DCA park employees

[CAmommy]

Just back from the parks this evening. We spent the day at California Adventure yesterday, and I have to say that I am starting to wonder if the Disneyland reject employees all wind up there! Really, in the last few times I've gone, I haven't had the best service at all. Not even close. There were a few that were good, but for the most part, they didn't even crack a smile. The Disneyland employees were classy people with lots of cheer. The cheer didn't seem fake, either. Am I the only one who feels this way about DCA employees??

 

[Dot2Vegas]

We noticed the same thing when we went in May. Very noticeable difference between the two parks. I wonder what gives?

 

[Rainforest_Elf]

I noticed the same thing when I went two years ago and thought it was just me! I actually had a cast member SASS me about the character I wanted to draw at the animation academy!

 

[Belle Ella]

 

[ktlm]

We were there last week and I thought the CA CMs were great. We ran into a lot of fun people. We had employees that sang and danced with my daughter, that directed her to where to find pin boards when they found out she liked pins, that told us where to go for the best photo pass shots and when, that joked with us and that just generally nice helpful and very "Disney". I don't recall running across any that I thought weren't friendly or cheerful.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

I must run into different cast members. Everyone that I have talked to has been wonderful, and I have received "pixie dust" treatment at DCA, where that does not typically happen to me at Disneyland (and I think those cast members are wonderful, too).

I hope you run into the really nice ones that I get to see when I go the next time you're in the parks.

 

[bryanb]

Sorry to hear that your visits haven't met Disney service expectations. Especially over multiple trips! In my trips to California Adventure, I definitely haven't noticed any difference between the quality of cast members there compared to at Disneyland park.

I have the notion that these DCA cast members are great. BUT that said, all of us are subject to a phenomenon called confirmation bias, myself included. It's kind of like if you're thinking about buying a Ford, you'll suddenly find a lot more people are driving Fords everywhere on the road. I'm biased in thinking the cast members are great at DCA, and I tend to see more examples of that being true and noticing less where it's not. I'll try taking a look at it with a different filter on my next visit.

Confirmation bias is the only explanation I can think of why our experiences are so radically different. It doesn't mean that either of us are wrong. In fact, by Disney standards someone should NEVER run into a string of bad experiences that you have... so by default that means there could be an issue.

But hopefully on your next visit, you'll run into a greater number of good experiences than you have!

 

[TheSpooph]

We had some great CMs at DCA today. The handler for Lightning McQueen was super bubbly. Some were just "doing their job", but they were still nice, helpful and overall happy. I felt like both parks had the same level of happy. Hopefully your next trip will have a better experience!

 

[Mouser172]

I tend to agree with CAmommy. Maybe just pretend you're in New York once you cross into California Adventure, then the customer service will seem exceptional.

 

[mummabear]

I can only think of one CM who could have done a better job at DCA-I had to run back to the hotel to get a new top for me as DD has spilled her ice cream all down it and I had missed my DH and kids going into the Disney Junior show, I was sitting outside feeling very hot, thirsty and a bit dizzy. She asked me if I was ok and I told her that I was just really thirsty but DH had the wallet inside the show she said ok (which I was fine with) it was only when DH came out and we walked down the "road" a bit and found there was a water fountain only a couple of hundred meters from where I had been-why in gods name would she not mention that when we spoke?

 

[aliceindisneyland]

I can only think of one CM who could have done a better job at DCA-I had to run back to the hotel to get a new top for me as DD has spilled her ice cream all down it and I had missed my DH and kids going into the Disney Junior show, I was sitting outside feeling very hot, thirsty and a bit dizzy. She asked me if I was ok and I told her that I was just really thirsty but DH had the wallet inside the show she said ok (which I was fine with) it was only when DH came out and we walked down the "road" a bit and found there was a water fountain only a couple of hundred meters from where I had been-why in gods name would she not mention that when we spoke?

Maybe she didn't want to seem condescending by pointing out that Award Weiners is directly across from where you were sitting, where they would be happy to give you ice water for free! Maybe she thought you were trolling for a free drink; you have to admit it's kinda weird for one adult to say to another, "I'm thirsty and my husband has all the money!" without directly asking for what you need: "Could you please direct me to the nearest water fountain?"

 

[lk2500]

I was there a few weeks ago and thought all the CM's and PP photographers were great! Went well out of their way to help me out. Guess you must have run into the few bad apples.

 

[wenrob]

I have found the CMs at DCA to be just as pleasant, helpful and "magical" as the ones in Disneyland. The exception being Tower of Tower at the entrance (all the ones inside and in the lobby after have been great.) Not sure what it is but I have found them to be argumentative, unhappy people. Not necessarily with me but I have witnessed several encounters with other guests.

