DL Pales in comparison to WDW

[Hoku]

The incident with Marry Poppins and Bert was unfortunate but that kind of thing happens at both parks. These "characters" are only human (no matter what Disney wants the kiddos to think) and they make mistakes just like the rest of us.

I sincerely appreciate your compassionate nature and hope that the cast member realized his mistake and cares enough to make better efforts. Still, in this situation I think this was more than a mistake, it was just wrong. Tripping over something is a mistake that can be forgiven. Complaining in that fashion is the mistake of someone that shouldn't have been hired as a character. If he's hot and wants to know when he can go backstage, he can communicate that in a friendlier way, while staying in character not spoiling the magic.

Another thing to add that sounds odd to me...

The OP says that DLR pales in comparison to WDW. Why? Because of the CMs and their performance and attitudes. Even if that is true, that seems like an odd standard to use. Why not choose ride count? Or quality of shows? Or weather? Or restaurants? Or maintenance? Or opportunities outside the resort for extended visits? Why choose one thing at all to base such a conclusion upon and not look at the aggregate of experiences?

How about "DLR pales in comparison to WDW as a vacation resort but WDW pales in comparison to DLR for convenience and best and most efficient use of your time"?

If the standard is really CM excellence then it would be fair to say "WDW and DLR pale in comparison to Tokyo Disney Resort". The CMs there are phenomenol in terms of attitude and courtesy and consistency.

In any case I think it is totally reasonable (though inaccurate IMO) to say WDW CMs are better than DLR CMs. And then to give specific examples as did the OP. However to base a conclusion on overall resort quality on that is short sighted.

Excellent point.

 

[Sherry E]

I didn't feel the OP (Jon) was "attacking," to be honest. I instantly understood that he was asking if this sort of thing is typical, even if it was at the end of the post. I felt the OP expressed an opinion of DLR in a way that would probably be inflammatory and unpopular on a Disneyland-oriented forum - and it may or may not be a fair assessment of DLR, but that's not my concern - and was instantly viewed as a possible troll. That's what I observed.

This is not going to be a 'you attacked us so we will attack you' kind of thread. I will shut it down if it gets to that. So, please, everyone, be respectful of people on this board, even if they express an opinion that is not favorable.

And, Jon, be prepared for disagreement when you express some negative thoughts about Disneyland on a Disneyland planning forum. I do agree, however, that there may have possibly been a better way to convey your thoughts at the onset, but the thoughts and opinions are welcome.

 

[nemofans]

I think the issue isn't what was said, but rather how it was said. Everyone is entitled to their one opinions, but if you are going to come out of the blue and attack us, then we are going to attack you right back. I'm sorry you had one bad experience.

When in his post did he attack YOU? You are not DL, no matter how many times you've visited there! Having disappointment in his DL trip isn't attacking anyone on this thread. That's why I don't think it's appropriate for any of you to attack him.
When we come back from our DL trip, I will not be posting my feelings about our trip b/c I don't want to be taken as a troll or attacking people here.
Everyone has different likes/dislikes, expectations/wishes, etc. They should all be respected whether it's the DL or WDW boards!

 

[MyYearWithTheMouse]

The incident with Marry Poppins and Bert was unfortunate but that kind of thing happens at both parks. These "characters" are only human (no matter what Disney wants the kiddos to think) and they make mistakes just like the rest of us.

I disagree here. If this happened as described, it's unacceptable and quite possibly grounds for termination. Face characters should know better and do better and IMO should be held to a higher standard than other CMs due to their position, guest interaction, and onstage time. This is LA--there's no shortage of out-of-work actors dying to get a position like this and perform it flawlessly. Face character auditions are absolutely INSANE with the number of people who show up and try out.

I will be the first to stand up for DLR CMs, believe me. I was a Downtown Disney CM--loved it, but the job is tough. Pay is very low and to be honest, CMs get a lot of abuse from guests who are cranky and hot and tired and hungry. Youre boiling hot in your t-shirt and shorts? Try wearing a polyester pantsuit in the same weather. So I do expect CMs to have off days, or off moments. That certainly happens at any park. But face characters I do hold to a different standard. They're not standing at their station for an entire shift, their onstage time is limited, and their interaction with guests is intimate.

