff in the queue line IS actually meant to be seen. Otherwise, why even botehr with theming?

That's what my friend said right after she yelled that at everyone. There's obviously just some people that shouldn't work with the public. And especially with the Disney-going public.