The worst CM experience I've ever had was at the entrance to Indy. My teen and I took my younger daughter up to ask for a Rider Swap. He immediately said, "she can't ride!" When we tried to explain we wanted a Rider Swap he kept talking over us, would NOT let us speak and my teen got frustrated and blurted, "we just want a rider swap!" To which he said in a nasty tone, "well then you better listen to me if you want to ride." He was awful, worst CM I've ever met. Why I didn't go complain about him I'm not sure but several trips since I've never seen him again, so someone must have.

In Disneyland the CM selling Mickey Bars near the hub seemed downright resentful having to sell them to us. I think she knew we hadn't had our breakfast yet.

Other than the Indy experience and the occasional indifference, I find the CMs in both parks go out of their way to give the best possible experience.

 

[mikedoyleblogger]

I tend to agree with CAmommy. Maybe just pretend you're in New York once you cross into California Adventure, then the customer service will seem exceptional.

That's what I do with WDW!

Back on topic, I've never experienced this at DCA, but have had phenomenal encounters with streetmosphere characters there. I did read an article last year about a DCA CM who complained about guests on Twitter (I think), but TDA dealt with it. Either way, I much prefer the laid back, only-if-you-need-me Anaheim CM vibe versus the "I'm here to make sure you're having a super duper magical Disney day!!!! Are you??? Well are you???!!!" vibe in Orlando.

I do think you should always report nasty/surly CMs, though to City Hall or the Chamber of Commerce. Guest Services takes things like that seriously.

 

[wenrob]

I do think you should always report nasty/surly CMs, though to City Hall or the Chamber of Commerce. Guest Services takes things like that seriously.

I know I should have, I can't remember exactly why I didn't. I think because it was the last ride of the night and my DH wanted to beat the after fireworks crush out of the gates. It could have been that I was too angry and didn't trust myself to be calm enough to do it in a civil manner. We had been in the "Disney bubble" and this dude just popped it.

 

[mikedoyleblogger]

I know I should have, I can't remember exactly why I didn't. I think because it was the last ride of the night and my DH wanted to beat the after fireworks crush out of the gates. It could have been that I was too angry and didn't trust myself to be calm enough to do it in a civil manner. We had been in the "Disney bubble" and this dude just popped it.

I'm sorry that happened. We had that at WDW a few times last year. You just stand there and think, "You're being mean to me because you're angry at some other guest."

 

[wenrob]

I'm sorry that happened. We had that at WDW a few times last year. You just stand there and think, "You're being mean to me because you're angry at some other guest."

Exactly! I'm sure the guy dealt with people trying to slide too short kids in all day. Being "magical" and dealing with the public day after day can't be an easy job but geez, lol. Fortunately that's the only time we've ever experienced something like that in many, many trips.

On DCA, I find the Character interaction to be even better than Disneyland. I think it's because they have more room to move and don't get as mobbed by people like they do in Town Square/Main Street so have more time to interact. Some of the best photos and memories I have are from the interactions there. My teen getting Donald all riled up because she wouldn't take her ears off for the pic is family legend.

 

[Astylla]

I honestly have not seen this so called trend at all..if anything the direct opposite. As AP holders we go quite often and just back from a 4 night night stay actually. One of our highlights at DCA from a CM was at the Churro cart where Condor Flats meets Buena Vista Street while DH was buying a soda the CM noticed his anniversary button and gave us two free mini churros. It was so sweet and thoughtful !

Then at Soarin' some CM's wee having fun with this family and child saying "This has never happened before..He is TOO tall to ride..I mean how ?" as they were all smiles and laughing -it was a great moment for the family who found it amusing as well.

I also noticed a woman inquiring about ToT and if it was terrifying , etc. He was very calm about his approach and said it's a lot of fun. It takes you up and then drops down and you are belted in , etc, - basically going over it. He encouraged to try it without being misleading as to what the ride is. As someone who is newly reformed to loving ToT I appreciated the kindness he took.

While eating at Award Weiners after we finished the CM's cleaning the area offered to take our plates for us and wishes us both a happy anniversary/my birthday and asked how we were enjoying our stay , etc.

This was over the course of the last four days also. So while YMMV I don't think the lesser quality is true how some make it out to be imo.

 

[CAmommy]

The biggest issue I had was when we were on the trolley. The lady who did the talking on the ride did not look happy to be there AT ALL and was mumbling most of the time. She obviously had memorized her script and didn't crack a smile at all. Ever. At the entrance to the Goofy ride, I asked for a switch rider pass (even though the line was short) and the employee nearly rolled her eyes at me. So annoying. !!!!

 

[707MickeyGirl]

I do think you should always report nasty/surly CMs, though to City Hall or the Chamber of Commerce. Guest Services takes things like that seriously.

Yes, they definitely take things like that seriously. I had a bad experience with an off-duty CM at Corn Dog Castle in DCA a few weeks ago, and initially I was just going to let it go but after returning home, it seemed important to notify Guest Services, if at least to save anyone else from the experience. I sent an email via the website, and someone called me two days later to get more information so that the situation could be handled. She was very apologetic and grateful that I reported the incident. She said that even when off-duty, CMs are CMs first, and guests second.