 

[rosiep]

Another thing to add that sounds odd to me...

The OP says that DLR pales in comparison to WDW. Why? Because of the CMs and their performance and attitudes. Even if that is true, that seems like an odd standard to use. Why not choose ride count? Or quality of shows? Or weather? Or restaurants? Or maintenance? Or opportunities outside the resort for extended visits? Why choose one thing at all to base such a conclusion upon and not look at the aggregate of experiences?

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say I agree with the OP. I have visited both DL and WDW several times each and I have to say, as glorious as the rides and shows at DL may be, I prefer WDW because of the CM's.

Of course not every CM has a "magical" attitude, and everyone is entitled to a bad day, but I found the CM's at DL overalll to be a great disappointment.

This last trip I made a point every morning to address each and every security check point CM and gate entry CM by name with a cheery "Good Morning". By the third day it was became almost a joke because of how sullen and non responsive they were in return. So much so that I wrote Disneyland Guest relations.

A huge reason I choose to spend my vacation dollars at Disney is because of the special attentiveness and friendliness of it's workers. Plain and simple...I enjoy pleasant and happy interactions...this was not the case on our last trip.

Even inside the park, the ride attendants and food court workers were hard pressed to smile, wave or answer my questions correctly.

In my letter to Disney I was sure to point out the outstanding members of which I found only 4, and they stood out not because they were exceptional, but simply because they were "nice".

I'll go back to Disneyland. My first few trips were enjoyable and I'm sure my next one will be as well...but in my opinion, WDW outshines DL in the customer service department..handsdown.

(PS..Disneyland Guests relations responded VERY generously by giving me free park tickets. So, in that respect their customer service was above and beyond...but they were outside the parks)

 

[cabanafrau]

I've always expected you have the affinity for the park you first visited, & have a very special place in my heart for WDW. My first visit to DLR about 20 years ago I just didn't get that feeling that I do at WDW. Finally returned to DLR at the beginning of August & I was a bit surprised to find it captured my heart in many ways, so much so I think it's where I want to return on our next Disney visit.

I didn't find the DLR CM's very different than those at WDW, some better, some worse on each count. I'm not sure the DLR HM CM's were very on their game, because until this thread I didn't realize that whatever they did or didn't do left zero impression. Not true at WDW at all. I can say both DLR Jungle Cruise skippers & their mates on the docks were superb.

For me I love the compact style & heavy theming of DLR. If they ever manage to create World Showcase & the Polynesian at DLR I might be heard pressed to return to WDW.

 

[MrsJackSparrow4Life]

I sincerely appreciate your compassionate nature and hope that the cast member realized his mistake and cares enough to make better efforts. Still, in this situation I think this was more than a mistake, it was just wrong. Tripping over something is a mistake that can be forgiven. Complaining in that fashion is the mistake of someone that shouldn't have been hired as a character. If he's hot and wants to know when he can go backstage, he can communicate that in a friendlier way, while staying in character not spoiling the magic.

You seriously think this is an unforgivable situation

There are very few things in life that should be considered unforgivable IMO, this isn't one of them. He is a person being paid crap wages to work in the heat in a costume that is probably very uncomfortable...not a serial killer or pedophile.

I really hope this guy wasn't fired because some person decided that people who work at Disneyland should be perfect at all times.

 

[Hoku]

I really hope this guy wasn't fired because some person decided that people who work at Disneyland should be perfect at all times.

As you mention, people are human and imperfect. But saying what he did, they way he did, was not an accident - it was an attitude. And it's the wrong attitude for a character to have.

Maybe they should get more money for what they do, but they choose the position and we hope they do it because they want to share Disney magic, not because they're some schlum from the gutter that can't get anything better paying.

