That is why I understand when they are not always cheerful. They do have a life outside of "the world".
I would have to respectfully disagree with that statement. Disney is known world wide for their guest service. It is what sets them apart, or at least tries, from the rest of the companies. It is a well known fact that any castmember hired, should be cheerful and courteous to guest no matter what they are feeling on the inside or how bad of a day they had. (That is also a basic principle of management tools seminars). That is what Disney hired them to do. If someone is unable to give the image of a happy cheerful castmember, then I don't think that is a place for them. I worked with the company for 9 1/2 years, yes, I had my bad moments BUT I never showed it on stage. I had days where I didn't want to work BUT I never let on. I had guests scream and yell at me two days before Halloween when we were out of almost every size costume (go figure) or before Christmas when the toy they wanted was sold out...but never did I ever show anything but a cheerful disposition.
We were told when we were hired that this was Walt's dream and desire, to set the company at higher standards.
I don't ever understand a cranky castmember and oh boy, I have run across my share, especially at the parks. The sad thing is for every cranky castmember, there are at least 20 other people who would kill to have that same position and do it much better and with a better attitude.
(ok, jumps off soapbox)----
That said, the reality is that the
Disney Store is a business, just like any other business whose main objective is to make a profit! I am often amazed that people do not realize this. Yes, you will work hard; yes, you will work long hours; yes, you will get people to scream at you; yes, you will have to clean; yes, you will have to vacuum; yes, they will check your bags before you leave the store (i have never worked retail where this was not the norm). It is afterall a business. If you can realize that and still have the desire to be part of the Magic, then it may be a perfect fit. From all of my retail experience and work experience in general - Disney was the best company I have ever worked for. Trust me, there are way worse places to work.
I do agree with one of the posters...if you only want to work there for the perks, then you should consider another place of employment.
I loved working at TDS. For me it was a part time second job. I had no problems commuting the 40 minutes to the store from my full time job, I was happy to do it. I only left when the stores were sold to Hoops Retail. I had no desire to work for them or make that long commute.
Hope the interview went well and to everybody...the comments expressed in my post were not directed to anyone in particular and was just an opinion.