 

[Disneyland1084]

At any rate, it makes me happy. Have fun in WDW and I will enjoy knowing there are a few less people crowding DLR.

Funny, that's JUST what I was thinking when I was reading it. OP-I'm sorry you had a bad experience. I've been to DL 15 times, and only came across ONE rude CM. Every other one I've ever dealt with has always been really nice.

 

[BeccaG]

FWIW, here are my 2 cents!

As a former cast member, I must say, most work very hard at their job and do their best to maintain the magic. However, like at your work, there are probably some rotten eggs or some folks who are having a bad day. Who knows, maybe a guest was just rude to them or something bad is going on in their personal lives. As much as I would like to say they should leave their issues off stage, its simply not realistic to think all cast members will be 100% perfect 100% of the time.

And, this may be a whole 'nother can of worms, but I think the economy and the price of admission has made the general guest more demanding as they try to get the value of the cost of admission making the cast members' jobs harder than they were. Maybe its because of that or becasue good people go on to bigger things, but I think the bar is lower for cast members in general in the last few years. There are still many superb and great cast members, but the average is of a slightly lower caliber in general.

So to answer your question OP. Yes, I think what you experienced were in general isolated incidents and that as you pointed out most are loyal to their home park. I think, psychologically speaking, its often referred to as an "us them phenomena." It's kinda the same thing as when you can bad mouth your brother but if the guy next to you does it, you are liable to punch them in the face! So I think us So Cal natives go to WDW thinking, "Oh yeah, WDW just try to top my DL" and visa versa. I hope your next WDW trip is a magical one!

 

[rentayenta]

I just love when someone with a post count of 2 come here and says stuff like this.

At any rate, it makes me happy. Have fun in WDW and I will enjoy knowing there are a few less people crowding DLR.

My thoughts exactly.

 

[BeccaG]

I think it's more than location but also the time you go, crowd levels, etc. that will influence your experience. We have found no two trips are ever the same at the same park and have had both magical and horrendous experiences at both places.

And this is why message boards need a facebook style like button! I could not agree with you more!

 

[MrsJackSparrow4Life]

FWIW, here are my 2 cents!

As a former cast member, I must say, most work very hard at their job and do their best to maintain the magic. However, like at your work, there are probably some rotten eggs or some folks who are having a bad day. Who knows, maybe a guest was just rude to them or something bad is going on in their personal lives. As much as I would like to say they should leave their issues off stage, its simply not realistic to think all cast members will be 100% perfect 100% of the time.

And, this may be a whole 'nother can of worms, but I think the economy and the price of admission has made the general guest more demanding as they try to get the value of the cost of admission making the cast members' jobs harder than they were. Maybe its because of that or becasue good people go on to bigger things, but I think the bar is lower for cast members in general in the last few years. There are still many superb and great cast members, but the average is of a slightly lower caliber in general.

So to answer your question OP. Yes, I think what you experienced were in general isolated incidents and that as you pointed out most are loyal to their home park. I think, psychologically speaking, its often referred to as an "us them phenomena." It's kinda the same thing as when you can bad mouth your brother but if the guy next to you does it, you are liable to punch them in the face! So I think us So Cal natives go to WDW thinking, "Oh yeah, WDW just try to top my DL" and visa versa. I hope your next WDW trip is a magical one!

Exactly! We have all said something we shouldn't while at work...just because this person works at Disneyland does not mean they have to stop being human. They are a person not an animatronic.

 

[papamouse1]

I have just wrapped up my 4 day visit to DL, my very first trip there, and likely my last. I have heard many people say that your "home" park will always be the one you favor and that holds true here. I have noticed many difference between the two destinations, but will limit my rant. The biggest thing I noticed was that in WDW it seems like the people who work there either have better training, or just simply care more about their jobs. When at certain attractions in WDW you notice the cast members really getting into the theme. EX. Haunted Mansion, in WDW they really emphasize the haunted feeling. They actually make it feel like you are going through a real haunted house. In DL I saw no "acting", no emphasis, just "please step away from the walls". In WDW you would hear "Please step into the DEAD center of the room". It is hard to explain. And not once did I hear ANYONE say "Have a magical day". Which is second nature in WDW. The last complaint I have and it really pissed me off as my daughter heard it, we were having lunch at the Coke Corner on main street and Poppins and Bert were there taking pictures, so after we ate my little one had her picture taken, and as we were walking away Bert said to Poppins "It's hot out here, how much longer do we have to stay out here". Now I understand fully that it was hot out there and they are in costume so even hotter, BUT you do not say that with kids in earshot. Kids are not stupid and when they hear that they know that you don't want to be there. I lodged that complaint with DL directly. There's more and yes, there were high points to the vacation and I will write a longer blog in a couple of days, but if some of you could tell me if these sound isolated or if it is common occurrences I'd appreciate.
-Jon

I think you have been blistered a little unfairly, especially since you seem to be willing to receive input, not just voice your opinion. So please don't receive my next point as an attack or anything like that... just an observation.

It may be that people get defensive because the beginning of your post sounds a little like "I went to DL one time and WDW is way better"... and your topic title blatantly declares DL is inferior to WDW. I imagine if you love WDW as much as it sounds, if someone told you they went one time, had a bad experience and they declare WDW is inferior, you might try to defend your beloved WDW as well.

It is really a shame you had such a bad time. I may not be an expert, but in the 12+ we have gone to DL, we haven't encountered the things you mentioned... but invariably whether we are at DL or WDW, there are CM's that let us down, restaurants that missed the mark, etc... both parks have had issues for us, but never enough to rob us of the "magic" so we keep going back.

I hope some day you will get the chance to try DL again, and if you do, go with an open mind and I imagine you will have a better experience.

We LOVE both WDW and DL, but for different reasons. Hope your next trip reinstills the "Magic" for you

 

[papamouse1]

When in his post did he attack YOU? You are not DL, no matter how many times you've visited there! Having disappointment in his DL trip isn't attacking anyone on this thread. That's why I don't think it's appropriate for any of you to attack him.
When we come back from our DL trip,

I will not be posting my feelings about our trip b/c I don't want to be taken as a troll or attacking people here.Everyone has different likes/dislikes, expectations/wishes, etc. They should all be respected whether it's the DL or WDW boards!

I hope you will post. I love it when people give us insight about what is happening in our beloved parks. The problem almost always arises when someone goes from sharing the good and bad of their trip to a blanket assessment of the quality of a park based on that one experience. Tell what went good... tell what went bad.. then let others decide what they choose to believe about it. But please share... I wanna hear!

 

[Hoku]

They are a person not an animatronic.

I'm not trying to change your mind about this Mrs. Jack Sparrow (you lucky gal ) because I can see you're firm in your opinion, as am I. This post is primarily for "community value". You're right though, they're not animatronics.......they're actors. As actors, they are expected to be in character when on stage. When we go to Broadway productions, we expect the actors to be in character. If an actor on stage says, "look I'm really tired of being in this position, can I go backstage now?" they have rightly lost themselves a job.

just because this person works at Disneyland does not mean they have to stop being human.

When someone is hired as a character, of course they're still "human", BUT, they are expected to stop being "them" while on stage and play the part they were hired for. It's their job. They are given plenty of room for creative improvisation as long as they stay in character.

You liked the qote from BeccaG that said, "As much as I would like to say they should leave their issues off stage, its simply not realistic to think all cast members will be 100% perfect 100% of the time." When it comes to the characters, though, it IS realistic to weed out the weak (those who don't stay in character) in order to create a top notch team. There are plenty of people that DO care about the quality of their performance and it's not necessary to keep on board those who don't. There are other positions available for them. These are the kinds of standards that make something extraordinary. These are the kinds of standards that make... Disney.

 

[starshine514]

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say I agree with the OP. I have visited both DL and WDW several times each and I have to say, as glorious as the rides and shows at DL may be, I prefer WDW because of the CM's.

Of course not every CM has a "magical" attitude, and everyone is entitled to a bad day, but I found the CM's at DL overalll to be a great disappointment.

This last trip I made a point every morning to address each and every security check point CM and gate entry CM by name with a cheery "Good Morning". By the third day it was became almost a joke because of how sullen and non responsive they were in return. So much so that I wrote Disneyland Guest relations.

A huge reason I choose to spend my vacation dollars at Disney is because of the special attentiveness and friendliness of it's workers. Plain and simple...I enjoy pleasant and happy interactions...this was not the case on our last trip.

Even inside the park, the ride attendants and food court workers were hard pressed to smile, wave or answer my questions correctly.

In my letter to Disney I was sure to point out the outstanding members of which I found only 4, and they stood out not because they were exceptional, but simply because they were "nice".

I'll go back to Disneyland. My first few trips were enjoyable and I'm sure my next one will be as well...but in my opinion, WDW outshines DL in the customer service department..handsdown.

(PS..Disneyland Guests relations responded VERY generously by giving me free park tickets. So, in that respect their customer service was above and beyond...but they were outside the parks)

I've had the opposite experience. Though most DL CMs haven't wow-ed me (neither did WDW CMs), I only have two instances where CMs were downright rude - both were at WDW. A CM got after us for leaving DHs scooter in the scooter area (where the other CM had told us to park it) and them walking up to the H/A gate w/o a GAC (didn't have a clue what those were at the time), and then one of the Magical Express bus drivers yelled at me for pointing out that a guest with luggage was chasing the bus - a great last impression of the resort.

However, during our May DL trip, I did have two exceptional CM experiences - one was a PP photographer who was taking picts for TMTMaY and gave us our own mini-photo session, the other was a CM at the entrance to Pixie Hollow, who gave both my girls a pin to start a collection.

 

[rosiep]

I've had less than steller CM's at WDW too....just never an over all bad experience that prompted me to write to guest relations.

Poster BeccaG states she is a former CM and feels that Disney is hiring less than the best and that the bar is lower while guests are expecting more out of their Disney visits...I can honestly say that this is true of myself. I want to spend my hard earned/saved dollars on a GREAT experience, not just a good one. Unfortunately, my last DL trip failed to live up to that expectation.

 

[Brer Cameron]

I found quite the opposite. I found more unfriendly castmembers in WDW than in DL. But I guess it's all subjective really, because not only does the opinion of friendly or good service differ from person to person, there's also no telling who you will or won't run into during your trip.

Although, for some reason I have a hard time believing the story about what Bert said. Not that I have any reason to distrust you or anything, but I work in the customer service industry right now, and I know how many people are willing to make up stories to get attention or to get free things from the company.

However, if that story is true, then that cast member really isn't in the right line of work.

EDIT: I forgot to add that I love the Haunted Mansion cast members at DL. They're always in character whenever I see them and they make great jokes with bland humor when I talk to them.

 

[oumagic]

When I go to Disney, I expect the CM's to be far superior to Six Flags workers but I also am not expecting Tom Hanks or a Broadway-type performance. While I would not appreciate the comments reportedly heard, I do give the CM's more slack than others. On my last trip to DL, (May 2011, 1 day) things were not as good as my previous trip (Oct 2010, 5 days). I posted my good and bad and no one gave me a hard time.

The OP just started off on a bad foot with the title being pretty inflammatory. I mean, seriously, "Disneyland Pales in Comparison?" That is a pretty strong opinion to express and not expect people to explain why it not only compares to DW, but in many people's eyes, is better. If the OP would have simply asked, "have you seen bad CM's lately?" and posted why he/she was asking there would have probably been a lot more people feeling his/her pain.

My Star Tours preview event was a disaster. I found most of the CM's that trip to be far from magical. As someone else said, it might have had more to do with me being cranky and tired compared to the previous trip or maybe the CM's were just more tired and cranky. There was a graduation night and letting out while they had people in line at 3 AM for Star Tours. I am not sure that we got the best from the CM's on that Friday